Steve's Blog

A trusting heart begins with saying yes to the invitation from the Lord to trust Him with all your heart…”and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.  Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine” (Proverbs 3: 5-12). These proverbs are packed with wisdom, for trusting God allows us the joy of putting our life in His faithful hands so that we enjoy health and vitality in all aspects of our life, including our livelihood, avocations, and relationships.

Out of that relationship of trust in God, we become a trustworthy person.  Jesus makes it clear that it’s important to be known by others as reliable, dependable, and true to our word.  “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?” (Luke 16: 10-12). Living a life of integrity and trustworthiness is by far one of the best legacies any one could leave behind for future generations. May it be so for you and me as Christ followers today.

Those who trust in the Lord and have grown as a trustworthy friend, also take the risk in trusting others. When we know that all healthy relationships are based on the foundation of trust, we incline our hearts toward others hoping for trusting responses. “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Cor. 13: 6,7). If trust is the bedrock of our relationship with God and others, then love is what holds us all together. Let love be your guide in reaching out to another and inviting them into your life. Listen intently to others, encourage one another, pursue health among others, and learn the secret of contentment in all of your earthly relationships.  It’s worth the risk!

Eventually, since we don’t live in a bubble, trust between others will be breached. Our expectations may be shattered by a disappointment that ensues between spouses, friends, colleagues, and/or associates. A trusting heart desires more than anything to restore a broken trust. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Col. 3: 12-14). Reaching out with an earnest desire to restore a broken relationship is the evidence of a trusting heart. It takes concerted effort and prayer to bring about restitution, but it’s worth the time it takes to do so.

However, there are times in life when it seems impossible to reconcile, and even for a time it might be best to release those you simply cannot trust.  The Apostle Paul wrestled with that as he sought to reconcile who would be most responsive to the gospel. Would it be the Jew or the Gentile, the slave or the freeman? Would all come to a living faith in Jesus, or would there be rejection of the truth even among people of faith? “See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame” (Romans 9:33). In real life today, it may not simply be those who reject the gospel, but within the faith community those who reject one another. This happens all too often, so we need to learn how to hold all relationships with open-handed trust and not force the necessary change(s) that lead to full reconciliation.

No matter what may come of our relationships with others, we can indeed depend fully on God and put our trust in the Lord. He cares deeply about all of the circumstances and relationships of our lives. He is there and He concerns himself with all the details of our complex lives.  Jesus reminds His followers, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1).  So may we take seriously our trust in the Lord all the days of our lives…in the good times, hard times, and everything in between. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). Will you continue to develop a trusting heart, no matter what may come your way today?

Broken. Hurt. Angry. Bitter. An emotional regression and a downward spiral toward division…all too often evidenced in the wider world, even in the church, and sadly in the home. Bitterness is poison to the heart and the fruit of bitterness is destructive to all who lie in her pathway.  Many who are bitter direct their rage toward God, blaming and casting responsibility purposefully or inadvertently in God’s direction. Some blame others, deflecting their bitterness toward those who supposedly created the bitterness in their heart.  No matter the source, the fruits growing out from the root of bitterness  are many. One pastor describes them as “defilement, division, deadness, deception, depression, delirium, damage, and distraction.” Not the kind of fruit any person of faith would want attached to their life!

And, as long as Satan can convince, confuse, and condemn you to believe your bitterness is justified, you will be enticed to remain in the prison of your bitter heart. Yes, the bitter heart is in jail, locked behind the bars of disillusionment and destruction. Job, who has many reasons to remain in such a locked up state of heart and mind, speaks openly of his bitterness:  “I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul (Job 7:11); “My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint on myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul” (Job 10:1). But in the end, even Job is delivered from such emotional prison and “the Lord made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before; the Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first,” Job 42: 10, 12.

