This Heart!

This Heart!

Jeremiah 17:9-10 KJV

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.

The world has promoted this false idea that we can do evil and get away with it. The world has pushed out the idea that we personally own our lives, and we can choose how we want to live. One of the cardinal results of Adam's sin was that he chose human wisdom and intellect over and above that which God had already offered. Recall what God himself said about man in Genesis 3:22: And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.” if God could talk about man's rejection of true wisdom as far back as Adam, I wonder what His view will be about this present generation. Just reflecting on the verses above make it clear that time has not changed the tendency of the natural man. Man's heart was evil after the fall in the Garden of Eden, and it has not changed since then. 

Man has found new and novel ways of doing and perpetuating evil: we have found a silly substitute for Godly marriages; we call them trial marriages, cohabitation or friends with benefits. We call adultery mutual attraction or intercourse with 2 consenting adults. We refer to fraud and corruption as 'cooking the books' or being sharp, smart and savvy. We seem to have lost all fear of sin and its consequences. Homosexuality, inordinate desires and other vices that God clearly called wrong, have now been made to look better than they really are; the world is teaching us that these things are acceptable, with the claim that, after all, we are humans and perfection is not possible.

Unfortunately, the ultimate decision on what is right and wrong lies with God alone, and not man. We do not own the standard; God is the standard. We do not dictate life's terms and conditions; God does. 

We cannot cleanse our hearts by ourselves; only God can. He is the One who knows our hearts and can make us pure without and within. He is the creator of our hearts, and He alone has what it takes to give us what we really need, so we can be all that God intends for us to be, and at the end of our lives, be where God ordained for us to be. As Galatians 6:7 clearly states, do not be deceived, because God cannot be mocked. A man always reaps what he sows. There is yet no scientific breakthrough that can change the output of a seed into a different fruit. Let us take stock today and ask God for His help so you can live life according to His terms. All the people we seek to impress today will be gone tomorrow. The people we want to copy or emulate will also receive their own judgement. The things we thought were okay by the world's standards will face the judgment fire of God- the true and only Judge.

God knows our deepest motives and intentions, and whilst we can deceive the entire world, we cannot deceive the One who made us. He owns, holds and knows the manual for our lives. It will do me good if I found out what this God wants and pursue that with my whole heart. At the end of our lives, a reckoning will be done and a reward or punishment will be given. Which will I get? What I have done in the past can remain in the past if I choose a new start with God. Whatever it is I am doing presently will define how I end up. I must make sure it is what God approves. What will be found with me when Jesus returns? The prayer is that God will help me live in the light of His commands and instructions. May my life seek after His pleasure, so that I may enter into eternal life with Him at the end of my life. God's time of favour is here.

Where am I?

Where am I?

Psalm 1:1-2 KJV

[1] Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. [2] But his delight is in the law of the LORD; And in his law doth he meditate day and night. 

The book of Psalms starts with the counsel and admonitions in the verses highlighted above. It is clear that where you walk defines what you get. Where I am at this moment in time is also a strong determinant of what I stand to gain or lose. In my walk on earth, there is nothing that is said in vain or done in futility; my life right now is a function of the aggregate of my daily walk and the choices I make. I have also been placed in the midst of people, which means that I cannot live in isolation. I will interact with people, and they will also impact my life one way or the other. I must be deliberate about what I allow to pass through the gates of my ears, eyes, feet and heart. I must know that the system of the world will be promoted by those under its influence and control. There is counsel that the ungodly have and give, because that is all they are exposed to. If all I am used to are the ungodly and the unholy, would it be a surprise if my life then produces in line with that exposure? 

It is the ungodly that will tell you that "It does not matter; 'you can do whatever you like, after all, God is a God of love who cannot destroy his creation in hell'. It is the ungodly who will tell you that 'it does not pay to serve God alone'; and that you must add something else to the faith you have received. There is a way a sinner walks that speaks to his inspiration and backing. The devil makes the way of the sinner appear smooth and without hassles. Everything a sinner touches seems to turn to gold. There is a place scoffers sit to mock God and his ways. As a result of their ways, they are close-minded and cannot perceive anywhere that God is at work. Do you belong to any of the groups already discussed? For those who have identified with Christ, do we still struggle for clarity in our walk with and work for God? It has to be noted that I cannot play both sides; I cannot serve God and also pay obeisance to the devil at the same time. There is no middle ground, no de-militarized zone. 

