Kingdom Manna

Intercede

Mark 9:47, And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell,

Desperate situations often require desperate measures. We shrink in abhorrence at the concept of deliberate mutilation. As did Jesus’ listeners. For many physical imperfections-blind, deaf, crippled-were indications of sin. A punishment. A penance.

Better, though, Jesus says to publicly acknowledge our sinfulness than to allow it interior growth. We do not hesitate to cut out a cancer or stop gangrene to save a life.

Disobedience of God’s truths lead us into a deeper death, an eternal death. And so Jesus sends His words to warn us-to alert us to the danger. “Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Blind me to pride and power and prestige Lord. Keep my sight set on Your kingdom, on Your desires. Deafen my ears to false values. Cripple my chase after empty goals.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 18:27

For you deliver a humble people,

but the haughty eyes you bring down.

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 32:33, And the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.”

Cain cried, O Lord it is too harsh a punishment to be driven from Your Presence.

O the terror Lord to be returned to the darkness without You!

O Lord, as I learn to walk with You in Your path to redemption, I overflow with gratitude at Your mercy and Your love. And I conveniently forget Your judgment. But in Your love, You do not Lord, and You call me to be accountable for my thoughts and my actions.

Out of Your love, too You provide for my restoration. Christ on the cross, dying for all our sins, dying that we might live. Paying my penalty.

O Lord, forgive me I pray, and restore me to live to righteousness. Turn me from sin and let me walk again with You.

Cover me Lord, I pray, that there is no part of my life where You are not present. O the peace, Lord, to walk in the countenance of Your light.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 51:4

Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned,

And done what is evil in Thy sight,

So that Thou art justified when Thou dost speak,

And blameless when Thou dost judge.