How Can Dead Trees Lead to New Life? A Progressive Look at Mark 11

In this episode of the Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller explores the powerful lessons found in Mark 11:20-25, using the story of the withered fig tree to reflect on the importance of faith, the power of expectations, and the transformative act of forgiveness. He encourages listeners to examine systems in their own lives that may look promising but fail to produce meaningful results, urging concrete steps toward positive change.

Takeaways:

• The story of the withered fig tree teaches us to look beyond appearances and examine whether systems or structures in our lives are truly producing positive results.
• Our expectations often do not match reality, and it’s important to recognize when something that looks promising fails to deliver its essential purpose.
• Faith, persistence, and committed action—rather than magical thinking—are what help us overcome life’s “mountain-sized” challenges.
• Forgiveness is a radical, transformative act that creates space for new possibilities and healthier relationships, rather than simply “forgiving and forgetting.”
• Listeners are challenged to identify an area in their lives that is not bearing fruit and to take a concrete step toward transforming it.

Links referenced in this episode:

• voiceofgoddaily.com

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...

• Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
• Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
• Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
• A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
• A prayer for your day.

A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.

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Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)