It’s A Heart Thing

John 7:37 Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, “out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. (Isaiah 12:3) *Savior (Isaiah 55:1)

When I read this scripture, I think of having the mind and heart of Christ Jesus. He obviously received the instruction He was given by the Father in Heaven.Ezekiel speaks of a King who will rule and judge wisely-prophesying about the coming of Jesus. (Isaiah 53:2) (Isaiah 9:6) (John 5:19, 30) (John 14:10) (John 3:31)

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. (Proverbs 4:7) Of course, we all know that wisdom is the ability to use the knowledge we have. Wisdom, I believe, gives birth to things like creativity. Some folks are quick thinkers, and can solve almost any problem when it arises. Yes, that is part of creative thought. Wisdom also enables one to see both sides of a thing. It spurs us to ask the right questions and weigh the answers. When we acquire the knowledge and the wisdom (remember Jesus was instructed by our Heavenly Father), we need to live successfully, and when we use that wisdom and knowledge, we really can live successfully. Not only that, but we can be guides and mentors, counselors to others.

Oh, but it all starts in the heart. It’s from the heart that those rivers will flow. What does that mean? Well, think about those cupcakes I made. My son’s face was all the reward I needed; and it still moves me today. Think about all the things that God is, and the different ways in which we celebrate life. We honor folks on their birthday, we celebrate weddings, graduations, etc. We pop in with little gifts for co-workers; just because. We do nice things for people, just to make their day a little happier. All those things make life a little sweeter for all parties involved. And, of course, we’re always there and ready to help when someone needs a hand. We’re ready to listen and give some comfort when someone needs a shoulder. It is that heart-set, or attitude, that solidifies our faith in God, and our desire and determination to live according to His Word and Way. When we do that, God always honors our desires, and always comes through for us. One of my favorite scriptures is (Proverbs 15:15) “All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.” With God, that’s exactly what each day is; a continual feast of joy, beauty, peace, and, of course, Presence-His Presence.

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Growing Your Heart

I want to focus more on your heart and spirit in today’s post. I hope this expands my previous posts on the heart, to give us a better understanding of how vital it really is to our success, and our peace. It’s so important to guard your heart vigilantly, and to be disciplined about securing that peace within. Regardless of what’s going on, what someone else has done, or what you’ve done, remain at peace within. If and/or when your peace has been disturbed, STOP everything, and get things back in order. Love God, love yourself, and then love your neighbor. The way we restore that peace is by loving God, praising God, holding fast to God. This is loving ourselves, because God inhabits the praises of His people, and He is your strong fortress against all wickedness. (Proverbs 4:23)

See all unrest and uneasiness as tremors of an earthquake. Just like things get shaken loose in an earthquake, they get shaken loose in our heart and spirit. (Luke 11:17) Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and a house divided against a house will fall.”

(Luke 11:21-22) “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his house, his possessions are secure. But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted, and then he divides up his plunder.” That armor is truth, righteousness –Christ is our righteousness, peace, faith, salvation-again, Christ is our salvation, and the Word of God, which is the sword we fight with. (Luke 11:24-26) “When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ On its return, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there. And the final plight of that man is worse than the first.” This is the very reason that we have tribulation in the world. Don’t ever think for one minute, the at the devil goes on vacation. He’s a workaholic! This is why we must be vigilant and disciplined about being on guard.

(Luke 11:29-30) As the crowds were increasing, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so the Son of Man will be a sign to this generation.” –“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19) There’s a powerful revelation here about putting God to the test, or demanding proof. It is wickedness; and it was Satan’s first question to Eve, and also to Jesus. “Really, are you sure?” This is why Jesus said that he who believes yet hasn’t seen is blessed, rather than he who demands proof. This scripture is a sign, or promise to us that nothing can stop the will of God for us, and that Satan cannot win against us, unless we surrender to him. I believe that even then Jesus will fight for you. He didn’t die for nothing! He died for me, because God’s will for me is eternal life, and God gets what God wants! No one can stop His will for us. (1 Cor. 3:17)

(Luke 11:39-40) “Now then,” said the Lord, “you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not the One who made the outside make the inside as well? But give as alms the things that are within you, and you will see that everything is clean for you. (Matt. 23:26) -This refers back to (Luke 11:11) It also tells us that, as in (1 Cor. 13), love is always the more excellent way. Love God, love yourself, and love your neighbor.

