# 470 - Today's Living Word comes from: Mr 7:21-23 "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, "thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. "All these evil things come from within and defile a man."
As we wrap up this section of Scripture I pray that we all have a better understanding of what these “evil things” are that defile a man. It is far too easy to read these lists of evil things and gloss over them because they are words that have lost their true meaning. They just don't “compute” with our intellect. When we do that, we often fall into the trap of thinking that they are archaic and don't apply to us.
But there is nothing archaic about sin. And I don't know about you, but as I seek to understand the real meaning of these terms, I find that there is no escaping the fact that I am a sinner in desperate need of a Savior. It's at times like these, that the Holy Spirit moves me to the place of the publican who stood in the back of the temple beating his breast and praying. “God have mercy on me...a sinner.” And the Good News is He will.
As Jesus said in Lu 18:14 "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
That's where I want to be.....justified! How about you?
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Friday, July 8, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
A Nation of Fools
# 469 - Today's Living Word comes from: Mr 7:21,22 "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, "thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.
Last on this list of “evil things,” is foolishness. Wait a minute! Foolishness is an “evil thing?” “Thou shalt not be foolish? Where's that in the ten commandments? What does Jesus mean here?
Strong's concordance uses the word “folly.” The Apostle Paul uses the same word in 2 Cor 11:1. He says, “ Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly--” and then he goes on to uncharacteristically use the personal pronouns “I” “me” and “myself” 48 times in this chapter.
In 2 Cor 12:11 he says, “I have become a fool in boasting;” which could be restated, “I am foaming at the mouth in all my boasting. In other words, it is sheer madness to boast about yourself as if you had anything to do with your accomplishments apart from God.
Ro 1:21 says it best, “because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their FOOLISH hearts were darkened.” This is the sin of foolishness.
It is an evil thing to live without glorifying God and giving Him thanks. Please take the time to read the rest of Romans 1 and see where such living leads.
Ro 1:22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,
25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them............
Does any of this stuff sound familiar? Perhaps we have become a nation of fools.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Last on this list of “evil things,” is foolishness. Wait a minute! Foolishness is an “evil thing?” “Thou shalt not be foolish? Where's that in the ten commandments? What does Jesus mean here?
Strong's concordance uses the word “folly.” The Apostle Paul uses the same word in 2 Cor 11:1. He says, “ Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly--” and then he goes on to uncharacteristically use the personal pronouns “I” “me” and “myself” 48 times in this chapter.
In 2 Cor 12:11 he says, “I have become a fool in boasting;” which could be restated, “I am foaming at the mouth in all my boasting. In other words, it is sheer madness to boast about yourself as if you had anything to do with your accomplishments apart from God.
Ro 1:21 says it best, “because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their FOOLISH hearts were darkened.” This is the sin of foolishness.
It is an evil thing to live without glorifying God and giving Him thanks. Please take the time to read the rest of Romans 1 and see where such living leads.
Ro 1:22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,
25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them............
Does any of this stuff sound familiar? Perhaps we have become a nation of fools.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Spittin' On Jesus
# 468 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 7:21,22 "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, "thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.
Next on the list of “evil things,” is pride. In the Greek it is defined as haughtiness or arrogance. It is the character trait of one who, with a swollen estimate of his own powers or merits, looks down on others and even treats them with insolence and contempt. This pride breaks out in actions and attitudes that “spits” on others.
Oh, you know these others. You see them every day and you may not physically spit on them, but your attitude toward them does. It is an evil thing to believe that somehow God has chosen to make you superior to others. And when that evil seeks to get a place in your heart and foment an attitude of superiority toward others, you and I need to go to the foot of the cross and take a good look at Jesus.
Is that some spit I see on Him? (Mr 14:65 Then some began to spit on Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him,) I believe it is. Is some of it mine? I'm afraid so.
Friend as we see what Jesus had to do for our sin, how can we be haughty. Who could we possibly spit on now?
