"For out of the heart"

Matthew 15: 10-20


Matthew 15: 10-11:  Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. ¹¹ What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”

We seem to get bombarded with lots of messages about food.  The recent superbowl weekend was almost as much about party snacks as the game itself!  We get lots of information about healthy choices, whether they are diet promotions or articles promoting “good foods” and decrying “bad foods”.  Certainly food is important and we are responsible for taking care of ourselves by eating properly.  But you can see in Matthew 15:17-20 that food is not really the main point of Jesus’ narrative:  


 “Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? ¹⁸ But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. ¹⁹ For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. ²⁰ These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.”


Instead of so many messages about what goes into our mouths, wouldn’t it be nice to get more reminders about what comes out of our mouths, what comes from the heart?  My study bible notes state “Fellowship with God is not interrupted by unclean hands or food, but by sin.”  How true I find that to be in my life, how about you?  Thank God for the Holy Spirit who convicts us at such times and calls us to repentance.


The book of Proverbs has some pretty good advice on this topic.  The following is from Proverbs 4: 23-24: 
  

 Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.
²⁴ Keep your mouth free of perversity;
    keep corrupt talk far from your lips.


Thank-you Jesus, for reminding us about what is truly important, and thank you for the wisdom of Proverbs.  Help us to guard our hearts and fill them with your word so that what comes out of our mouth brings you glory.  Amen

Testing, Temptation, and God's Word

When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. (Luke 4:13 NIV)

I never noticed this verse before, but as I was preparing to compose this devotion, it was like God put a yellow highlighter in my hand. Whenever this happens, I can be pretty sure He has something to say to me.

When I read these 13 verses in Luke, I never wonder how Jesus would hold up. I never consider that He might give in, so I didn't really think there was much for me to learn from these lines. But, how wrong. God never wastes an opportunity to teach us. When Jesus came to earth as a man, the greatest lesson was about to be given.

Jesus was sinless and would remain so, but we aren't. Jesus knew, even those many years ago, that you and I would need to learn about Satan and his devious ways. We need to be aware of his ways. Jesus knew we would be in jeopardy of failing, of falling for the Devil's lies. He knew we needed to understand we must learn from Scripture how to recognize and overcome the deceit. We need to become familiar with God's Word and capture it in our hearts.

Once His Word is a part of our Spirits, we can call on it, just as Jesus did. We can defeat Satan's attempt to derail our lives. But, just as with Jesus, who was repeatedly tested by evil, we must know that Satan is just waiting for the opportune moment. He will not miss an opportunity to disrupt our journey to Eternity. 

Be on guard, as we enter 2020, a new decade, it is likely Satan wants to claim us as his ambassadors. Because we have captured God's Word in our hearts, and we call upon it when temptation approaches. Get ready to shout, "Satan, you have no authority here!"

Comment below or email your thoughts here.

Luke 4:1-13

Sinful desires: A Precursor to Death

By Thomas Denegre

Did you commit murder? Rob a bank? Have adulterous affairs?  Chances are you’re a good Christian and you didn’t do any of these things.   But Jesus said that was not good enough.

In this week’s reading from Matthew 5:21-35 Jesus teaches there is a higher standard to our behavior, for he states to the crowd;

“Everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty of murder before the court.”

“Everyone who has not forgiven his brother their sacrifice or prayer will not be heard.”

“Everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Clearly, it’s not enough that our outward behavior be righteous, but so too must be the thoughts in our heart.  Jesus goes on to say, “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” Matt 15:18

Just as it takes three elements to make a campfire; oxygen, fire, and wood.  So, too does sin need three elements; the world we live in, sinful thoughts and desires (motive), and opportunity.

Some people may say, that if sinful thoughts are just as bad as the sin, then why shouldn’t you just do the sin.  Simply, a life in sin kills the heart and separates us from God.  Sin is on the same level as nerve gas and atomic weapons; deadly and catastrophic. 

Acting out sinful desires causes harm and death to us in many ways.

·         One, it causes people to excuse sin rather than stopping sin.  It deadens the heart and we become desensitized to actions leading to death. Good becomes evil and evil becomes good. Sadly, we see this when churches fly rainbow flags to endorse rebellion.

·         Two, sin will kill, steal, and destroy. 

