Checklist for a Healthy Heart – Good News for February 10

Mark 7:14-23

Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.”

When he got home away from the crowd his disciples questioned him about the parable. He said to them, “Are even you likewise without understanding? Do you not realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters not the heart but the stomach and passes out into the latrine?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.)

“But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”

The Daily Path: Just look at that checklist! Too bad we can’t see the same “healthy heart” label that’s plastered on so many food products, also applied to other facets of living.

“Stan, you’re not going to buy another can of envy! Remember what your doctor said? And put those arrogance buns back on the shelf!”

Hungry Man – Good News for February 11

Mark 7:14-23

Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.”

When he got home away from the crowd his disciples questioned him about the parable. He said to them, “Are even you likewise without understanding? Do you not realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters not the heart but the stomach and passes out into the latrine?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.)

“But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”

The Daily Chat: I find myself growing increasingly hungry for a deeper understanding of the spiritual journey. The more I talk with God the hungrier I get. What once seemed so simple is gradually becoming more complex to me. Perhaps this is the weakness in me trying to once again take control of the situation. Maybe it’s normal for someone who has experienced a deep conversion. I don’t know.

One thing I clearly understand: how Jesus’ disciples felt. “Give us a break. We’re trying to understand as best we can.”

Room to Chat: Another hunger exists within me. The desire for more time to reflect. We move at hyper-speed in this country. I feel like a traveler on a Japanese bullet train trying to enjoy a glimpse of beauty just beyond my window. However, the train is traveling so fast it’s difficult to catch any detail of the surroundings. As long periods for contemplation are near impossible to find, the need for the mini-retreat becomes increasingly important to me. Moments of sanctuary to focus on God.