October 31
Today’s Reading:
Job 22; Mark 7–8
⸻
Scripture Focus
“Submit to God, and you will have peace;
then things will go well for you.
Listen to his instructions, and store them in your heart.
If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored—
so clean up your life.”
— Job 22:21–23 NLT
“Then he said, ‘It is what comes from inside that defiles you.
For from within, out of a person’s heart,
come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,
greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.
All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.’”
— Mark 7:20–23 NLT
⸻
Reflection
Eliphaz’s words in Job 22 contain some truth — yet his application was wrong. He assumed Job’s suffering was punishment for hidden sin. Still, his statement “Submit to God and you will have peace” is a timeless principle when applied rightly. True peace comes from surrendering our hearts to the Lord, not from trying to justify ourselves or appear righteous.
In Mark 7, Jesus exposes the same issue in the Pharisees. They focused on outward behavior — ritual washings and man-made traditions — while their hearts were far from God. The problem wasn’t dirty hands; it was a defiled heart. God desires inner transformation, not religious performance.
When we return to the Almighty with humility and repentance, He restores what sin and pride have damaged. He cleanses the inner life so that outward actions reflect His righteousness and peace.
⸻
Lesson for Me
True submission begins in the heart. It’s not about proving our goodness, but surrendering our will. The same Jesus who fed thousands with compassion also calls us to be emptied of self so He can fill us with His life.
When I let Him deal with what’s inside — my attitudes, motives, and pride — I find peace that no circumstance can steal.
⸻
Application Questions
•What areas of my heart is the Lord asking me to surrender today?
•Have I been more focused on outward appearance than inward obedience?
•How can I “store His instructions” in my heart this week?
⸻
🙏 Prayer
Lord, search my heart and show me what’s within that doesn’t please You. I submit to Your truth and ask You to cleanse me from the inside out. Restore my peace where pride or fear has ruled. Teach me to walk humbly and to reflect Your love in everything I do. Amen.
⸻
Takeaway
🕊️ Peace follows surrender.
When I stop defending myself and start depending on God, my heart becomes clean, and His presence fills my life with rest and renewal.
⸻
🪶 Journaling Reminder
Take a few quiet moments with Jesus. Ask Him to reveal any area of your life where He’s calling you to return and rest in Him. Write down what He shows you and thank Him for the peace that comes through surrender.
Today’s Reading:
Job 22; Mark 7–8
⸻
Scripture Focus
“Submit to God, and you will have peace;
then things will go well for you.
Listen to his instructions, and store them in your heart.
If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored—
so clean up your life.”
— Job 22:21–23 NLT
“Then he said, ‘It is what comes from inside that defiles you.
For from within, out of a person’s heart,
come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,
greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.
All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.’”
— Mark 7:20–23 NLT
⸻
Reflection
Eliphaz’s words in Job 22 contain some truth — yet his application was wrong. He assumed Job’s suffering was punishment for hidden sin. Still, his statement “Submit to God and you will have peace” is a timeless principle when applied rightly. True peace comes from surrendering our hearts to the Lord, not from trying to justify ourselves or appear righteous.
In Mark 7, Jesus exposes the same issue in the Pharisees. They focused on outward behavior — ritual washings and man-made traditions — while their hearts were far from God. The problem wasn’t dirty hands; it was a defiled heart. God desires inner transformation, not religious performance.
When we return to the Almighty with humility and repentance, He restores what sin and pride have damaged. He cleanses the inner life so that outward actions reflect His righteousness and peace.
⸻
Lesson for Me
True submission begins in the heart. It’s not about proving our goodness, but surrendering our will. The same Jesus who fed thousands with compassion also calls us to be emptied of self so He can fill us with His life.
When I let Him deal with what’s inside — my attitudes, motives, and pride — I find peace that no circumstance can steal.
⸻
Application Questions
•What areas of my heart is the Lord asking me to surrender today?
•Have I been more focused on outward appearance than inward obedience?
•How can I “store His instructions” in my heart this week?
⸻
🙏 Prayer
Lord, search my heart and show me what’s within that doesn’t please You. I submit to Your truth and ask You to cleanse me from the inside out. Restore my peace where pride or fear has ruled. Teach me to walk humbly and to reflect Your love in everything I do. Amen.
⸻
Takeaway
🕊️ Peace follows surrender.
When I stop defending myself and start depending on God, my heart becomes clean, and His presence fills my life with rest and renewal.
⸻
🪶 Journaling Reminder
Take a few quiet moments with Jesus. Ask Him to reveal any area of your life where He’s calling you to return and rest in Him. Write down what He shows you and thank Him for the peace that comes through surrender.