Choosing to stay in a state of bitterness is foolishness. For in a state of bitterness one is kept away from the landscape of joy. A bitter heart is thorny, prickly, and likened to a porcupine, keeping every living object at a distance or harshly struck by the piercing arrows of bitter hatred. To know one with a bitter heart is to see a life wither away into a sorely troubled, emaciated life without much beyond the skeleton of basic existence. Like seeing a starving child or sickly adult, the bitter hearted one is left to struggle simply to breathe and exist. Alone, desperate, troubled, and defiled…the bitter heart is headed to self destruction and spiritual death.

“Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy,” Proverbs 14: 10. Bitterness is what one keeps in one’s heart, no matter if it’s ever shared by the company of others. I know too many bitter people who refuse to admit their brokenness, inner turmoil, emotional abuse, neglect, and collusion. Instead of seeking reconciliation and forgiveness, they hold fast to their angry deception and they are dying a slow, painful relational death…as are those who surround them.  The Apostle Paul speaks directly to such bitter hearts, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you,” Ephesians 4: 31,32.

“See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many,” Hebrews 12: 15.  For, “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness,” 1 John 2:9.  “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth…for where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice…but the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere,” James 3: 14, 16, 17. These biblical truths speak directly to the one who harbors bitterness in the heart. One does not have to live in such a prison; the love of Jesus can indeed set one free to live a life of grace, mercy, peace, and joy.

Are you harboring bitterness in your heart today? To whom or what do you attribute your bitterness? Is it time to be set free from the bondage of your bitter heart? If so, then say yes to the invitation to freedom, grace, and joy in the Lord. Confess your bitterness. Own your brokenness and the hurt you’ve caused and received from another. Release your anger and don’t let it keep a hold on your heart any longer. Pray that God’s Spirit will cast away the enemy’s desire for self and relational destruction. Choose to walk in a renewed and transformed way of being. Don’t turn back; let go and let God heal, strengthen, and restore. Instead of a bitter heart, trust God for a better heart. Allow the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to reign supreme in your heart…with God fully resident in your heart, there will no longer be room for bitterness.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God,” Jesus shares from the Mount of Beatitudes (Matt. 5:8).  In this profound thought, Jesus is urging His listeners to remain pure in their heart and mind, for only in that condition will one be able to see, hear, and truly know God. The psalmists of old cry out in similar fashion, “The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever” (Psalm 19:9) and “He who has clean hands and a pure heart…will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior” (Psalm 24: 4,5).

One of the purest stories in the biblical text is revealed between Elizabeth and Mary, as they are both carrying children in their womb who would later enter and envelop the world who longed for their coming. Classic Advent texts, we read in Luke 1 about Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth, “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” (vs. 41,42). Mary’s reply is one of worship and adoration, giving homage to her God, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for his has been mindful of the humble state of his servant…the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is His name…His mercy extends to those who fear him…He has performed mighty deeds…He has scattered the proud…He has filled the hungry with good things.” (Luke 1: 46-55).

Two mothers with pure hearts, ready and available to God’s Spirit and responsive to angelic visitations that pronounced to them how God wanted to use them for His glory. Because of their upright hearts, responsive and receptive to the movement of God’s Spirit, the Lord saw fit to have them be the mothers of John the Baptist and his cousin the Lord Jesus. Mothers with strong maternal instincts, we know them both as pure vessels of God, living fully their privileged status as faithful servants of the King of kings and Lord of lords. Their hearts were kept pure by the Spirit who empowered them and by the Lord who lavished love upon them.

Purity of heart is a gift that only comes from the movement of God’s Spirit, as He calls, convicts, purifies, equips, and empowers us as Christ followers into life in all its abundance.  For Mary and Elizabeth, their pure hearts were blessed mightily by God (King David echoes this sentiment, “to the pure you show yourself pure” in 2 Sam. 22:27). But for most others, a purified heart is one that experiences the purifying process in the furnace of transformation, which ultimately leads the faithful to a distinct unity with God. Like King David after coming clean from his free-fall into lying, adultery and murder, he finally cries out to God, “Create in me a pure heart, O God” (Psalm 51: 10).

