October 28
Scripture of the day: "He said to them, 'Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?' (Thus He declared all foods clean.) And He was saying, 'That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.'" Mark 7:18-23
Thought of the day: Jesus taught that sin doesn't come from what someone eats ... but comes from inside. Paul explained that the rules of manmade religion are of no value against fleshly indulgence, Colossians 2:18-23. However, fleshly indulgence is sin. The Bible never condones misuse of the body through drunkenness, drugs, or gluttony. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
Challenge of the day: Your body is the Spirit's temple. Respect His temple. How would you feel if someone threw dirt all over the inside of your house? Keep His house clean! And think of Jesus on the cross as He paid for your salvation. You were bought with that price ... therefore glorify God with your body. Legalism is not the path to godliness. Following manmade rules doesn't necessarily lead to true worship. However, if you worship God from a pure heart, then that will lead to worshipping Him with a pure body. Clean up your heart!
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