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Next on the list of “evil things,” is pride. In the Greek it is defined as haughtiness or arrogance. It is the character trait of one who, with a swollen estimate of his own powers or merits, looks down on others and even treats them with insolence and contempt. This pride breaks out in actions and attitudes that “spits” on others.
Oh, you know these others. You see them every day and you may not physically spit on them, but your attitude toward them does. It is an evil thing to believe that somehow God has chosen to make you superior to others. And when that evil seeks to get a place in your heart and foment an attitude of superiority toward others, you and I need to go to the foot of the cross and take a good look at Jesus.
Is that some spit I see on Him? (Mr 14:65 Then some began to spit on Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him,) I believe it is. Is some of it mine? I'm afraid so.
Friend as we see what Jesus had to do for our sin, how can we be haughty. Who could we possibly spit on now?
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The Blasphemy of God and Others
# 467 - Today's Living Word comes from: Mr 7:21,22 "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, "thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.
Next on the list of “evil things,” is blasphemy. Here's another word we just don't use very much anymore. When it is used, we take it to mean any kind of trash talking toward God, but if we limit this sin to mere words, we have failed to grasp the true meaning of the word.
To blaspheme someone is to “say something or ACT in a way that causes them to be viewed as having less importance or having less value. Be careful of how you speak about God. Be careful of how you act or behave. Seek to speak and act in ways that are in accordance with His Word and thereby bring glory to His name.
But this “evil thing,” of blasphemy is not restricted to trash talking God! It is words or actions that defame the character of any and all people made in the image of God! To speak evil of another or to act evil toward another is is to speak evil and act evilly toward God Creator.
In Luther's explanation of the eight commandment, “thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor,” he said, “We should fear and love God so that we do not deceitfully lie about, betray, backbite, nor slander our neighbor but defend him, speak well of him, and put the most charitable construction on all that he does.”
This saying from Luther ought to be on a plaque above every water cooler, in every break room, and on every electronic device that we use to enter today's social media venues. Because if we would seek to do these things we would avoid the sin of blasphemy against others, (which is really blasphemy against their Creator)
And let it be your motto the next time the conversation turns to the shortcomings of others.
By the way, this is not an unforgivable sin. The only unforgivable sin is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and if you are concerned that you have committed it....you haven't. For more on the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit read my blog at todayslivingword.blogspot.com for January 21, 2011
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Next on the list of “evil things,” is blasphemy. Here's another word we just don't use very much anymore. When it is used, we take it to mean any kind of trash talking toward God, but if we limit this sin to mere words, we have failed to grasp the true meaning of the word.
To blaspheme someone is to “say something or ACT in a way that causes them to be viewed as having less importance or having less value. Be careful of how you speak about God. Be careful of how you act or behave. Seek to speak and act in ways that are in accordance with His Word and thereby bring glory to His name.
But this “evil thing,” of blasphemy is not restricted to trash talking God! It is words or actions that defame the character of any and all people made in the image of God! To speak evil of another or to act evil toward another is is to speak evil and act evilly toward God Creator.
In Luther's explanation of the eight commandment, “thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor,” he said, “We should fear and love God so that we do not deceitfully lie about, betray, backbite, nor slander our neighbor but defend him, speak well of him, and put the most charitable construction on all that he does.”
This saying from Luther ought to be on a plaque above every water cooler, in every break room, and on every electronic device that we use to enter today's social media venues. Because if we would seek to do these things we would avoid the sin of blasphemy against others, (which is really blasphemy against their Creator)
And let it be your motto the next time the conversation turns to the shortcomings of others.
By the way, this is not an unforgivable sin. The only unforgivable sin is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and if you are concerned that you have committed it....you haven't. For more on the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit read my blog at todayslivingword.blogspot.com for January 21, 2011
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Monday, July 4, 2011
What is the Sin of the Evil Eye?
# 466 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 7:21,22 "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, "thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.
Next on the list of “evil things,” is an evil eye. What? When's the last time you heard a sermon warning you about having an evil eye? What is Jesus talking about here?
