Tag: pure heart
Godly character shines
Scripture reading for January 6th: 1st Timothy 3
Key Scriptures: 1st Timothy 3:1-7 “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.”
Becoming an effective spiritual leader is an inside job. As Paul shares the qualification for overseers and deacons with Timothy, we note the many character traits, good and bad, that he lists. The positive traits come from time spent in God’s presence and humbly inviting the Holy Spirit to transform our weak and sinful nature to become like our Lord. It comes from applying God’s Truth to our lives in repentance and faith to crucify the negative traits. This brings stability in the home and family and is noticed in the behavior of the wife and children by those in the church and outside. Ability to manage the family and finances shows good leadership. Humility is most prized in that it keeps us close to Jesus and dependent on Him to avoid Satan’s snares.
Psalm 24:3-4 “Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me into spiritual leadership and shaping me inside by Your Word and Holy Spirit. Help me daily to maintain a clean conscience flow of Your love and to walk true to my calling pleasing You alone!
Genesis 6:8-9 “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. And these are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.”
The heart/tongue connection!
Scripture reading for July 8th: Proverbs 14-17
According to God’s Word, there is a definite connection between the heart and the tongue. The heart isn’t just the organ that pumps the life blood of a person. According to Jesus the heart of man is the source of “evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly.” (Mark 7:21) These ungodly sins come from the heart and then the mouth speaks and directs a person into the trouble.
Proverbs 14:3 states that “a fool’s talk brings a rod to his back but the lips of the wise protect them.” “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge but the mouth of fools gushes folly.” (Proverbs 15:2) Proverbs 17:20 describes a man with a perverse heart and a deceitful tongue. The heart and tongue lead this man into trouble, lack and punishment. In fact, the Lord detests all who are proud of heart and He promises punishment! (Proverbs 16:5)
The wise person has a heart that is discerning and lips that promote instruction. (Proverbs 16:21) The wise man’s heart guides his mouth and brings forth pleasant words that are sweet to the soul and promote healing. (Proverbs 16:23-24) It is the fear of the Lord that teaches the heart wisdom, and humility brings understanding and honor. (Proverbs 15:32-33) We are reminded of Jesus Christ whose lips brought healing and pleasant words of instruction. His parables came from a heart sold out to God. He only said what His father said, and did what His Father did! (John 5:19)
Do you need a new heart and a clean mouth? The good news is that a new heart is available today through Jesus Christ! He is the only one who can help you! If you will confess your sins to Him, He is faithful and just and will forgive you of your sins and cleanse your heart. Today is a great time to do just that!
“This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts and I will write them on their minds.” Then He adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” (Hebrews 10:16-17)
Equipped to serve!
Scripture reading for October 24th: 2nd Timothy 2:22-3:17
The last days would be full of trouble and terrible times for Christians. Idolatry and godlessness would abound and selfishness would bring great violence and sin to the earth. People would become lovers of pleasure and reject God as the supreme lover. Even the church would be affected by those with just a form of godliness but no real power to live a holy life. (2nd Timothy 3:1-5) False teachers would also arise and oppose the truth of the Gospel and those who were faithfully preaching it. Those living godly in Christ Jesus would suffer persecution. (2nd Timothy 3:12)
“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. . . And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2nd Timothy 2:22, 24-26) Pastor Timothy must actively pursue God through prayer and the word. The character of Christ will then enable him to effectively reach out to those who are opposing him. All men are important to God and God wants them all saved. (1st Timothy 2:4-5) Satan is the one who is blinding them and has taken them captive to do his will. The Gospel message, when presented with a loving spirit, will effectively break the bondage of the devil’s trap!
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you have learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2nd Timothy 3:14-17) Timothy lacked nothing that he needed. He had good teachers, the Holy Scriptures, and the Holy Spirit. The word of God thoroughly equipped him for every good work! Is it working in you as well?