The World Without
13 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.
15 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.
16 "Woe to you, blind guides! You say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' 17 You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? 18 You also say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.' 19 You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20 Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21 And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. 22 And he who swears by heaven swears by God's throne and by the one who sits on it.
23 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former
Bee's Thoughts:
I have heard that Christianity is not a religion. Why isn't it so? A religion is men looking for God to find their way to heaven by doing good works. Whereas, in Christianity, it is God looking for men to bring them to heaven because no good work can save them; it's God becoming a man to die on behalf of men for their sins.
I won't debate on that term, but it's also true that some Christians do unconsciously treat their faith as a religion, thinking that all their services to God can bring about salvation. I guess the difference is whether in what we do brings life and growth to ourselves and others. Even reading the bible or doing devotion can become a routine with no life if one isn't careful.
My friend's question to me this afternoon made me pondered hard. She asked me, "What is the difference that makes the difference?" - referring to my change of attitude that leads to a more contented and happy me, and therefore enables me to make some progress in my career and financial health compared to how I felt last year.
My reply was, "My 3 months of devotion time with God, letting His words encourage and transform me."
Yes, when my inner world is transformed it will lead to the transformation of my outer world. I see that change in me very clearly... which can also be seen and felt in how I relate with my colleagues at my new work place... "justice, mercy and faithfulness". I surprised myself at my own change actually. I hope I can be a good change agent and manager at my place of work; I hope to see good progress in the change I intend to make for my school by end of next month.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the change You have made in my inner world. Thank You that this change has resulted in the change in my outer world in how I relate with my colleagues and people I know. I pray that my devotion time with You will continue so You can transform me daily. Let it never ever become just a mere religious practice or routine.
I pray that I will be a shinning light at my work place, so that my colleagues will see the difference between me and my predecessors. May your justice, mercy and faithfulness be seen through me.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Tommy's Thoughts:
The Purpose Driven Life, wrote: “The Bible knows nothing of solitary saints or spiritual hermits isolated from other believers and deprived of fellowship”.
Christianity is never about a self-centered goal to achieve personal enlightenment or perfection but about living with, ministering to and touching the lives of others; sometime even difficult peoples. Too often we look at the elements of the Christian life, like discipleship, as a journey primarily being concerned only with us, what we are “becoming".Although it’s necessary for us to cultivate that inner life, our “becoming”, but it should never be the only important or significant part of our journey. We shouldn’t forget about those around us who needs our attention. We must also not lose sight of God and His true commands and teachings because of our overemphasis and focus on improving our own self and solving our personal problems. When we look at the Great Commission, we’ll understand clearly what our obligations are to others:
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Dear Lord, I confess that at times I have turned deaf and blind to those around me who needs my help and encouragement. My mind was so focused on solving my personal problems that I have neglected others. Help me O Lord to be always aware of this; to be other-centered like Christ. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen........the devotion of Bee & Tommy
