I have been troubled. I can't put words to it, sometimes it just happens. The journey of our hearts is sometimes wrought with valleys, arrows, and all kind of things that seek to discourage us. I read a devotional I receive from Ransomed Heart, put out by John Eldredge a few days ago. I was drawn back to it a few minutes ago. I would encourage you to sign up for them, they are very insightful and if you have not read any of his books I would urge you to do. I think in our busy world it is too easy to neglect our hearts.
"The heart is central. That I would even need to remind you of this only shows how far we have fallen from the life we were meant to live - or how powerful the spell has been. The subject of the heart is addressed in the Bible more than any other topic - more than "works" or "serve," more than "believe" or "obey," more than money and even more than worship. Maybe God knows something we've forgotten. But of course - all those other things are matter of the heart. Consider but a few passages:"
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (Deut.6:5) [Jesus called this the greatest of all command-ments - and notice that the heart comes first.]
Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. (Sam. 16:7)
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Luke 12:34)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. (Prov. 3:5)
Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You. (Ps. 119:11 NASB)
These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. (Matt 15:8)
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him (2 Chron. 16:9)
Taken from Waking the Dead, 39-40 by John Eldredge
www.ransomedheart.com
Blessings to you all.
6 comments:
once again...so timely in my life. printing these verses off right now.
bend your ear, incline your heart, choose life...my prayers for you today. you know the victory is yours. ♥
Mary, I need you to drop by my blog for a little surprise...
These are some of my favorite verses .. they tell me that it is ok to "follow" my heart .. when others are telling me to stop and follow my mind. My heart is the center .. I believe from where all my energy flows .. it is the place where the holy spirit lives .. we must slow down and listen quietly to what is there because God is speaking to us through our heart. Anywho... I this is why I am so drawn to the image of hearts .. it speaks more to me than just valentines day .. or love .. oh so much deeper. Thanks for your words Mary .. I think I have something for a journal page now :)
Yes, the heart...so small but so powerful for it holds what Jesus left for us to be our guide...to help us to do what God wants us to!! Our heart speaks to us before out mind does...it's instant!! We see things that break our heart the minute we see someone mistreating someone or something..then the mind tells don't worry...but our heart steps in and says, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!
(((HUGS)) I was thinking about a dog we see as we drive to town..2 yrs now he's been outside in the weather chained to a dog house. Just think how much our God hurts when we ignore people who are suffering!!!!
Mary, I have another special award for you on my blog. This one is a little different in that it brings Georgia bloggers together.
I hope you enjoy...
Yvette
What a great reminder Mary. Our hearts are key and what a great idea to journal about :)
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