Out of the heart of men proceed words and actions

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness (Mark 7:21–22 KJV)

out of the  hearts of men showing water coming out of  a faucet

Jesus made the remarkable statement above that highlights the preeminence of our hearts in our daily activities. In essence, He said thoughts, words, and actions proceed from a man’s heart! There is so much to talk about in this verse, but I would like to focus on the word “proceed” in this devotional.

The verb “proceed” in this context means “to go out.” Think of water coming out of the tap into the sink in the kitchen. The faucet is the origin or source from which the water proceeds. However, note that the word “proceed” is used in this verse to describe spiritual and not physical entities. That is, it is used in a metaphorical sense. How do thoughts “go out of” somewhere? Or how does adultery go out of its source?  

‘Proceed” describes the activity of the spirit. It is used here to describe the action or moving of the human spirit. In John 15:26, Jesus uses the same word to describe the moving or activity of the Holy Spirit proceeding or going forth from the Father. This word describes a mystery of human life, how our personality flows out of our hearts for people around us to see. If you can catch this mystery, John 7:38 will become life-transforming to you:

“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38 KJV)

Jesus said out of your belly, rivers of living water (the Holy Spirit) will flow out or proceed. Why? The Holy Spirit is now in your human spirit as one and so proceeds out of you like a river. How does He proceed? Thoughts, words you speak, and your actions!

MEDITATE

I have condensed a handful of profound spiritual truths in the devotional above for the sake of brevity. Please take a moment to reflect on what you have just read.

APPLY THE WORD

Waters are pouring out from your belly every day, whether living or deadly. As believers, living waters should flow out to refresh the world around you.

PRAY

Ask the Father to help you make your heart a source of living waters for the world around you to drink and live.

RTB-1 Forum just launched! RTB-1 is our code name given for Reading Through the Bible in One Year. I highly recommend you adopt this simple yet profoundly spiritual practice. We have created a forum to be a community of Spirit-filled believers all reading through the Bible, sharing their experiences, encouraging and supporting each other. Whether you are currently following a plan, still thinking about it or wondering if you should start now, this forum will give you the encouragement and tenacity often needed to do this simple task and take it to the end. Well, no need to wait any further..This is the Forum Link. Let us know where you are…

Free Mini E-book: From Spiritual Dryness to Flourishing
Spiritual Dryness – Website After Content

Overcome Spiritual Dryness and Start Flourishing Today!
  1. Instant download is available in multiple e-book formats: PDF, Kindle, Nook, etc.
  2. Quick & Concise read: finish in less than 15 minutes. 
  3. Powerful inspiration and encouragement to ignite your desire to draw close to God.
  4. Free e-book with profound and life-changing insights.

Spiritual Dryness 3d cover
Navigation Guide
You are Here

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.