Bible Reading: Isaiah 13-15; Galatians 6
Memory verse: “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)
The heart is the inner being of a person that includes one’s desires, feelings and thoughts. The heart of man belongs to God because that is where true worship comes from. God does not just look at the things we do, but looks at the motives from the heart behind the actions. He weighs our actions from the heart (1 Samuel 2:3). God weighed the Kingdom of king Belshazzar and he was found wanting (Daniel 5:25-27).
God searches the heart continually as long as there is breath in a man. Jeremiah 17:9 (KJV) echoes this, “I the LORD search the heart, I try the reigns, even to give each man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” This is restated in Galatians 6:9 (KJV), “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Whatever you do continually must have been decided in your heart. God sees the heart.
An angel, highly revered in heaven, lost his place because of the condition of his heart. God sees the heart; He sees your thoughts, desires and feelings. Lucifer was cut down from heaven and brought low because he did not guard his heart diligently. How? Isaiah 14:13-14 (KJV), “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: [14] I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” His heart condition made him lose his exalted position in heaven. He wants to take the place of God.
What is the condition of your heart? Jesus reminded us that a man is defiled by what comes out of his heart (Matthew 15:18). A heart that continually dwells on evil thoughts would be destroyed. Continuity, in itself, is an exercise; whether for good or for evil it is up to you to do the exercise consciously. God has given us the grace through His dear Son, Jesus, to dwell in righteousness given to us through His Spirit. Take advantage of this grace today and guard your heart diligently.
Action Plan: Examine all your desires, thoughts and feelings critically. Do they glorify God?
Bro. Worthmore Aghanenu