Hypocrisy — Where does it come from?

Tags

Deceitful, Heart, Hypocrisy, Jesus, Mark 7, Teachings

Jesus is clear. Jesus hates hypocrites. Jesus calls it out all the time. My contempt allows me to ignore its reality in my life. I must change my mind (aka repent). This is imperative!

Hypocrisy is an outward pretense masking an inner reality. Jesus condemns hypocrisy, especially in matters of faith. Followers of Jesus are to express our commitment to God in our words and our deeds, as well as in our inner motivation. There should always be alignment of the heart, the mind and my actions.

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“Why are you such cowards? Don’t you have any faith at all?” ~Jesus

Tags

Faith, Heart, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 4

It was a nice day for a boat ride. I’ve been on them before. It is a beautiful day. You take off. You didn’t know there was a storm brewing that you couldn’t see. It turns ugly. Real ugly.

• Jesus knew what was going to happen. Jesus didn’t warn anyone. “Life” is going to happen. There will be storms. Jesus doesn’t protect us from going through them.
• Jesus sleeps through it all. Jesus knew how it would all end. Jesus had faith that God would see him through it all. God did.
• The disciples heart is revealed. They don’t think Jesus cares. I am the same way. Some days I find it hard to believe, based on the storm I am seeing, that God cares at all.
• Jesus diagnoses the problem as a lack of faith. The real problem I have is one of faith. I can chose to believe that God doesn’t care or that he does.
• Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus speaks the word and the storm calms down completely. Nothing is impossible with God.

Late that day he said to them, “Let’s go across to the other side.” They took him in the boat as he was. Other boats came along. A huge storm came up. Waves poured into the boat, threatening to sink it. And Jesus was in the stern, head on a pillow, sleeping! They roused him, saying, “Teacher, is it nothing to you that we’re going down?”

Awake now, he told the wind to pipe down and said to the sea, “Quiet! Settle down!” The wind ran out of breath; the sea became smooth as glass. Jesus reprimanded the disciples: “Why are you such cowards? Don’t you have any faith at all?”

They were in absolute awe, staggered. “Who is this, anyway?” they asked. “Wind and sea at his beck and call!”

Source: Mark 4:35-41

Coward definition

“Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Heart, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 4, Vigilant, Wise Sayings

Heart’s Focus

Jesus challenges me to be vigilant. If I don’t pay attention, I will drift. Jesus has given me the way of wisdom. May I pay attention and not reject him.

Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.” ~King Solomon | Source: Proverbs 4:23

I must watch over my heart. The main thing to pay attention to is my heart. From my heart comes what I think, what I say and what I do. It starts with my heart.

Life starts with my heart. It is easy to believe my heart isn’t important but it is the key. David knew it. Solomon knew it. Jesus focused on it and challenges me to pay attention.

David was known as a man after God’s own heart. May I learn enough to have that said of me. Now that is a real goal to have.

The good news is the Jesus gives me a new heart. I am a new creation in Him. That is amazing to consider. I have been born again.

According to the Bible, the heart is the center not only of spiritual activity, but of all the operations of human life.

The heart is the “home of the personal life,” and hence a man is designated, according to his heart, wise, upright and righteous, pious and good.

The heart is also the seat of the conscience. It is naturally wicked, and hence it can contaminate my whole life and character. Hence the heart must be changed, regenerated, before a man can willingly obey God.

The process of salvation begins in the heart by the believing reception of the testimony of God, while the rejection of that testimony hardens the heart. “Hardness of heart” evidences itself by light views of sin; partial acknowledgment and confession of it; pride and conceit; ingratitude; unconcern about the word and ordinances of God; inattention to divine providences; stifling convictions of conscience; shunning reproof; presumption, and general ignorance of divine things.”

We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things.  Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God. | 1 John 3:19–21 (NASB95)

Have a mind unafraid to travel with Jesus even though the trail be not blazed

Tags

Friends, Heart, Jesus, Prayer

Get on your knees and pray

A  Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anonymous

Dear Lord, please give me…

A few friends who understand me and remain my friends;

A work to do which has real value,
without which the world would be the poorer;

A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed;
An understanding heart;

A sense of humor;

Time for quiet, silent meditation;

A feeling of the presence of God;

The patience to wait for the coming of these things,
With the wisdom to recognize them when they come.

