READ Mark 7
Jesus points out the hypocrisy of observing traditions yet ignoring the Scripture.

INSIGHT
Even the earnest Christian must guard against hypocrisy. How easy it is to sing, “All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give,” and then go out to live with some areas of our lives not given over to Christ. Yet, there is a difference between weakness and rebellion. All of us struggle with weaknesses which we wish we didn’t have and with which we wrestle in the grace of God to overcome. Rebellion expresses itself when we could overcome a sin if we wanted to but make no attempt to do so. The Bible expresses compassion for us in our weaknesses as we cry out to the Lord for greater strength. But God’s Word pronounces a scathing rebuke for hypocrisy and rebellion. We must check our hearts to be certain that our shortcomings are weaknesses and not hypocrisy.

PRAYER
Because the Lord accepts us in spite of our weaknesses, we can praise Him:
But I will hope continually
and will praise you more and more.  
My mouth will tell about your righteousness
and your salvation all day long,
though I cannot sum them up.  
I come because of the mighty acts of the Lord God;
I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone
(Psalm 71:14-16).

As you seek to keep your life free from sin, pray this confession to the Lord:
Come, let’s return to the Lord.  
For he has torn us,  
and he will heal us;  
he has wounded us,
and he will bind up our wounds.  
He will revive us after two days,  
and on the third day he will raise us up
so we can live in his presence
(Hosea 6:1-2).

As you confess your sins, pause to pray this affirmation to the Lord:
You will instruct me and teach me
in the way I should go;
you will guide me with Your eye
(Based on Psalm 32:8).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:

• Greater love for your family
• Evangelism in the United States of America
• Your activities for the day
• Whatever else is on your heart

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice (Romans 15:5-6).