·         Three, intentional sin is rebellion against God, especially when a person celebrates the sin rather than repents from it.

·         Four, sin will always hurt and kill people.  Free love has aborted 60 million people and that’s just the tipping point.

For myself, to stop the opportunity of sin, I must remove the motive of sin in my heart.  Jesus came to target the evil in my heart and transform it into his image. He knows my heart is defiled, but when I became born again, I was given a new spirit and heart.  God said in Ezekiel; “And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 11:19

By living in life union with Jesus and having his words living powerfully within me (John 15:7), I can become aware of my thoughts and motives.  While I cannot stop a thought from occurring, I can stop nurturing it. I also know when I do sin, I quickly repent of it to my Father, because God desires to forgive and heal me. By having a spirit-to-spirit relationship with God, I have a guardian at the gate to my heart that lets in good motives while keeping evil ones out.  I trust God when he said, 'I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the LORD; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart.” Jeremiah 24:7

The Power of THE Unbalanced Force

Matthew 6:13

Matthew 6

 Newton's first Law of Motion reads like this:

 “An object at rest will remain at rest unless acted on by an unbalanced force. An object in motion continues in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.”

 According to teachertech.rice.edu, “This means that there is a natural tendency of objects to keep on doing what they're doing. All objects resist changes in their state of motion. In the absence of an unbalanced force, an object in motion will maintain this state of motion.”         

 Newton’s three Laws of Motion are the foundation of classical physics. I hated physics! It just didn’t make any sense to me. Apparently though, the main goal of physics is to understand how the universe behaves. Now that interests me, because we as humans are a part of the universe.

If you apply Newton’s first Law of Motion to people it might read like this:

Every person has their own beliefs, attitudes and habits which will remain the

same unless acted on by an unbalanced force. The result is that our human nature resists change.

Like Newton’s physical laws, there are spiritual laws at work in our world, and in our hearts.

 ²¹ So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. ²² For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; ²³ but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. ²⁴ What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? ²⁵ Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:21-25 NIV

Because of this battle with us, it is critical for us to pray in the way that Jesus taught his followers including, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Or from the Good News Translation: “Do not bring us to hard testing, but keep us safe from the Evil One.”

In other words, “Lord, please be that unbalanced force that redirects my life; that engages me where I am at; that leads me through trials and temptations; that delivers me from evil; that protects me from myself and from the evil of the world; that changes me into the person you created me to be.”

 But, if you pray this prayer, be ready for THE unbalanced force.

Turn this Mess into a Message

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. ⁶ In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety.This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.  Jeremiah 23: 5-6

Have you turned on the news lately?  Have you gone on Facebook and scrolled through your news feed?  The world is a scary place right now.  It seems that every few days another tragedy is taking center stage and lives are being forever changed.

It is so easy to feel hopeless and afraid if we only look through the temporal lens.  If we don’t go deeper than what humanity can accomplish, it looks as if all is lost.  Thankfully, God rose up for David “a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.”

In the midst of evil and despair I have to constantly remind myself that, the LORD our Righteous Savior, Jesus, is still on the throne.  God is in total control.  We are not out of his reach.  His grace is still actively calling to us, drawing us closer to him and reaching those who do not yet know him.

Our response to the evil is to love as he loves us.  Don’t confuse my words please.  We are to love, because God is love and we are love like him.  We are not called to worship love.  Love is not God.  Love is not the answer, God is the answer and he calls us to love each other as he loves us.

How has he loved us? He thought of us first. He gave us Jesus; who left his place in heaven, limited himself by becoming man and ultimately dying for us.  We are called to live like that.  Think of others first, but in order to do that you have to cast off fear and trust that God is in control.

You must trust that God has you.  The mess in this world is not too big for our Righteous Branch.  Let’s let God turn this mess into a message!  Let’s share the message of hope to a hopeless world.

Romans 12:9-21

             LOVE

It seems that “love” has different meanings depending on the person and circumstances. Certainly we love our spouses differently than our children and we love our parents in a way unlike how we love the elderly man across the street. These people however are not generally difficult to love. They typically contribute positively to our lives and are no threat to us.

Paul, in his wisdom, wrote this book of Romans to Christians in Rome. He especially attempted to outline what the relationship should be between the Jew and the non-Jew. Appealing to the heart Paul urged them to live life in the power of the Holy Spirit. Should we not do the same?

