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Act-oriented
We are act-oriented when we serve God because we are supposed to. Pressure from the outside leads to conformity of action.
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Heart-oriented
We are heart-oriented when we serve God because we want to. Pressure from the inside (the Spirit's infilling) leads to change of outward behavior.
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| In this case, both our motivation and energy to do these things derive from around us, rather than the living God.
As lovers of God's Word, we sometimes reinforce this perspective because it looks okay. However, it is deadly.
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In this case, both our motivation and power to do these things derive from the person, pleasure and power of God.
As lovers of God's Word, we need to purposely portray the difference of God's life-giving Spirit.
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There are many other kinds of spiritual disciplines; they all are profitable. The focus here, though, is not what they are but why they are doing them. As lovers of God's Word, we sometimes reinforce this perspective because it looks okay. However, it is deadly.
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"And He {Jesus} said to them,
"Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,
'THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS,
BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. '"" (Mark 7:6, NASB)
A Prayer
Dear Lord, Please come and examine my heart. My heart is not pure, but I want it to be. Forgive me for seeking the approval of others and completely ignoring your holy person. I want my love to be on fire for you alone. I want all that I do to come from a great passion for your Name. Lord, you alone can help revive me. Please come and make me be pure in heart for your glory's sake. In Jesus Christ's name I pray. Amen.
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