Friday, September 30, 2011

Do You Have a 'Goat's' Heart or a "Lamb's' Heart?

Read Hebrew 4:12-13

Title in NIV: The Word of God is Sharper than a Double-edged Sword

Ahh! A new topic. A deep topic at that. The heart. The word of God will judge the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Just like when we check our bank balance to see how much money we have, God will check our heart balance to see how much Fruit of the Spirit we have.

If I have allowed Jesus to penetrate my heart I should not be afraid for God to search it. Yes, there is still sin there, I am still human, but Jesus’ blood covers over it. (let me make a list):

1 Chronicles 28:9 the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thought

1 Samuel 16:7 The Lord does not look at the things man. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (talking about young David being anointed by Samuel)

Psalms 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

Proverbs 27:19 as water reflects the face, so a man’s heart reflects the man

Luke 16:15 You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your heart. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God sight.

Romans 8:26-27  (read this)

Revelation 2:23-25 (scary)

Verse 13 says Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. I think this verse scares a lot of people. I knew a lady who thought when she got to the door of heaven her sins were going to be displayed on a big screen T.V. She was scared she would have to give an account for everyone. She was scared everyone else could see the T.V.

I cry out to you to believe God’s promises!! Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:22 The righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. I tend to believe these promises more than I am scared of the ‘account’ verses.


We may have to give an account to the Judge, but we will not be held accountable. However, I think we should be prepared when we stand before the Judge. Eve had to give an account. She blamed someone else (Adam). Sarah had to give an account of her laughter. She lied to God. Jonah skipped the account part- for a while- and ran from God. These people’s response to God was not very beneficial to them.  I wonder what would have happened it they would have repented before God?
 
I am prepared to call on my Lord and Savior. I hope I say, “Lord, I am a sinner. I am not worthy on my own. Forgive me and grant me grace and mercy through Jesus Christ, my Savior.” I know I have done everything on the ‘rap-sheet” of my own free will. At some point, I know from scripture, Jesus will step in and say, “This one is mine.” I will look as white as snow (Ps 51:7—read all Ps 51…beautiful; Is 1:18, Rev 7:14)


I don’t understand it all, but that is what is promised in scripture and I have faith in scripture. Read Hebrews 9:14 and 1 John 1:7.


To tie it all together: God looks at the heart of a (wo)man. Depending on what he sees, he will consider you a goat and cast you aside saying, “I never knew you.” OR he will consider you a lamb and beckon you into heaven saying, “Enter my good and faithful servant.”

How is your heart? How is your attitude? What are your motives?  I encourage you to examine yourself daily to determine if you have the heart of a goat or the heart of the Lamb.

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