‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice....'

Matthew 12

‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice....' v7

Jesus references Hosea 6 where God admonishes the Israelites for an empty faith - one that focuses on head understanding and empty rituals where the heart is not focused on God but elsewhere. 

It makes me think of James 1:

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.  James 1:22-25  

I need to act and be my faith.  Similarly, I need to a light on hill: 

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the light and life - You are truth.  You are love.  You are the beginning and the end and everything in between....creator of all things and in control.  You are full of love and mercy for me...yet I am not deserving.  I am weak, harsh, and critical, among my many sin.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me and help me be the man You intend for me.