God looks at the heart (1 Sam. 16:7).
This Old Testament verse is very encouraging, People judge by outward appearances, but God looks at the heart. What a relief.
But then I stop for just a minute… eek. God. Looks. At. My. Heart!?!
I can talk a good talk with people. I can put on a good face for people. But God sees right though it and looks at my heart.
We must take careful note of what is in our heart, for that very essence is what overflows from our lives.
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of (Luke 6:45).
So what are speaking about today? What is coming from your mouth? That is what is in your heart.
If you find yourself:
- complaining
- being negative
- talking bad about someone
- spreading lies or gossip
- raising your voice to your family
- saying one thing but doing another
Then it’s time to take note of what is in your heart.
Pray this prayer:
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Pslam 139:23-24)
Suggested by a pastor named Jim and supported with a shout out from a worship leader named Hank, I purchased a great devotional book while I was at Beulah Camp this summer. This Day With The Master by Dennis Kinlaw has been awesome and is currently breaking down Pslams 34. One of the recurring themes in this Pslam is that “His praise will ever be on our lips”.
Make this your goal:
I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak His praises.
I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are helpless take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
let us exalt His name together. (Psalm 34:1-3)
There is an exuberant joy flowing out of the Psalmist’s heart.
What is overflowing from your heart today?
OTHER POSTS…
Eight Ways To Make August A Ministry Booster (Student Ministry)
Five Actions For Ministry Leaders
Dear Brother,
The Lord be with you and make God’s face to shine upon you and give you peace.
I am Waseem Yousaf from Pakistan. I have studied your web site, and have found it to be one of many wonderful sites offered on the internet which gets to the Truth of the Word of God. As is the case with others whom I have contacted, you have created material which is full of knowledge concerning development of religious faith. Living in Pakistan, we Christians face many obstacles in getting access to God’s Word. Most people in Pakistan speak Urdu, and are not capable of understanding the English language. Because of limited access in our native tongue, my people have a true hunger for fresh Christian Perspectives.
Proficient in both English and my native languages, I would like to offer my services as translator to you. Presenting your material in both Urdu and Punjabi would be a true blessing to the Pakistani and Indian people. For a nominal fee, I will enable you to bring the message of Salvation to a most deserving people.
Blessing you in advance for your consideration,
Email: waseemyousaf153@yahoo.com
In Him,
Waseem Yousaf
Pakistan