Amen.

“Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God!” ~King Solomon

Tags

Heart, King Solomon, Proverbs 3, Trust, Wise Sayings

I think I am pretty clever some days. I think I can figure it all out.

AND then I run into the wall with something and I realize I am not as clever as I like to think I am. My understanding is not what our LORD wants.

If the victory is to be His, I have to trust Him with all my heart. I have to emotionally connect with what He wants not what I understand.

May I trust him from the bottom of my heart.

May I do it now.

What is He saying?

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! (Proverbs 3:5 The Message Bible)

“Are you being willfully stupid?” ~Jesus

Tags

Heart, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 7, Truth

Some days I just don’t get it. Am I being willfully stupid?

Jesus knows the truth. It is not what I eat that causes contamination inside me. It is what is in my heart that is the issue. That is what counts.

What is in my heart will be demonstrated then in what I think, next in what I say and finally in what I do.

It all works from the inside out.

May I have a heart after God. May nothing else matter.

Jesus said, ‘Are you being willfully stupid?’ …. Mark 7:14-23

“A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.” ~~Nelson Mandela

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Head, Heart, Nelson Mandela

Jesus knows it is all about the heart. Jesus challenges us to get right with the core of who we are, out heart, as children of God.

Once we have our heart right, what we think and what we say can follow. That level of alignment is what we know of as integrity. As mature children, it is essential.

“A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.” ~~Nelson Mandela

“A heartless Christian must be a terrible grief to our Lord.” ~~Oswald Chambers

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Heart, Heartless, Jesus, Love, Oswald Chambers

A man after God’s heart

I have a new heart. God has said it. Do I believe it? Do I act like it?

I can’t afford to be heartless. I must be like David and have a heart after God. I must live a life of passion and love for Jesus.

I must love, from my heart, everyone I come in contact with. To not do so is to disobey Jesus. And that must bring him grief. How sad.

I  must be a person with heart.

A heartless Christian must be a terrible grief to our Lord.” ~~Oswald Chambers

“It’s who you are in your heart, not what you say and do, that counts.” ~Jesus

Tags

Fruit, Heart, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 6

I don’t like wormy apples. No one does. It is just not right. The ultimate gross out for sure.

I love fresh, juicy apples. So, I must begin with my heart. I want healthy fruit.

So what is in my heart? Do I long for what counts? Am I starting with what matters and working from there?

May I have healthy fruit that comes from a pure heart. May my true being spill forth from my heart.

You don’t get wormy apples off a healthy tree, nor good apples off a diseased tree. The health of the apple tells the health of the tree. You must begin with your own heart. It’s who you are in your heart, not what you say and do, that counts. Your true being brims over into true words and deeds. Luke 6:43-45

“I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace.” ~Jesus

Tags

Heart, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 16, Messiah, Peace, Trust

The peace of Jesus

Jesus knows me. He knows everything about me. I have no secrets from Jesus.

Jesus knows what I am about to do. Many times, I don’t know what I am about to do. Jesus does and he wants me to trust him.

Jesus knows I am self-centered. He knows I will look after my own interest and not seek to know what Jesus wants me to do.

Jesus knows himself. Jesus knows he is the son of God and that God has his best interests at heart. Jesus is God-confident.

Jesus challenges me to trust him. That is the main thing about the main thing. I must find a way to trust Jesus.

Jesus promises me, if I trust him, that I will be unshakable and at peace. Peace can be mine. If I don’t have it, it is probably due to a lack of trust in Jesus.

Jesus promises me that I am going to experience difficulty. It is going to come my way. It is right around the corner.

Jesus assures me he has conquered the world. I should take heart and trust Jesus.

Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.

Source: John 16:33 MSG – Jesus answered them, “Do you finally – Bible Gateway

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” ~King Solomon

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Fruit, Heart, Hope, Jesus, Longing, Proverbs 13, Tree of life, Wise Sayings

In the middle of the night, I cry out to you O God. There is a longing in my heart for you. It just won’t go away. I can’t put it off. I don’t want to defer it to another time. Delay is not right at all. I want my heart to be whole and well. And so I seek you. I cry out to you.

