Day 11 of 30: Every Which Way But One?

Have you ever headed in a direction that you just knew was right?  An investment that seemed like a sure thing, but turned sour.  A decision that later you realized was the wrong one?  The devil uses deception as his primary tool to lead us off the right path.

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10 KJV

What do we do when we face these trials and tests in our lives?  What do we do when faced with deception of the enemy?  We speak the Word.  We count it all joy.  We thank God that even though our situation may be a fact at the moment, it is not our Truth.  He is our truth.  His Word will be accomplished.  (refer to Day 9 message).  Allow your faith to change the outcome.  Have faith in God.

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5,6

What is the path like for the believer in Christ?  Jesus says that He came that you might have live and have it abundantly in every way, every area of your life.  He did now say that trials would not come your way, but he said that you can live an abundant life if you choose Him.

 "...I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life,..." Deuteronomy 30:19

Today's passage is an example of what Jesus did when deception came into His path, and He follows by telling us what to say and do when deception enters our own paths.  Mark 11:12-25 KJV

 What did Jesus do when deception came to him? 

In today's passage, Jesus saw a fig tree full of leaves far off, but as he approached no figs were to be found.

What did Jesus do when he found no figs on the tree?  Why?

Later, how did Peter react when he realized the fig tree was dead?  And, why was Peter amazed?

How did Jesus respond to Peter?

Mark 11:12-25 KJV

Mar 11:1  And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, 

Mar 11:2  And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. 

Mar 11:3  And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. 

Mar 11:4  And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. 

Mar 11:5  And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? 

Mar 11:6  And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go. 

Mar 11:7  And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. 

Mar 11:8  And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. 

Mar 11:9  And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: 

Mar 11:10  Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. 

Mar 11:11  And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. 

Mar 11:12  And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: 

Mar 11:13  And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. 

Mar 11:14  And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. 

Mar 11:15  And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; 

Mar 11:16  And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. 

Mar 11:17  And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. 

Mar 11:18  And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine. 

Mar 11:19  And when even was come, he went out of the city. 

Mar 11:20  And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 

Mar 11:21  And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. 

Mar 11:22  And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 

Mar 11:23  For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 

Mar 11:24  Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. 

Mar 11:25  And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.