One of the helpful sayings for understanding Scripture is: “Scripture interprets Scripture.” In other words, it is helpful to use cross-references when studying Scripture. Are there other places in Scripture where the “evil eye” is mentioned?
In Mt 20:15 we read, 'Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your “eye evil” because I am good?' The occasion of this passage is a parable that Jesus was telling about the laborers who worked for one hour and received the same pay as those who worked all day. Those who worked all day were complaining about this arrangement. Their sin was envy, and Jesus called it “an evil eye.”
This is a great evil. Don't believe me? Read the Book of Genesis sometime and see it raise it's ugly head in Cain's heart. Envious of Abel, he rises up and kills his own brother! Then there was Esau, who swore vengeance on his brother because Jacob received the blessing of Isaac. Then there were Joseph's brothers. They would've killed him for envy over their father's preferential treatment of Joseph, but they sold him into slavery instead.
Oh, beware of the evil eye! See it raise up in your own heart whenever you feel you've been treated unfairly. If it is not curbed it can lead you to do horrible things to other people in word and deed.
When you struggle with the evil eye, the cure is to look at the cross and see what unfair treatment is really about. Has anyone ever been that unfairly treated? Why should Jesus have to die for our sins? What did He do?
You and I will never be that unfairly treated, and that is reason enough to put aside the sin of “the evil eye.” Rather than fall into the trap of the evil eye, let us fall into the arms of Jesus. He could've given us the “evil eye,” we deserved it, but He didn't. He gave us mercy and forgiveness.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Next on the list of “evil things,” is an evil eye. What? When's the last time you heard a sermon warning you about having an evil eye? What is Jesus talking about here?
One of the helpful sayings for understanding Scripture is: “Scripture interprets Scripture.” In other words, it is helpful to use cross-references when studying Scripture. Are there other places in Scripture where the “evil eye” is mentioned?
In Mt 20:15 we read, 'Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your “eye evil” because I am good?' The occasion of this passage is a parable that Jesus was telling about the laborers who worked for one hour and received the same pay as those who worked all day. Those who worked all day were complaining about this arrangement. Their sin was envy, and Jesus called it “an evil eye.”
This is a great evil. Don't believe me? Read the Book of Genesis sometime and see it raise it's ugly head in Cain's heart. Envious of Abel, he rises up and kills his own brother! Then there was Esau, who swore vengeance on his brother because Jacob received the blessing of Isaac. Then there were Joseph's brothers. They would've killed him for envy over their father's preferential treatment of Joseph, but they sold him into slavery instead.
Oh, beware of the evil eye! See it raise up in your own heart whenever you feel you've been treated unfairly. If it is not curbed it can lead you to do horrible things to other people in word and deed.
When you struggle with the evil eye, the cure is to look at the cross and see what unfair treatment is really about. Has anyone ever been that unfairly treated? Why should Jesus have to die for our sins? What did He do?
You and I will never be that unfairly treated, and that is reason enough to put aside the sin of “the evil eye.” Rather than fall into the trap of the evil eye, let us fall into the arms of Jesus. He could've given us the “evil eye,” we deserved it, but He didn't. He gave us mercy and forgiveness.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Lascivio What?
# 465 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 7:21,22 "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, "thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.
Next on the list of “evil things,” is lewdness. The King James uses the word, “lasciviousness” here and it's a better choice of words simply because modern day usage of the term, “lewdness” restricts this “evil thing” to improper sexual behavior. It's more than that.
A good picture of modern day “lewdness” would be the Mardi Gras in New Orleans. This annual event is a snapshot of unrestrained sensuality. The term lasciviousness, on the other hand, means “readiness for all pleasure.” There is a subtle difference.
A lascivious person is one who acknowledges no restraints. They are governed by sensual impulses rather than the Word of God. If it feels good, they WILL do it. Lewdness may break out, but lasciviousness is never corralled in the first place. It is in total bondage to the flesh.
