DCLM Daily Manna 6 June 2024 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Matter Of The Heart
TOPIC: Matter Of The Heart (DCLM Daily Manna 6 June 2024)
KEY VERSE: “And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man” (Mark 7:20).
TEXT: Mark 7:14-23 (KJV)
14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
17 And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.
18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
MESSAGE:
An anonymous preacher once said, “The heart is like a container of fruits. Its contents are determined by the quality of preservatives. Bad preservatives produce rotten fruits; good ones return quality produce.”
The condition of a man’s heart certainly determines how acceptable his person or service would be to God. Jesus denounced the erroneous teaching of the religious bigots of His day. According to Him, it is not what a person consumes that defiles but what comes out of the man. He further explained that what we eat goes through the normal process of digestion, assimilation and waste elimination. According to Him, from the heart comes vices like evil thoughts, adulteries, fornication, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness.
Many seek to serve God but have no relationship with Him. They are corrupt and defiled within and need regeneration of the heart. No man can cleanse his heart without the operation of God’s Spirit within. Little wonder Jesus said that unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Outward observance of religious tenets and zealous commitment to philanthropic activism, without conversion and corresponding inner purity, renders such activities unacceptable before God.
God is ever willing to transform the hearts of all who are eager. Because you are incompetent, He provides the way out of the corrupt heart so you can offer acceptable service to Him. Come to Him humbly and acknowledge your state; believe that the sacrifice of Jesus is sufficient for your cleansing; pray in faith and He will cleanse you and make you whiter than snow.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
1 Chronicles 21-24
Deeper Life Daily Manna was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
