Intentions
Proverbs 21:2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their heart. 3 The LORD is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.
"The Lord weighs the heart..." How I want that truth to sink into my mind. When I read that, I am tempted to make it negative...but this is one of the most positive truths there could ever be!
God see's all the nuances of my heart. Even the things I can't see. Because I am often surprised by the darkness lingering in my heart, it is tempting to think God is surprised by it too. God is surprised by nothing. One of the benefits of knowing everything is being surprised by nothing.
The fact that God knows my heart and puts more weight on my desire for righteousness and justice than on sacrifice...well, this is everything I could hope for! Because the truth is: I really want to do what is right. Chances are, you really want to do what is right too!
The Bible calls satan "the accuser." He is so good at this job. He is constantly trying to whisper into our hearts accusations about our performance, and accusations about God. His desire is the same as the jealous trouble maker on the playground in third grade: to break up relationships. Satan desperately wants to keep me from seeing how acceptable I am to God, and he desperately wants to keep me from seeing how committed God is to my success in His plans for me! When I see these two things, satan's plans to keep me, and those around me, in chains of accusation are ruined!
This is the truth, intentions matter with God. The accuser will lie to you and say you are not good enough to come near God, where God would say "I already knew what I was getting into when I called you. Run to me when you mess up, not from me." If you have put your trust in Jesus' payment for your sins, you are already as "justified" (made right in the eyes of God) as you will ever be! What comes after justification is "sanctification". Justification refers to your legal position (no longer guilty...pardoned). Sanctification refers to your "living condition". God wants your living condition to be like Jesus', because that is where real and free life is found. Sanctification can only really happen when you are walking right next to God. He doesn't want you to clean yourself up to come near Him...He wants you to come near Him so He can clean you up...help you improve your living condition to match your legal position.
This is the thing: you know how to love your kids. When they make a mistake, they are still your kid. You love them no matter what. You might want them to make better choices, but you know tanking the relationship isn't going to help you help them make better choices.
God is the ultimate good Father. If we know the basics of love, how do we think He is? He is the perfect expression of love! If He is truly good, what would He do with a man or woman like you? One who's heart is to please Him? Won't He set you on a rock and make you secure if you will let Him?! If you belong to God, you have it made. Tell the accuser to leave, in Jesus' name!
1 Peter 5:6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen.
"The Lord weighs the heart..." How I want that truth to sink into my mind. When I read that, I am tempted to make it negative...but this is one of the most positive truths there could ever be!
God see's all the nuances of my heart. Even the things I can't see. Because I am often surprised by the darkness lingering in my heart, it is tempting to think God is surprised by it too. God is surprised by nothing. One of the benefits of knowing everything is being surprised by nothing.
The fact that God knows my heart and puts more weight on my desire for righteousness and justice than on sacrifice...well, this is everything I could hope for! Because the truth is: I really want to do what is right. Chances are, you really want to do what is right too!
The Bible calls satan "the accuser." He is so good at this job. He is constantly trying to whisper into our hearts accusations about our performance, and accusations about God. His desire is the same as the jealous trouble maker on the playground in third grade: to break up relationships. Satan desperately wants to keep me from seeing how acceptable I am to God, and he desperately wants to keep me from seeing how committed God is to my success in His plans for me! When I see these two things, satan's plans to keep me, and those around me, in chains of accusation are ruined!
This is the truth, intentions matter with God. The accuser will lie to you and say you are not good enough to come near God, where God would say "I already knew what I was getting into when I called you. Run to me when you mess up, not from me." If you have put your trust in Jesus' payment for your sins, you are already as "justified" (made right in the eyes of God) as you will ever be! What comes after justification is "sanctification". Justification refers to your legal position (no longer guilty...pardoned). Sanctification refers to your "living condition". God wants your living condition to be like Jesus', because that is where real and free life is found. Sanctification can only really happen when you are walking right next to God. He doesn't want you to clean yourself up to come near Him...He wants you to come near Him so He can clean you up...help you improve your living condition to match your legal position.
This is the thing: you know how to love your kids. When they make a mistake, they are still your kid. You love them no matter what. You might want them to make better choices, but you know tanking the relationship isn't going to help you help them make better choices.
God is the ultimate good Father. If we know the basics of love, how do we think He is? He is the perfect expression of love! If He is truly good, what would He do with a man or woman like you? One who's heart is to please Him? Won't He set you on a rock and make you secure if you will let Him?! If you belong to God, you have it made. Tell the accuser to leave, in Jesus' name!
1 Peter 5:6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen.
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