When I don’t have the energy any longer, I know you do. When I don’t feel I can go on, I know you did and so I can. Your strength is my hope. Your courage is all I need.

Jesus, you are so good to fulfill my longing for what I need. You are a tree of life. Your love is a very healthy tree. The fruit so luscious. There is plenty for me. It’s branches just keep spreading out for me to take the fruit.

Jesus, your love is so enduring. My heart is whole because of you!! You are love. Your new agreement with me is based on your love.

May my longing for you produce the fruit of a right living life. May your rest be my peace.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

Good news for men with broken hearts

Tags

God is Good, Good News, Heart, Isaiah 61, Jesus

Men are supposed to be strong. And yet, our hearts get broken. There is good news though. Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted. And, He does.

The condition of a man’s broken hear has never better said than by Hank Williams in his classic, “Men with Broken Hearts”. I have been meditating lately on Isaiah 61 (see below) and Hank’s song came back to mind. Here are the lyrics.

You’ll meet many just like me upon life’s busy street
With shoulders stooped and heads bowed low and eyes that stare in defeat
Or souls that live within the past where sorrow plays all parts
Where a living death is all that’s left for men with broken hearts

You have no right to be the judge to criticize and condemn
Just think but for the grace of God it would be you instead of him
One careless step, a thoughtless deed and then the misery starts
And to those who weep death comes cheap these men with broken hearts
Oh so humble you should be when they come passing by
For it’s written that the greatest men never get too big to cry
Some lose faith in love and life when sorrow shoots her darts
And with hope all gone they walk alone these men with broken hearts
You’ve never walked in that man’s shoes or saw things through his eyes
Or stood and watched with helpless hands while the heart inside you dies
Some were paupers some were kings and some were masters of the arts

But in their shame they’re all the same these men with broken hearts
Life sometimes can be so cruel that a heart will pray for death
God why must these living dead know pain with every breath
So help your brother along the road no matter where he starts
For the God that made you made them too these men with broken hearts

So our Father is so very good. Here is His good news:

The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, Announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners.
God sent me to announce the year of his grace—a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies—and to comfort all who mourn, To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit. Rename them “Oaks of Righteousness” planted by God to display his glory. They’ll rebuild the old ruins, raise a new city out of the wreckage. They’ll start over on the ruined cities, take the rubble left behind and make it new. You’ll hire outsiders to herd your flocks and foreigners to work your fields, But you’ll have the title “Priests of God,” honored as ministers of our God. You’ll feast on the bounty of nations, you’ll bask in their glory.
Because you got a double dose of trouble and more than your share of contempt, Your inheritance in the land will be doubled and your joy go on forever.

Source: Isaiah 61:1-7 (MSG)

“I will put my way in their minds and write it on their hearts.” ~God

Tags

Forgiveness, Heart, Jeremiah 31, Jesus, Love, Messiah, New plan, Sin

Broken Heart

God has abandoned the old plan. He has completely left it behind. He did it in Jesus our Master. The old plan kept us short of the goal God has in mind for us.

So, what is the essence of the new plan, His agreement with me?

It is that I will know Him. My friends won’t have to teach me how to do it. I have a relationship with Him through Jesus.

We will all know Him. He doesn’t remember what I was like before. I am absolutely forgiven the debt that couldn’t be paid before anyway.

It is in my heart to do so. It is in my mind all the time. That is it!!

This is the new plan…. ,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will put my way in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their friends, or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,’ declares the LORD. ‘For I will forgive their wandering heart and will remember their missing the mark no more.’ Jeremiah 31:31-34

“Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit.” ~Kind David

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Heart, Hope, Jesus, King David, Persevere, Psalm 27, Wise Sayings

Hope

Today is a day to persevere and stay on track with God. Jesus challenges me to pick up my cross and don’t quit.

I have hope that I’ll see God’s goodness. That hope keeps me moving.

My job is to take heart and hang in there.

Psalm 27:14 The Message (MSG)

^13-14 I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness
    in the exuberant earth.
Stay with God!
    Take heart. Don’t quit.
I’ll say it again:
    Stay with God.

