Psalm 139; Psalm 19:12
"The sin that we cover, He will uncover — the sin that we uncover, He will cover. Surrender your whole heart to Him. Without a doubt, it will turn your life around."
The quote above struck me this morning. Particularly because of recent events in the life of our local church body - we have been rocked by sin uncovered...but now covered by the Lord - we are in a process which I believe is part of God bringing revival to His Church and thus extending the Kingdom of God in the community. That is how God works. He brings about repentance and life to His people (we all need to repent as part of our daily walk). And then those who are not yet part of God's Kingdom, see how God's people respond to the grace and mercy of the Lord toward themselves - us, God's people!
With this, yesterday, last night and this morning, the Lord has had me focused on 'the heart - relationship with Him', our hearts, my heart. What does it mean to "love God with all of our (my) heart..."? My WHOLE heart? The more my whole heart is toward, with God, the more fulness of walking in the Holy Spirit I will experience and the less giving in to temptation - going my own way - will materialize.
Let's face it. If there was any way I could walk in the Lord on my own - without my entire heart/being in relationship with God - then Jesus died for nothing. I wouldn't need Jesus if I could do it on my own. Neither would you. We can't. We need Jesus and He needs our whole heart and we need to give Him our whole heart. By God's grace, through the Holy Spirit, because of Jesus death, burial and resurrection - we can give Him our whole heart.
Our Whole Heart
“What a man [a woman] is before God, that he [she] is and nothing more.” -St. Francis of Assisi
Delilah said to him, “How can you say you ‘I love you’ when your heart is not with me?… So Sampson told her all that was in his heart… when Delilah saw that he had told her all that was in his heart, she sent and called the lord of the Philistines… and called for a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his hair… she said, “The Philistines are upon you, Sampson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had abandoned him. (Judges 16)
Sampson. Powerful and strong. It is interesting that his strength was not really in his hair. His strength was in his heart. He was a Nazirite. The Hebrew word nazir means consecrated or separated. And it was by choice. His mother Manoah had dedicated him to this Nazirite vow before his birth. However, Hebrew law required that when he was old enough to understand, he recommit his life… permanently… to this vow. His heart belonged solely to his God. Until he gave it up to Delilah.
In a similar story, Amaziah served as king in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 25:2 records this indictment, “And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart.” Again, the original Hebrew language gives incredible insight into this verse. The word perfect (shalem), denotes complete… full… finished. Most of Amaziah’s heart was God’s. But he had saved out a little portion for himself. In the end, he was defeated and captured by Joash.
Could it be that many of the struggles in our Christian walk can be traced back to the same issue that Sampson and Amaziah had? A heart that is not “perfect” toward God. Those tiny areas that we hang onto for ourselves. The hidden parts. It has been said, “You’re only as sick as your secrets”. Perhaps that is why the Psalmist David pleaded “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me.” Psalm 139:23-24 (KJV) Again in Psalm 19:12 “… cleanse thou me from secret faults.” (KJV)
The “grace” piece in all of this, is that God will do just that. He will show you the fragment of your heart that is not His. His Light will shine in the dark places of your heart to reveal the “secret place”. The sin that we cover, He will uncover — the sin that we uncover, He will cover. Surrender your whole heart to Him. Without a doubt, it will turn your life around. (Our Whole Heart is from aacc.net ).
Showing posts with label heart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heart. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Whatever Circumstance
2 Corinthians 6:3-13
No matter what comes my (our) way. Wow. The Apostle Paul and his co-laborers stood "firm in the Lord and in the strength of His might" (Ephesians 6:10)! No matter what. This list of some of the life circumstances and his approach and response, bears repeating:
"In great endurance;
In troubles, hardships and distresses;
In beatings, imprisonments and riots;
In hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;
In purity, understanding, patience and kindness;
In the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;
In truthful speech and in the power of God;
With weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;
Through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report;
Genuine, yet regarded as imposters;
Known, yet regarded as unknown;
dying, and yet we live on;
Beaten, and yet not killed;
Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;
Poor, yet making many rich;
Having nothing, and yet possessing everything" (vs 4a-10).
