A Change of Heart

But Elohim [God] says to wicked people, “How dare you quote my decrees and mouth my promises! You hate discipline. You toss my words behind you. When you see a thief, you want to make friends with him. You keep company with people who commit adultery. You let your mouth say anything evil. Your tongue plans deceit. You sit and talk against your own brother. You slander your own mother’s son. 

When you did these things, I remained silent. That made you think I was like you.
I will argue my point with you and lay it all out for you to see.
Consider this, you people who forget Eloah [God]. Otherwise, I will tear you to pieces, and there will be no one left to rescue you.
Whoever offers thanks as a sacrifice honors me. I will let everyone who continues in my way see the salvation that comes from Elohim [God].”

Psalm 50:16-23 Names of God Bible

As students, we have memorized songs and poems and presidential addresses, and never really paid attention to the words. In that same vein, memorizing Bible verses will not get anyone into Heaven. Reciting the 10 Commandments or the covenant verses of God won't do it for them, either. Scripture refers to those people as wicked. What?!? Why?!? Because it's head knowledge only. There's no plumbing the depths of God's pure intent and straight-out commands. There's no change of heart. 

David said, "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against Thee..." Psalm 119:11 KJV.  Not the head, the heart. 

Do we think we can skate superficially through this journey and not reap retribution? People often mistake God's silence as acceptance. No, He is a holy God who will accept no less than holy. He is also Love.  2 Peter 3:9 NLT tells us, The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

We must re-examine our hearts. If we are not right before God, if His Word is not hidden in our hearts, we must repent and turn to Him to receive His saving grace.

Prayer:

Father,
          Forgive us for head knowledge only. Change us, O God! When we search Your Word, help us to drive it deep into our hearts so that we don't sin against You. We don't want to just go through the motions. We want every motion in our lives to be because our hearts are moved by You and Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Friends Together

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 

Romans 12:10 NLT

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 

1st Thessalonians 5:11

Hearts that have known and shared good times and bad, though separated by years or distance, meld together in love and friendship all over again when reunited. It is only because of the perfect love of Jesus gifted to imperfect beings. And what a blessing it is! Let's not ever take it for granted.

Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You for the people You place in our lives to love us and to teach us to love. Thank You for melding our hearts together with bonds that are not easily broken. Thank You for those who walk beside and strengthen us in the tough times and who rejoice with us in victory. Open our spiritual eyes so that we never miss an opportunity to share You and Your love. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen