Daily Reading 12-7-16
Matthew 12:33-37 New Living Translation (NLT)
How important are the words of our mouths? Let’s go to Scripture to read about the connection between our words and our hearts.
The religious leaders accused Jesus of working for Satan; in so doing they sinned against the Holy Spirit. The very leaders who were supposed to encourage God’s people of the coming Messiah, totally sinned against him when he came. Sometimes people just don’t want to recognize the power of God in and through the work of Jesus Christ—the Living Word of God. The Word can offend hardened hearts.
Jesus was always going about doing good; his heart was in sync with the Father and the Spirit. Therefore, his words were truth and his actions righteous. The Word teaches that what we say and do reveals what is in our hearts. Let’s not reject the Living Word.
Matthew 12:33-37
33 “A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. 34 You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. 35 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. 36 And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. 37 The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”
Prayer: Father, I ask for the Spirit to keep a watch over my words that I may not sin against you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.