I have written extensively about the “heart” of the man and how messed up it can be, you can search in the box to the right to see the other posts.
Mark Chapter 7 begins with most modern translations having a heading something similar to; That which defiles, The Traditions of the Elders, Traditions and Commandments, or my two favorites; Jesus Teaches about Inner Purity (NLT) and Lo que contamina al hombre (What pollutes man) RVR 1960.
Today’s main text comes from Mark 7:14-23, depending on your translation you may have another heading the AMP for example begins the Chapter with Followers of Traditions and adds The Heart of Man.
The world would have us believe that man is essentially good yet the bible and mankind’s everyday actions throughout history would completely contradict that belief.
Where are the youth of today getting the indoctrination (no other word for it) for the rising numbers seen in the poll? Schools, beginning at the Elementary level have corrupted their minds. But it's okay it is not your job Parent(s) to raise them!
LGBT Identification Rises to 5.6% in Latest U.S. Estimate
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Estimate has risen more than one percentage point from 2017 update
Majority of LGBT Americans say they are bisexual
One in six adults in Generation Z consider themselves LGBT
SUBJECT. As the fast Psalm sung the praises of the Lord in connection with the proclamation of the gospel among the Gentiles, so this appears to foreshadow the mighty working of the Holy Ghost in subduing the colossal systems of error and casting down the idol gods. Across the sea to maritime regions a voice cries for rejoicing at the reign of Jesus (Ps 97:1), the sacred fire descends (Ps 97:3), like lightning the gospel flames forth (Ps 97:4), difficulties vanish (Ps 97:5), and all the nations see the glory of God (Ps 97:6). The idols are confounded (Ps 97:7), the church rejoices (Ps 98:8), the Lord is exalted (Ps 98:9). The Psalm closes with an exhortation to holy steadfastness under the persecution which would follow, and bids the saints rejoice that their path is bright, and their reward glorious and certain. Modern critics, always intent upon ascribing the psalms to anybody rather than to David, count themselves successful in dating this song further on than the captivity, because it contains passages similar to those which occur in the latter prophets, but we venture to assert theft it is quite as probable that the prophets adopted the language of David as that some unknown writer borrowed from them. One psalm in this series is said to be “in David”, and we believe that the rest are in the same place, and by the same author. The matter is not important, and we only mention it because it seems to be the pride of certain critics to set up new theories, and there are readers who imagine this to be a sure proof of prodigious learning. We do not believe that their theories are worth the paper they are written upon.
DIVISION. The psalm divides itself into four portions, each containing three verses. The coming of the Lord is described (Ps 97:1-3); its effect upon the earth is declared (Ps 97:4-6), and then its influence upon the heathen and the people of God (Ps 97:7-9). The last part contains both exhortation and encouragement, urging to holiness and inculcating happiness (Ps 97:10-12).
EXPOSITION. v.10 Ye that love the Lord, hate evil.For He hates it, his fire consumes it, his lightnings blast it, his presence shakes it out of its place, and his glory confounds all the lovers of it. We cannot love God without hating that which he hates. We are not only to avoid evil, and to refuse to countenance it, but we must be in arms against it, and bear towards it a hearty indignation. He preserveth the souls of his saints. Therefore they need not be afraid of proclaiming war with the party which favours sin. The saints are the safe ones: they have been saved and shall be saved. God keeps those who keep his law. Those who love the Lord shall see his love manifested to them in their preservation from their enemies, and as they keep far from evil so shall evil be kept far from them. He delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. It is not consistent with the glory of his name to give over to the power of his foes those whom his grace has made his friends. He may leave the bodies of his persecuted saints in the hand of the wicked, but not their souls, these are very dear to him, and he preserves them safe in his bosom. This foretells for the church a season of battling with the powers of darkness, but the Lord will preserve it and bring it forth to the light.
EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS
Verse 10.Ye that love the LORD, hate evil. It is evident that our conversion is sound when we loathe and hate sin from the heart: a man may know his hatred of evil to be true, first, if it be universal: he that hates sin truly, hates all sin. Secondly, true hatred is fixed; there is no appeasing it but by abolishing the thing hated. Thirdly, hatred is a more rooted affection than anger: anger may be appeased, but hatred remains and sets itself against the whole kind. Fourthly, if our hatred be true, we hate all evil, in ourselves first, and then in others; he that hates a toad, would hate it most in his own bosom. Many, like Judah, are severe in censuring others (Ge 38:24), but partial to themselves. Fifthly, he that hates sin truly, hates the greatest sin in the greatest measure; he hates all evil in a just proportion. Sixthly, our hatred is right if we can endure admonition and reproof for sin, and not be enraged; therefore, those that swell against reproof do not appear to hate sin.—Richard Sibbes.