Keeping ourselves pure is not simply a human effort (which is a must!), but is most significantly a work of God’s Spirit who leads us into and empowers us with self-control so that we can maintain purity of heart. No one can claim purity of heart for oneself…and the one who does is living in self-deceit. As children of God, we put our hope in the love of the Father, who calls us children of God…and therefore “everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure” (1 John 3:3).  Choosing to have our hearts purified by the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the Gospel of Christ, we make ourselves fully available to the Lord by offering our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Rom. 12: 1).

The worship song, “Purify My Heart” invites the Refiner’s fire to purify the heart, letting it be as gold, pure gold…to be holy; set apart for the Lord; set apart for the Master, ready to do His will. But in order for that to occur, the heat of the fire is there to cleanse the believer from deep within the heart and soul. Cleansing, forgiving, restoring, and renewing the life of the faithful one is what God desires – and ultimately delivers to those who enter this life–changing process of sanctification. If this is the longing of your heart, then I invite you to pray, “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51: 7-12).

Whenever you hear phrases such as “I will never…” or “I absolutely refuse…” or “There’s simply no way…” no doubt there’s a closed heart standing behind those words. Accompanying such words are attitudes that are closed, opposed, or negatively disposed against a person, concept, or suggestion. A closed heart is usually a reflection of a closed mind, which in turn is a depiction of a life that believes it knows more than others, has thought through a conviction to its “right” conclusion, or simply knows how best to feel under the circumstance. As a result, there is little one can say or do to penetrate the blockade that barricades one from even considering a new or different way.  A closed heart is impenetrable even from the wisest, softest, wittiest, or clearest alternative.

Jesus quotes from Isaiah in describing one with a closed heart, “For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them,” Matthew 13: 15.  This same  principle from Isaiah is quoted by Paul in Acts 28:27 as he preached boldly about the kingdom of God to both closed and open hearts.  In describing the wicked, the psalmist writes, “They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance” (Psalm 17:10). This description is in sharp contrast to being known by God as “the apple of His eye” (Psalm 17: 8), one who is willing to have God probe and examine the heart, and ensure its openness to the wonder of God’s great love.

An open heart is simply more pliable in consideration of alternative ways to think, feel and/or act. The polar opposite of a closed heart is an enormously wide open heart, one that can be in danger of being so open as to be non-sensible or extremely liberal. However, a healthy open heart is one that’s balanced with perspective from a variety of vantage points and multiple voices. This kind of open heart is desirous of wisdom and perception that grows out of listening carefully to all sides before choosing one to follow. An open heart is the antidote to the rigidity, inflexibility, and intolerance which often follows the person who demonstrates a cold, calculating, and sometimes cruel closed heart. One thing is for certain: God opposes the pride of the closed heart, and seeks to gently open such a heart to receive fully the love, joy, peace, and hope of the gospel.

When we are open to receive from God and others, we in turn become open to becoming our full, true selves. Openness is an attribute that grows out of a teachable heart, one that wants to remain malleable in the hands of the Almighty One. Like soft, supple clay in the hands of our Maker, the Potter of our souls, we are formed, conformed and transformed more and more into His likeness. Openness to God and one another is depicted visually in the out-stretched arms of love displayed for us by Christ on the cross. His openness to His Father’s will and way led Jesus from heaven into the womb of the virgin Mary, among people He could serve sacrificially and generously even to the cross, and eventually through the empty tomb of the resurrection and back to glory forever. God chose to send His Son into this world so that the alternatives of our choice for the God we serve would be made clear.  Jesus’ openness to the Father and the Spirit all throughout His earthly ministry is an abundant testimony to the gift that an open heart can be to all whom we are called to serve in Jesus’ name.

In Philippi, a businesswoman by the name of Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, became a worshiper of God. “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message” after which members of her household joined her in the waters of baptism and practiced hospitality to Paul and his team (Acts 16: 13-15). Her openness to the Lord transformed her into a woman of devout worship and generous hospitality. Lydia is a great example for all who follow Christ and desire to remain open to His leading hand through the presence and power of His Spirit.  This type of genuine conversion of heart is found embedded in Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians, “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe” (Eph. 1: 18, 19).

More than any other tangible instrument that opens a closed heart is the Word of God. Likewise, more than any other intangible means of grace that opens a closed heart is prayer. In the masterpiece Psalm 119, we read “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law” (verse 18). This verse combines the Word with prayer…so that the Law of God, His instruction and teaching, can profoundly elicit holiness in the heart of the believer. Without the empowerment of God’s Holy Spirit we can only see what the natural eye can fathom. So, it’s incumbent upon us to seek the gracious illumination of the Word and the Spirit to open up our closed heart so we can earnestly seek Him with all our heart. An open Bible needs an open heart. Will you remain open to the fresh, renewing, heart-changing gospel today?

Joy is such a beautiful word, three simple letters tied together with gladness and enchantment.  The word joy is defined as the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires; a state of happiness or felicity caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying;  a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; the expression or display of glad feeling or great appreciation. It’s historic use is paired with terms such as rejoice, jubilation, exhilaration and triumph.

From a distinctly Christian perspective, to possess a joyful heart is to express a gift and empowerment from God.  Joy is a fruit of God’s Spirit (Gal. 5:22), an evidence of the Lord’s presence and power bursting forth from the deepest place of one’s soul.  To have a joyful and glad heart is to be grateful for the many gifts and blessings that come to us directly from the generous hand of God.  It’s seen throughout the Bible in the contexts of singing for joy, feasting with joy, comfort and joy, peace and joy, progress and joy, joy in hope, and shouts of joy.

Within the community of faith, the Apostle Paul reminds his beloved followers to put love into action by hating what is evil, clinging to what is good, being devoted to one another, honoring each other with sincere love. In so doing, to also “ Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12: 9-12).  Joy is to be exhibited within the relationships we are invited to build for the glory of God. A joyful heart evokes joy among the Church and leads others into harmony with one another where we indeed rejoice with those who rejoice (and weep with those who weep). Joy is the glue that bonds our love together as children of the King.

However, joy isn’t just for the positive times…it’s more powerful when experienced in the darkest, most difficult times of life. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”(James 1: 2-4). No matter the circumstances of our lives, we are to rejoice and be glad.  “Then I would still have this consolation – my joy in unrelenting pain – that I had not denied the words of the Holy One,” testifies Job (Job 6:10).  And from the Prophet Habakkuk, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights” (Hab. 3: 17-19).

Choosing and discovering joy in the midst of life’s most trying obstacles and disappointments is nothing short of a miracle of God’s grace. Having been in such a state many times in my Christian life, I have marveled at God’s goodness  and mercy over and over again. Though others may turn against me and cause me great harm; though loved ones may suffer untold agony of heart and body; though the world and the enemy of my soul may wreak havoc on the work of my hands…the Lord’s faithfulness has turned my sorrow into joy and in that truth my heart is glad. We may not see the redemptive value of the pain we’re in immediately, but in God’s timing and through God’s means His will radiates above and beyond the deepest heartache and suffering we endure this side of heaven.  And we can sing with the prophet,“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior!”

Since the Lord our God is always with us, taking great delight in us, rejoicing over us with singing (Zeph. 3:17), in response we too are to find our greatest joy in Him.  The Apostle Paul urges the Thessalonians, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5: 16-18). Will you make that concerted choice and allow joy to be the posture of your heart, mind and will today?

Our God does not show partiality or favoritism, and neither should we (Deut. 10: 17-19). Created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1: 26, 27), all mankind is to be treated without bias or prejudice. Instead of discriminating as judges with evil thoughts toward those who are different from us, we are called to love all of our neighbors as we love ourselves (John 13: 34).

Racism in varying forms and various degrees has been a part of the human condition since the dawn of time. This social ill has been a struggle among family groups, between ethnicities, and across religious, political, cultural  and socioeconomic backgrounds for generations. Victims of bigotry, hatred, and intolerance have been judged and tainted in the hearts of others, including by those who claim the name of Christ as Lord.  The Bible is clear about this issue and there is little we can dismiss as inappropriate for our own place and time in history.

