Day 283

Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23; John 6:22-71.  “A Changed Heart”

         “The purpose of my instruction is that all the Christians there would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith.” – 1 Timothy 1:5
         Jesus turned the religious system of first century Judaism on its ear.  He was able to look through their traditions and recognize that they were attempting to gain acceptance before God by following extensive lists of rules and regulations governing their external behavior.
         Living an authentic life for the Christian means that our heart and our actions must match.  To practice the externals of religion without a heart that has been changed by God does not make us acceptable before God. 
         Our acceptance before God is dependent entirely upon the change of heart that occurs when we trust in Christ for forgiveness and salvation.  It is this step of faith that allows the Holy Spirit to change us so that our actions will be born out of a heart that beats for God.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?