29 August 2011
“Above all else,guard your heart,for everything you do flows from it".
( Proverbs 4:23)
We live in a highly, materialistic society, where we are turned on to please the ‘self’ and always got used to the luxurious way thinking and living. Happiness comes to us through various sources, through accomplishments, recognitions, appreciations, material possessions, comforts and luxuries. We have our own programs through which we search for success or happiness.
However success focuses its attention on two things. Physical and mental abilities -majority of thinking, writing, talking etc, focuses on the outer self and little importance given to the inner man, ( the heart). It consist of our thoughts, motives, ambitions, values, and decisions. Nevertheless the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, and because we are easily influenced by the world around us, Hence our hearts need guarding.
The heart is an important because God is so deeply concerned about the inner man or the condition of the heart,it refers to the mind, its emotions, its thoughts etc ,
“Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature,.. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) and “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”(Jeremiah 17:9-10)
Lord looks at the heart,the inner person.‘cause the heart so important. All the issues of life—our actions, works, pursuits, etc.—all proceed from the heart. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Mathew 6:21). “……how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”(Mathew 12:34).“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.”(Mathew 15:18)
Whatever we do in words or actions are the product of what we are inside ,that the heart consists of the intelligence ,the motivation, decision emotion and the conscience.“I will give you a wise and discerning heart,…”
(1 Kings 3:12). and “understanding with their heart" (John.12: 40). Hence, the intellect or reasoning ability lives in heart.
The heart possessing emotions,and conscience - Emotions such as joy, love, and desire may come from the heart. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God (John 14: 1).We have an obligation to take care of the heart because we have the responsibility of keeping our heart in a good shape ."Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4: 23)."…..be wise, and set your heart on the right path:”( Proverbs 23:19).
Always remember that God knows everything and nothing is hidden and “..... he knows the secrets of the heart? (Psalm 44: 21). Lord's word is power packed that “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”(Hebrews 4: 12).So, God knows our motivation, our emotions, intellect, and conscience. All things are plain and open before God.
God expects us to keep the commands in our heart “The wise in heart accept commands,….(.Proverbs 10:8) Write the laws in your heart as Bible says “The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.”( Psalm 37:31) “Incline my heart to Your testimonies, And not to covetousness.”(Psalm 119:36) “keep my commands in your heart” (Proverbs:3:1) You can say with a confident heart that,
“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm119:11)
Actually we need a very strong inner person to put us in the right path. Follow the command:
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| lone road @ kodaikanal |
“Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart”. ( Proverbs7:2-3)
Our walk with God is always
a matter of the heart.
Arise and Shine
GOD BLESS