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Piece of Cake

Nun (Psalm 119:105-112)

Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.
I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O LORD, according to your word!
Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD,
and teach me your rules.
I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.* (or, statutes, the reward is eternal)

When I read this, I’m reminded of the many “start-overs,” I’ve had in my walk. The problem was that, first of all, I had not sworn that oath and confirmed it. Simply put, that’s making a firm choice/decision and confirming it by sticking to it. “Nope, that bed’s getting made!” You do hold your life in your hand. The choice is yours to make. God said, “Choose this day!” (Deut. 30:19) God’s not a bully, and the responsibility for you is yours. How bad do you want it to be better? Nothing can separate us from the love of the LORD/Lord. That’s what our heritage forever is. (Rom. 8:38) Inclining my heart means I’m circumcising my heart. I’m cutting off all the excuses, the fear, doubt, whatever it is that’s keeping me down and/or pulling me back. See, it’s not as hard as the devil wants you to believe it is.

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Take Delight In It

Today’s message comes from Psalm 119, as we are ascending to a stronger walk with God. Reading from the ESV.

Beth (Verses 9-16)

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes!
With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.
In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.

Here’s a reminder of the power of hearing the Word spoken. (Romans 10:17) Speaking that word sends it out, or into your heart. It’s also a little like a mantra that affirms our relationship and faith in God and His Word. When we meditate on God’s Word, His ways, and statutes, God can open up the scriptures to us, and empower our lives in various different ways. My example of this would be when I realized that I am Zion, spiritually. The Bible makes reference to a man being like a city, and when that revelation hit me, it changed my life. It is the revelation of God, more and more, in His Word and through His Word, that brings us delight. We are to serve the LORD/Lord with joy, and oh, what a joy it is to see more and more of God’s face through His Word.

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Ah, The Ascents

We begin with Psalm 119 today. It is also called the Psalm, or Song of Ascents. It is quite a long one, and each different part brings us a revelation of God and His love for us, and affirmation or confirmation of what His Word does for our lives. Reading from the ESV.

Aleph (Verses 1-8)

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!
You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules.
I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!

Why are we blessed when we walk in God’s law? God decreed it in Deuteronomy. We’re blessed because His testimonies are seed that is implanted in our hearts. God’s Word is alive and active, filled with power, and never returns void to Him. It accomplishes that for which He sends it. That one statement there taught me to actually pray the psalms.

When we keep His Word/His Precepts diligently, we are surrounded by them; protected by them. Praising God with an upright heart is actually a lot easier than some folks realize. Your heart is upright when it does not fear (be afraid) Him. Don’t fear (be afraid of) God, fear (respect) Him. It is a bold heart, that knows God’s love is unconditional, and His every intention toward us is love. Your heart, when you learn about God’s love for you, gets bolder and bolder as you grow closer to Him. When you have that kind of relationship with Him, you, in your spirit, will gladly run and throw yourself into His waiting arms.

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Simply Put

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 116. It’s one that reminds us to just stand up and tell the truth. Simply put, “Get real,” it says. LOL I want to focus on verses 5-7, but I hope you’ll read the entire psalm for yourselves. It’s a good check point.

“Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful. The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.”

Did you get that part about God being righteous and merciful? The one reason we’re afraid to get real with Him, I think, is because we don’t get that. God always judges rightly. He sees our hearts. God is always merciful. It may not seem like it when the stuff hits the fan in your life. but God is always merciful. All that stuff is what you’re reaping from something you’ve sown. Even then, God is merciful to us and deals bountifully with us. He gives us the strength to get through it, and the wisdom to learn from it, if we allow Him to. That’s where that “get real,” thing comes in. You can’t play games with God; He knows everything! So, if you’re not fooling Jesus, who are you fooling? That’s right; you’re fooling yourself. I’m speaking from personal experience. It works so much better and so much faster when you just get real; with Him, and with yourself. Then, your soul can be at rest (peace) to learn, correct, and overcome that thing that got you. Before you know it, the mess is cleaned up, God loves you and has you loving yourself even more than you did back then, and it’s all good. LOL

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Generations Behind You

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 112. It gives us a picture of just how much our faithfulness and obedience to God means to our children and grandchildren…and even theirs. Generations behind us can be blessed by our faithfulness and obedience. The psalm is a short one, so I posted the whole thing.

“Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments!
His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous. It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries. He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor. The wicked man sees it and is angry; he gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the wicked will perish!”

Boy, am I humbled reading this! And, boy, am I grateful when I read this; for those in the generations ahead of me, who were faithful and obedient. Thank you, LORD/Lord, for my grandmother! Thank you, Oma, for teaching me about God’s love, and for showing me His love in you!

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Love Like That…Cont’d

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 99. It’s another praise, extolling God’s might, His works, and His heart for us. I hope you’ve gotten a little stronger assurance of God’s love over the last few posts. I posted this song some time ago, with one of my messages. The Holy Spirit moved me to post it again, for you to start your week out with. This is God’s heart for us, Let Him wrap His arms around you, and just bask in His love for you. Thank you, Joe Cocker, for your beautiful voice and style.

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Love Like That

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 98, and is a party in itself! Oh, what a wonderful example of joyous praise; and of a deep, deep love for the LORD/Lord! I’m reading from the ESV.

“Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The LORD has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD! Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it! Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.”

Sometimes it’s hard to understand just how deeply God does love us. We have a hard time allowing ourselves to be as intimate with Him as we are with our spouse, our children, all our loved ones. But, that’s exactly what God wants from us; that intimacy, that boldness when we approach Him, that confidence when we need Him, that trust. Of course, that intimacy isn’t possible unless and until we allow God into that deepest part of our hearts.

One thing I love about this psalm is that it beckons even to the rivers to clap their hands, the hills to sing for joy. The sea is bid to roar and make a joyful noise to the King, the LORD. It makes me think about waking up in the mountains, just before sunrise. You can hear everything waking up, and it all comes together in a symphony of praise to God. The water begins to gurgle and run a little faster, the wind begins to whisper through the branches of the trees, and sometimes you even hear a bird whistle out there. It’s one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had. Each time we get a glimpse of God’s working in the world around us, we can see a little more of His deep, deep love for His creation. Even the colors of the sunrise and sunset are rich with His love for us; His desire to share His own beauty with us.

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The Path Of Faith

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 97. It is a psalm of praise, extolling the LORD’s power and goodness toward us. There are a couple of revelations in this psalm that will inspire us to turn quickly to the LORD; and they also empower our peace in the midst of the storms. I’m reading from the ESV.

Verse 5 is where we’ll begin: “The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.” This is a revelation of how powerless all those trials and tribulations are before God. I cannot recall one instance in which I, even casually, said, “God, help me…”, or “Lord, I need your help with this,” etc., that God didn’t come through. -Not a single one. Things didn’t always work out immediately, and sometimes they didn’t work out the way I thought I wanted them to, but God never failed me. “Ask and you shall receive,” Jesus said; and you always will. Where we miss it, is in those few minutes that we should be breathing deeply and quieting our spirit. It is in the stillness that God speaks. This is where the inspirations, the ideas, the strength, and the courage come. The mountains do melt like wax, and that wax polishes the path of faith.

Verse 11 is the next little revelation to us: “Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.” This is that gentle wave of inspiration, ideas, strength, and courage that comes to us as we look to the LORD/Lord. That’s the light that is sown for us. Being upright in heart is not just about being obedient, being righteous. It is about standing in expectation before the LORD. It was sown. It will produce; because the Word of God is alive and active, and accomplishes that for which He sends it. There is a boldness implied here, of one who knows who, and whose he/she is, and steps into his/her right/rightful place. We don’t have to whine, plead, or beg. We simply have to ask and believe that it’s ours; because it is. We have the right, as children of God to approach the throne of grace boldly; just like Jesus.

I hope you ‘ll read the entire psalm, because it’s another good one for stirring up your faith.

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