Traditions

8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.
9 And he continued, "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions  Mark 7:8-9 NIV

 Jesus wasn't against all tradition, but he was against those who made their traditions as important, if not more important, than God's Word. Good traditions shine a spotlight on God's Word, move us to obedient service, and help our hearts sing. They explain and reinforce the teachings of God. God's Word should always be the focus, and tradition a means of bringing that Word alive. Celebrate your traditions with the prayer that Christ would be exalted. Change your traditions if they become more important than God's Word.

Ten Commandments - Layman Style

Someone has written these beautiful words. Must read and try to understand the deep meaning of it.  They are like the ten commandments to follow in life all the time.

1. Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout.

2. So why is a car's windshield so large and the rear view mirror so small? Because our past is not as important as our future.  So, look ahead and move on.

3. Friendship is like a book.  It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.

4. All things in life are temporary.  If it's going well, enjoy it, that won't last long.  If it's going badly, don't worry, that won't last long either.

5.Old friends are gold!  New friends are diamond!  If you get a diamond, don't forget the gold!  Because to hold a diamond, you always need a base of gold!

6. Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, God smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!"

7. When God solves your problems, you have faith in His abilities; when God doesn't solve your problems, He has faith in your abilities.

8. A blind person asked St. Anthony, "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?"  He replied, "Yes, losing your vision!"

9.When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them; sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.

10. Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles, it takes away today's peace.

If you really enjoy this, please pass to others.  It may brighten someone's day.

Rend Your Heart

Joel 2:12-13  (NIV)

12 "Even now," declares the lord,
"return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning."
13 Rend your heart
and not your garments.
Return to the lord your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity.

 God told the people to turn to him while there was still time. Destruction would soon be upon them. Time is also running out for us. Because we don't know when our lives will end, we should trust and obey God now, while we can. Don't let anything hold you back from turning to him.

Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion   You Version

 

Jeremiah 1:5

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

 

 God knew you, as he knew Jeremiah, long before you were born or even conceived. He thought about you and planned for you. When you feel discouraged or inadequate, remember that God has always thought of you as valuable and that he has a purpose in mind for you.

 

Titus 3:4-5

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy. Titus 3:4-5


A Time to Think
Never be afraid of giving up your best, and God will give you His better.—James Hinton

A Time to Act
Strive to do the right thing, even if it is more difficult.

A Time to Pray
Oh, Lord, teach me to remember You in all things, every day of my life.