There is no fence of indecision to sit on. I do not associate with the ungodly, and if I keep away from sinners and avoid the scoffers, then it means that I am busy at the other option- delighting in the law of the Lord and meditating day and night on it. You cannot avoid both or get engaged with both at the same time. God does not make room for hypocrites. In my walking, standing or sitting, God expects my life to speak of him to other people. I can only make impact when I am filled with the right stuff, and I am busy seeking to know more about God. I am careful to avoid being caught up with activities that hold no value, no matter how inspired. God leads my life, guides my thoughts and directs my actions. So the questions still remain: where and with whom do I stand at the moment? Where am I walking and who am I walking with at the moment? Where and who are my companions where I am sitting at the moment? What I am engaged in at the moment? The fruits of my life will be determined by the answers to those questions. God's time of favour is here.

Guard!

Guard!

Proverbs 4:23 AMPC

[23] Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.

(Pro) 4:23 CJB Complete Jewish Bible

[23] Above everything else, guard your heart;for it is the source of life’s consequences.

Proverbs 4:23 NIV

[23] Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Let us consider two main words in the verse above: HEART: The heart works as a powerful, four-chambered pump, controlled by its own electrical system, that circulates blood through two loops: sending oxygen-poor blood to the lungs to get oxygen, and then pumping that fresh, oxygen-rich blood out to the entire body, repeating this cycle continuously. This happens with coordinated contractions (systole) and relaxations (diastole) of the atria and ventricles, directed by one-way valves, ensuring blood flows in the right direction. All of the medical grammar noted above underscores the importance of the heart and the work it does all through a man's life. Just imagine how much a heart has worked to keep a man alive for 90 years. This is the amazing thing about God: it is the little things that drive big impact. It is the hidden parts of life that does the work no one sees, yet would lead to death if they do not work well. 

The other word is GUARD, which is to 'watch over in order to protect or control'. This simply means to be aware of what is going on around you; intentional about what you allow in, and deliberate about what you keep out. I cannot do one without the other. I cannot claim to be only focused on what my life produces on the outside; it is that which goes in that will eventually determine what comes in. Why do I need to guard anything at all? Why is the heart very important in this lfe conversation? Why am I required to guard that which sustains life? It is because of the consequences of carelessness. There is nothing like a lack of accountability; God does not do anything without a reason. If He creates a heart that can receive, process and apply information, then it is equally important to ensure that I lay the right foundation with that which I allow to make an impression on my heart. 

Let us apply both definitions to our lives. We have been given a processing centre; one that is able to absorb anything. The capacity of the human mind is beyond understanding; it keeps working until it does not. We may call the work it does boring, but in that 'boring routine' is safety. In that almost unnoticed cycle is human life sustained. However, in that routine also lies the danger of assumption. Is it because we do not physically see the work the heart does, that we put pressure on other parts of our bodies? Am I careless with what I allow in? Be sure that no matter how minute the inflow is, it will definely leave a mark. If I get careless with what comes in, it may lead to studen or untimely death. That is what happens when blood becomes contaminated; it affects the entire body. My guard must kick in at the point of inception, not firefight when the damage is already done. Just as my human heart needs diet and exercise, so does my spiritual heart need nurturing, through faith, prayer, or meditation, in order to stay "healthy" and be receptive to divine leading. God does not force Himself on anyone, but be sure He will display His power in me if I let Him. Would you? God's time of favour is here..

Right Response!

Right Response!

Luke 1:46-47 KJV

[46] And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, [47] And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Context matters here. How do you handle news that you are not prepared for? How do you handle opportunities as well as threats that may come your way in this journey of life? Here was a young lady, minding her own business, doing the right things by Jewish customs and traditions. She kept away from fornication, keeping herself for the man she was betrothed to. I am sure both were looking ahead to the day they would start their own family. One day, everything she thought she had locked down was turned on its head. An angel came to her to give her unusual news. She would be pregnant, but not by the one she was betrothed to. Even the name of the child, as well as its mission on earth, was given to her. Tell me, how would you have handled this complete upheaval of all that you have known all your life? Is God permitted to change the course of my life if it aligns with His will and purpose for me? 

