TUESDAY, July 14

Mark 2:1-12. Why do you raise such questions in your hearts?

A paralytic has his sins forgiven. Jesus sees into the hearts of the scribes who are critical of his forgiving the sins of a paralytic. Then the paralytic receives the gift of being able to walk.

One might assume that the paralytic's friends brought him to Jesus to have his legs healed. But I think that just as he did with the scribes, Jesus saw into the heart of the man and knew it was forgiveness he sought, not walking. The miracle of walking was a bonus gift.

I can compile a list of the things I want God to do for me, my family, and my friends. He hears my petitions throughout each day. I imagine he has my prayers and supplications memorized.

He also peers into my heart to thoughts and feelings I may not acknowledge. It occurs to me that my family and friends have long held me up and carried me spiritually, often with diligence and creativity, toward our Lord when I could not do so alone.

I must examine my heart to find what God already knows. Asking forgiveness will be my first request. Then I will be more capable of carrying others to him.

PRAY for the Diocese of Eastern Himalayas (North India)

Ps 26, 28 * 36, 39; 1 Samuel 19:1-18; Acts 12:1-17

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

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Jul 14, 2009 at 4:25 am

Written by Lisa Diana,

When we are seeing others, maybe we should be looking at their hearts instead of being critical of externals. Jesus did not see the hole in his roof but the heart of the man who came through it.

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Jul 14, 2009 at 5:23 am

Written by D. Walton,

In general, I like your new format, but wish the print for the daily meditation were in black, instead of light blue. My computer is in a bright room, and I have to difficulty reading it.

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Jul 14, 2009 at 5:47 am

Written by Les Wilcox,

Yes. I am slow to be critical, because I like the new page very much. But the light blue is hard to read for me, too. Perhaps a really dark blue would be better? Or, yes, in black. Keep up the good work, and God Bless you for this ministry. I use it daily (and have for years.)

...

Jul 14, 2009 at 6:49 am

Written by Mike Foster,

This is great to now have a place to talk about what has been written. Thank you smilies/grin.gif

...

Jul 14, 2009 at 7:24 am

Written by K. Morgan,

It is comforting to know that God knows my heart better than I know it myself. That He knows what I will pray even before I pray it, what I will ask to be forgiven before I ask it. Amazing.

Text Color

Jul 14, 2009 at 7:46 am

Written by Harold Ware,

I agree with the comments made by Les Wilcox. Reading the text is extremely difficult in the color used; a solid black is more suitable. Hopefully, you can have that change made soon. God Bless you.

Daughter of God

Jul 14, 2009 at 4:59 pm

Written by Barbara Ward-Hines,

Hi, I am just beginning in your church family. I love reading the daily passages. It is nice to comment on things to. Please pray for my son and his life, also his son my grandson and his mom. They are going through very sad times. Deep inside I know my son wants to return to God but as most of us have experienced...for whatever reason it seems to take people a long time in hurting, before we come back up to Christ and our Father. Please rejoice in advance of their healing with me, as God never breaks His promise. Once we ask of Him and then claim it in His Glory it will become a reality... in Gods own time. I'll pray for you all too.
Thanks, Barbara

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