No matter what comes my (our) way. Wow. The Apostle Paul and his co-laborers stood "firm in the Lord and in the strength of His might" (Ephesians 6:10)! No matter what. This list of some of the life circumstances and his approach and response, bears repeating:
"In great endurance;
In troubles, hardships and distresses;
In beatings, imprisonments and riots;
In hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;
In purity, understanding, patience and kindness;
In the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;
In truthful speech and in the power of God;
With weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;
Through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report;
Genuine, yet regarded as imposters;
Known, yet regarded as unknown;
dying, and yet we live on;
Beaten, and yet not killed;
Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;
Poor, yet making many rich;
Having nothing, and yet possessing everything" (vs 4a-10).
These are the types of environments he and his co-laborers found themselves in as a result of preaching and teaching the Gospel to those to whom God had called them! It is clear that Paul didn't look solely at his circumstances as an indication of God's will for him! When Paul said that he "learned to be content in whatever circumstances" (Philippians 4:11), we can see by the above recording, that indeed, Paul learned through his experiences!
He later in this same chapter, states that his heart was opened wide to the Corinthians - to those to whom he was ministering and doubtless, found himself in some of these circumstances as he was ministering to them. If his heart was not opened wide to them, and in the Living Christ - the power of the Holy Spirit - he would not have (been able to) endured these circumstances. In an earlier reading we see that Paul was "compelled by the love of Christ." It had to be so. He has the "right" to ask the Corinthians, "open wide your hearts also." We trust that some did, and some did not, even as we read later on in 2 Corinthians.
So what about you and me? Are we learning to be content in whatever circumstance we are in, as we commend ourselves as ministers of the Gospel? You might be thinking, "I'm not a minister of the Gospel." Actually, you are...perhaps not in the same way as Paul - his life work and breath - but we read earlier in 2 Corinthians 5 that all of us who are saved, are "ministers of reconciliation, ambassadors of Christ, having God make His appeal through us, to others, to be reconciled (saved, receiving forgiveness through Christ, becoming new creations in Christ) to God through Christ.
"Lord, thank You for calling us to Yourself and for making us Your ambassadors. I pray that I, and we, would so find ourselves hidden in You, that we step out, regardless of circumstance, and appeal to others to be reconciled to You through Christ, in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Help us Lord to get to the point of learning to be content in whatever circumstance, as we walk in You. Thank You Lord for the High Calling with which You have called us."
He later in this same chapter, states that his heart was opened wide to the Corinthians - to those to whom he was ministering and doubtless, found himself in some of these circumstances as he was ministering to them. If his heart was not opened wide to them, and in the Living Christ - the power of the Holy Spirit - he would not have (been able to) endured these circumstances. In an earlier reading we see that Paul was "compelled by the love of Christ." It had to be so. He has the "right" to ask the Corinthians, "open wide your hearts also." We trust that some did, and some did not, even as we read later on in 2 Corinthians.
So what about you and me? Are we learning to be content in whatever circumstance we are in, as we commend ourselves as ministers of the Gospel? You might be thinking, "I'm not a minister of the Gospel." Actually, you are...perhaps not in the same way as Paul - his life work and breath - but we read earlier in 2 Corinthians 5 that all of us who are saved, are "ministers of reconciliation, ambassadors of Christ, having God make His appeal through us, to others, to be reconciled (saved, receiving forgiveness through Christ, becoming new creations in Christ) to God through Christ.
"Lord, thank You for calling us to Yourself and for making us Your ambassadors. I pray that I, and we, would so find ourselves hidden in You, that we step out, regardless of circumstance, and appeal to others to be reconciled to You through Christ, in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Help us Lord to get to the point of learning to be content in whatever circumstance, as we walk in You. Thank You Lord for the High Calling with which You have called us."
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Faith Alone
Romans 4
By Faith alone - "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed are those whose sin the Lord will never count against them" (4:7,8).
Paul continues to stress that it is not by works, by obligation, by our deeds, our own effort that we are saved. It is by believing. It is by faith. It is by believing faith in the person of Jesus Christ that we are saved. It is because of Christ's great love and by His works/His obedience to the point of death on the cross, that we are saved.