Source: Psalm 27:14 MSG – I’m sure now I’ll see God’s – Bible Gateway

Will I take a risk and have more courage for Jesus?

Tags

Bold, Courage, Heart, Jesus, Risk

To admit that I have a new heart and a glory from God, to begin to let it be unveiled and embrace it as true-that means the next thing God will do is ask me to live from it. 

Jesus says, “Come out of the boat”. Walk on water.

Take the throne he challenges. You are a king he tells me.

Be what God meant me to be. And that feels risky . . . really risky.

And I need more courage to bold for Jesus.

But it is also exciting. It is coming fully alive. In Him and for Him.

“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.” ~King David

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Courage, Heart, Jesus, King David, Psalm 119, Wise Sayings

A man after God’s heart

Now here is a good word.

What should I do? I should seek Jesus with my whole heart.

David knew this at his core. He was a man after God’s own heart. He knew about the connection emotionally.

Interesting thing it is about the heart. My connection to God is not primarily about thinking. I am a thinker so this is a challenge for me. God is doing great things.

May I long for a connection with God that brings me supernatural courage.

May my emotional connection to Him bring obedience.

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.

~~King David — Psalm 119:10

“I’ll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that’s God-willed.” ~God

Tags

Ezekiel 36, Heart, Spirit

Broken Heart

Now here is good news. God can’t see our old heart. God can’t see that we are dirty and need to be scrubbed clean. We have a new heart to help to live the way God wants us to. We are now very clean.

And even better news. It is a heart that is God-willed not filled with our selfish ways. Wow!!!!!

I’ll pour pure water over you and scrub you clean. I’ll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I’ll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that’s God-willed, not self-willed. I’ll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands.” ~~God (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.” ~God

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Ezekiel 36, Heart, Holy Spirit, Jesus, John Eldredge, Messiah, Wicked

Heart after God

It is all about our heart. Jesus, the Messiah and our Master, has given us a new heart. We must focus on that reality. My old, wicked and devious ways are gone. God has removed them.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. (Ezek. 36:26–27)

God is so very good to us. We didn’t ask to be redeemed and have our heart replaced. God did it on his own because of his love for us.

“This we now know: the heart is central. It matters—deeply. When we see with the eyes of the heart, which is to say, when we see mythically, we begin to awaken, and what we discover is that things are not what they seem. We are at war. We must fight for the life God intends for us, which is to say, we must fight for our heart, for it is the wellspring of that life within us.

“Standing in the way of the path to life—the way of the heart— is a monstrous barrier. It has stopped far too many pilgrims dead in their tracks for far too long. There is a widespread belief among Christians today that the heart is desperately wicked—even after a person comes to Christ.

“It is a crippling belief.

“And it is untrue.“

~~John Eldredge

We have someone guarding our heart. It is Jesus the Messiah. Now that is some good news.

Tags

God, Heart, Jesus, Kingdom of God, Messiah

We all know it deep down. Our hearts are very fragile. It can be broken. We get depressed and angry. It is all so unfair, we cry out.

We are people with hope, however. Jesus, the Messiah and our Master, has won the day. He is guarding our hearts. The victory is his and can also be ours. Jesus has given us a new heart. No need to be depressed. No reason to be angry.

We have someone guarding our heart. It is Jesus the Messiah. Now that is some good news.  

“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen.” ~Moses

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Deuteronomy 4, Heart, Israel, Israelite, Jesus, Messiah, Moses Sayings

God is speaking. And He suggests that I be careful. I think I should pay attention to this. Israel didn’t, to their destruction on many occasions.

I have seen Jesus, the Messiah and our Master, do amazing things. I have seen them with my own eyes. God redeemed me from a life of missing his goal for me. God healed me. The list goes on and on.

They are in my heart. Not only have I seen them but they are embedded in more core. They define how I feel and who I am.

I must not forget them. It can happen. I should repeat them to my children like the great stories we always share. This is much more important than the first joke that they told me.

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:9

“The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.” ~~Jesus

Tags

Focus, Heart, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 7, Messiah, Vigorous

What does it take to get my attention and to keep me focused? Hard to say some days. There are lots of distractions. Plenty of opportunities to miss God and what He is doing. Plenty of opportunities to not focus on God’s goal for me that day.

