HEART CHECK

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“It is when our hearts are stirred that we become most aware of what they contain.” ― Andy Stanley

Above all else, watch over your HEART; diligently guard it because from a sincere and pure heart come the good and noble things of life. - Proverbs 4:23 (V)

Yesterday we had a day where the “heart” was prominent; Valentine’s Day.  The HEART is the centerpiece of that little celebration.  Heart shaped balloons, heart shaped candy boxes and jewelry.  

And that led me to today’s little questions:

What is on or in your heart this morning?

Where is, your heart focused this morning?

What is emanating from your heart?

You know the LORD takes this whole “heart condition” thing seriously. Multiple times He either speaks or infers the phrase “all our heart”; often to direct us as to how to “approach our relationship” with Him.

Jesus answered, 

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your HEART, all your soul, and all your mind.’ Matthew 22:37 (NCV) 

That is the one that is quick to leap to mind, isn’t it?

And what does that say about how we are to approach today? 

Pretty clear.

Love GOD with all we have today.  Make sure that when our hearts are “stirred” they reveal or emit lots and lots of JESUS. For Jesus wants our whole hearts because He knows how the enemy will do his best to pollute them, to weigh them down with emotions that most certainly don’t represent Him.  He knows our hearts if not guarded, if not prioritized toward Him and the Father, could be captured and in turn begin to emit things; sinful things when stirred.

…For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts of lust, theft, murder, adultery, wanting what belongs to others, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, pride, and all other folly. Mark 7:21 (LB)

That is why it is crucial to give our hearts to GOD.

Proverbs 23:26 (AMP)

…give me your heart and let your eyes observe and delight in my ways,

For when our hearts are in tune with that of the Father, when our hearts are fully and wholly convinced and convicted to loving GOD, then GOD can pour the things into it that are pleasing to Him, helpful to us, and encouragement for others!

Galatians 5:22-23 (MSG)

…what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion IN THE HEART, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

So, give your heart the once over this morning.  If it were stirred, what would it reveal about you?  If more pollution starts to emanate rather than praise, then listen to the wise words of David and allow GOD to clean it and renew it!

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 (LB) 

And then allow HIM to fill and stir your HEART.

I love you all!

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