33: Many things have been done throughout history by those wanting to appear to make a promise, and yet not be bound by it. Though crossing one’s fingers might be seen as childish, such childish means have often been used to avoid the guilt associated with a broken promise.
As a result of this phenomenon, the Jews of Jesus’ day had taken to swearing oaths by things, instead of by God. In this way, they sought to allow themselves room to break their oaths without being too terribly bad. Thus, for one to take an oath by the name of the Lord was serious business.
Daily Bible Reading Job 41:1-Psalm 4:8
Daily Memory Verse: Jude 1:4 “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained unto this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Daily Tidbit: Those who attend collage at a private non-profit institution generally take less time to earn a degree that those who go to a public institution. Those who attend a private for profit institution take almost twice as long to earn a degree as either one. What does that tell us?
Praise Journal: Heavenly Father, thank You for being our strength when we are so weak. Thank you for not looking at our pitiful condition and leaving us to fall apart. Thank You for caring enough to pick us up and help us to higher ground. Thank You for Christ in our heart and life. Thank You for the strength we can enjoy in him. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Journal Highlights: Pray for two ladies with unspoken requests. Pray for the family of a man who just died unexpectedly. Pray for a lady recovering from surgery. Pray for a man with cancer.
Personal Journal Entry #12165