Paul stresses that there is not a sin that is too great for God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ to cover. And remember, when we receive forgiveness, it is because of God's kindness (evidenced ultimately by the Cross) and that leads us to repentance...God looks at our hearts. God knows our sincerity. God knows the difference between attitudes of "well God will forgive me, so I can ________" as opposed to "oh God, again this struggle/giving into this temptation has happened, have mercy on me Lord, forgive me, help me...what is it that keeps me repeating this over and over again?!"
God knows our struggle. God knows our temptations. God is merciful, kind, forgiving, is able to bring healing and wholeness...God wants our hearts. The difference in our hearts can be seen in that prior to receiving Jesus' forgiveness and being filled with the Holy Spirit, our attitude toward sin, toward destructive behaviors (which we may not have even seen as such) was often one of 'not caring' or not thinking we wanted to walk any differently, usually not remorse before the Lord. After Jesus comes into our lives, our hearts and consciences become more and more sensitive to God's ways vs. our own way - and while we may struggle, our hearts and minds and spirits long to follow God and not dishonor God.
And God knows the difference. And we know the difference.
"Lord please help us to see ourselves as You do - people whom You Love, people for whom You gave Your Son's Life, people for whom You long to shower mercy and grace upon and bring more and more into the fullness of who You created us to be. Thank You for Your Love. Thank You for Your power in our lives. Bless You Lord!"
By Faith alone - "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed are those whose sin the Lord will never count against them" (4:7,8).
Paul continues to stress that it is not by works, by obligation, by our deeds, our own effort that we are saved. It is by believing. It is by faith. It is by believing faith in the person of Jesus Christ that we are saved. It is because of Christ's great love and by His works/His obedience to the point of death on the cross, that we are saved.
Paul stresses that there is not a sin that is too great for God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ to cover. And remember, when we receive forgiveness, it is because of God's kindness (evidenced ultimately by the Cross) and that leads us to repentance...God looks at our hearts. God knows our sincerity. God knows the difference between attitudes of "well God will forgive me, so I can ________" as opposed to "oh God, again this struggle/giving into this temptation has happened, have mercy on me Lord, forgive me, help me...what is it that keeps me repeating this over and over again?!"
God knows our struggle. God knows our temptations. God is merciful, kind, forgiving, is able to bring healing and wholeness...God wants our hearts. The difference in our hearts can be seen in that prior to receiving Jesus' forgiveness and being filled with the Holy Spirit, our attitude toward sin, toward destructive behaviors (which we may not have even seen as such) was often one of 'not caring' or not thinking we wanted to walk any differently, usually not remorse before the Lord. After Jesus comes into our lives, our hearts and consciences become more and more sensitive to God's ways vs. our own way - and while we may struggle, our hearts and minds and spirits long to follow God and not dishonor God.
And God knows the difference. And we know the difference.
"Lord please help us to see ourselves as You do - people whom You Love, people for whom You gave Your Son's Life, people for whom You long to shower mercy and grace upon and bring more and more into the fullness of who You created us to be. Thank You for Your Love. Thank You for Your power in our lives. Bless You Lord!"
Monday, April 19, 2010
With All Your Heart
Leviticus 7
Acts 11
Food for Life:
Leviticus 7
When I read Leviticus, I'm reminded of the heart. "Do it with all your heart, put your heart into it, give it all you got!" Why do we use these expressions? What are we wanting to convey? It has to do with the difference between going through the motions, being on auto-pilot and putting our full weight, our whole being into whatever we are doing or saying. There is something about watching an athlete, a dramatic performance, or receiving an expression of thanks and gratitude that can be exhilarating and powerful ...or it can be dull, boring, and lifeless. The same words and actions can effect us differently when they are done from the heart - with passion as opposed to when they are done as perfunctory obligations or 'business as usual.'
It is so with our relationship with the Lord. God looks at our hearts and knows when we are playing a part, going through the motions, or when we are before Him putting our full weight before Him, seeking Him our whole heart.
"Lord, today fill us with Your Spirit, empowering us to seek with all our hearts. Help us to speak and act in ways that reflect Your heart, fulfilling Your purposes and plan. Thank You Lord."