It is hard to define how this lady really took the news. At least, we read of the proposed response of Joseph, who was planning to divorce her quietly, to keep her from public disgrace. When God deals with me as He pleases and as I permit, there is no guarantee that men will understand or applaud my experiences. In fact, it is likely that men who do not know anything about God's dealings will mock and talk negatively about me. That is the way of the world, and that is why it is not sensible to stake your life on the basis of what men say. Once God has spoken, I have all that I need. Once God has spoken, it does not matter the number of the people who say anything contrary. We know how this story ends but what if it was what the world calls 'bad' news that was delivered? Would you still speak as Mary did in the verse above? Can God trust my response, even when the events around me do not make sense? 

Mary's reaction here speaks of a heart of total surrender to the will of God, no matter where it may lead. Hearing the news was going to change her life and the lives of those around her, but she knew that God's plans always lead to blessings beyond her wildest dreams. She broke out in worship, saying her soul magnifies the Lord. No matter what was there now or coming, my soul worships the Lord. No matter how hard things get, I have made up my mind to hold on to God. Where else is safe? Who else can guarantee a good end like this God, who calls Himself the author and finisher of our faith? Her spirit also rejoices in God her Saviour. Her entire life was focused on God. That has to be my default setting too. It cannot be this occasional or weekly catch up with God, where I touch base with Him when I need something, or when things have really gone wrong. Does this speak about me? Would I also surrender to God and allow Him work that which is His perfect will? God's time of favour is here.

Fruit!

Fruit!

Hebrews 10:23-24 KJV

[23] Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) [24] and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

The writer of the book of Hebrews is not part of the record of the book, but we can deduce the audience from the first chapter of the book, where it states that God in these last days has spoken to us by His Son, Jesus, and has made his angels to be ministering spirits sent to minister to those who are heirs of salvation. This tells me that the promises and commitments that are made by God in this book can only be claimed by those who have given their lives to Jesus, and have taken hold of eternal life. If I will lay claim to any good thing in the Bible, I have ro align with the terms and conditions of that thing. God is a miracle worker, not a magician, and He does not waste resources. If He has made clear what the requirement for His intervention is, He will not lower the standard for anyone. That is why advancements in technology, medicine or science have not been able to change what sin is. 

If it was sin under Adam, it remains sin under this current dispensation. The message in the verses above are for those whose lives have been surrendered to Jesus. The admonition is that I hold fast the profession of my faith. The reason for this admonition is connected to the reality of the times we live in. It is easier to blend in than stand out. It is easier to keep quiet than to challenge the iniquity of the times we live in. However, the bigger source of encouragement is the statement made in the verses above, that the One who promised is faithful. This is a commitment that can be relied upon. God is unchanging; He can be trusted to keep His promises, and there is no one who has truly experienced God that can say He cannot be trusted. If I know the value of who God is, what He can do, and what I stand to gain if I hold on to the end, I will not let go. Do you know this God? Does He also know you as His own? It is that personal knowledge and experience that drives the second verse above. 

When I know this God, I am able to impact lives. If I have experienced God's kind of love, I am able to also express that to other people. The verse above charges us to provoke one another unto love and good works. It seems to be that showing love should be a 'healthy competition', almost as if we should try and outdo one another in love. It does not lead to envy or hatred, or anything negative. It is being sensitive to the needs around us, being careful to let the love of God permeate all that we do, and being intentional about the motives behind what we do. The good works become the output of the inner presence of God in us. Just note again that it is the audience that drives the demand. If you do not belong, you will struggle. May the fruits of my life show total dependence and reliance on the One who loved me enough to die for me. May my life be visible and audible proof of a life that is owned by God. God's time of favour is here.

Doers!

Doers!

James 1:22 AMP

[22] But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth].

