Prayer Versus Impulse. Part [9] 05/26/2025 (Evening thought)

Matthew 17: 24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Does not your master pay tribute?

Here it is again, where that same characteristic of impulsiveness causes Peter to answer impatiently in a situation where he became quite irritated by the question asked. If he had stopped to think about the nature of the question, and if he had even briefly checked in with God, he could have been spared another snare of devils. But our characteristics run as a common cord across the entire spectrum of our everyday experiences.

So, if we are given to impulse instead of prayer, it really does not matter whether your reaction is good, bad or indifferent for it would inevitably have impulse as the main driver of all that is said or done. Therefore, because Jesus observed it was impulse versus prayer with Peter, He encouraged him to pray and Jesus warned him that the habit of not checking in with God will make him a prime target for sudden temptations that come out of the blue without prior notice.

Matthew 17:25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What think thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? 26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. 27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the fish that first comes up; and when you have opened his mouth you shalt find a piece of money: that take and give unto them for me and you.

Luke 22: 33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. 34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!

Prayer Versus Impulse. Part [8] 05/25/2025 (Morning thought)

John 13:8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

[The Desire of Ages pp 644] At a feast it was customary for a servant to wash the feet of the guests, and on this occasion, preparation had been made for the service. The pitcher, the basin, and the towel were there, in readiness for the feet washing. But no servant was present, and it was the disciples’ part to perform it. But each of the disciples, yielding to wounded pride, determined not to act the part of a servant. All manifested a stoical unconcern, seeming unconscious that there was anything for them to do.

By their silence they refused to humble themselves. The disciples made no move toward serving one another. Jesus waited for a time to see what they would do. Then He, the divine Teacher, rose from the table. Laying aside the outer garment that would have impeded His movements, He took a towel, and He girded Himself. With surprised interest the disciples looked on, and in silence waited to see what was to follow.

“After that He poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded.” This action opened the eyes of the disciples. Bitter shame and humiliation filled their hearts. They understood the unspoken rebuke, and saw themselves in altogether a new light.

John 13:9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needs not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and you are clean, but not all.

May The Lord add His blessing to His word. God bless!