THE HEART LAGS BEHIND!

 

Saturday, July 31, 2021

 

THE HEART LAGS BEHIND!

 

Prov 23:26

26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

 

Matt 15:8

8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

 

Heb 3:12-13

12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

 

           The whole course of life is upset by failure to put God where He rightfully belongs. The problem is that the heart is deceitful above all things and even deceives itself (Jeremiah 17:9). Like Peter, we may declare our intention to die with Christ, if necessary, only to deny Him three times when the pressure is on. We just don’t know our own heart.

 

           The mind may agree to this “God-above-all” position, but the heart may lag behind. Until and unless God has your heart, religion can’t be practiced with any degree of regularity or success. The mind says yes but the heart keeps holding back! “The whole man must make the decision before the heart can know any real satisfaction. God wants us all, and he will not rest till He gets us all.” (A. W. Tozer The Pursuit of God)

 

           I usually finish each devotional with a suggested prayer. This morning I can think of none better than the one Tozer himself uses to close chapter nine. It is long so I will share only some essential portions.

 

O God, be Thou exalted over my possessions. Nothing of earth’s treasures shall seem dear unto me if only Thou art glorified in my life. Be thou exalted over my friendships. I am determined that Thou shall be above all, though I must stand deserted and alone in the midst of the earth. AMEN

WHO’S THE AUTHOR?

 

Friday, July 30, 2021

 

WHO’S THE AUTHOR?

 

1 Cor 14:33

33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

 

John 10:10

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

 

Heb 5:9

9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

 

Heb 12:2

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

           Two opposing forces vie for control of our lives. One is benevolent the other is not. One brings life and good things while the other causes death and decay. One brings us together while the other tears us apart.

 

           If you want to determine the nature of a project or process, perhaps you need to look at its result. Did it tend toward life or death? Did it bring peace, or did it divide?

 

           In the original language, the phrase the author does not appear in 1 Corinthians 14:33. Without it the verse reads: “God is not …  of confusion!” The word confusion means instability or disorder. So, I now have something with which to measure many things. Even in the church!

 

Our first scripture above includes these words: “as in all churches of the saints.” I now can judge the origin of many of the church’s methods and programs by what it tends to produce. Does the “way things are done” produce confusion, division, or peace? We can trace it back to the author.

 

Rom 12:18

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

 

Dear Lord, let me judge myself by that same measure. Let me ask myself the origin of my thoughts and deeds today. Be the author of all I think and do. AMEN

CONFLICT RESOLUTION!

 

Thursday, July 29, 2021

 

CONFLICT RESOLUTION!

 

Ps 7:1

7:1 Shig-ga'-ion of David, which he sang unto the Lord, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite.

O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:

 

           The strange word at the very beginning of this verse is from the Hebrew shaagah which means “to wander.” So, this is a wandering song, a song written and sung while David is on the run from Saul, is also a rambling song covering different subjects, and made up of different parts. As we read it, we have the sense of continual interruption. David was always “bugging out!” It speaks of conflict. As for Cush the Benjamite, some scholars think this refers to Saul himself, the son of Kish who was of the tribe of Benjamin.

 

           David had a collection of enemies, Saul, Goliath, Shimei and even his very own son, Absalom. These provided constant conflict in his life. For David, conflict was a way of life, and we are wise to pay attention when he speaks of it. Notice what he says when he speaks of his enemies. He pleads with the Lord to come and save him. He himself was a mighty warrior but he cries out to God for rescue. He asks God to judge between him and his enemies.

 

           A war is never quite finished until there is a clear winner and a complete surrender. So, it is with a sinful man and a righteous God. Since man can’t hope to win in his conflict with God it is wise for him to surrender early and completely.

 

Eph 2:13-17

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

 

           Enmity is the Greek word echthra and literally means “the reason for opposition.” We were afar off, or estranged, but now we are made near because of the blood of Jesus. He has removed the very reason for opposition. He has slain the enmity so that the warring parties can be at peace.

 

Dear Lord, I sense enmity still in me. It takes me away from you and causes separation. It is painful and bitter for me and I’m sure it is for you as well. Please come and destroy the enmity with a fresh application of your own blood. Please destroy in me the very reason for opposition. I surrender, Lord. AMEN