God so loved the world – every ethnic group on planet earth – that he gave his only begotten Son to lay down his life for us (John 3: 16). Jesus, the great reconciler, invites his followers to be united in Him and lovers of one another.  “Do not judge, or you too will be judged,” Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:1, 2, “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  Peter has a vision and preaches to the early church at Cornelius’ home about this same topic, “God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right,” Acts 10: 34, 35. The Apostle Paul picks up on this same topic in his ministry to the body of Christ, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you,” Romans 12: 3.  And to the Galatians, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” Galatians 3:28.

In James 2: 1-26 this theme is highlighted in the form of favoritism, specifically between economic distinctions, “Don’t show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but you say to the poor man, ‘You stand there,’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”

No matter where we turn in the Scriptures to enlighten our hearts and minds on this subject, there is an accompanying mandate to act in accordance with God’s priorities. Nowhere do we find God choosing favorites, showing bias against, preferring one over another, or speaking intolerantly toward those He created in His image. Discriminating against any person created in the image of God is simply not appropriate at any time or for any reason. Bigotry and prejudice and preferential treatment does not belong in the Church now or ever. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we must take the lead in speaking up for any and all victims of discrimination.

Today our world is filled with hateful prejudice and judgmental partiality. Our biases toward those we agree with and against those with whom we differ deters the unity God desires among His people. Those who participate in any form of prejudice or partiality need to repent and seek forgiveness. This is where the truth of the gospel is practiced most specifically. Are you willing to admit that your heart at times discriminates against another? Do you see the log in your own eye, while looking so basely at the speck in someone else’s eye? For what offense of prejudicial accusation must you seek forgiveness? Your holy boldness of love, confession, and affirmation toward those you’ve wronged in your heart will lead to the freedom to serve and bless others like never before. Be free, dear friend!

One of my dearest friends called yesterday afternoon to say how thankful he is for our relationship. Within ten minutes of that call an email arrived from a colleague expressing heartfelt gratitude for helping her with a recent teaching opportunity. Earlier in the day we were served by a small group of beloved saints who offered their time and talent in our behalf. What did each person have in common? They cared enough to express their love in tangible and intangible ways. Their care-full-ness was and remains a gift I will treasure deeply and with all my heart.  Like the card company who coined the phrase, they too “cared enough to send the very best.” Their very best was their caring selves.

A caring heart is affectionate, helpful, and sympathetic toward someone or something that’s important to be concerned about. Those who serve in a caring profession express their care tangibly and attentively toward another, as a nurse, social worker, counselor, and/or physician might do.  They “take care” to follow up on words with actions which embody and fulfill their care-giving.  Likewise as believers, when invited to cast our cares upon God, we are urged to bring our worries, concerns, anxieties or fears to the One who desires to attend to them lovingly in our behalf. Whether by God or one of His emissaries, a caring heart is always a balm for our souls and is to be received as if they are the very arms and voice of God.  Who among us doesn’t have such a need each day?

Nestled within The Great Commandment (Matthew 22: 37: loving God with heart, soul, mind and strength) and The Great Commission (Matthew 28: 19,20: as we go, making disciples of all nations) is what some would describe as The Great Compassion. It’s found in Matthew 25: 35, 36, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

In Jesus’ understanding of a caring heart the hungry are fed, the thirsty are given drink, the stranger is welcomed, the needy are clothed, the sick are attended, and the imprisoned are visited.  Thus His admonition in Matthew 25: 40, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” A caring heart not only serves those within our reach, but more importantly to those who are less likely to be on our radar screen…the least, the lost, and the left behind.  Those who care enough to serve the impoverished are known as sheep by the Good Shepherd, but to those who ignore the needy are separated out as goats who are destined to eternal punishment.