This passage is powerful as it challenges us to do the will of God in spite of our human-ness.

All taken from Romans 12:

“Love must be sincere.”

“Honor one another above yourselves.”

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil.”

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Love means looking beyond ourselves and at times wrestling within ourselves to do the will of God. This beloved book we call the Bible speaks to us again and again about how to follow God’s will. It also tells us it will not be easy, but the Lord will be with us to see it through.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Read/Listen to Romans 12:9-21

The Book of Life

Revelation 20: 11-15

The Book of Revelation is one many of us prefer not to think about, much less study, however just as the other books of the Bible it was written for us. It is challenging to understand and disturbing to think about being judged and dealing with our fate for eternity if we can't be sure it's positive. Perhaps we should learn more.

While in exile as a result of his missionary work, John wrote Revelation to Christians in Rome who were experiencing persecution. Revelation contains extensive symbolism and wisdom as Christ’s reign, Satan’s doom, and the judgment of all is described. 

The Book of Life

The central ideas of Revelation include:

-The world as we know it will come to an end

-Jesus Christ will return to earth to make all things right

-At the end of human history, evil will be judged and be contained forever

-Those who trust in Christ for their salvation will enjoy eternal life with Him

Revelation 20:15 "If anyone's name was not in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." 

What is the Book of Life? There are many explanations. Here is one website that will help you learn more about this mystery:

Read/Listen to Revelation 20:11-15

                                              

That was then...this is now

Genesis 6:7-8 (NIV)
   So the LORD said, "I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth--men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air--for I am grieved that I have made them."
  But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. 

"The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain." (Genesis 6:6) It is difficult to imagine how bad things must have been to bring God to the point of regretting His creation of man. "...for I am grieved that I have made them."  (Genesis 6:7b)

If ever there was a testimony to the wisdom of not doing something because everyone else does, this story is it.  God was disappointed with His people.

This begins the account of Noah, the one good thing God saw. "But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord." (Genesis 6:8) God saved Noah and his family; he did not allow them to become collateral damage once He decided to put an end to all the people.

In fact, while Noah and his family were obeying God and building that Ark, their future home, God still provided ample time for His people to change. Instead of ridiculing Noah, had they helped him on this project, and listened to Noah tell of his God, surely more could have been saved. But it didn't happen that way, and everyone outside Noah's family was destroyed.

Doesn't this make you wonder about the times we live in now? Wickedness and evil are at every turn. Christians are ridiculed and persecuted for their beliefs. The religious freedom once enjoyed by all is disappearing. Family values are put into question, even the definition of 'family' is changing.

We need to remember that God is good...all the time.  He wants us to embrace our faith and turn to Him...all the time.

Genesis 6:1-13

Genesis 3:1-11

We all know the story of Adam and Eve with the serpent. It’s difficult to imagine how Eve could possibly have found credibility in a slithering snake.  The Lord had offered them the most beautiful gift they could ever receive, but they didn't know what they didn't know.

God is our ultimate source of life and fulfillment. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command, they demonstrated a lack of trust that brought separation from God and therefore, death.

Verse 4-5: “You will surely not die,” the serpent said to the woman.” 

         For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Though the couple did not physically die, they lost the blessing of paradise, recognized their nakedness in shame, and ultimately hid from the Source of Life, who sustained them. This is the spiritual death that sin brings.

Verses 9-10: Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord

God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid

          from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

Though Adam and Eve disobeyed and mistrusted the Lord, He wasn't content to let them be lost to Him forever. He sought them out, calling Adam’s name. “Where are you?” God knew, of course. But Adam and his wife were being held accountable. How had it come to this? Where did they stand with the Lord? What would happen next?

We too, must ask the question. Where do we stand in the eyes of The Great I AM?

In the book of John, Jesus reminds us:

John 6:35  I AM the bread of life…    
John 8:12  I AM the light of the world… 
John 10:7  I AM the gate for the sheep…   
John 10:11 I AM the good shepherd…  
John 11:25 I AM the resurrection and the life…      
John 14:6   I AM the way and the truth and the life...
John 15:5   I AM the vine; you are the branches...                                                                                                                                                                        

Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God has made a way for our relationship with Him to be reconciled and restored. Are you going to work on that? I AM!

