PERSONAL JOURNAL:
SIN ( Mark 7:6 ): This hit me directly, even though Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees. He called them hypocrites and I feel convicted like I too have been living a bit as a hypocrite in my faith here and there, Father. I have not been as consistent in my quiet times as I should be, even though I’m the one that taught a class on it. I’m embarrassed to even admit that aloud even though You already know. Please forgive me for this, Father. Help me to be and do better in this life of not falling as a hypocrite.
PROMISE ( Mark 7:18-19 ): I have often heard from many Christians throughout my life that there are many foods we must not eat because it defiles us. Although it does say that for some things in the Old Testament, which they use as validation, I guess in my heart I never really believed it. In this verse You tell us that NOTHING that goes into our mouths can defile us! You made all food clean for us! I’ve never seen this verse and understood it that way, but wow! Thank You, Father, for the revelation and clarity on this topic.
ATTITUDE ( Mark 7:5 ): Father, help me to no longer be like the Pharisees in some ways in my life. I often judge others based on traditions, habits, and/or preferences instead of Your truth! Why do I do this so often in this life, Father? Help me to not only realize when I’m doing this, but also to know how and when to change my ways, Father.
COMMAND ( Mark 7:16 ): If anyone has ears to hear, he should listen. I find this to be a silly command, but understandable. I often struggle with simply listening, yet I have ears to hear so this applies to me greatly. I know I’m not the best and most consistent follower out there, Father. I am trying, but I know I block You out quite often because sometimes I already know what You’re going to say and to be honest I just don’t want to hear it in that moment, which is not right. Help me to be and do better, Father.
EXAMPLE ( Mark 7:17-18 ): In these two verses, I see the disciples struggling to understand Jesus’ parables once again. Jesus acknowledges this by saying that He recognizes they’re struggling to understand and begins to explain it in a different way. This is a reminder to me that not everyone learns things in the same way. Jesus was the perfect teachers to His disciples because He taught them Your truth in the way they needed to learn it instead of the way He chose to initially teach it. I need to be better at this.
*DAILY NOTE: Such an amazing testimony to Your greatness, Father. Such an amazing testimony to Jesus the Healer, Jesus the teacher, and Jesus the nurturer. It brings to mind the old hymn, how great thou are! That is so true and after reading this I am truly blessed by the things You continue to teach and reveal to me, Father. Thank You.
EXPAND TO READ: GENERAL NOTE FOR MY QUIET TIMES
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