"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life."
Proverbs 4:23 NKJV
What is the spiritual condition of your heart? We've looked at this area just lately and the state of it is very important. It can't be overlooked for: 'out of it spring the issues of life.'
IS YOUR HEART BEATING IN STEP WITH GOD?
What occupies the attention of your heart? If we pollute our heart with sin it becomes like an infection and spreads to other areas. Our minds become embraced with what the heart is pouring out and without attention, this will quickly lead to an unhealthy appetite and possible shame. From thereon, the words we speak confirm that we are not flowing in God.
In order to promote themselves, some people may use flattery towards others: 'They speak idly everyone with his neighbour; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak' Psalm 12:2. They do this to make themselves look like people of God that no church should be without. They are always eager to please and get into prominent positions within a church. Their intentions may be genuine but their hearts are promoting themselves and not Jesus.
At the other end of the spectrum, we ourselves may be living two different lives - one life set aside for God and all that goes with this and, the other life, living hypocritically - praising God one minute and getting involved in things we shouldn't, the next. This can take the form of gossiping about people in the church, criticising them and finding nothing good to say about most things. Jesus Himself, addressed this in Matthew 12:34-37: 'For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give an account of it in the day of judgement. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.'
These are very strong words that Jesus uses. He is telling us straight; we can't say we didn't know about this. It is written down in His blood, the blood He shed for all of us, on the cross. We need to get it right - NOW! It'll be too late when we are standing before Him.
Why not join me in prayer: 'Lord Jesus, please forgive me for all of the idle words that I have spoken about someone; all of the gossip that I have spread and all of the criticism I have been involved in too. And Lord for the times that I have been unworthy of you by my actions and deeds. I am sorry. In Jesus' Name. Amen'
And if you don't know Jesus or have fell away, here is a prayer for you:
'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.
In Jesus' Name. Amen'
Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
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