Jeremiah 17:9-10 (NIV) tells us that the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? and that the Lord is the one who searches the heart and examines the mind, and that He will reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” I read an article where the author expressed that the heart is the ruling center of one’s life or being. And the decisions that one makes are from within the heart and will become evident by one’s speech, thoughts, and actions which is concurrent with scripture where the hearts of the people of Judah’s mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being was centered and intertwined in rebellion against God (Jeremiah 1:1, NKJV).
Genesis 6:5 tells us that God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually (sounds familiar). Romans 1:21 tells us that although people say they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were they thankful, but they became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Brothers and sisters, we are living in a darkened world where there are many who have hardened their hearts and turned away from God and have made decisions that have hurt those close to them, on their jobs, in our churches, in our nation, and throughout the world. But what they do not know is that in accordance with their hardness and a heart that is shameless or having no regret for their actions they are treasuring (storing) up for themselves wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God (Romans 2:5). We must remember beloveds that the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:5).
Beloveds we know that we ought to have hearts and minds like Jesus who is our true leader and King. Romans 8:5 tells us to set our minds which includes one’s will, emotions, thoughts, assumptions, purposes, desires, and values on the things of the Spirit not of the flesh. Beloveds we are to live lives that honors God and be set apart spiritually. Looking to the future where one day we will be with God face to face (Revelation 21:3).
Prayer
Father we pray that we live our lives in Christ with hearts and minds that will honor and glorify you, walking in love through the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name. Amen.
Wind Gust 