Nothing that goes into a person from outside can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him. You can wash your hands repeatedly, it will never have any cleansing effect upon the dark regions of your heart. None. Physical water washing away external impurities has no effect on … Continue reading The Darkness Within – Mark 7:15
Category: Devotionals
Just some quick, short thoughts I have had throughout the years.
Empty Traditions – Mark 7:8,9
“Disregarding the command of God, you keep the tradition of men. He also said to them, “You completely invalidate God’s command in order to maintain your tradition!" Father God knows the motives of our heart and what truly matters to us. Empty traditions are 'worse than worthless' when the heart is bent toward evil. They … Continue reading Empty Traditions – Mark 7:8,9
Astounded – Mark 5:42
Immediately the girl got up and began to walk, for she was twelve years old. And immediately they were completely astounded. The work of Jesus in a person’s life is unlike the work of any other. The total change that He brings literally moves a person from death to life. It is astounding. No one … Continue reading Astounded – Mark 5:42
Strengthened by Faith – Romans 4:20-21
He did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, because he was fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. As is written in Hebrews, Abraham knew that Father God was real and trustworthy. Whoever comes to Him must … Continue reading Strengthened by Faith – Romans 4:20-21
Renewal and Restoration – Genesis 33:3
But he himself passed on ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. Jacob has just been face to face with the angel of God and has finally admitted who he truly is: the deceiving supplanter. He has always wanted what someone else had (coveting) … Continue reading Renewal and Restoration – Genesis 33:3
Secret Words in the Night – Job 4:12
A word was brought to me in secret; my ears caught a whisper of it. None of this passage proves that the word Eliphaz received was actually a word from God. In fact, we know Job and this does not describe him. He is not an unrepentant sinner. God is pleased with him. Just because … Continue reading Secret Words in the Night – Job 4:12
Guilty Judges – Romans 2:1
Therefore, any one of you who judges is without excuse. For when you judge another, you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the same things. It is very easy to reach a place in our mind and in our perspective where our judgement of others is skewed such that we condemn them for words … Continue reading Guilty Judges – Romans 2:1
The Suffering Of Shame – Matthew 27:28-31
They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat on Him, and took the reed and … Continue reading The Suffering Of Shame – Matthew 27:28-31
Raising the Dead- Acts 26:8
Why is it considered incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? He spoke the world into existence. He breathed life into mankind. Why is it so unreasonable to conclude that the Author of Life is able to raise the dead back to life? It is more unreasonable to assume that He couldn't. … Continue reading Raising the Dead- Acts 26:8
Ultimate Authority – Matthew 28:18
Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Jesus Christ has ultimate authority here on earth and also in the Heavenly realms. All will submit to Him at some point - either now or later. It is a promise. It is Truth. God's … Continue reading Ultimate Authority – Matthew 28:18
Sober Truth – Acts 26:24-25
While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad.” But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth. 1 Corinthians 4:10, We are fools for … Continue reading Sober Truth – Acts 26:24-25
Surely not I? – Matthew 26:25
Then Judas, His betrayer, replied, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” “You have said it,” He told him. Spoken like a true deceiver. Judas has ALREADY committed Himself to the Jewish leaders to betray Jesus. He has already received payment. The evil plan is in motion, yet, Judas, speaking as a sorry liar and thief, feigns ignorance. … Continue reading Surely not I? – Matthew 26:25
Lawless Days, Calloused Hearts – Matthew 24:12
Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold. The Risen Jesus speaking to the Ephesian church in Revelation 2:4-7 calls out their loss of love - they have forsaken their first love. I wonder if this statement of Jesus to His followers here in the book of Matthew foreshadows this problem. It … Continue reading Lawless Days, Calloused Hearts – Matthew 24:12
Unwilling – Matthew 23:37
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem! She who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, yet you were not willing! It is willingness that moves one into the saving arms of Christ. He is standing, waiting, inviting. … Continue reading Unwilling – Matthew 23:37
Up Is Down – Matthew 23:12
Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted. It is the challenge of all who follow Christ - to humble oneself. It does not come natural. The self is central to all we do and all we are. Our own desires always seem to rise up and cloud our vision. … Continue reading Up Is Down – Matthew 23:12
Imago Dei – Matthew 22:22
Then Jesus told them, “Give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at Him. Surely the questioners should have asked, "And what belongs to God?" To which Jesus could have replied, "Whose Image is on you?" Our very being belongs to God. … Continue reading Imago Dei – Matthew 22:22
God’s Question – Matthew 20:32
And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Do we have the courage to answer such a question from God? The Lord of the Universe looked at this humbled, outcast, handicapped man and asked him what He could do for him. “What do you want child?” … Continue reading God’s Question – Matthew 20:32
Word Over Wealth – Psalms 119:36
Turn my heart to Your decrees and not to material gain. If only one could focus their entire heart on God's Word and the ultimate security it brings, the temptation to rely on money and things for security would vanish. There is real, lasting security in the Word of God and only false, temporary security … Continue reading Word Over Wealth – Psalms 119:36
The Written Revelation – Nehemiah 8:5-8
Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the Lord the great God. And all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped … Continue reading The Written Revelation – Nehemiah 8:5-8
Forgive to be Forgiven – Matthew 18:32-35
“Then, after he had summoned him, his master said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ And his master got angry and handed him over to the jailers to be tortured … Continue reading Forgive to be Forgiven – Matthew 18:32-35
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