August 23, 2009
FOOLISH AND WISE - A MATTER OF THE HEART
He’s acting like a fool. Most of us would judge whether a person is wise or foolish by the actions they take. In this week’s readings God tells us that being foolish or wise begins in the heart. Listen
FOOLISH AND WISE - A MATTER OF THE HEART
“The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." Psalm 14:1
The fools says: There is no god, there is no such thing as right and wrong - what’s right for me is all that matters.
FOOLISH AND WISE - A MATTER OF THE HEART
The Lord says: “Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the LORD, who do their work in darkness and think, "Who sees us? Who will know?" Isaiah 29: 15
The fool says: it’s only wrong if we get caught – as long as no one finds out, we’ll be ok?
FOOLISH AND WISE - A MATTER OF THE HEART
"Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:” 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain their teachings are but rules taught by me You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." …Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that."
The fool is found everywhere – even in the church.
FOOLISH AND WISE - A MATTER OF THE HEART
“In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see. Once more the humble will rejoice in the LORD; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 29:18-19
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord… Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Ephesians 5:21-25
But the wise – the wise are: the blind, the deaf, the needy, and the humble in heart. The wise are the ones who submit, who love, and who obey - not to look good, or to please a husband or wife, but because Jesus loved, submitted, and obeyed for us first – on the cross. (Check out Philippians 2:1-11).
FOOLISH AND WISE - A MATTER OF THE HEART
Ah, Lord, I confess I am a fool. My worship of you, more often than not, is just lip service – following man’s ways of worship instead of worshipping you with my whole heart and my whole life. Forgive my foolishness Lord. Forgive me for the times when I demand my own rights and pretend that you can’t see my arrogant thoughts and self-righteous attitudes. Apart from Christ I am nothing, I have nothing, and I deserve nothing. Yet, Lord, I can rest in your love, knowing that You accept my humble confession in Christ and through His death and resurrection, I receive the forgiveness and Grace that your offer. Thank you Jesus. Amen and Amen!
Father, grant me Your spirit this week as I read Your living Word. Help me to see them as more than just words on a page, but as Words for life. Grant me Your spirit so that I may take these Words to heart and let them transform me from the inside out. Grant me YOUR wisdom, in and through Jesus Christ AMEN!!
Week ending: August 23, 2009
Monday – (Old Testament)
Isaiah 29:11-19
READ
Tuesday – Psalm 14
MARK
Wednesday –(Epistle)
Ephesians 5:22-33
LEARN
Thursday – (Gospel)
Mark 7:1-13
INWARDLY DIGEST
Friday –ARE YOU HUNGRY? EAT, DRINK, AND BE TRANSFORMED!!!
Saturday – SHARE the bread of life with someone who is hungry.
Sunday – Speak to one another with songs, hymns, and spiritual psalms, sing and make music in Your hearts to the Lord
