Today's Verse: Mark 7:15

Wednesday, July 15, 1964

[Jesus challenged the outward show of religiosity among religious people who were ignoring their inner need to be humble and pure before God. He said:] "Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.'"
— Mark 7:15
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We get so hung up on externals, appearances, and facades. Jesus cuts to the core of God's concern - our spiritual heart condition. He wants us to focus not only on what we put in our bodies but also on what we allow to grow in our hearts and simmer in our heads. Most of us need our inner world to receive our most earnest attention and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. So, let's be honest and ask if we are spending as much time focusing on our inner world as we are focusing on our external appearance and how we appear to others! In a world constantly preening for acceptance on social media, this may be one of the most critical spiritual challenges of our times.

My Prayer...

O God, who searches minds and hearts, may the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you. I offer you my inner world to cleanse and redecorate by the sanctifying work of your Holy Spirit. Please guard my heart from evil ambitions and my mind from impure thoughts. I want my inner life and outer deeds to glorify you and honor Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

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2 Related Resources by Heartlight

In or Out
Illustration of Mark 7:15
Inspirational illustration of Mark 7:15 -- Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.'
What Truly Defiles
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. "All of you listen," he said, "and try to understand. It's not what goes into your body that defiles...."

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 7:15 — [Jesus challenged the outward show of religiosity among religious people who were ignoring their inner need to be humble and pure before God. He said:] "Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.'"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, July 15, 1964

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'In a High and Holy Place' (Is. 57:15)
"The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: "I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Colossians 3:17
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
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'God Will Ultimately Elevate His Obedient People'
"Now it shall be, if you diligently listen to and obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all of His commandments which I am..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'The Emotional Truth' (Mt. 27:27-31)
"Some of the governor's soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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