Category: Uncategorized

Mark 6:34
   This perception on the part of Christ is something that we would not normally think of. We think of ourselves in such an independent light, that we think we need no shepherd. Though individuality is good, ultimately mankind is intended to have a head. There is supposed to be a Guide to show us the right way.

2 Kings 3:1-5:27

James 2:7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your guidance. You lead us every day and want to share your plan with us if we will but hear you. So often we miss the simple path you lay before us because we fail to even consider that you have a plan for our day. We plow ahead without thinking to check with you first. Thank you for caring! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a woman with lung cancer.

Journal 15211

Mark 6:33
   It is amazing to see so many flock to him at this time, and yet he ends up being crucified. Indeed, it is important to understand exactly why the events of the life of Christ lead to the cross. Of course, there are many reasons relating to our salvation, and the universal plan of God. But, here I would highlight the fact that this ignorance, which took hold during Christ’s ministry, was a judgment.
   The Jewish people had rejected the prophets by and large. Thus, when The Prophet comes among them, God allows the same disinterest and rebellion to grow as was the case earlier. Rather than preventing this, God allows the people to make up their mind, once again ultimately making the wrong choice. Lest we run to condemn the Jews, this is the pattern for all of mankind, and the same sort of thing will overtake the Gentiles.

1 Kings 22:1-2 Kings 2:25

James 2:6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

Heavenly Father, though we know that you are a just and holy God, a study of your love will not keep us from understanding you better. Your love has your justice and holiness within it. Your characteristics cannot be separated. As we ponder the immensity of your compassion and the amazing depth of your care, we learn more of the truth of your justice and the purity of your holiness. Thank you for the wonder of who you are! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a man in the nursing home.

Journal 15210

Mark 6:32
   It is not a coincidence that Jesus picked among his disciples men who could handle a ship. He knew what he was doing when he selected them.

1 Kings 20:1-21:29

James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Heavenly Father, it is so great to know that your mercy is available no matter what we are going through. We can look to you for forgiveness and renewal. You hold the key to our future. You alone know how tomorrow will turn out. Thank you for your love for us. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a family that just lost a loved one.

Journal 15209

Mark 6:31
   Scoffers might say that Jesus obviously did not know that the crowd would follow him, and that his followers would have no good chance to rest. Ah, but what did it teach his followers, to say that they needed to rest? Do we fail to remember that God rested on the seventh day after his work of creation? Jesus knew they wouldn’t get to rest that day, but he was teaching.
   The course of time is a lesson to us, rather than a limitation of God’s eternal nature. As God, Jesus taught his followers the glory of the rest after a job done in the power of God. It is God who teaches us the need for rest, not simply fatigue. Rest seals the completion of the work. It is as much a glory to Christ for his followers to be told they may rest as it that he gives them power over sickness and the kingdom of darkness.

1 Kings 18:1-19:21

James 2:4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the truth. I find myself thinking this all of the time. We live our lives and think we know so much. But, all the time, there you are with the truth. It never changes, it always is there, right in front of us.Thank you for Christ! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a man who is near to death.

Journal 15208

Mark 6:30
   It is very important for Christian ministers to consider the fact that teaching should always accompany our ministry activity. Many times we have ministers who are very busy in ministry, but they never actually pointedly teach anything.
   Though Saint Francis of Assisi says to teach by actions, it seems Jesus would say act and teach. We must get our ideas of ministry from the Lord, and not from man. Lifestyle evangelism only goes so far, sooner or later some very direct, very specific teaching has to take place.

1 Kings 15:1-17:24

James 2:3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

Heavenly Father, the beauty of your creation reminds us of your artistry. Though many think of you as only very powerful, you are also infinitely creative. The painting of the skies, the beauty of the flowers, the intricacies of the natural world, they are all your great cosmic artwork. How can we fail to see your ability to do things well? And, we know that you will do well with us. Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a woman having trouble with her shoulder.

Journal 15207

Mark 6:29
   The ministry of John is highlighted by his followers. We often miss the fact that he was the greatest among the prophets. His greatness is so completely overshadowed by Christ. But, herein lies a lesson. If the greatest of human ministers is overshadowed by the Lord, should not we expect that in every case?

1 Kings 12:1-14:31

James 2:2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

Heavenly Father, thank you for the good days you give us. So often we tend to complain about the difficulties of life, and fail to see all of the good things you bring into our lives. Every day we realize more and more how merciful you are, and yet every day we learn more of your holiness. The vast riches of your character keep us in awe! Thank you for being so wonderful. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a woman being tested for cancer.

Journal 15206

Mark 6:28
   This is one of several passages of Scripture that help assure us that the state of our body at the time of the resurrection will not matter. Though Christian burial is to be preferred, and is a sign of faith, dismemberment and other atrocities do not in any way hinder our future hope.

1 Kings 10:1-11:43

James 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

Heavenly Father, we know that we can trust your sovereign wisdom. You always know what is best and lead in the right way. Your wisdom is infinite and our knowledge is so limited. You give us so much in your Word, and yet we fail to take advantage of it.May we always have our ears open to your voice! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a woman who recently lost a friend in a tragic accident.

Journal 15205

Mark 6:27
   The Herods are not known for their mercy. This act, however heinous, was not out of keeping with what the Tetrarch’s family was known for.

1 Kings 8:1-9:28

James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Heavenly Father, a desire for your presence is a value to our soul. You are cool waters in the desert. To many you may seem far away, but often you are so close to those who need you most. Indeed, it is not your presence that is the problem, but our perception. To see you is a great blessing. When we realize that you are near, it changes our entire outlook. Thank you for your presence in our lives! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a young girl having her kidneys tested for an obstruction.

Journal 15204

Mark 6:26
He was sorry, yes, but it was an empty sorrow in that one who would make such rash choices might only expect such outcomes. And, his sorrow was likely short lived since his piety was more of a show than a true practice.

1 Kings 6:1-7:51

James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

Heavenly Father, help us to always trust you. If we have needs, we can trust them to you. If we have wants, you know already. If we don’t know what to do, you have the answer. We try to depend upon ourselves for things that only you can handle. You are worthy of our trust. Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a woman who is having her colon removed.

Journal 15203

Mark 6:25
   The daughter quickly executes the mother’s bidding. By and by here indicates it was to be done shortly, not at some uncertain date.

1 Kings 3:1-5:18

James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Heavenly Father, may we heed your oft-repeated lesson, to depend upon you. And why? Because you are altogether dependable. We cannot find in you any faltering or failure. You keep your promises. We can always know what you will do, the right thing. Thank you, and I praise you for your great holiness! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for those involved in a bad wreck.

Journal 15202