Loving God, grant Your strength to this dear reader in all they face today, in Jesus' Name, amen
What "marks" of Christ do you carry? In other words, how do you live your life as a witness to what Jesus has done in your life? That was the point of yesterday's sermon as we studied two passages related to our Lenten Journey. The first was the 20th chapter of Exodus that contains The Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:1-17). As you read those verses again this day, see what "marks" God desired for His people as they prepared to become "a nation of priest for all the nations." The first commandments have to do with our relationship with Him and the others with our parents, our spouses, ourselves and others. To follow each one lovingly "marks" us as those who belong to Him and have been exposed to a greater love than the world has ever known.
The second passage was the one with Jesus going to the Temple and instead of finding a house of prayer, he found a house of profit; this passage takes away that image of meek and mild Jesus, for the passage says he was angered to the point of making a whip and driving out those who were involved in this violation of sacred space. The question begged here is, what are the marks of your church and of you?
May we journey towards the days of Holy Week intent on becoming even better at obeying God and serving God like never before. May our marks give God away, that it has been God at work in our lives.
PRAYER: Almighty God, may Your marks of love, compassion, joy, peace, and service be upon me today. May I be strengthened during my 40-Day journey with You. Let me be a blessing to You and Yours, I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Prayer Concerns: For Natalie and Ricky Leal. Natalie goes in this morning for a C-section to deliver her baby. Ricky is the proud papa. Also, our youth groups leaves by bus for Colorado for their spring break ski trip. Pray for their safe travel as well as for all spring breakers.
Study Guide: Please find Exodus 20:1-17 and read it again. Yesterday at worship we centered on The Decalogue, or as we know it, The Ten Commandments. Read these aloud and let their power sink in. What influence have these had on your life if any at all?
