"Inwardly... a Matter of the Heart."

I ask that we might prove to be a faithful people.  I ask that our hearts my continually be transformed to be more compassionate, gentle, empathetic, patient, and understanding.  I ask that we might know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly.


Romans 2:25-29
25 Circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law; but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. ²⁶So, if those who are uncircumcised keep the requirements of the law, will not their uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? ²⁷Then those who are physically uncircumcised but keep the law will condemn you that have the written code and circumcision but break the law. ²⁸For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is true circumcision something external and physical. ²⁹Rather, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and real circumcision is a matter of the heart—it is spiritual and not literal. Such a person receives praise not from others but from God.


1) "nor is true circumcision something external and physical;" "...a person is a Jew who is one inwardly;" "...real circumcision is a matter of the heart;" "...it is spiritual and not literal;" "...such a person receives praise not from others but from God;"


2) From whom do we seek praise?  We tend to seek praise from others, spiritual praise is too intangible.  Is it possible to be satisfied with spiritual praise, or praise from God?  Can we feel praise from God with out getting conceited or arrogant?  I suppose genuine praise from God wouldn't make us self-important, genuine praise from God would make us more like the way God wants us to be.  Now that would be nice.  It would be nice to be more like God wants me to be.  Life wouldn't be easy, but we would have what we need to engage it more freely and joyfully.  We would be able to sit with Jesus in the bow of the boat while the storms rage and still know peace, and comfort without being overwhelmed with rage, fear, anxiety, or discouragement.


3) What is the invitation in all this?  To seek the praise of God instead of the praise of others.  To know the praise of God, not in self-satisfaction, but in peace, freedom, and joy.


"Holy One, teach us to seek your praise and your praise alone that we might experience life in peace, freedom and joy."


Breathprayer: "inwardly ...a matter of the heart."