James was not writing to any specific church in a particular location, but was writing to the twelve tribes who, due to persecution, were now scattered abroad among the Gentiles. In those days, it was almost a taboo to be seen among the Gentiles. The Jews took pride in their nationalistic outlook, and considered those who inter-married with Gentiles as less than Jewish. That was the scene where the Jews of those times found themselves. Just reflect on the fact that before Jesus left the earth, his instruction was that His disciples would be witnesses of Him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the other parts of the world. If those who know Christ stay in their comfort zone, how would others hear the good news of Jesus? God orchestrated it that those who were now armed with the right knowledge of Jesus were forced to move into the community of those who were yet to hear about Jesus. 

When uncomfortable things happen around or to you, do you ask God to clarify what His plan and purpose are for those experiences? Do I see God at work, when nothing seems to work? For the Jews at the time, amongst other things, there was a need for the spread of the word of God to all nations. The first part was now done, and the Jews who knew Jesus were now living among the Gentiles. How would I live my life in a way that would be evident to those who are unbelievers that I am different? It is in the fruits that you are able to determine the nature and quality of the seed. The fruit is the outward expression of secret and uncelebrated investment. This is achieved by the instruction in the verse above: prove yourselves doers of the Word. It is not a passive movement; it is active engagement with the Word, and then deliberate obedience, and then walking and working out what I have heard, seen and experienced from the Word. 

What the verse above encourages us to do is to actively and continually obey God’s precepts. I do not get to pick and choose the instructions I will obey. God's Word is His name, and I cannot accept just the nice  instructions that make me comfortable, and then conveniently ignore the ones that hold a light to my weaknesses. I internalise the lessons, and ask God for grace to let His Word change me from the inside, so that I can have impact on the outside. The world is ignorant, or chooses to ignore the realities of the importance of Jesus, but I have to make Him known. Anything that seeks to take away from the Word, or reduce its efficacy, is to be taken as delusion and unsound reasoning. Do not let anyone tell you anything about God's Word that you cannot find for yourself. God has given all of us access to Him. Seek Him; make Him yours, and let His Word do a work that will secure you for all of eternity. God's time of favour is here. 

None!

None!

1 Samuel 2:2 AMP

[2] “There is no one holy like the Lord, There is no one besides You, There is no Rock like our God.

A quick context to the verse above. There was this woman named Hannah who the bible was careful to note these three facts, among many others: her husband loved her very much, she was barren and it was the Lord who had shut up her womb. We can debate whether God does the things we label as 'bad' by our own standards, or we can accept His Omnipotence and allow Him work as He pleases in our lives, so we can turn out as He desires, and not the way we want. God can do whatever He pleases with His creation, and I can engage Him in prayer to understand His purpose for me, but He chooses how and when He wants to respond. One thing that has been clear since the beginning of time is that there is no one or anything in all of creation that can defeat or thwart God's purpose. If He allows it, it is because it will work out that which is in line with where He wants me to do, and who He is building me up to be. 

Can I trust me with my life, even when it seems that God is not doing it the way I want? Can I tarry in the place of prayer until He gives direction on the next step? Hannah would come year after year, asking for a child, and it would seem that God was not listening. On this day, everything seemed to align. God, who knew what was ahead, was already planning for a replacement for the priest of the house, as it did not appear that any of the priests in place at the time could serve in that office. It is also not recorded whether Hannah knew God's mind at the time, but she said a prayer that seemed to line up with God's desire, and with the priest's blessing, she got a child that she was able to dedicate to the Lord, in line with her prayer request. Who says it does not pay to know, follow, serve, and submit to this God? Hannah's life shows the power and impact of persistence in the place of prayer.  

Hannah got what she wanted, and it is not a surprise that she is credited with the prayer or song in the verse above. It takes a personal encounter with this God to make declarations like the ones above. How do you celebrate and reverence a Holy God the right way, if you have not seen Him at work, or seen what His Holiness demands? If you have not taken time to reflect, how can you determine that there is no other God besides the One true God, and a Rock like no other. Being dependable at all times and in all situations is not an attribute that can be assigned to the natural man. Being a Rock means a place of safety and security, a place of rest and restoration, and a place of refuge from storms. Hannah had come to know this God, and we will do well to also come to know Him this way. He wants to show Himself strong, but it is by total and absolute surrender that He will be able to do all He has promised. Do you know this God? Does He know you? God's time of favour is here.