Today’s Scripture: Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, these people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Mark 7:6 NLT
How do we keep our hearts close to God? We have The Spirit of the one true God; the creator of all things dwelling in our very hearts yet we look elsewhere for understanding. If we rely on our own understanding then our lips will prove us to be hypocrites.
I am astounded at times how far away from God I can move in an instant. As Mark 7:9 says we have a fine way of rejecting God for our traditions. I have come to know when my heart is close to God and when I have turned to the evil within me.
As Jesus did with the deaf man in Mark 7:34, I must look up to God and ask for my heart to be opened. My heart can only stay close to God by His power.
How has Jesus taught your heart to stay close?
Today’s Prayer: Our Father who art in Heaven, please open up my heart to You. Help me LORD to turn away from my evil nature and to allow my heart to stay close to You. LORD open up my heart so that what comes out from within me is You. Forgive me for when I turn away. My only power is You. Amen
Tom Raines
Christian Affirmations 4 Life
thanks !
Thank you! All glory to our Father and He is close!
Amen Tom! My only power is from God, and I find that if I am to walk in that power it is available to me but only if I intentionally call myself back to it several times a day through prayer. Once a day in prayer never seems to suffice to remind me through the whole day to remain open to God. I need several doses it seems!
For sure Joseph I pray we call ourselves back many times a day. This is my experience too…once a day is not nearly enough to battle the lusts of my flesh! May we pray out to stay close to Him (He didn’t go anywhere:). Blessings and closeness.
Amen Tom and thanks!
God bless you today, abundantly.
Thanks sis, you too!
My heart is still learning how to stay close but for now it is actually God who calls me throughout my day. He places several people on my heart throughout the day and by me choosing to pray for them is how God uses intercession to keep me close. Of course, I have to make that choice to pray and to stay close to Him. Like Pastor J it seems once a day is not enough for me either I too, need several doses throughout my day. I am grateful He calls on me.
Amen Debby, we only need to turn to Him. He has the power. I too am thankful it is Him who calls us and brings people and instances in our lives to keep us close. Blessings and closeness.
I desire this Tom. Wish it was more true than it often is.
Amen Bill, I marvel at my unbelief and the speed at which I can turn away. Praying we turn to Him more and more. Blessings and turning!
Ahhhhh, only “by His power.”
His. Power.
Thank you, Tom
Thank you Julie! So thankful He is already close and we must only turn to Him. Thankful for His power! Blessings and power!