by Susan Lunardini
God washes His hands: “So I gave them over to the stubbornness of their heart, to walk in their own devices.
God’s Wish: “Oh that My people would listen to Me…”
God’s Admonition: “Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous will walk in them, but transgressors will stumble in them.”
God’s New Commandments: 1. “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” 2. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Note: This says “shall”; It does not say “will”.
My heart is full of gratitude that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners! Without forgiveness, I would wander through this world “walking in my own devices and stumbling all the way”. Always remember that the Will of God will not lead where the Grace of God cannot hold. When I am stumbling, it is a sure bet that I am not in God’s Will but it is also a guarantee that I can return to His Grace.
Dear God, please soften the stubbornness of my heart and give me the grace to live in your commandments with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind, and with all my strength. Keep me a child in your light and let me not be lost in darkness. Teach me to love with my all. Thank you for loving me. Amen.
Additional scriptures: Psalm 81: 8-14; Hosea 14: 1-9; Mark 12: 28-34