In the gospels we read many stories of loving and caring hearts being expressed toward those in need. One of the most vivid is when a paralytic is being carried by his friends on a mat to lay him before Jesus to be healed. But when they noticed the crowd with Jesus was too large to enter the house, the stretcher bearers hoisted him up onto the roof and then proceeded to lower him on his mat through the roof tiles and into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus (Luke 5: 17-20).  Their heroism of helpfulness came forth from their helpful and caring hearts. When Jesus saw their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven” and in that moment the presence and power of the Lord was offered to the paralytic, the faith of his friends were strengthened, and “everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, ‘We have seen remarkable things today’” (Luke 5: 26).

Blessed is the one who has a caring heart, and then acts upon it empathetically toward another. It’s one thing to consider a caring action and another thing altogether to act upon such an intuition. A caring heart both feels for a person or a principle, and then puts feet to those emotive responses with words and actions in support of another. Who around you or within your reach is in need of your caring heart? How will you express your care-full-ness today?

A selfish-hearted person is someone who thinks first and foremost of self. Referred to as self-referencing, self-aggrandizing, or self-absorption, such a person can hardly see beyond oneself. Consumed by self-consideration, such a person can only find satisfaction when their needs are placed at the front of the line. Selfishness is defined as placing concern with oneself or one’s own interests, benefits or welfare above the well-being or regardless of the interests of others. Synonyms include egocentric, parsimonious, self-centered, self-indulgent, self-interested, self-seeking, wrapped up in oneself. It’s the opposite of unselfish, caring and kind. Narcissism is a modern form of excessive or exclusive selfishness. However, no matter the label, the manifestation isn’t pretty to all who surround such a person.

God’s opinion of selfishness is crystal clear. It is an act of the sinful nature (Galatians 5:19-21). It is present wherever disorder and evil is practiced (James 3: 16, 17). It is harbored alongside bitter envy in the heart (James 3: 13-15). It is the opposite of love and humility and contradicts the very heart of God. instead of selfishness, believers are urged by the Apostle Paul, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2: 1-4).

Do nothing out of selfish ambition – those are strong words indeed. Nothing? Yes, nada, says God.

Imagine a life without selfishness. Is it possible? in a world filled with self-everything, can we begin to make a dent in this reality?  Only God’s Spirit can make such a crevice in our heart, separating self from godliness, beginning first in  the internal fibers of our being and extending outward into our words, attitudes, and actions. If the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) is to be evidenced in our hearts and lives, we must lean fully on the Spirit. We cannot break out of our self-centeredness without the Spirit of God residing in our hearts. The selfish heart can only be healed, restored, and redeemed by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, the only place where it’s legitimate to be selfish is in the opening up of ourselves to receive God’s Spirit. Finding the time and space to become attentive to God, noticing God, and receiving God is the largest, most looming need of the heart. Pressing the pause button of our fast-paced, me-centered lives and resting in the arms of Almighty God is the greatest comfort we can pursue. Anything less than that is an idol of our selfish heart.

So what will you do today to put your selfish heart into the hands of God, to mold and shape and transform you into a person who reflects God’s heart? Turn your heart toward home, which is the beautiful heart of God…and in prayerful trust, become God’s instrument of tenderness, compassion, and humility toward all who cross your path this and every new day.

“Be careful what you think, your thoughts run your life” (Proverbs 4:23, The New Century Version).  This same verse is translated by the NIV as “Guard your heart, for it’s the wellspring of life.”  Heartfelt thoughtfulness is likened to the inner source of strength for the vitality of our livess…out of which pours forth blessing, honor, grace, peace, encouragement and love.  The Bible is replete with examples of how a thoughtful heart pleases God and empowers others. What are the thoughts which are resident deep within your heart today?

In one of his concluding admonitions, the Apostle Paul urges the Church in Philippi with this clear exhortation, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil. 4:8). These eight attributes of a thoughtful heart are worthy of our consideration as well.

