Seeing the Work of God

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Bible Reading

  • Matthew 15
  • Psalm 103

Devotional Thoughts

In Matt 15:30-31 Matthew reports the very acts that Jesus declared to John’s disciples in Matthew 11:4-6 as proof of who he was. The people recognize the work of God through Jesus, but the religous leaders refuse to believe. In fact in Matt 12:21-32 they attribute his work to the work of Satan.  

I always think it’s amazing how the common people recognized the work of God, but the religious leaders refused to see it. They were so caught up in keeping the outside clean, for themselves and their followers, they failed to see that true spiritual life is not outward behavior, it’s a heart that seeks after God.  

I have been thinking a lot about our employees lately. They are “good” guys, even religous, but still lost. They think they are fine because of their outward behavior, but outward is not enough. Jesus said, “It’s not what you put into your mouth that makes you unclean, but what comes out. The things that come out of your mouth come from the heart.” (Matt 15:11,15)

I am so glad that God does not give us what our sins deserve (Ps 103:10) But, for those who continue to try and overcome sin themselves, they will never experience His love. Psalm 103:11-12 As high as the heavens are above the earth is his love for us. As far as the east is from the west, has he put our sins away from us. But, that’s only available to those who recognize their sin comes from their hearts and seek God to change their hearts.

Truth Declarations

  1. Sin comes from the heart. (James 1:14-15) The desires that I have in my heart are what give birth to sin. God wants to remove my desires / idols and give me a new heart. (Ezek 36:25-27)
  2. As I delight myself in Him, my desires will change to desire what He wants. When I am delighting in Him, I can be sure that He will give me the desires of my heart. (Psalm 37:4-6)
  3. God loves our employees. His desire is for them to know Him. This is my desire too.  
  4. He does not give me what my sins deserve… instead he loves me with an everlasting and abounding love. Psalm 103:10-12)
  5. Jesus desires to do the work of God through me so that those who witness my life will see God at work and be drawn to Him. (Matt 15:29-31)

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