Category: Uncategorized

Mark 7:8
Jesus was about to explain to them how the traditions, rather than fulfilling the law, had marginalized it. Their observance of the hand washing regulations was very strict, yet many other things were falling through the cracks because of the teaching found in their traditions.

Ezra 8:1-10:44

James 3:11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
Heavenly Father, your patience with us is very much a blessing to our souls. May we never stray from your commandments. Your ways are good, and we know that we must walk in them. Thank you for the blessing of living in your plan! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a baby that has some health issues.

Journal 15241

Mark 7:7
   Jesus doesn’t deny their devotion to their ritualism, but the lack of efficacy in it. This link between doctrine and wortship is very important. Many would say today that our doctrine matters little when it comes to worship. But, that is the furthest thing from the truth.

Ezra 4:1-7:28 

James 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the truth as it is. Though we do not obey perfectly, we understand how your truths bless our lives. Knowing you and loving your commandments is important to us. You can change us from our sinful ways to a life of good things. You can enable us to offer true praise and worship to you. And, we do that now, may all glory and honor be to you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for our nation.

Journal 15240

Mark 7:6
   The Jews had found ways to make themselves look and seem pious outwardly. Their traditions were designed to give them a feeling of holiness through works, regardless of their heart’s condition.

Ezra 2:1-3:13

James 3:9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your truth. It gives us clarity for our lives. We can know what is right and wrong. We don’t have to bend to society, but can bend to reality. You enable us to live with wisdom. Thank you so much! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a little boy with health problems.

Journal 15239

Mark 7:5
These men freely admitted that these rules came from the Jewish teachers, and not from the law. But, they assumed that this made no difference, thinking that obedience to the traditions was to be taken as a sign of compliance with God’s law.

2 Chronicles 35:1-Ezra 1:11

James 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

Heavenly Father, your provision for us is something we take for granted so much. But you have blessed us, and we must ask ourselves how we can be a blessing to others. It is easy for us to see that your blessings on us are good for us. But being able to bless others is good for us too. You have given so much, may we give back all that we can! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a woman who is eight weeks pregnant.

Journal 15238

Mark 7:4
   The ceremonial cleansing is here explained in fairly specific detail. The gospel of Mark does not have the plainly Jewish flavor of Matthew or Luke, but is written more to the gentiles than the Jews. Thus, this explanation is very helpful to those who would otherwise be unfamiliar with these regulations.

2 Chronicles 32:1-34:33

James 3:7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

Heavenly Father, your wisdom is so complete. You have given us this wonderful book, your Word. Thank you for making it a part of our lives. Your gracious care and concern for our souls is wonderful. Thank you for caring so much! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a man with neck pain and a woman with back pain.

Journal 15237

Mark 7:3
The traditions of the Jews had confused dirt with sin. The Jewish teachers had traditionally taught a preponderance of washing, intimating that clean hands would make for a holy heart. They thought this teaching was just as binding as the law.

2 Chronicles 29:1-31:21

James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Heavenly Father, your beautiful world serves as a constant reminder to us of your awesome power. So many people live their lives without knowing the God of life. May we praise you forever, not missing your wondrous works and amazing grace. You are the theme of our song, and you light or darkest night. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a young girl who was in an accident.

Journal 15236

Mark 7:2
   This hand-washing was not necessarily for the purpose of cleanliness. They could have had quite clean hands, but would still have needed to wash their hands according to the traditions of the Jewish teachers. Thus, the scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem saw a disregard for tradition, not a flaunting of the law of God. Tradition had multiplied hand washing as if cleanliness was identical with godliness.

2 Chronicles 25:1-28:27

James 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

Heavenly Father it is amazing to think that you always have my best interests at heart. It is in your best interest to lead us and guide us as we should go. Your glory is your greatest concern and yet that leads to the best for us. If you were not concerned with your glory we would not even be here. There would be no chance for mercy or forgiveness, there would be no chance for love. But, because you do care for your glory you have made this wonderful plan of salvation. And, you have a plan for my life day to day. Your Holy Spirit is working even now in my heart to guide me. Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, amen.

Pray for a man with a blood infection.

Journal 15235

Mark 7:1
   Jesus got the attention of the Jewish leaders at Jerusalem early on. Their desire to maintain their religious oppression caused them to check these things out. They had a show of genuineness, but it was only a show. It was quite a trip for them to come, but they felt it worth the effort to protect their interests.

2 Chronicles 21:1-24:27

James 3:4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us that, though we may rest in you, we cannot assume that everything will stay the same. We never know when things may change drastically. But, we do know that we can trust you no matter what. The truth of your grace and love never changes. Your holiness is always constant. You are faithful! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for an elderly couple that have served the Lord for many years.

Journal 15234

Mark 6:56
   This helped with the workload. It took less time to have them touch Jesus, than for him to touch and speak to each of them individually. However, it seems this was their idea. Jesus would not impose this on people, but would spend time with individuals if required.

2 Chronicles 18:1-20:37

James 3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

Heavenly Father, we know there is nobody else like you. You are special, great, and wonderful. You work in our lives according to your Divine plan. Even when we don’t understand what is going on, you have it all figured out. And, though we don’t see the point of our circumstances, you do. Thank you for your guidance! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for our nation.

Journal 15233

Mark 6:55
The crowd of interested parties had grown so large as to cause a large contingent of the population to make resoritng to Christ their regular activity. Spending great amounts of time on this was accepted well in that region because of his popularity. They searched out sick folk to take to him, knowing his power to heal.

2 Chronicles 13:1-17:19

James 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

Heavenly Father, thank you for making your world with such great diversity! You have made so many different creatures and people. Your wisdom is amazing! How could we ever mine the depths of your character? You are infinite, and infinitely interesting. May all praise be to you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a baby that has had a fever since birth.

Journal 15232