Most religions have many external traditions to make man right with God.

Most religions have many external traditions to make man right with God

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17 ESV

They reason, “If a man DOES, he shall live.” Jesus countered that practice: “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and Pharisees. You are so careful to clean the outside of the cup…but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence!” (Matthew 23:25) Man has sought to appease God by bringing THINGS to God. But God does not want THINGS.

He wants our heart or our human will to be broken or yielded to Him. Contrast these two personalities in the Bible: First, the proud and very religious, ceremonial Pharisee! He prayed, “I thank you, God, I am not like those awful tax collectors. Let me tell You everything (external) that I do” and he proceeded to list his external activities! But the sinful tax collector was so broken in spirit he would not even look up to heaven.

He bowed his head (and his heart) and prayed, “Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner!” (Luke 18) Jesus said, “Only the tax collector went home right with God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.“ Let’s ask ourselves, “Am I primarily an external or internal person? How is my heart and will before God?” Remember: God’s measurement is the only proper measurement.

Tom Swartzwelder

Sep 4, 2024 – On September 3, 2024, Tom Swartzwelder completed the race that God had set before him. He is now with Jesus, the author and finisher of his faith.’

Hebrews 12:1-2A

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

He provides practical how-to-do-ministry resources for the disciples of Jesus Christ at http://www.godsgreenhouse.net. Tom’s latest book is “God Speaks–Today!”