Romans 2:28–29

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Holy Spirit will help us be doers and not just hearers of the Word of God made flesh. He will change us from the inside out.

We are given a new heart when we accept the gift of salvation in Jesus.

It is nothing to do with our sacrifice but everything to do with His.

Son of God, the Lamb of God, the Resurrection and the Life, Alpha and Omega. Phrases that stretch the boundaries of human language in an effort to capture the uncapturable: the grandeur of God. They always fall short. Hearing them is somewhat like hearing a Salvation Army Christmas band on the street corner playing “Handel’s Messiah.” No names do God justice.

Bur there is one name. Jesus. A name so typical, if he were here today, his name might be John or Bob or Jim. He was touchable, approachable, reachable. “Just call me Jesus,” you can almost hear Him say. And those who walked with him remembered him not with a title or designation, but with a name—Jesus! It’s a beautiful name and a powerful name. The day is coming when at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he is Lord! Max Lucado

Lord Jesus,

Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus".
Amen.
Henri J.M. Nouwen

Romans 2:28–29

28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God. The New King James Version

Emphasizes genuine loyalty to God, becoming obedient with mind as well as body. Paul alludes to the prophecy of Jeremiah, who warned the people of Judah to circumcise their hearts. Christ is the one who does this work. This might represent a contrast between the new covenant (the Spirit) and the old covenant (the written code or letter). In Romans 7–8, Paul describes the transfer from life under the law to life under the Spirit. The contrast also refers to the inability of the “letter” to change the heart and the transformative work of the Spirit in the believer’s life. Faithlife Study Bible

Paul pronounces circumcision as being of no value. Circumcision that is only outward is of no avail before God because God wants the outward demonstration to be the sign of an inward reality. Paul’s teaching is consistent with the Law and the Old Testament prophets, for both proclaimed the need for internal circumcision. The change of heart that Paul describes with the image of internal circumcision is the work of the Holy Spirit, not the result of external obedience to the Law. In fact, God condemns external observance if it is not the product of a righteous heart. The NKJV Study Bible

Let us pray that we may be made real Christians, not outwardly, but inwardly; in the heart and spirit, not in the letter; baptized, not with water only, but with the Holy Ghost; and let our praise be, not of men, but of God. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

John 5:44 How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?

John 12:43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.

2 Corinthians 10:18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.