Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 31:9-18
Leviticus 15:1-16:28
Mark 7:1-23
Proverbs 10:13-14
Today’s Scripture Focus:
"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain for their teachings are merely human rules." Mark 7:6-7 TNIV
The
Pharisees knew how to look spiritual. They knew how to play their
spiritual games. They focused on the external--and lived by the
rules.
They were religious, but they weren't godly. Their hearts needed a major cleansing.
Saying the right words, playing by the rules, and doing what others expect is not the essence of Christianity. Being a Christian is first of all a heart that is changed from the inside--and that inside change then influences everything we do.
Don't get so focused on the externals that you miss the heart of the matter--a heart that needs to be transformed. Open up your heart to Jesus and allow him to cleanse you from the inside out. Everything else will follow.
To focus only on the externals will lead you to pretending to be something that you are not--hypocrisy. Allowing Jesus to deal with your heart, allows you to live in fullness and freedom and authenticity. People will see the real thing and be amazed.
With Joy,
Pastor Jeff
Tomorrow's Scripture Readings:
Psalm 31:19-24
Leviticus 16:29 - 18:30
Mark 7:24- 8:10
Proverbs 10:15-16
©2004 by Jeffrey R. Syverson. Feel free to share with others, but give credit where credit is due.
They were religious, but they weren't godly. Their hearts needed a major cleansing.
Saying the right words, playing by the rules, and doing what others expect is not the essence of Christianity. Being a Christian is first of all a heart that is changed from the inside--and that inside change then influences everything we do.
Don't get so focused on the externals that you miss the heart of the matter--a heart that needs to be transformed. Open up your heart to Jesus and allow him to cleanse you from the inside out. Everything else will follow.
To focus only on the externals will lead you to pretending to be something that you are not--hypocrisy. Allowing Jesus to deal with your heart, allows you to live in fullness and freedom and authenticity. People will see the real thing and be amazed.
With Joy,
Pastor Jeff
Tomorrow's Scripture Readings:
Psalm 31:19-24
Leviticus 16:29 - 18:30
Mark 7:24- 8:10
Proverbs 10:15-16
©2004 by Jeffrey R. Syverson. Feel free to share with others, but give credit where credit is due.