Jesus, You have taught us that the same mouth should not praise You and curse men. We know that swearing an oath is a mistake unless we are certain we can unerringly perform that oath. But swearing has become a way of life in these times. We hear people say “By God, I will do such and such” (it pains me to even quote such persons). You teach us that this is an oath from an empty headed, hard hearted person in terms of their walk with You.
We want evil punished now, right now!
Father, sometimes we want You to raise Your hand against the enemy of Your people, now, right now! We know You will, but we see evil conquering good, too often. Give us patience as You allow or cause events to happen on Your timetable.
What does it mean to strain at a gnat and swallow a camel?
Jesus, these verses remind us of the phrase “you strain at a gnat and swallow a camel” wherein we focus on obedience in some small matter, in almost a compulsive way, believing that such obedience earns us points with You.
The mind of Christ in me? No way…right?
Father, we can say boldly that we have access to the mind of Christ and that You teach us all things we must know, things that exceed the wisdom of man. We look to our teachers for wisdom and you tell us that Your testimony to us exceeds that of our teachers and the “ancients”, those who lived before You. How can we not look to Your Holy Word for guidance, every day? For conveying such love toward us, we are eternally grateful.
Does it take courage to cry out to God?
Father, we see that the Psalmist cries out to You, with his whole heart. When God, have we felt such anguish, such concern? Jesus Himself talks about the times he “rose up early” to talk to You, to cry out for the needs of Your people. Here the Psalmist does the same and is sometimes awake through the entire night, meditating on Your word.
The 10 commandments are out of date…right?
You, Jesus are our anchor, You plead our cause. What a magnificent truth. Our advocate is the Son of God!
The Law, in stone, now carved upon our hearts.
You have told us that the truth is written on the hearts of Gentile believers. We, unlike Israel, who were given the truth by the law, have been given it in an indelible way; it is written upon our hearts.
Patience! Love! You have to be kidding. He/she is screaming at me!
You give us a constant choice as to whether to declare You to men or to stand in silence. We know that adversity is coming. We choose this day to leave judgment to You and to stand as witnesses in the midst of a world filled with iniquity. May our acquaintances this day know we are Christians by our love? Your response to our question is a resounding yes!
My heart stands in awe of Your word…Really it does!
Father, it is so hard, especially for busy parents, to take time to be alone with You, but when we do, we rejoice in the Light You shed upon us. Father, help us as parents to find a way to open the Scriptures with our children, frequently. Help them grow up seeing our commitment to You.
God’s thoughts toward you exceed number!
Father, as we cry out to You, we sometimes feel there is no way that we are able to be heard. You have just told us that Your thoughts toward us are more than can be numbered. Father, we are heard and You are miraculously present.