God’s life is not for the faint of heart. It is vigorous. It requires focus.  His Spirit is the power to make it happen.

Jesus, the Messiah and our Master, challenges us to be totally focused.

The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention. ~~Jesus (Matthew 7:14)

“Counting on God’s Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength.” ~Habakkuk

Tags

God is God, Habakkuk 3, Heart, Joy, King, Praise

— God is God

Some days things look bleak. Everything is out of synch. Nothing seems right at all. What I expect isn’t happening at all. It’s just not right.

If I count on God’s rule to prevail, I can be joyous. God is God and he is in control. God’s rule will prevail.

Do I have my eyes on Him or on my circumstances? It makes a difference. I can take heart. I can be thankful. I can gain (not lose) strength.

Jesus, the Messiah, has paved the way to victory. Jesus challenges us to trust God and believe in the goodness of our heavenly Father.

Relax, God is in control.

Though the cherry trees don’t blossom
and the strawberries don’t ripen,
Though the apples are worm-eaten
and the wheat fields stunted,
Though the sheep pens are sheepless
and the cattle barns empty,
I’m singing joyful praise to God.
I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.
Counting on God’s Rule to prevail,
I take heart and gain strength.
I run like a deer.
I feel like I’m king of the mountain!

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (The Message)

“I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.” ~King David

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Bank, Bankrupt, Heart, Jesus, Messiah, Promises, Psalm 119, Sin, Vault, Wise Sayings

Can I go morally bankrupt? It is possible.Without God’s word and promises stored up in a sufficient manner, we can make too many withdrawals.

King David knew the secret to preventing moral bankruptcy.

David treated his heart like a bank. He stored up God’s promises in the vault of his heart. It protected his heart from going bankrupt from his sin.

Jesus, the Messiah, challenges us to focus on our heart. That is the key to what we think, say and do.

“I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.” ~~King David (Psalm 119:11 The Message) 

“Master, I knew that you are a hard man.” ~A man to God

Tags

God is Good, Heart, Jesus, Master, Matthew 25, Messiah

One of the themes I hear about almost everywhere I turn is about how good God is and what a good mood he is in. The story of the bags of gold that Jesus told is on the same theme. I have heard a lot about using the talents God has given us as the message here. And it is. But part of it, maybe much of it, is about the heart we have for God and how we see Him.

Of the three men in this story, only one starts his conversation with God with an indictment of who God is. His first sentence revealed his heart. He believed at his core that God is a hard, stubborn, and stiff necked. WOW!!!

Now think about all the messages you have heard about God. Which fall in the “God is good” category and which fall into the “God is mean” category. What does God think about that?

Well, my oh my, did God get angry with him? His answer was blistering. Oh my goodness, he ticked Him off big time. This is not the kind of answer I want to get from my Father. I want the “well done” answer. I do not want the “you wicked and lazy” man answer. I want the “he has a heart after God” answer. I want Him to put His arm around me.

May I take what God gives me, have a heart that knows He is good and use what He gives me well.

Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man.” Matthew 25:24

Here is the context from The Message bible.

“The servant given one thousand said, ‘Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.’

“The master was furious. ‘That’s a terrible way to live! It’s criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest.

"Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart." ~~Seneca

Tags

Heart, Seneca

Heart, dedicated, caring and committed

It is all about the heart. Jesus challenges us to take care of heart. Jesus came to heal the broken hearted.

Most importantly, we need to have a grateful heart. Gratitude is huge and cuts through to love.

Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart. ~~Seneca

 

“Whenever anyone turns to the Messiah Jesus, the veil that covers their heart is taken away.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

2 Corinthians 3, Apostle Paul Sayings, Heart, Jesus, Messiah, Veil

Whoo Hoo!! This is very good news. Since I have turned to Jesus, the Master, I am seeing Him face to face. Nothing is hidden. I see the absolute perfection of Jesus. By His mighty hand, He made me to be a new creation in Jesus. I am free from the old agreement that He had so long ago. I am living in the new plan He has with us now.

Now there is also some sad news here. It is possible to read the Bible and not see Jesus. The issue is the heart.

