Memory Verse this week… Have You
Sinned? Really?
But
if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9
"For you (the Pharisees) ignore God's law and
substitute your own tradition." Then he (Jesus) said, "You skillfully
sidestep God's law in order to hold on to your own tradition. For instance,
Moses gave you this law from God: 'Honor your father and mother,' and 'Anyone
who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.' But you
say it is all right for people to say to their parents, 'Sorry, I can't help
you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.' In this
way, you let them disregard their needy parents. And so you cancel the word of
God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example
among many others." Mark 7:8-13
One of the
Ten Commandments is...“Honor your father
and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord
your God gives you.” Exodus 20:12. That is a commandment, not a tradition.
What does it mean to honor? To respect, to hold in high regard, to be devoted,
to admire, or someone for whom you have high esteem. For whom do you feel that
way? Who do you honor? Jesus quoted that to the Pharisees, as well as Exodus
21:17 (NASB)…And he who curses his father
or his mother shall surely be put to death. Death for disrespect. That is
pretty tough—but God expects respect and honor among His people and it is
explained that the person who does that brings death upon themselves (Leviticus
20:9).
 |
| Grandma's glasses...worn for many hours studying God's Word. |
We’re celebrating
Mother’s Day—a day promoted by the card companies to sell more cards for their
profit. What started as a day to honor a lady for her work and service to
soldiers in the Civil War became a commercialized day where giving gifts of
candy, flowers, jewelry, paraphernalia and cards are overwhelming popular. Does
that honor the Mothers? Probably no more than a handwritten note or a sincere
“Thank You”…“I love you”…or just “Happy Mother’s Day.” The Jews of Jesus time
were disregarding their needy parents. We see that all too often today in the
United States. Nursing homes are crowded and clients there are infrequently
visited by their families. What became of keeping Grandpa and Grandma at home
and caring for them? You may be wondering what will happen to you in your old
age. Plan ahead.
The
“tradition” in my family was not to institutionalize the grandparents…although after
a stroke my paternal Grandmother did have to go to live in a nursing home. She
was visited daily by multiple family members, but her body was worn out and it
was only a short time before she died. When my mother-in-law couldn’t be cared
for alone in our home, we found a group home with five other senior adults and she chose to go live there. We visited
her on a daily basis, too. Maybe it is not the quantity of visits that are
important…but the quality. What do people do
with their time when they get to be 90 years old? A few that I know are still
driving, swimming, exercising, going to Bible studies, reading, playing cards
or computer games, and living life to the fullest. That is how I want to be
when I am 90 years old. We choose how we live—respecting others and ourselves.
Choose wisely—how you live today will impact not only how long you live, but
the quality and quantity of life. I guess I don’t have to tell you that…you are
smart enough to know it. What really matters is if Jesus is in your life.
Choose wisely. Choose Jesus.
Prayer
~ Lord Jesus, You cared for and honored Your Mother—we should do the same.
Above all You’ve honored Your Heavenly Father…we should do the same. You are
truly what matters in life—I choose to live to honor You…to be like You.
Although my parents are no longer living…I choose to honor their memory and
especially the relationship my Mother had with You. You, God, are worthy of our
love and devotion.
Daily
Bible Reading: Psalms 65-67, 69-70.
Happy
Mother’s Day
© 2019 Text and
photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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[Reused
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