Read/Listen to Genesis 3:1-11

The Story - Chapter 1 - Genesis 3

After reading the account of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, I realize more fully how our actions impact others.  It is becoming clear to me that my behavior will have an effect on others and could very well change the lives of people I care about.  Sin became part of the world when Adam and Eve listened to evil when it spoke to them.  Adam and Eve decided God was not enough and they exercised their free will to rectify the situation.

If God is perfect and all we need, why was Eve susceptible to Satan’s taunts? If the Garden of Eden was beautiful and stunning and filled with everything anyone could want or need, why did Eve want more?  If God loves us so much, why did He put a stipulation not to eat from the tree in the middle of the garden?  These are questions that have been asked for centuries, and an answer I have always been given is because one of the greatest gifts God has given us is our free will.

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?

The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” (Genesis 3:2-3)

Life would be simpler if we did not have this gift.  Without free will there would be no need for us to have a mind, to have feelings and emotions.  Without free will we would not know we were happy, we would just be.  Existence would have no meaning.  Think about it for a minute.  What kind of books and movies get you excited? What stories do to encourage friends to read?  Aren’t they stories of love and victory?  Isn’t your hero or heroine the strong and courageous soldier who is fighting to regain freedom?

Free will is a gift to be cherished; it is a gift with a price tag.


Read Genesis 3 here

Listen to Genesis 3 here

Build Up Our Communities Acts 2:40-47

Peter warned and pleaded with the people of Israel. “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation!” How many years ago was that? That sounds like the same message we’re hearing today. Are we living in a corrupt and indecent generation again, or still? All these years and we haven’t figured out how to fix it? Weren’t we given another chance to start over when the floods came? Why do we keep gravitating toward evil? If God is so strong and mighty, why does it seem satan is winning? Why are we believers the minority? WHY IS THIS SO HARD?! I have lots more questions than answers!

A majority of this scripture comes under the heading of The Fellowship of the Believers. It appears that if we belong to a safe little church community, we can get together, be baptized, do good things for others, praise God, and in turn enjoy everlasting life in his favor. That’s pretty comfortable, but ignorant don’t you think? Oh yes, I’d prefer to dream about how I am doing all the right things here on earth and will one day hear those humbling words. “Well done good and faithful servant,” but something tells me it’s going to take more than simply being part of a fellowship of believers.

My church offers many small groups, ministries, and serving opportunities around the world that are very organized and well executed. I love that about the church, because my brain is not always systematic—you can verify that with my husband. However, this may not be for everyone. I am not comfortable in large overly organized systems, so simply take direction from the message painted above the foyer as I exit the sanctuary each Sabbath. It reads, “You are now entering the mission fields.” I do believe that all the world is a mission field. Whether organized or not, we are called to minister to, and be an example for others. Perhaps it’s a neighbor, co-worker, or even your child’s “friend” who you would prefer had not entered into your life at all. Stepping outside of our fellowship circle may not be comfortable, but it can make a difference in this world, one heart at a time.

Read the Acts 2:40-47 text here.

Under the cover of Darkness - Matthew 26:57-75

Children are often afraid of the dark.  Shadows play games with the minds of little ones; visions of bogeymen fill their dreams causing them to sleep with a night-light.  The same fear exits in the adult world as well.  There is an electrical storm, the power goes out and we quickly locate the candles or oil lamps and fill the room with light. Darkness is scary; there is too much unknown waiting in the shadows.

So much darkness surrounded the time of Jesus arrest and conviction.

• The mob came in the middle of the night. 
• Jesus was taken to the home of Caiaphas before daybreak
• Twenty-four hours later the religious leaders met at Caiaphas's house at night
• Upstairs in the high priest's palace the priests and council met before dawn.

"Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled." (Matthew 26:57) 


Evil is drawn to the cover of darkness.  "The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death.  But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward..." (Matthew 26:59-60)

Those who told lies about Jesus did it at night. Those who wanted to kill Jesus spoke against him and beat him that night.  Do you think the leaders felt safer speaking lies in the dark when they thought Jesus couldn't see them.  How much of our sinful ways takes place away from the light?

Read the text at Biblegateway.