We protect it thinking reading the Bible is all we need to do. God wants us to have a relationship of love with Him. Our mission is to help the religious see Jesus in what they read and hear at church.

May I see Him and His perfect plan today. May I help others see Jesus.

Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. ~Apostle Paul 2 Corinthians 3:15-16

“As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Heart, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 27, Wise Sayings

God spends a lot of time talking about the heart. God longs for me to have His heart. That is what King Solomon had. That is what Jesus had. That is what I long for.

May I have God’s heart. May I show God’s love and compassion. May I know what God cares for and do it. May I be completely one with his son Jesus.

As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man. Proverbs 27:19

“Change your mind. God’s kingdom is here.” ~Jesus

Tags

Heart, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 3, Matthew 5, Mind

Heartfelt experience with Jesus

Jesus is not after behavior modification. Jesus wants heart and mind transformation.

That is His challenge to us. Will we love God? Will we love everyone we come in contact with every day? Will we have a heart after God?

More than happy are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” ~Jesus  (Matthew 5:8)

Beyond our heart, Jesus challenges us to change our minds (repent).

“Change your mind. God’s kingdom is here.” ~Jesus (Matthew 3:2)

“Did Jesus keep his promise? What has he done for our hearts?” ~~John Eldredge

Tags

Heart, Holy Spirit, Jesus, John Eldredge

We are at war. The prize is my heart. Jesus kept His promise. He healed my heart.

I need to prize what Jesus has done. I have a whole heart.

Of course your heart would be the object of a great and fierce battle. It is your most precious possession. Without your heart you cannot have God. Without your heart you cannot have love. Without your heart you cannot have faith. Without your heart you cannot find the work you were meant to do.

In other words, without your heart you cannot have life. The question is, Did Jesus keep his promise? What has he done for our hearts? ~~John Eldredge

"Blessings accrue on a good and honest life, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Blessing, Heart, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 10, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

It seems conventional wisdom is that there is no reward for a good and honest life.  There is the eternal question of why bad things happen to good people.

I think this is a matter of the heart. Jesus challenges us to see life as a matter of what is in our heart and not the physical world. Jesus says we will be blessed when we mourn. The cause of the mourning is not seen as a good thing. It is about getting our heart right. Blessings flow from that.

“Blessings accrue on a good and honest life, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:6)

“You have set my heart free.” ~King David

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Freedom, Heart, King David Sayings, Obedience, Psalm 119

Obey God

Not only has He healed my heart, He has set it free. That freedom leads me to run in the path of His desire for my life. His freedom leads to my commitment to do what He wants for me.

Freedom leading to willing obedience is His way. And I run in it!! Willingly. Gladly.

Here are the key ideas:

1. Obedience leads to freedom.
2. God’s goal for us is for us to obey him and his commands.
3. Obedience is required because God is God.
4. God is in a good mood and sets our hearts free.

 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free. Psalm 119:32

“A new heart for a New Year, always!” ― Charles Dickens

Tags

Charles Dickens, Heart, New Year

A man after God’s heart

It is always a blessing to wipe the slate clean and start a new year.

May the focus be on our heart!

A new heart for a New Year, always! ― Charles Dickens

"Listen now, all of you— take this to heart." ~~Jesus

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Heart, Jesus Sayings, Mark 7, Redemption, Salvation

Jesus challenges us

Jesus challenges us to understand that it is not what we eat that is the problem.

What is the problem? The problem is our heart. The problem is what we think, do and say. That is the real pollution in our life.

Jesus is clear that it’s what comes out of a person that pollutes: obscenities, lusts, thefts, murders, adulteries, greed, depravity, deceptive dealings, carousing, mean looks, slander, arrogance, foolishness—all these are vomit from the heart in GOD’s world (Kingdom).

We need to know this about our self so that we can take advantage of Jesus redeeming us from the price we have to pay for what is in our heart. Jesus gives a new heart. Now that is good news.

God’s goal for us is that we have a pure heart. That we have a heart after God. That is the main thing.

