Daily Scripture:
Mark 3:1 Yeshua went again into a synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Looking for a reason to accuse him of something, people watched him carefully to see if he would heal him on Shabbat. 3 He said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Come up where we can see you!” 4 Then to them he said, “What is permitted on Shabbat? Doing good or doing evil? Saving life or killing?” But they said nothing. 5 Then, looking them over and feeling both anger with them and sympathy for them at the stoniness of their hearts, he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” As he held it out, it became restored. 6 The P’rushim went out and immediately began plotting with some members of Herod’s party how to do away with him. (Complete Jewish Bible).
Prayer Tip: Conflict over tradition in the church today can seem petty to some and profound to others. Like the Pharisees, we as a church can struggle with changes we think are threatening to long-held practices, particularly when change is needed or suggested by a new staff person or a new vision. I believe Jesus never called us to be complacent within our traditions; rather, Jesus calls for us to move forward and allow the Holy Spirit to direct us, loving others and leading positive change wherever and whenever possible.
Lord, Although sometimes we cannot understand your ways, we have faith that your will is good and ultimately leads us to you. Change is hard for us, but we recognize that only through change can your kingdom, the home for which we yearn, ultimately come. Give us faith to believe that we, individually and collectively, possess the awesome power to connect in ways that can change our souls, our community, and the world for your glory. Amen. (Tino Herrera, Congregational Care Pastor)
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Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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Leawood, Kansas 66224, United States
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