🕊️ Daily Devotion – Encouragement from God’s Word
Each day, the New Modern Version (NMV) Daily Devotion brings you a carefully selected verse from the New Testament — with a clarified meaning, personal reflection, guided prayer, and journal prompt. Whether you’re starting your morning with Scripture or ending your day in reflection, these devotions help you connect with God’s Word in a clear and faithful way.
Unlike traditional devotionals, the NMV presents Scripture in modern language without losing the depth and accuracy of the original Greek. Experience daily encouragement that is easy to understand and rooted in truth.
Start your daily walk with God now:
📖 Verse of the Day
💬 Clarified Meaning
In Mark 7:18, Jesus is addressing His disciples, who are struggling to understand His teaching about purity. In Jewish tradition, many external rituals were believed to affect a person’s spiritual cleanliness. Jesus clarifies that true defilement comes from within a person, not from external sources like food. He shifts the focus from ritualistic practices to the heart's condition.
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🔍 Reflection
In our spiritual journey, we often worry about external appearances and behaviors, thinking they define our faith. However, Jesus calls us to examine our hearts. Our purity isn't determined by what we eat or drink, but by the thoughts and intentions that originate within us. This teaching encourages us to cultivate a heart aligned with God's will, focusing on inner transformation. As we seek wisdom, let us prioritize the renewing of our hearts and minds over outward conformity.
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🙏 Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching me that true purity comes from within. Help me to focus on my heart's condition and to seek Your wisdom in all things. Cleanse me from within, and guide my thoughts and intentions to reflect Your love and righteousness. Amen.
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✍️ Journal Prompt
- What areas of my life have I focused too much on external appearances rather than internal transformation?
- How can I invite God to help me purify my heart and thoughts today?
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🧠 Greek or Cultural Insight
The Greek word for "defile" is **κοινοῦν (koinoun)**. It is derived from **κοινός (koinos)**, which means "common" or "unclean." In Jewish tradition, something "common" could become ritually impure and unfit for participation in worship. Jesus uses this term to challenge the traditional views of ritual purity, emphasizing that true defilement is spiritual rather than physical. This understanding shifts the focus from external rituals to the purity of one's heart and intentions.