The Heart of the Matter

Scripture Read: Proverbs 16:1-9 The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.  [2] All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the LORD weighs the motives.  [3] Commit your works to the LORD, And your plans will be established.  [4] The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil. [5] Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished.  [6] By loving kindness and truth iniquity is atoned for,  And by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil.  [7] When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. [8] Better is a little with righteousness   Than great income with injustice.  [9] The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. 

Application: This is a scary thought for me. Knowing I have a Jer 17:9 heart, how do I know what my true motive is? I understand that we always see our self as being right, how to I know if my motive is pure or not. When I become defensive and I am shown that I am wrong – that is easy to identify, but how about those things that are not clearly evil. I want to be successful in ministry – but why? How do I know it is not an ego feed? I want my kids to do well, why? For me or for them? I want to make love to my wife, why? For my pleasure or hers? I believe the only way to deal with this is to begin right here – always remembering that my heart is as the Word describes it. From there I must see that this is one of the reasons a moment to moment walk with the Lord is so important – only the Spirit can illuminate the truth to me. That’s why Paul stated he judged nothing – not even himself – I need to let the Spirit keep me accountable. I guess I really don’t trust my feelings in this Lord. Holy Spirit, please continue to weigh my heart and illuminate me to the truth. I don’t want to live a fake life. I want to be real, yet in some ways I fear the pain that comes with that. It is difficult to have the light of Your Spirit show me what the real man in the mirror is thinking! Still – after I face it – You are always there to hug me and show me how to change it! Thanks Dad.

The two paths that are really one!

Scripture Read: Proverbs 3:13-26 How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding.  14] For its profit is better than the profit of silver, And its gain than fine gold.  [15] She is more precious than jewels;  And nothing you desire compares with her.  [16] Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor.  [17] Her ways are pleasant ways, And all her paths are peace.  [18] She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who hold her fast.

 

Application: What exactly does this mean. The paths of wisdom are those avenues that not only have knowledge, but also know how to use it. Peace is that sense of calm no matter the circumstances. In every circumstance there is more then one path to take, but the one that uses wisdom is the one with peace. This applies in all cases. Confrontation – what does wisdom say to do? When attacked – what does wisdom say to do? When disappointed what does wisdom say to do? I believe the key here, is knowing how to mentally slow down in order to find that path. Even if your response must be immediate, there must be a way to slow down inside and think. To be in a prayerful attitude all day will go a long way to serve this end. Help me Lord to pick the path of wisdom!

Loving the law provides Peace

Scripture Read: Psalm 119:161  Princes persecute me without cause,  But my heart stands in awe of Thy words.  [162] I rejoice at Thy word, As one who finds great spoil.  [163] I hate and despise falsehood, But I love Thy law. [164] Seven times a day I praise Thee, Because of Thy righteous ordinances.  [165] Those who love Thy law have great peace, And nothing causes them to stumble.  [166] I hope for Thy salvation, O LORD, And do Thy commandments. [167] My soul keeps Thy testimonies, And I love them exceedingly.  [168] I keep Thy precepts and Thy testimonies, For all my ways are before Thee.

 

Application: Loving His law brings great peace. Loving God’s law produces righteousness. But how do you love a law. It is different than loving a person. The interesting thing here is that unlike a person – the law is what it is – emotions do not affect it. That’s what makes this important. By seeing that your life is better with the law than without it – you treasure the truth it brings to your life. It should grieve me when I break His law, which in turn will rob me of my peace. Notice this does not say that we will not walk on various kinds of roads – it states NOTHING will cause us to stumble. So it does not matter if the road I am on is slick with temptations or rocky with trials – if I have His law it my heart – it’s truth will keep my feet safe! How important is that? What a peace this brings – just learn His truth and no matter the circumstances you will be able to stand! Lord teach me to keep your law and learn to love it.

The Atmosphere of Peace

Scripture Read: Psalm 85:8-13 I will hear what God the LORD will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones; But let them not turn back to folly.  [9] Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land.   [10] Loving kindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.  [11] Truth springs from the earth; And righteousness looks down from heaven.  [12] Indeed, the LORD will give what is good; And our land will yield its produce.  [13] Righteousness will go before Him, And will make His footsteps into a way.

Application: I realize true peace comes from God. But I find it interesting how it is linked to righteousness in this text. Perhaps that is the real key to having peace. Since the sense of calm which is real peace flows from within the soul, not from without then the condition of the soul is the issue. No matter how bad the outside circumstances are, the inside can remain constant. Since the Holy Spirit lives within us, then only an atmosphere which He finds acceptable would allow Him to give us His calm. Righteousness is the natural atmosphere of the Holy Spirit. So if I am in sin, peace will allude me because the Holy Spirit is not comfortable in that environment. I need to live righteous and peace will be there. Help me O Lord to learn this truth!