It’s the Heart of the Matter

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Jeremiah 16-17; 2 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 34

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." Jeremiah 17:9, 10

All of us have a heart issue - pride. Yuck! This is far more dangerous than congested heart failure, but it too can cause heart failure of a different kind. BUT there is a cure! Washing in the Water of God's Word.

Pride can easily be over-looked and unidentified if we’re using something other than God’s Word to examine ourselves. If we’re always sizing ourselves and efforts up in comparison to others, than we might look pretty good (or really bad, whatever the case may be). But take a look in the mirror of God’s Word and we’ll see just how far we fall short (Isa 64:6).   

When I was growing up we raised sheep. Those wooly sheep are some of my best memories and were the source of many lessons. They looked so nice and white when standing in a green field. It was only when up against the backdrop of newly fallen snow that all the dirt showed up and you could see that their “white wool” was really more like khaki.  

That’s how it is with our heart. The more we look to Jesus, dig into God’s Word, and see ourselves compared to Christ, the more we realize our need for His grace. God’s grace is greater than the subtleties of our heart’s deception. Praise the Lord!  

But God’s work in us doesn't stop at us realizing our need for His grace. God’s plan is to teach us, cleanse our hearts and transform our minds (Ps 51:10; Rom 12:2; 1 John 2:27). So, get out your Bible, read His Word and let Him renew your mind, cleanse your heart, and conform you into the image of His precious Son.

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:9, 11

So keep looking to Jesus andlet Him cleanse your heart through His Word. 

by Sharon Kaselonis / All rights reserved ©