Scripture

Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.
(Mark 16:14)

Devotional

How many testimonies of the grace and mercy of God have we rejected, mocked, or ignored? How many times have people shared with us a blessing in their lives and we simply accredited it to chance or luck? Oh, we are so slow to give God the glory. We are so hesitant to give Him the credit for the good that He does. So often we forget that, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights.”(1) When a brother or sister in Christ shares what God is doing in their lives, rejoice with them and give God the glory. Let your inclination lean toward believing instead of tilting toward judging. Uncross your judgmental arms and embrace the goodness of God in the lives of others. Look for His hand in all situations. Be ready and willing to accredit good to His goodness. Do not embrace or fear the evil report, but embrace the truth and the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

(1) James 1:16

Thought For The Night

“All men matter. You matter. I matter. It’s the hardest thing in theology to believe.” G. K. Chesterton in The Father Brown Omnibus (1874-1936) journalist, poet, novelist, playwright, debater, and Catholic apologist

Evening Text

Mark 16:14: Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.

Looking for Answers

Can we enter God’s promises without belief? Consider Hebrews 3:18
How does unbelief and hardness of heart go hand-in-hand?
What is it that you have a hard time believing?

Evening Study Guide

Defining: “Unbelief” nullifies faith. Faith is believing, trusting and obeying. Remove any part of the equation and faith is lacking.

Referencing: “He (Abraham) did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,” Romans 4:20

Applying: Believe God at His Word. Do not confuse a lack of understanding with belief. We believe many things we do not fully understand. Pray with the father of the child who cried, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief,” Mark 9:24