Hate evil. Sin seemeth to have its name of sana, anv (the word here used) because it is most of all to be hated, as the greatest evil; as that which setteth us furthest from God the greatest good.—John Trapp.
Get mortifying graces, especially love to God, forthose that love the Lord, will hate evil.And the more they love him, the more they will hate it.—David Clarkson.
God is a Spirit, and he looks to our very spirits; and what we are in our spirits, in our hearts and affections, that we are to him. Therefore, what ill we shun, let us do it from the heart, by hating it first. A man may avoid an evil action from fear, or out of other respects, but that is not sincerity. Therefore look to thy heart, see that thou hate evil, and let it come from sincere looking to God.Ye that love the LORD, hate evil, saith David: not only avoid it, but hate it; and not only hate it, but hate it out of love to God.—Richard Sibbes.
Maybe you are incarcerated like Don was, maybe you have some form of addiction, or are one of the 22+ a day Veterans and Military personnel contemplating suicide. Whatever you are experiencing NO self-help book is going to work but as Don (and I) realized the transforming power of Christ can change your life forever. PLEASE, I beg you to reach out to one of the contacts at the bottom of the page today. – Mike
INSPIRING HOPE THROUGH TRANSFORMATION
"God spoke to me, and He was very clear. He said, 'If you were to die today, where would you go?'"—Don
At one point in Don Caballero’s life, he seemed to be on the fast track to becoming a “career criminal.” After his parents divorced when he was in middle school, Don struggled with addiction, insecurities, and academic issues. First incarcerated at age 18, he spent years in and out of jails and recovery programs, homeless and running the streets. He was in custody in Fresno, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland.
“There was a point in my life where I honestly didn’t think I was going to see the age of 21,” recalls Don, “and there were some days, honestly, where I wish that I didn’t, because it felt so bad.”
The police would arrest him, he’d be released, and then he’d commit more crimes.
A Prayer when he was in the cave. He was in one of his many lurking places, either Engedi, Adullam, or some other lone cavern wherein he could conceal himself from Saul and his bloodhounds. Caves make good closets for prayer; their gloom and solitude are helpful to the exercise of devotion. Had David prayed as much in his palace as he did in his cave, he might never have fallen into the act which brought such misery upon his later days. SUBJECT. There can be little doubt that this song dates from the days when Saul was sorely persecuting David, and David himself was in soul trouble, probably produced by that weakness of faith which led him to associate with heathen princes. His fortunes were evidently at their lowest, and, what was worse, his repute had fearfully fallen; yet he displayed a true faith in God, to whom he made known his pressing sorrows. The gloom of the cave is over the psalm, and yet as if standing at the mouth of it the prophet poet sees a bright light a little beyond. – C.H. Spurgeon
Our text above this morning could be summarized by these words, Only when no escape, no fortress or refuge remains for us, and it is apparent no one (mankind) cares for our souls, only then do we cry to the LORD.
Maybe it is about time we cry unto the Lord daily, on the tops of the mountains as well as those deep valleys and dark caves?
NO. 2282, SCRIPTURE: PS. 142 BY C. H. SPURGEON AT THE METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE, NEWINGTON ON LORD’S-DAY EVENING, MAY 18, 1890
PRAYER
In you, O LORD, do we take refuge; let us never be put to shame;Psalm 31:1(ESV) indeed, let none who wait for you be put to shame.Psalm 25:3(ESV)
For God alone our souls wait in silence; from him comes our salvation: He only is our rock and our salvation!Psalm 62:1-2(ESV) In him is our glory, our might, and our refuge; and our hope is from him. Psalm 62:5-7(ESV)
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7(ESV) We will trust in your steadfast love, O God, forever and ever, and will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly. Psalm 52:8-9(ESV)
There is a popular show on TV called The Walking Dead. Although I have never seen an actual episode, the commercial made it clear it is all about the aftermath of an apocalypse and zombies.
While the bible does not specifically refer to the unsaved as “zombies” but when we really think about it that is exactly what we were. Those apart from Christ are walking about the earth with no hope, children of wrath, just waiting for the day of eternal judgment.
SERMON
Today’s sermon comes from Voddie Bauchman, who at the time was Pastoring a church in Houston, TX but now is Dean of Theology at African Christian University in Zambia.
Voddie Baucham: The World, the Flesh, and the Devil
To become a Christian is to be enlisted in a war, one that is fought on three main fronts. In this session, Rev. Voddie Baucham will remind us how the world, the flesh, and the devil work against the kingdom of God. He will explain why battle, struggle, and hardship should not surprise us as Christians.
