Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23, 24 ESV)
Forward Friday!
Basic 101- The heart is most deceitful above all things and beyond cure- who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9 is clarified further in verse 10: “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” In order to move forward, we stop and search our hearts. Are we ready to acknowledge actions, which seem reasonable, needing a run through God’s filter?
Lesson Learned
Last summer, I over heard a baseball mother from another team- speak against a batter’s success. Since this time, I’ve really been aware of my own thoughts and actions- at times battling wanting to say a prayer against success of an arrogant player or team we need to beat, yet…restraint is necessary. I do not want to be held accountable speaking any words or sending any prayers against anyone. This is something I work on, while fresh in my mind…discernment picks up when happening against my children or their teams.
Cast…
Seeing Jesus as an example; He knew Judas Iscariot, one of his 12 disciples, was an enemy. Yet, Jesus never called Judas out by name or mistreated him. God’s appointed time came and Judas was revealed. God will not let the righteous fall- Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. Therefore, we do not need to pray against any one- unless pertaining to evil. God is our protector and the protector over our children. The amount of time spent speaking against others, can be spent much more productive praying for our own children, teammates, co-workers, etc… to do their very best- asking God to equip them. Winning from this angle- is much more rewarding, not only on earth, reward in Heaven!
Search…Moving Forward!
Search our hearts, O Lord…let there be nothing to grieve, and lead us in the way everlasting- in Jesus’ name, Amen! Competitive spirits are alive and well…we need constant reminders of God’s Word…same yesterday, today, and forever more. Ready to move forward? Take time and pray…ask Jesus, He will answer.
Be encouraged!
Vicki is a bold proclaimer of truth that will set people free from deception. Her topics include, "Breaking a Spirit of Fear," "Rebuilding a child's broken spirit," and "Christian maturity, experiencing more of God."
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