Devotion
Focus on What Comes Out of Your Mouth
Chipo Biti
Jesus spoke a very profound truth here. In the times of the Old Testament (Pre-Jesus times) people were more concerned about the things they ate. Food was a major part of the Law of Moses. It was the way the children of Israel separated themselves from idolatrous Gentile nations. There were particular foods that were deemed as clean - which were the foods were required to eat. There were also foods that were deemed unclean - the Jews were not to touch them otherwise they would be defiled.
The reason why the Law of Moses required the children of Israel to be separate from Gentile nations was to prevent them from mixing with people who fellowshipped with idols.
God has never been okay with idolatry and back then, Moses had declared that it would be better for the children of Israel to stay away from idolatrous nations, altogether, in case they ended up becoming influenced by them (which did happen on a number of occasions).
But when Jesus came to the earth, He shifted the focus completely. Instead of re-emphasizing the cleanness and uncleanness of food, Jesus raised the bar and gave the people a higher standard to live by. He informed them that anything that entered a man - food, words, etc. - was capable of defiling him. He said that it is what came out of the man that defiled him - referring to a man's words and actions.
When you look at it from a clear point-of-view, you will realize that the food people ate was not what was making them unclean. It was what those foods would lead to - idol worship, strange acts, etc. that would defile them. The people, however, had missed this completely.
This still applies to us today. There are so many external influences that are capable of affecting the way we act. But this should not be where our focus should be. Our focus should be on the attitudes and beliefs we possess, and the words and actions that follow. If your words and actions are harmful and do not bring glory to God, then you are acting in a contrary manner.
Prayer
If your actions and words are righteous and do glorify the name of God, then you are walking in a way that is truly worthy of the calling you have come into.
As Jesus said, "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."
Devotion
I Am Not Ashamed Of The Gospel
Frances Taylor
Paul was a learned Jew who had first been an opponent of the early Christians even to the point of participating in the stoning of St. Stephen and the imprisonment of other Christians. When he became a Christian himself and then began preaching the Good News of salvation, he was driven out of town by the Jews who believed he was a fraud out to entrap them. Some probably believed he was a traitor to Judaism. Either way, he spent the better part of his life preaching to the Gentile world. He was not afraid to admit he had been wrong about Jesus, about Christianity. He was not ashamed to preach his new found truth. Most of us have always been Christian. Have you ever been ashamed to admit it? Now, I'm sure not all of you go to church on a regular basis, so I'm not judging, but I do have a question for those of you who do. Have you ever been embarrassed while on vacation or while attending a conference to ask where the nearest church is ...
Morning Prayer
Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
Inspiration
Jesus Christ intended for us to be with him for life. This salvation that we have is not a temporary salvation – it is eternal. Christ prayed that we be with him at all times – and that prayer has come to pass. As we go through our daily lives, we should never forget that Christ is with us at all times. Nothing can ever separate us from His love and that will not change anytime soon.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for this gift of salvation that is eternal. I thank you, Lord, that wherever I go you are always with me. It is a great comfort to know that I never have to face anything on my own; your love and peace comfort me and give me the strength I need to keep moving. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.
Inspiration
We have chosen to live in Christ; therefore, our lives must reflect His love and grace. As Christians, we consider our words and actions, understanding that we are an example to others. We will study Scripture and apply it to our everyday activities as we share witness to others and strengthen our relationship with the Lord. We are children of God who live in the world when we are not of the world.
Prayer
Dear God, We are blessed to be Your children and will continue to live our lives according to Your will so we may be a reflection of You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
