"HOLDING TRADITIONS?"

Mark 7:1-13         (KJV)
"1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.
2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.
3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, HOLDING THE TRADITION of the elders.
4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, BUT "THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME".
7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
9 And he said unto them, Full well ye REJECT the commandment of GOD, that ye may keep your OWN TRADITION.
10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
13 Making the word of God of NONE EFFECT through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye."

The Holidays are hectic, but enjoyable.  Churches across the world alter the schedules to accommodate musicals, plays, and other productions.  Some of the "programs" are focused on JESUS and HIS teachings.  And some "programs" are focused on other things.

JESUS pointed out to the Pharisees in Mark 7:6 that they could memorize a law with their mind, but their heart was not being affected by it (Isaiah 29:13).  The heart of a person reveals who you serve.  Either you serve CHRIST, or you serve a fake or counterfeit.

One of the enemies most effective tools is getting us so busy, that we don't think we have time to SLOW DOWN to worship and commune with the GOD who created us.  Dr. Charles Stanley says in an interview "Sometimes I will read a scripture for a week or two, trying to find out what GOD is trying to tell me. You say you don't have time; you are too busy.  GOD can lay you out flat of your back and you will have plenty of time for HIM.  That is the key"!

GOD, I pray that I will not get caught up in living my life at the pace of the devil.  I pray that my heart will be in tune with YOUR will for my life, and not what tradition or society dictates.  Help me to be focused on YOUR guidance and direction is, and not what the Pharisees want.  FATHER, I reject traditions, and pledge to keep MY HEART FOCUSED ON YOU!