1. True:  all that’s agreeable to the unchangeable, eternal truth, both in God’s Word and in the natural world

2. Noble:  whatever is honest, grave, or venerable in speech, in contrast to levity and frivolity that withholds integrity

3.  Right: that which is just between two individuals and in relationship between God and humankind, in opposition to injustice, violence and oppression

4.  Pure:  whatsoever is virtuous in word and deed, in agreement with the will of God and promotes holiness of heart and life

5.  Lovely:  that which cultivates and increases love, friendship, and cordiality among individuals, and which is lovely in the sight of God

6.  Admirable:  of good report, well spoken of, which leads to a name and a reputation which is precious, respectful, kind and virtuous

7. Excellent: the virtue of promoting the general good of all,  with outstanding merit, gracefulness, and godly intent

8. Praiseworthy:  deserving commendation by others due to the stewardship and generosity offered to all who cross one’s path

A thoughtful heart considers ways to fan into flame these eight attributes, all of which contribute to the health of the body and the expansion of the kingdom of God. When righteousness and holiness dominate our thoughts, then our hearts and lives are expressed in agreement with the seeds planted in our minds.  The most thoughtful people in our lives believe the best of God for the totality of our days, and pour courage into our hearts as a result. Choose thoughtfulness toward others and think about these things, letting them penetrate the deepest recesses of your spiritual mind and activate the richest charity toward others.

When the believer in Jesus Christ both practices and recommends these eight thoughtful exhortations, then the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ is fulfilled through the heart of the Church, for the sake of the heart of another, and for the expansion of the Kingdom of God here on earth.  The thoughtful heart is a true reflection of God’s heart, forever considerate of our best interests and our greatest needs. Will this become your prayer and the choice of your will as well?

Simply put, the rebellious heart says “No” to God. When we stiff-arm God, ignore His commandments, turn a deaf ear to His voice, and take matters into our own hands, we show forth our rebellion. One may consider a rebellious heart as only residing in a wicked person. But, in actuality, all of us experience our own form of rebellion during both the years or seasons when we turned away from or refused to acknowledge God, and in those random times when we stand fast in our prideful place and purposefully or inadvertently walk away from God in either heart, mind and/or action.

In the biblical text we see examples of the rebellious heart both in the life of the unbeliever and in the follower of God. in Isaiah we find this warning, “Woe to the obstinate children, to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin” (Isaiah 30:1). He describes the rebellious with these words, “These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the Lord’s instruction…Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!” (Isaiah 30: 9-11).

In 1 Samuel 15 we learn about King Saul’s human condition. He was more concerned about man-pleasing than he was about serving God. He selectively obeyed some of God’s commands and manipulated others to fit his own desires. Because of his disobedient and rebellious heart, God removed his kingship. In defending his actions, Saul’s true heart was exposed by Samuel, “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams, for rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king” (1 Samuel 15: 22,23). Saul’s rebellion was paralleled to witchcraft, and his imperfections are in stark contrast to King David who was a man after God’s heart, despite his many imperfections.

Ultimately, it’s one’s rejection of the Word of God that kindles a rebellious heart. “If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable” (Proverbs 28:9). In other words, the prayers of a rebellious heart are an abomination to the Lord. This is one of the harshest words God uses to describe an action that He hates. But, consider why…if you turn your heart against God and against His Word, how would you have the audacity to pray to the very God you rebel against? Isaiah’s remedy to our rebellion? “This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says: in repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15).
A rebellious heart refuses to repent. But, only in repentance and rest will a rebel find salvation. When a rebellious heart is open to God and willing to come clean before the Lord, then the loving Father welcomes that child home with a loving, eternal embrace. And that’s exactly what happens to the rebellious younger son in Luke 15. As the rebellious prodigal son comes to his senses and turns back home, the prodigal (another word for extravagant) God runs his direction to offer an embrace, a kiss, a robe, a ring, new sandals, and a party to celebrate his repentance and renewed trust in God.

“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6: 1,2). Is it time for you to reconsider the rebellious corners of your heart, where darkness and sin may reside? “Thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness” (Romans 6: 17, 18). Confess those parts of you that reflect a rebellious heart and be set free to surrender into the fullness of eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord!