Human Precepts

"This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; 

In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts. 

MARK 7:6-7

God's Word must come first in everything you do. It surpasses all traditions, doctrines, and laws created by men. It guides and sustains you, showing you the right path to take. It is the final authority, settles every matter, and sets the captives free. It is the sword of the Spirit, living and active, pierces to the core, transforms and sanctifies. 

Worship the Lord with your whole heart. Give Him the praise that He deserves. Lift up your hands and bow down your knees. Offer Him your life as a living sacrifice. He is the Lover of your soul and the Giver of life. He is the Healer and Comforter, the Friend and Father.

1 When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, 2 they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. 3 (For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. 4 And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.) 5 So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?” 6 He responded, “Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; 7 In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts. 8 You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” 9 He went on to say, “How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition! 10 For Moses said, Honor your father and your mother, and Whoever curses father or mother shall die. 11 Yet you say, ‘If a person says to father or mother, “Any support you might have had from me is qorban’” (meaning, dedicated to God), 12 you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother. 13 You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things.” (Mark 7:1-13)

The Lord listens to your prayer and petitions as His servant. He hears your voice and knows your heart. He cares for you and loves you with an everlasting love. He answers you according to His will and wisdom, provides for you and protects you with His mighty power. He invites you to draw near and abide in Him and forgives you and cleanses you with His precious blood. He blesses you and favors you with His kindness, strengthens you and empowers you with His Spirit. He is the God of all grace and peace, the God of all hope and joy, the God of all mercy and holiness, the God of all glory and majesty. Keep the Lord's covenant with your whole heart. Obey His commands and follow His ways. Remember His deeds and celebrate His goodness. Trust His plans and submit to His purposes.

22 Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of the whole community of Israel, and stretching forth his hands toward heaven, 23 he said, “Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below; you keep your covenant of mercy with your servants who are faithful to you with their whole heart. 27 “Can it indeed be that God dwells on earth? If the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain you, how much less this temple which I have built! 28 Look kindly on the prayer and petition of your servant, O Lord, my God, and listen to the cry of supplication which I, your servant, utter before you this day. 29 May your eyes watch night and day over this temple, the place where you have decreed you shall be honored; may you heed the prayer which I, your servant, offer in this place. 30 Listen to the petitions of your servant and of your people Israel which they offer in this place. Listen from your heavenly dwelling and grant pardon.” (1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30)

Dwell in the house of the Lord. Enjoy His presence and His grace. Worship His name and His glory. Learn His word and His truth. He is the God of the house and the Builder of the temple. Let your heart and flesh cry out for the living God. Seek His face and His presence with all your being. Rejoice in His salvation and His grace with all your joy. He is the God of the saved and the Giver of the eternal life. He is the Gracious and Merciful, the Saving God.

3 My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. 4 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest in which she puts her young—Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my king and my God! 5 Blessed they who dwell in your house; continually they praise you. 10 O God, behold our shield and look upon the face of your anointed. 11 I had rather one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I had rather lie at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. (Psalm 84:3, 4, 5, 10, 11)

Lord Jesus, You are the word made flesh. Help me to always put Your word above all things in this world. Keep my mind and heart focused on You alone and not easilly persuaded by worldly doctrines and traditions. Today, I humbly worship You with my whole heart and give You the praise that You deserve. Thank You so much for guiding and sustaining me, and always showing me the right path to take. Thank You for healing me and making me whole again so that I may be fit for the purpose and journey that You have set for me. All glory and honor are Yours now and forever. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

THE TRADITION OF THE ELDERS

Mark 7:1-23

The Reign of Solomon:

SOLOMON'S PRAYER

1 Kings 8:22-66

Third Book of Psalms 73-89

PRAYER OF A PILGRIM TO JERUSALEM

Psalm 84:1-13

Reflection Source:

Copilot with Bing Chat

Jesus is the Word

In the beginning was the Word, 

and the Word was with God, 

and the Word was God. 

