Scripture: Mark 7.
OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)
Mark 7:15 (NLT)
15 It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”
20
And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you.
21 For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder,
22 adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.
23 All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”
APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)
We are often quick to judge someone by what they eat or anything else that we may see externally. Reading these verses gives good reason for us to concentrate on our own condition and leave the judging of others up to God. For Jesus said, that it all depends on what’s inside a person that determines who they truly are, and we all know that only God knows what is truly on the inside of a person. Bottom line is that we have a lot to worry about in trying to keep ourselves aligned with God’s will, His example and His expectation of us. So besides being incapable and unqualified to judge others, we have a fulltime job trying to read God’s Word, understanding it, and following God’s will for our lives. So let’s not be as concerned about judging others, because we will truly mess up in that. If we think that we see a weakness in our brother, let’s try praying for strength for him, so that he might overcome the temptation or sin and live victorious.
PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)
A little chorus came to mind as I read this passage, Change My Heart Oh God, as I have a responsibility to see God’s face for His help in keeping my own heart aligned with His will and His precepts. Lord, it is my desire that I honor You and be more like You every day of my life. Please help me to seek Your face, Your will and Your direction for my life and to follow You in all sincerity daily. You are my King, my Lord and my deliverer. Be Lord of my Life, dear God.
àI would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com.
ß