“Listen now, all of you— take this to heart. It’s not what you swallow that pollutes your life; it’s what you vomit—that’s the real pollution.” ~~Jesus (Mark 7:15 The Message)

"It’s what comes out of a person that pollutes … all these are vomit from the heart. There is the source of your pollution." ​~~Jesus

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Adultery, Arrogance, Carousing, Deception, Depravity, Foolishness, Greed, Heart, Jesus Sayings, Lust, Mark 7, Murder, Obscenity, Slander, Theft

Broken Heart

Jesus challenges us to be concerned about the right things. Jesus is direct in his message to us. No mistaking what He is saying at all.

It is all about the heart. Is what is coming out of us from a “pure of heart”? Or are we spewing forth “vomit from the heart”? Jesus gives us a long list to be concerned about. Obscenities, lusts, thefts, murders, adulteries, greed, depravity, deceptive dealings, carousing, mean looks, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. 

We worry about how we look. We struggle to create a perception of a good life when at our core we have a problem. GOD sees the heart. GOD knows our heart. We can’t fool Him.

We must change our mind about what is important. We must focus on getting right with GOD. GOD has a wonderful goal in mind for us. He wants us to be right with Him. We can be through Jesus, the Messiah.

“It’s what comes out of a person that pollutes: obscenities, lusts, thefts, murders, adulteries, greed, depravity, deceptive dealings, carousing, mean looks, slander, arrogance, foolishness—all these are vomit from the heart. There is the source of your pollution.” ~~Jesus (Mark 7:21-23 The Message)

“John’s words that gave strength to the people, words that put heart in them.” ~Luke

Tags

Heart, Hope, John the Baptist, Luke 3, Strength

John the Baptist was an amazing man of God. His words gave strength to people. His words put heart in them.

Of course, John’s words also offended the powerful. But John was faithful to the Message. His focus was on delivering God’s message of hope. He did not focus on who he would offend in the process.

God’s goal for us is to put heart in others.

May I have his same faithfulness. May I speak words that give people strenght and heart.

There was a lot more of this—words that gave strength to the people, words that put heart in them. The Message! But Herod, the ruler, stung by John’s rebuke in the matter of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, capped his long string of evil deeds with this outrage: He put John in jail. Luke 3:18-20

Life Starts with my Heart

Tags

Heart

Heart, dedicated, caring and committed

My life starts with my heart. That is the center of everything. Nothing else matters so I need to be vigilant over it.

I should guard it like I guard nothing else. Since everything flows from my heart, I need to be careful not speak out of both sides of my mouth. I should completely avoid careless banter that can hurt others and me.

Little white lies hurt my integrity and I need to avoid them at all cost. Gossip hurts others and so it damages my heart.

So … I should keep my eyes straight ahead and completely ignore distractions which take me away from you, my Father. If I watch my step and focus on what you want, the road will be smooth. It will straighten out in front of me.

If I focus on my relationship with you, looking only at you, I will leave evil in the dust. 

God’s goal for me is for me to be true to my heart. 

“But take heart! I have conquered the world.” ~~Jesus

Tags

Courage, Fear, Heart, Jesus Sayings, John 16, Worry

Overcome Fear

Many days, there is a whole lot of worrying going on.

Fear can cripple. How many times does God come to us and say, “Fear not”? That is one of His great themes.

Jesus knows that this world is going to present challenges to us. We will experience difficulties.

God’s goal for us is the we trust in Him. He is in control. He didn’t bring us this far to leave us now.

Here is the good news. Jesus has overcome everything. He is seated at the right hand of the Father. All is well. It is finished.

Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”  John 16:33 The Message (MSG)

“The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart.” ~Samuel

Tags

1 Samuel 13, Heart, King

A man after God’s heart

What is the BIG THING my heavenly Father is looking for? He is desperately seeking a man after his own heart.

How will I know what is in His heart? Have a relationship with Him. Know what makes Him tick. Seek to please Him at all costs. There is nothing else that really counts.

God’s goal for is that I seek after Him.

May I be a man after God’s own heart!! May I do what He asks me to do.

“The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people …” 1 Samuel 13:13-14

 

"These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their heart isn’t in it." ~Jesus

Tags

Caring, Compassion, Heart, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 7

Heart, dedicated, caring and committed

Jesus challenges us to have our heart in the right place with God and everyone else. It is all about our relationships. Just saying the right thing will not make a difference. Jesus demands that our heart be in it. Jesus knows that if our heart is in it, the results will come.