JOHN 1:1

Jesus is the Word, the living and eternal Word. He spoke the world into being, by His power it was heard. He is the Word of God, the expression of His mind. He reveals the Father's heart, His grace and truth we find. He came to dwell among us, in the flesh He was observed. He is the Word of life, the source of every breath. He gave Himself for us, to save us from our death. He conquered sin and grave, by His victory He assured. He is the Word of hope, the promise of His return. He will come again for us, to take us where He is.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him. (John 1:1-18)

Salvation of our God, the greatest gift of love. He sent His only Son to die for us on the cross. He bore our sins and paid the price, He rose again in power. He offers us eternal life, if we believe and trust. Salvation of our God, the joy of our salvation. He fills our hearts with peace and grace, He makes us new creations. He gives us hope and strength to live, He guides us by His Spirit. He teaches us His will and ways, if we obey and follow. Salvation of our God, the glory of our God. He calls us to His kingdom, He prepares a place for us. He will come back to take us home, He will wipe away our tears. He will welcome us with open arms, if we endure and persevere.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, saying to Zion, “Your God is King!” Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry, together they shout for joy, for they see directly, before their eyes, the Lord restoring Zion. Break out together in song, O ruins of Jerusalem! For the Lord comforts his people, he redeems Jerusalem. The Lord has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earthwill behold the salvation of our God. (Isaiah 52:7-10)

God revealed His justice, in His righteous Son. He came to show us mercy, and for our sins atone. He took our place on the cross, and bore the wrath we deserved. He paid the debt we owed, and from death He preserved. God revealed His justice, in His holy Word. He gave us His commandments, and His will to be heard. He taught us how to live, and what is right and wrong. He guides us by His Spirit, and makes us wise and strong. God revealed His justice, in His sovereign plan. He works all things for good, and His glory to expand. He judges every deed, and rewards every faith. He restores every brokenness, and heals every pain.

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. Sing praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the Lord. (Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6)

God spoke through Jesus, His beloved Son. He revealed His glory, His grace and His love. He spoke of the kingdom, the truth and the way. He spoke of the Father, His will and His plan. God spoke through Jesus, His faithful Son. He fulfilled His promise, His law and His word. He spoke with authority, power and wisdom. He spoke with compassion, mercy and forgiveness. God spoke through Jesus, His obedient Son. He accomplished His purpose, His mission and His work. He spoke on the cross, His blood and His sacrifice. He spoke from the grave, His victory and His life.

In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe, who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word. When he had accomplished purification from sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high, as far superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say: You are my son; this day I have begotten you? Or again: I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me? And again, when he leads the firstborn into the world, he says: Let all the angels of God worship him. (Hebrews 1:1-6)

Lord Jesus Christ, You are the one true reason for the season, the gift of God's love and grace. You came to the world as a humble child to save the human race. You are the light of the world, the ever shining star to show us the way to God and how much He loves us from afar. You are the king of kings and the lord of lords. You came to reign in our hearts and lives and bring us peace and joy evermore. Thank You so much Lord for being the Word that have brought us back to the loving arms of our Father in heaven. All glory and honor are Yours now and forever. Amen.

Pericope:

I: Prologue

PROLOGUE

John 1:1-18

II: Expiation of Sin, Spiritual Liberation of Israel

LET ZION REJOICE

Isaiah 52:1-12

Fourth Book of Psalms 90-106

THE COMING OF GOD

Psalm 98:1-9

I: Introduction / II: The Son higher than Angels

INTRODUCTION / MESSIANIC ENTHRONEMENT

Hebrews 1:1-4/5-14

Reflection Source:

Copilot with Bing Chat

Binding Covenant

He remembers forever His covenant which He made binding for a thousand generations. - Psalm 105:8

Father in heaven, You are the Lord my God; throughout the earth Your judgments prevail. Thank You so much for remembering Your covenant forever which You have made binding for a thousand generations.

Indeed O Lord, most if not all of Your works done in me are based on Your binding covenant that bring so much joy to my heart. This is the nature of work that You have gifted me with as Your servant. A servant who profits most from rendering service or works that are related to the issuance of bonds based on contracts, agreements, and undertakings.

You are the one true source of everything that is good. Have mercy on me O Lord and please forgive all my faults and failings. I have done a lot of bad things in my life and I just continue to pray for Your guidance and wisdom to do the right things. All I need is in You. As always, may Your hand continue to work for the good of all of us.

I give glory to You and Your holy name as my heart rejoices in seeking the glory of Your kingdom each day. Please accept my deepest gratitude, praise, and thanksgiving for all the undeserved and unending graces that I receive from You each moment of my life.

With much love, I give You back all the glory and praise in Jesus Name. Amen.

Keep to Heart God's Words

 "Keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord 

which I enjoin on you today for your own good."

DEUTERONOMY 10 : 13

Jesus said, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill." (Mt 5: 17)

God sends forth His command to the earth; swiftly runs His word! (Ps 147:15)  He has proclaimed His word, His statutes and His ordinances. He has not done thus for any other; His ordinances He has not made known to them. Alleluia. (Ps 147:19-20)

Think! The heavens, even the highest heavens, belong to the Lord, your God, as well as the earth and everything on it (Dt 10:14). What the Lord, your God, ask of you but to fear the Lord, your God, and follow His ways exactly, to love and serve the Lord, your God, with all your heart and all your soul (Dt 10:12). Circumcise your hearts and be no longer stiff-necked (Dt 10:16). 

