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CALLED OUT

“Do not trust in deceptive words and say, ‘This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord!’” Jeremiah 7:4 (NKJV). The point of this passage and its surrounding context is the tendency of God’s people to focus on “forms and places of worship” instead of their personal attitudes and behaviors while in them. Few genuine believers would admit to false religious behavior, but God holds no such prohibitions; a good read of Jeremiah makes that perfectly clear. In fact, it makes me wince. I personally love the church in all its splendid diversity, from cathedrals to home groups, from massive gatherings to a gathering of a few for a bible study over coffee. But falsehood knows no limits and can appear in any setting. Yes, we are the “Called Out Ones” as people of faith, but not only by mission, we're also “CALLED OUT” by God’s Fatherly scrutiny. LORD, thank you for the cleansing power and light of Your Word and Spirit. I welcome Your loving discipline. Make me a man who pleases You in what, where and how I do it.

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