April 22

Mark 7:14-23 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

Mark 7:21-23
For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.

Observation

Jesus continues his teaching on inner purity, explaining further in these verses that it is not what we eat that makes us unclean, but our thoughts, attitudes and intentions. Our actions reveal and reflect what is in our hearts.

Application

Being ritually unclean or not following all of the traditions does not make us unrighteous or sinful. While it is good and healthy to take care in what we eat, it is just as, if not more, important for us to be careful about what we allow to impact our minds and hearts.

What makes us sinful are the sins that we commit. Sin does not just happen. It comes about as a consequence of each thought and decision we make each step of the way. If our hearts are not filled with the things of God, then our selfish and sinful nature will take over and we will live a depraved and defeated life.

Prayer

Lord, help me to live a victorious life by focusing upon you and allowing you to fill me with your power and spirit.

--SC