It isn’t the “big show” we make of saying things. Do we do the right God-things? Is our heart in it even if no one knows about what we do?

God’s goal for us is for us to guard our heart. Intent is important. Everything starts with our heart. God wants men and women of God who have a heart for Jesus.

May my heart be in it every day!!

“These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their heart isn’t in it.” ~Jesus (Mark 7:6)

 

“The same people who want 60 minute worship services rent 2 hour movies; watch 3 hour ballgames. It’s about our heart’s focus!” ~ J. Bull

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Focus, Heart, J. Bull, Jesus, Sacrifice, Service

Heart’s Focus

Oh man, this cuts to the bone. What is our heart focused on? Why are we so impatient with God?

It is amazing, when we want to do something, the amount of time we are willing to put in on something.

How much TV do we watch compared to how long do we pray every day? I know the answer to the question for me.

It really does come down to what is important to Jesus not what is important to us. Will I follow His lead? Will I sacrifice for Him?

God’s goal for us is for us to focus on Jesus.

“The same people who want 60 minute worship services rent 2 hour movies; watch 3 hour ballgames. It’s about our heart’s focus!” ~ J. Bull

"Do not be anxious about anything." ~~Apostle Paul

Tags

Gentleness, Heart, Joy, Mind, Peace, Philippians 4, Prayer, Rejoice, Thankful

Be Thankful

My part is to rejoice. God is so very good and He is always in this amazing mood. Jesus has a mission to bring Good News to me. Am I hearing bad news? It is a lie then. That is from my enemy Satan. So, I will rejoice at the good God is doing now.

I need to talk with my Father, ask Him for what I need, and be thankful in my conversations with Him. He knows what I need and will do more than I can imagine.

I don’t understand it, but as a result, His peace is mine. I can rest and relax. His peace is at attention in my heart. He is protecting me and the enemy can’t reach my heart.

God’s goal for me is to rejoice always. This is so important, Paul says it to us twice. Be thankful. Be grateful. Our prayers are to be with thanksgiving.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-9

 

 

 

 

“We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

2 Corinthians 4, Apostle Paul Sayings, Eternal, Glory, Heart, Jesus, Renewal

Energizer Bunny

Some days things don’t look good. All I have to do is listen to the news to know that. Bad news at every turn. That is the way of the world.

God has a goal that has nothing to do with that bad news. We don’t lose heart when we are listening to Him. It doesn’t matter what is going on around us. Trouble brings His mighty and awesome outcomes.

We see a reality, in Him, that others don’t know exists. We have our gaze fixed on Him. Today’s trouble is no comparison to His love which goes on like Him, forever.

There is no end to it. Like the “energizer bunny” but only real. We are fixed on what is not seen, the eternal God and our Father. We are fixed on God’s Goal.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 TNIV Bible

How important is alignment of my heart and my words?

Tags

Acceptable, God's Goal, Heart, Psalm 19, Thoughts, Words

Heart, dedicated, caring and committed

It is God’s goal for me to align my heart with my words in a way that is acceptable to God. I am to love Him and everyone else with all my heart. Do my words reflect that? Does God’s love in my heart cause me to think amazing things and then act in a way that reflects His love?

Beyond what I have to say, is what I am thinking and meditating on acceptable to God? It starts with my heart. Without a right heart, the rest is all futile.  It continues with my thoughts. It translates into my words.

May I align God’s love in my heart with what I say.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

“Let the peace of the Messiah rule in your hearts.” ~~Apostle Paul

Tags

Colossians 3, Heart, Peace, Thankful

The peace of Jesus

Some things just aren’t forced on us. We can have it or we can not. Peace comes from knowing His love and doing what He wants. We have to let that kind of peace happen. Jesus has peace to offer us like we have never known. His peace can rule over any other emotions that we have.

The phone is ringing. A text has arrived. The email arrives “You have peace from Jesus” we hear. A tweet shows up on Twitter. It is Jesus calling us to peace.

God’s goal is for us to let the peace of our Messiah Jesus rule in our heart. For this peace, I am very thankful.

Let the peace of the Messiah rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

May I let His peace have precedence over any other emotion in my life.