Thursday, June 8, 2017

Morning Moments with God: Day 99 (Matthew 23)

                            Image result for Book of Matthew
Day 99: Hypocrisy

Please read the Bible verses for today:
Matthew 23: 1-12

A Warning Against Hypocrisy

23 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. (Matthew 23:1-4)
I know Jesus is talking to the teachers of the law and Pharisees of His time, but this applies today too. I have met many Christian pastors and Christians in general, that live a hypocritical life. It is difficult to walk the road they say we should walk because we walk it alone- they are not walking alongside us. 
Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others. (Matthew 23:5-7)

(I had to look up what a 'phylacteries' is...)
Image result for what is a phylacteries                Image result for what is a phylacteries
Now, I do not know any Christians that wear phylacteries, or robes and such, but I do know Christians that put on big shows to attract attention, but the message is hollow. It's all a big production, but no tenderness for the Word of God, His people, or the lost. Jesus' words are true today. Be careful. 
But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (Matthew 23:8-12)
Pray with me:
Lord, help me to be true, not hypocritical. Help me to live a life following you in truth and sincerity.Help me to be a woman of integrity through and through.  Help me to fully forgive those who have been hypocritical in my life. Help me to forgive them for laying on me a heavy burden that I could not carry. I forgive them in Jesus' Name. I love you, Lord. In Jesus' Name, Amen. 

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