This week, Michael writes
that the matters of the heart are the heart of the matter. Joy is not the
absence of pain but the presence of God. The bible says, "in everything
give thanks." Nine out of the ten lepers whom Jesus healed were
ungrateful. Most people don't think about being thankful. It's difficult
to maintain a heart of awe and gratitude unless we focus on God's goodness,
grace and mercy. It's only hard when we harden our hearts. Grumbling and
complaining is the language of the World. However, it's not the language of
heaven. Sarcasm and complaining will kill a heart of awe and gratitude. Out
of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. What's the condition of
your heart?
It's easy to remember words
that hurt us; when we're scolded, reprimanded and humiliated. However, God
expects extreme obedience with no complaining or questioning on our part and no
explanation on His. Our challenge is to "keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of the heart are the issues
of life." It's not how we endure hard times that matters, but
rather how we react to the trials of life. When we're wronged, forgiveness
means to forgive the unforgivable. Love means to love the unlovable. This
is the example of Jesus Christ himself, for
in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly.
Whenever we sin, God will
give the world permission to rebuke us. These are difficult lessons to
learn in life. According to Philippians 2:12-15 “Therefore, my beloved, as you
have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my
absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it
is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good
pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that
you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in
the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights
in the world.”
As men and women of God,
through the journey of life we need "adjustments." This is why we
go to church and fellowship with like-minded believers. In the presence of
other men and women of God, "if the reproof fits, wear it." In
order to be blessed, we must humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. How
do we work out our own salvation with fear and trembling? First we must
humble ourselves under the Lord. We were not designed to fight the
troubles of this world and the spiritual power of the adversary. Our
strength is only in Him. According to Isaiah 40, they that wait upon the lord shall renew their strength; they shall
rise up on wings as Eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk
and not faint.
Let's continue Michael's message on the heart of the matter in the next post.
In Christ, Brian
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