November 23, 2011 (Matthew 14-16)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.” Matthew 15:9 NASB
Observation: The religious service the Scribes and Pharisees were offering God was man created. They added to the scripture things that were of no eternal value in an effort to make it look like they were holy. There tradition had become their god. The idol of tradition had been set up by them, for them. They were so impressed with their own ideas that it blinded them from seeing the Truth stand right before them.
Application: The precepts of men are still being taught as doctrines today. We add to the scripture and twist it to fit what we have made up in our minds to believe because it feels good. Faith that is based on anything other than God’s Holy Word is faith in vain. Just because we profess something with our mouth, that don’t make it so. Often our worship is in vain because we worship the idol of Christianity instead of the God of heaven. God is a Spirit, and those that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.
Prayer: Our Father which art in heaven, Holy is Your name, we pray for thy kingdom and Your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive all who are indebted to us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Help me Lord to base my faith on nothing but Your Word. May the worship I offer You never be in vain, in Jesus name, Amen!