JULY 18 - Clear Vision, Clean Heart
3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 20:8–9; Psalm 82; Luke 18
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“A king who sits on the throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes. Who can say, ‘I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin’?” — Proverbs 20:8–9
“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.” — Psalm 82:3
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” — Luke 18:14b
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We live in a world that often judges by outward appearances—how we look, how many likes we get, or how confident we seem. But the Bible reminds us that God sees past the surface. In Proverbs 20, we’re told that even the best leaders can’t claim a perfectly clean heart. Psalm 82 calls out for justice, especially for those who are overlooked or treated unfairly.
And in Luke 18, Jesus tells a story about two people praying—one proud, the other humble—and how only one walks away right with God. Spoiler alert: it’s not the proud guy.
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THINK ABOUT IT
1. Check Your Heart: Do you ever catch yourself trying to look like you have it all together on the outside while struggling on the inside? God isn’t looking for a perfect image—He wants a heart that’s honest and open to Him.
2. Justice Isn’t Just a Trend: Psalm 82 reminds us to care for those who are often ignored—people who are struggling, hurting, or feeling left out. What’s one way you can stand up for someone in need this week?
3. Humility Wins: In Jesus’ parable, the humble man was the one God lifted up. What does humility look like in your everyday life—in your friendships, social media, or when you mess up?
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BOTTOM LINE
God sees our hearts, not just our highlight reels. He calls us to live with humility, care for others, and be real with Him. When we stop pretending and start trusting, He meets us with grace.
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PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for seeing me completely and loving me anyway. Help me to be honest with You about where I struggle. Teach me to care for others the way You care for me, especially those who are hurting or forgotten. Fill my heart with humility and give me the courage to live with compassion and truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
