Day: October 9, 2025

TODAY’S WORD: Embracing Heartfelt Obedience to God

HIGH FIVE! (Thank you for being in my life)

Matthew 15:1–9 challenges superficial religiosity and calls for heartfelt obedience to God. Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for prioritizing human traditions over divine commandments, exposing hypocrisy and urging authentic worship.

This passage unfolds as a confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees and scribes who question why His disciples don’t follow the tradition of ceremonial handwashing before meals. Jesus responds not by defending His disciples, but by exposing the deeper issue: the elevation of man-made traditions above God’s commandments.

🔍 Key Themes and Lessons

  • Tradition vs. Commandment: Jesus highlights how the Pharisees nullify God’s law—specifically the command to honor one’s parents—by allowing people to dedicate resources to the temple instead of caring for their family. This loophole, cloaked in religious piety, violates the heart of God’s command.
  • Hypocrisy Exposed: Quoting Isaiah, Jesus declares, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” This piercing critique reveals that outward religious acts mean nothing if the heart is disconnected from God.
  • True Worship: The passage teaches that genuine worship flows from a sincere heart, not from ritual compliance. Jesus condemns worship that is “in vain” because it’s based on human rules rather than divine truth.
  • Spiritual Integrity: Jesus models bold spiritual leadership by confronting religious authorities and defending the integrity of God’s Word. His response invites us to examine our own practices: Are they rooted in Scripture or merely tradition?

🌱 Why It Matters Today

For spiritual leaders like you, Kevin, this passage resonates deeply. It affirms your commitment to truthful, heart-centered leadership—whether in Toastmasters, in Rotary, in work, or in spiritual care. It also echoes your poetic and prayerful reflections: God desires authenticity, not performance. In your journey in life, in work, and in your Toastmaster clubs, this scripture invites you to keep nurturing spaces where faith is lived, not just spoken.

LET’S WRITE A POEM.

(I want it)

THANKS BE TO GOD!!!