Mark 7:9-13

And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God)— then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.” – Mark 7:9-13

Dear Jesus,

As you hung on the cross you made your mother’s remaining years an important priority.  What an example you leave for me.  I have often neglected family for the work of your church.  You never wanted my kingdom work to be an excuse for letting family suffer without their needs met.  Now, when meeting family needs takes me away from those things I love to do for the larger flock, comfort me with your word that approves my domestic acts of love much more than organized religious efforts.  Make the generations above and below me feel your love flowing through me as I tenderly take care of them.  And cause my siblings and cousins to find a best friend in me instead of a family rival. 

AMEN

Pastor Don Patterson

When Christ captures a soul with his love, one’s family is the first to notice and receive the benefits.