Bible Reading: Genesis 49-50; Matthew 15:1-20
“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” Matthew 15:8 KJV
The heart of man is a very important part of a man that must be well guarded. It is the part that connects our spirit to God. He looks directly at our hearts to give to every man according to what goes on in there. Jeremiah 17:9-10 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? [10] 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.” It is wisdom to always check and vet your heart.
When Adam sinned the heart of man automatically became corrupt. His decisions, desires and imaginations became wicked and against God’s plan and purposes. Jesus said, “for out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: [19] These are the things which defile a man..” Matthew 15:18-19 (KJV). The bible says in Proverbs 4:23 KJV, “keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” What eventually becomes of you in life all depends on how you have kept your heart.
You need Gods grace if you are to keep your heart pure in this present world. Since it is the wellspring of desire and decision you must condition it to be in line with God’s word. But this starts with accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Then fill your heart with the word of God letting it dwell richly in you, and meditate on scriptures. Since you are no longer of this world then think about things in heaven by setting your minds on them (Colossians 3:2).
Honour God with your heart not with your lips as the Pharisees did. Jesus, who also sees the heart, repeated what Isaiah said of them, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” Matthew 15:8 (KJV). Outward observance without an inner desire to serve God is hypocritical religion and is severely condemn by Jesus.
Prayer: Father, give me a new heart and renew the right spirit in me in Jesus name.
Bro. Worthmore Aghanenu