I don't like to picture myself parading down Bourbon Street in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, but that's what I must look like to my heavenly Father whenever I lose His gift of self-control and OVERINDULGE in any and all sensual pleasures.
“Father, thank You for all that is good and pleasant. I acknowledge that my flesh would live on nothing but pleasure if it could. Forgive me for those times when I give in to my flesh and serve it and love it more than You. Help me to enjoy those good and pleasant things You provide and at the same time learn to exercise your gift of self-control. In Jesus name, Amen
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Next on the list of “evil things,” is lewdness. The King James uses the word, “lasciviousness” here and it's a better choice of words simply because modern day usage of the term, “lewdness” restricts this “evil thing” to improper sexual behavior. It's more than that.
A good picture of modern day “lewdness” would be the Mardi Gras in New Orleans. This annual event is a snapshot of unrestrained sensuality. The term lasciviousness, on the other hand, means “readiness for all pleasure.” There is a subtle difference.
A lascivious person is one who acknowledges no restraints. They are governed by sensual impulses rather than the Word of God. If it feels good, they WILL do it. Lewdness may break out, but lasciviousness is never corralled in the first place. It is in total bondage to the flesh.
I don't like to picture myself parading down Bourbon Street in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, but that's what I must look like to my heavenly Father whenever I lose His gift of self-control and OVERINDULGE in any and all sensual pleasures.
“Father, thank You for all that is good and pleasant. I acknowledge that my flesh would live on nothing but pleasure if it could. Forgive me for those times when I give in to my flesh and serve it and love it more than You. Help me to enjoy those good and pleasant things You provide and at the same time learn to exercise your gift of self-control. In Jesus name, Amen
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Planned Lying
# 464 - Today's Living Word comes from: Mr 7:21 "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, "thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit..... (Mr 7:21,22) Next on the list of “evil things,” is deceit. When you and I hear the word deceit, we automatically thing of lying. But deceit goes much deeper than mere lying. The word in the Greek means, “to decoy or trick with bait.” Deceit might be called “planned lying.” It's an attempt to cover our sins by covering our tracks. And so we take precautionary measures hoping no one will see us enter the abortion clinic, or the motel room, or the internet chat room or the porn site.
We scheme against others and sometimes ourselves in order to get something we feel we need. The heart's bent toward deception plays out in so many different scenarios. We see it in advertising, relationships, false prophets, and even in justifying our own sins. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us that , "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” And 1 Jn 1:8 we read, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
The covering or justifying of our own sins is perhaps our deadliest deception. Listen to the words of David as he dealt with the pain of hiding his sins of adultery and murder: When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long. (Ps 32:3) In denying his sin, who was he really deceiving? Himself!
Are you guilty of deceit? Here's the solution. Admit your sin! It's what David did when God sent the prophet Nathan to him to confront him on his sin. He said, "I have sinned against the LORD." (2 Sam 12:13) And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die”
Don't let deceit get the upper hand in your life, there is no sin that you or I have committed that the Lord won't forgive. Cling to the promise of 1 Jn 1:9 and put it into practice! 1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
We scheme against others and sometimes ourselves in order to get something we feel we need. The heart's bent toward deception plays out in so many different scenarios. We see it in advertising, relationships, false prophets, and even in justifying our own sins. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us that , "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” And 1 Jn 1:8 we read, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
The covering or justifying of our own sins is perhaps our deadliest deception. Listen to the words of David as he dealt with the pain of hiding his sins of adultery and murder: When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long. (Ps 32:3) In denying his sin, who was he really deceiving? Himself!
Are you guilty of deceit? Here's the solution. Admit your sin! It's what David did when God sent the prophet Nathan to him to confront him on his sin. He said, "I have sinned against the LORD." (2 Sam 12:13) And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die”
Don't let deceit get the upper hand in your life, there is no sin that you or I have committed that the Lord won't forgive. Cling to the promise of 1 Jn 1:9 and put it into practice! 1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
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