John 21:15-19

Peter denied Jesus, just as we often do.
Jesus forgave Peter, just as He does for us.
How fortunate to have a loving and forgiving God. If we did not, we would be doomed!

Some of the things we humans do, one would think might amaze God. How can he not think, "Wow, she's doing that again?" or "How many times does he have to engage in that and then beg for forgiveness before he learns?" Seven times seventy times I guess, and that's the good news for us!

As we stumble through this world aren't there times you feel like things couldn't be better, and you are able to follow God's commandments with ease, and then bam, you're off the wagon again! I guess He knew it would be like that, so He afforded us the grace of forgiveness. Have you ever been frightened though, that your sin might be too big for God to forgive? I have, and that's a scary place to be. At the beginning of the book of John, our Lord is referred to as "full of grace and truth." Jesus is not like anyone else. He will not, he cannot, let you down. If you put your trust in Him, you will not be disappointed.

Don't Let Your Mind Wander 1 Corinthians 11:27-34

Have you ever driven your car and half way through the trip realized you were not really paying attention? Maybe you were going to work, driving the same route you’ve driven for years. You know the roads so well that your mind begins to wander. When you come back to the present you’re a bit shaken by what could have happened.

Our passage today has a similar emphasis on the importance concerning the need for our attention during communion. Paul is once again speaking to the Corinthian church about their observance of communion. Many in the church have been approaching the Lord’s Table incorrectly. Paul states, “For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment upon himself.”

That is pretty serious! One of the ways we mistreat communion is by letting it get routine, allowing our mind to wander. Have you ever gone up for communion and thought about the rest of your day, or maybe the fight you had with your children or spouse? Paul is saying don’t do it! Think only on Christ and his sacrifice.

This is a great reminder for us not to take God lightly. He forgives us so completely that we tend to take him and his sacrifice for granted at times. This Lenten season is the perfect time to ask him to remind you of how big He is. Ask him to show you in a new way, just what he did for you on that cross.

Read today's passage at Biblegateway 1 Corinthians 11:27-34

Care of Parents - Matthew 15:1-9

Do you know someone who has the habit of answering a question with a question? I find it annoying, but must admit considering other viewpoints or additional information helps me learn.

In today’s text, the Pharisees ask Jesus a question about tradition. He asks His own question pointing out that the Pharisees have more serious things to focus on than the tradition of washing hands before eating.

The Pharisees are sidestepping a commandment of God. They're to honor their father and mother by doing their best to take care of them in their old age. They claim what money they have is, "a gift devoted to God." Dedicating their money for religious purposes sounds very sincere and religious. However, it's used as an excuse for not caring for those in need. They worship God with their words. Their hearts aren't on God’s command, but on rules they have created. Further, they're leading others astray by teaching these rules!

In today’s text Jesus shows how humans invent, follow, and teach traditions that are their own; all at the expense of going against God’s commands. They worship with little hope.

How thankful I am for God’s Word! His word is complete and final. Jesus reminds me I don’t need to add or take anything away from Scripture, just obey it. This points out how essential it is to constantly read and study Scripture. I certainly don’t want to be led off track, nor lead myself or others away from what God says!

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Read today's text, Matthew 15:1-9 on Biblegateway.