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"I Know In My Heart..."
This phrase is uttered by millions of people around the world. The heart as
used in the Scriptures refers to the seat or strength of life. As we talk about
the human organ that pumps the blood, there is no question. Without the heart
working properly, there is no life. The Scriptures also describe the word heart
to mean the mind, soul, spirit, and even the entirety of ones thinking and emotional
nature. Sometimes the phrase "heart" means to get to the center or
middle of a thing or concept. The word is used hundreds of times in the scriptures.
Where we must be careful in uttering the phrase of our title is making sure
it is not based on false information. Most people who use this phrase are referring
to their feelings that they are connected with God in some relationship. Many
claim to have such a relationship with God and Jesus, but their actions speak
differently. Titus 1:16 addresses this problem.
We also must be aware that the heart is not a good guide. Jeremiah 17:9 reads:
"The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who
can understand it?" Also from Matthew 15:18-19 we read: "But the things
that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man.
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications,
thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things that defile the man..."
In the early days of mankind, we see that sin was within the heart of the people.
God spoke in Genesis 6:5: "The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was
great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only
evil continually".
We also need to learn and understand that serving the Lord needs to be with
our entire being. Usually the heart is what directs this action. We read in
Deuteronomy 11:13 that we are to serve the Lord God with all our heart. Other
passages add the mind, soul, and strength necessary to be dedicated in purpose
to serve God.
Notice some examples of people who purposed in their heart to do what was right.
Ezra 7:10: For Ezra purposed in his heart to learn the law of the LORD, so that
he could do it, and to teach His statutes in Israel". Daniel 1:8 "For
Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's
food..."
The heart is also not limited to an individual. There are several times in the
Bible where the phrase "The heart of the people" is used. Remember
when Isaiah wrote: "Because this people draw near with their words and
honor me with their lip service, but their heart is far from Me" (Isaiah
29:13). Jesus quoted Isaiah when speaking of the house of Israel.
We must acknowledge that God is not in the heart of most people. The only way
to change people is through the heart. When Peter preached on Pentecost, the
word says that "they were pricked in their heart" and asked what they
needed to do (Acts 2:37).
There is so much more we can say about the heart. Do yourself a favor and go
through the Bible and see all the passages with the word "heart".
Study them and your heart will be changed and motivated to do God's will. We
all need to work on the people we know to fix the heart problem of our homes
and our nation. Until we do so, problems will continue. When we put God in our
hearts, things will be much better.
By Carey Scott
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