Acts 11
"When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He [Barnabas] was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord" (11:23,24).
Antioch, the city 3rd largest city in the Roman world, is where we were first called "Christians." It is where Barnabas was sent by Peter (and other disciples) after Peter explained to the believers in Jerusalem that God was also the God, and Jesus the Savior, of the Gentiles. Barnabas saw evidence of the grace of God in Antioch. Do we recognize the grace of God in our midst? In our own lives? And see it as evidence of the Presence of Christ unto salvation and growth in Christ - the spreading of the Kingdom of God?
What is grace? Grace is the gift of God that we can not earn; we don't have the ability to do so. Grace is "unmerited favor" from the Lord. The Scripture says that "where sin increased, grace [is able] increased more" (Romans 5:20)! Hallelujah!
I don't know about you, but I'm am so grateful and in awe of the grace of God! Just think, when I (you) was dead in my (your) sin, God loved me and extended His grace to me which when I received Him, I was made alive through forgiveness and set free, being filled with the Holy Spirit! And today, as I struggle with my own weakness/ temptation, as I look around and see the destruction, pain, and hurt swirling around me - in this world - I can call upon the Lord, asking for His grace (and mercy) to increase even as sin increases!
"Lord, just as in the days at Antioch, reveal Yourself in the midst of our sin - so that we might see Your grace increase...give us eyes to see where You are at work, what You are doing, and strengthen us to join You Lord! Help us to give to those around us even in the same way Barnabas gave to those around him. Let us see many brought to You Lord, through the power that lives within us and as You pour out Your Spirit. Even so, come Lord Jesus, come."
Acts 11
Food for Life:
Leviticus 7
When I read Leviticus, I'm reminded of the heart. "Do it with all your heart, put your heart into it, give it all you got!" Why do we use these expressions? What are we wanting to convey? It has to do with the difference between going through the motions, being on auto-pilot and putting our full weight, our whole being into whatever we are doing or saying. There is something about watching an athlete, a dramatic performance, or receiving an expression of thanks and gratitude that can be exhilarating and powerful ...or it can be dull, boring, and lifeless. The same words and actions can effect us differently when they are done from the heart - with passion as opposed to when they are done as perfunctory obligations or 'business as usual.'
It is so with our relationship with the Lord. God looks at our hearts and knows when we are playing a part, going through the motions, or when we are before Him putting our full weight before Him, seeking Him our whole heart.
"Lord, today fill us with Your Spirit, empowering us to seek with all our hearts. Help us to speak and act in ways that reflect Your heart, fulfilling Your purposes and plan. Thank You Lord."
Acts 11
"When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He [Barnabas] was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord" (11:23,24).
Antioch, the city 3rd largest city in the Roman world, is where we were first called "Christians." It is where Barnabas was sent by Peter (and other disciples) after Peter explained to the believers in Jerusalem that God was also the God, and Jesus the Savior, of the Gentiles. Barnabas saw evidence of the grace of God in Antioch. Do we recognize the grace of God in our midst? In our own lives? And see it as evidence of the Presence of Christ unto salvation and growth in Christ - the spreading of the Kingdom of God?
What is grace? Grace is the gift of God that we can not earn; we don't have the ability to do so. Grace is "unmerited favor" from the Lord. The Scripture says that "where sin increased, grace [is able] increased more" (Romans 5:20)! Hallelujah!
I don't know about you, but I'm am so grateful and in awe of the grace of God! Just think, when I (you) was dead in my (your) sin, God loved me and extended His grace to me which when I received Him, I was made alive through forgiveness and set free, being filled with the Holy Spirit! And today, as I struggle with my own weakness/ temptation, as I look around and see the destruction, pain, and hurt swirling around me - in this world - I can call upon the Lord, asking for His grace (and mercy) to increase even as sin increases!
"Lord, just as in the days at Antioch, reveal Yourself in the midst of our sin - so that we might see Your grace increase...give us eyes to see where You are at work, what You are doing, and strengthen us to join You Lord! Help us to give to those around us even in the same way Barnabas gave to those around him. Let us see many brought to You Lord, through the power that lives within us and as You pour out Your Spirit. Even so, come Lord Jesus, come."
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