Luke 23

Luke 23

Dear Lord, Thank You! Thank You, again, for YOUR Word, truth, beauty and splendor. Thank You for fellowship and blessed relationships. Thank You for rejuvenation and resting. Thank You. Lord, this morning I pray we lose the propensity to trade life, for death. The people of the time written in today's reading, literally traded a murderer for One Who came to give life. They literally chose a religious system over Your Words and truths. Lord, it can be easy to do. We are raised to learn the rules, then follow them, in order to not upset. While not inate, it becomes learned and somewhat natural - comforting even, to know we're operating "inside the lines". In Your grace, love and mercy for the people bringing You to death, You asked for their forgiveness - because You knew they did not know. Lord, I pray the same for all of us. Where there is a lack of wisdom and understanding, please forgive. But not only forgive, help us to see. Enlighten us with Your truths and help us to embrace life. Lord, help us to not return back to a religious mindset, once we have experienced Your Love, peace and wonders - like the ladies at the end of today's chapter. Lord lead us past the barriers and remind us where Your Spirit leads we should follow, that is the only "rule" we should live by, because You provide life there. In Jesus' Mighty Name, amen.