Sometimes I think God can be quite the trickster. I mean that in no disrespectful way as He does everything for our own good, it’s just sometimes I have to laugh at the approach.
Today’s devotional is a prime example. I have had a song by the Judds, called “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)” running in my head for days and could not figure out why or get it to stop. Then this morning one of my daily reads was from Job 29, and it all made sense.
We all should be familiar with the Book of Job, this rich guy that has it made, and then Satan says to God he is not really faithful. To prove His point God allows Satan to tempt Job and make his life miserable. Stripping Job of all his wealth, family, and comforts.
Here in Chapter 29 specifically in v.1-6 Job talks about those ‘Good old days’ when he had former prosperity when God preserved or watched over him.
Today’s question is what at you longing for that has passed? Is it the same zeal you had when you were first saved? Maybe it is a better prayer life, or a closer relationship with a spouse, family member, friend, neighbor, or co-worker.
The solution of course is trusting is God for like Job. Even in the toughest of times, we can have a heart like Job and say with him “Though He slay me, I will trust in Him”?May God grant us that strength always.
Matthew Henrey’s Method for Prayer
It has been but for a season and when there was need, that I have been in heaviness, through manifold temptations; and I beg that all the trials of my faith may be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen, I love, in whom, though I now see him not, yet believing, I rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, and am longing to receive the end of my faith, even the salvation of my soul. 1 Peter 1:6-9(KJV)
REMINDER the annual 40 Days for Life event began Wednesday September 23rd in Jackson, MS and many cities across America. It ends November 1st
212 LIVES SAVED
FROM ABORTION SINCE SEPTEMBER 23
Please join us in some manner of 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion. Pray, that the women will know the child growing inside them is a creation the Lord has made and that child has a purpose.
•Judge Amy Coney Barrett: “I Believe in the Power of Prayer.” Thank You for “Praying for Me” • Senate Democrats Trash Amy Coney Barrett: The Right to Kill Babies in Abortions “is at Stake” •Catholic Bishop Asks Joe Biden: How Will You Explain Supporting Abortions to God? •Biden Considering Andrew Cuomo for Attorney General Despite Killing 15,000 Nursing Home Residents
More Pro-Life News
•Joy Behar: Amy Barrett Supporters are Racists, Sexists. They Have a “Male White Panic” •Senator Slams Democrats’ Attacks on Amy Coney Barrett’s Christian Faith: It’s “Demeaning to Women” • Planned Parenthood CEO: Amy Coney Barrett is a “Vocal Threat” to Abortion •Feminists Trash Amy Coney Barrett’s Large Family: She Has a “Clown Car Vagina”
REMINDER the annual 40 Days for Life event began Wednesday September 23rd in Jackson, MS and many cities across America.
Please join us in some manner of 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion. Pray, that the women will know the child growing inside them is a creation the Lord has made and that child has a purpose.
Top Stories •Joe Biden Opposes Death Penalty for Terrorists, Supports It For Unborn Babies •President Trump: “Every Child, Born and Unborn, is Made in the Holy Image of God” •White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany Tests Positive For Coronavirus •President Trump Heading Home to White House: “Don’t be Afraid of COVID”
More Pro-Life News •From His Hospital Room, President Trump Urges Americans to “Vote Pro-Life!” •Trump Admin Issues Pro-Life Statement to UN Affirming the “Dignity of All Persons” •Amy Coney Barrett is a Reminder That We Need to Re-Elect President Donald Trump •Charlotte Pence: “Abortion is a Violation of Providing Life to a Human Being”
REMINDER the annual 40 Days for Life event began last Wednesday in Jackson, MS and many cities across America.
Please join us in some manner of 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion. Pray, that the women will know the child growing inside them is a creation the Lord has made and that child has a purpose.
Top Stories •Planned Parenthood Opposes Amy Coney Barrett: “It’s Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Seat, We Demand a No Vote” •Media Attacks Amy Comey Barrett’s Kids: She’s a “White Colonizer” for Adopting Black Children •Liberals Attack Amy Barrett’s Children, Claim Her Kids Were Illegally Adopted •Catholic Bishop: “It is Not Possible to be a Catholic in Good Standing and Support Abortion”
More Pro-Life News •Kamala Harris Opposes Judge Amy Coney Barrett: She Will be a Threat to Abortion •Judge Amy Coney Barrett Blasted Democrats After They Trashed Her Christian Faith •Liberal Media Calls Joe Biden a “Devout” Catholic, Attacks Amy Coney Barrett’s Christian Faith •Catholic Archbishop: Vote Pro-Life, Nothing More Important Than the “Basic Right — to Live”
To read these stories and more visit:LifeNews.com.
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