The Lord, your God, is the God of gods, the Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who has no favorites, accepts no bribes; who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and befriends the alien, feeding and clothing him. So you too must befriend the alien, for you were once aliens yourselves. The Lord, your God, shall you fear, and Him shall you serve; hold fast to Him and swear by His name. (Dt 10:17-20)

In His love the Lord choose you in preference to all other people, as indeed He has now done (Dt 10:15). He is your glory, He, your God, who has done for you great and terrible things which your own eyes have seen. Now the Lord, your God, has made you as numerous as the stars of the sky. (Dt 10:21-22)

Glorify the Lord, praise your God! For He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your children within you.  He has granted peace in your borders; with the best of wheat He fills you. (Ps 147:12-14).

Be Grounded on God's Word

 "So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; 

it shall not return to me empty, 

but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, 

and prosper in the thing for which I sent it." 

ISAIAH 55 : 11

Father in heaven, Your Word is the absolute truth, accomplishing its purpose over the life You have given me and making me prosper in everything I do for the praise and glory of Your Name. Thank You so much for making us living witnesses to the power of Your Word. Word that made us who we are and what we are today. 

Through Your Word, Your will be done. Please continue to make us experience the vast power and richness of Your Word over our lives each day, making us truly live in the glory of Your graces and blessings. May Your word always make me fertile, fruitful, and productive most especially in the conduct of my daily living. All graces and blessings come from You alone and it is only by Your will that I am experiencing the fullness of life with so much glory and comfort.

 

In You, I have taken refuge, all believing that nothing can hurt me for so long as You are at my side. Always keep me O God in the shelter of Your wings and protect me from the malice of the wicked. Forgive my foolishness in sometimes attempting to do Your work using my own common sense and when things do not turn out as I anticipated, I begin to feel discouraged. These usually happens when I begin to second-guess what you will do next in my life.

 All things came to pass not because of my own liking and doing but all because of Your will and plan for my life. You are all I need in order to gain everything through Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with You together with the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.

Hear and Heed the Voice of the Lord

Moses, hearing the voice of the Lord 

from the burning bush, said to him, 

“When I go to the children of Israel and say to them, 

‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ 

if they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ 

what am I to tell them?” 

EXODUS 3 : 13

Today, God has taken upon Himself to address your plight and lead you up out of your misery. He wants to set you free and transform the land your are living into a land that is flowing with milk and honey. Be the light of the Lord so that others will see His good works. 

God has set you free from darkness and you can now see clearly to walk the way in accordance with the light of God's truth. Moreover, He constantly saves you from every pitfall of darkness that may come your way. 

Self-righteousness, arrogance, and pride have brought you to your numerous downfalls in the past. You have attributed your past successes only to yourself and not to the Lord who in truth, have made it all possible for you to achieve these things. 

In God's love, mercy, and grace, you no longer live for yourself but for the one who died for you in the cross, your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Him, your joy was made complete. No longer a temporary joy but a permanent joy of living in peace and abundance each day. 

The Lord continues to make you experience His wondrous deeds. He made you profit most on each of the binding covenants and contracts that He brings to you each day. Your business continues to grow and increase that will make you strong and stable.

Give thanks to the Lord and invoke His holy Name.

Be Immersed on God's Word

His prediction came to pass 

and the word of the Lord proved Him true. 

PSALM 105 : 19

Father in heaven, all things belong to You through Christ Your Son. I believed that Your word will never return to You void until it accomplishes its purpose to whom it was sent. Be praised and glorified O Lord for giving me the grace to be immersed on Your word.

You placed me to be in charge of your household and ruler of Your possessions. Please forgive me Lord for the many times I have failed You and have been unworthy of Your trust. 

Today, You made me realize the truth that I and my work are one for You are the one who is at work in me. In You, I truly enjoy working because each work at hand is a reflection of what You have made of me. May You always be praised and glorified in everything I do.

You alone have made me to be what I am and who I am today. I am Yours my God and Father, use me for Your greater glory, honor and praise. Give me Your heart and mind that I may rule over Your possessions in accordance with Your will and purpose. 

Thank you so much for allowing me to rectify my mistakes in the past by way of returning back to You all the glory and praise through Christ in whom all good things come. 

With much love and thanksgiving I pray in Jesus Name. Amen.