“THE LORD WEIGHS THE HEART!”

Proverbs 21:1-3                                       (ESV)

“1 The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; HE turns it wherever HE will. 

2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but “THE LORD WEIGHS THE HEART”. 

3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.”

There are many who are tremendously satisfied with the job the current President of the United States is doing, while there are some who think he is, shall we say, lacking in his abilities.  Most everyone has an opinion of who should be our next President, whether it is to re-elect the current President or replace him with another person.  ALMIGHTY GOD called King David a man after GOD’s Own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), but then David had an adulterous affair with Bathsheba and had her husband killed in battle with Ammonites.  How could a man after GOD’s Own heart do such a thing?  

We are ALL imperfect!  ALL of us!!! Scripture states in Romans 3:10-11 “as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for GOD.”  Although HE turns the kings heart like a stream of water, “THE LORD WEIGHS THE HEART”!  Yes, ALMIGHTY GOD knows the sins and transgressions of every ruler in the world. But HE knows the sins and transgressions of every peasant and every billionaire also!  HE knows ALL!  When our leaders act in a way that is contrary to GOD’s WORD, it is only because HE allows them to do so.  The leaders will have to answer to GOD for their actions, but GOD definitely IS IN CONTROL and we should not ever forget that.  We will answer for our actions as well.

Psalms 25:12 says “Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will HE instruct in the way that he should choose.”  Are we not ALL guilty of trusting in our own abilities and minds?  Do we not depend upon our own strength to get us out of jams we get ourselves into?  King David tried to cover up his sin with Bathsheba, but it turned out to cost him more than he was prepared to pay.  Does my sin cost me more than I realize?  Do I focus on the pleasures of doing things “my way”, while minimizing the consequences of “my way”?  

Thank GOD IN HEAVEN that “THE LORD WEIGHS THE HEART” and HE knows my true desire to please HIM.  My actions don’t reflect my desires sometimes, and I show my fleshy desires at times, but “THE LORD WEIGHS THE HEART” and I pray my heart shows a LOVE for HIM and HIS righteousness!!!

“FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!”

John 11:1-11                                                          (ESV)

“1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.

2 It was Mary who anointed the LORD with ointment and wiped HIS feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill.

3 So the sisters sent to HIM, saying, "LORD, he whom YOU love is ill."

4 But when JESUS heard it HE said, "This illness does not lead to death. It is “FOR THE GLORY OF GOD”, so that the SON of GOD MAY BE GLORIFIED THROUGH IT."

5 Now JESUS loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.

6 So, when HE heard that Lazarus was ill, HE STAYED TWO DAYS LONGER IN THE PLACE WHERE HE WAS.

7 Then after this he said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again."

8 The disciples said to HIM, "Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone YOU, and are YOU going there again?"

9 JESUS answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.

10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him."

11 After saying these things, he said to them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him."”

Our HEAVENLY FATHER places, AND USES, ALL THINGS that HE has created “FOR THE GLORY OF GOD”!  There isn’t a day or two that HE isn’t ON HIS THRONE or isn’t concerned with our lives.  Mary and Martha were VERY special to JESUS.  John 11:5 states solely that “Now JESUS loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus”.  But verse six follows that up with saying that “So, when HE heard that Lazarus was ill, HE STAYED TWO DAYS LONGER IN THE PLACE WHERE HE WAS”!!!  Since JESUS loved Lazarus, Mary and Martha, why shouldn’t HE alter HIS schedule for them, especially if they were sick?  HE healed others, why wouldn’t HE heal Lazarus when he needed his health restored?  

We seem to desire to see GOD work how we EXPECT HIM to work, and limit HIS power to what we THINK HE should be doing.  When we see a storm ravage a city or state, a tendency is to blame GOD for the outcome?  But ALMIGHTY GOD created ALL THINGS (Colossians 1:16) and HE has the privilege of using them “FOR THE GLORY OF GOD”!  Isaiah 55:8-9 says “For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, declares the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways and MY thoughts than your thoughts.”  NEITHER ARE YOUR WAYS MY WAYS!!!

There was something this morning on a social media site that caused me to abruptly pause my scrolling.  It said “GOD will interrupt your entire life to get your attention”!  HE Created us!  Do we have the choice to be used for anything other than “FOR THE GLORY OF GOD”?  When HE “pauses” your life, HE sometimes does it in a seemingly subtle way, without much fanfare.  However, HE occasionally permits happenings to occur “FOR THE GLORY OF GOD”, so HE can be magnified!  HE can cause us to SLOW DOWN and KNOW THAT HE IS GOD through a seventeen day coma, or HE can cause a seagull to chirp on a beach while the waves are gently coming ashore.  HE IS IN CONTROL OF EVERYTHING!  

Habakkuk 2:14 states “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the GLORY OF THE LORD as the waters cover the sea”.  We need to understand that “FOR THE GLORY OF GOD” may not be what we are expecting it to be?  We also need to understand that we are not GOD, we are HIS Creation, and are here “FOR THE GLORY OF GOD”!!!

“HE KNEW ALL PEOPLE!”

John 2:23-25                                                             (ESV)

“23 Now when HE was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in HIS name when they saw the signs that HE was doing.

24 But JESUS on HIS part did not entrust HIMSELF to them, because “HE KNEW ALL PEOPLE”

25 and needed no one to bear witness about man, for HE HIMSELF knew what was in man.”

Noticing a news story about a woman with autism who graduated from college with a law degree recently made me proud.  Our country has become so compartmentalized that we tend to LABEL EVERYONE, whether deserving or not, by some exterior traits or how we think they should be acting.  

NEWS FLASH!  All fat people are not gluttons.  All skinny people are not weight watchers.  All while people aren’t bigots.  All black people aren’t thugs.  All wealthy people aren’t snobs.  All poor people aren’t beggars.  We can’t put people in a box and expect to see CHRIST in them.  The Apostle Paul is a wonderful example of how GOD can transform a life for HIS Glory.  In Acts 9:1 he was breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the LORD, but by verse 20 of the same chapter “..he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "HE is the SON of GOD."  Who would Believe it had they not see it!  

GOD is NOT limited by the thought and inclinations of human minds, no matter how wise or righteous they think they are.  “HE KNEW ALL PEOPLE” means that HE was/is extremely aware of the THOUGHTS and INTENTIONS of the heart (Hebrews 4:12) and we cannot disguise them nor deceive HIM.  

A persecutor can become an advocate for TRUTH.  An autistic child can become an attorney.  A college dropout can become one of the wealthiest men on the planet.  GOD’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9) and we cannot figure HIM out!  What we can do is have FAITH IN HIM, for “HE KNEW ALL PEOPLE” and HE HAS A PLAN for us all!  

“PERFECT AND COMPLETE!”

James 1:2-4                                            (ESV)

“2 Count it all joy, MY BROTHERS, when you meet trials of various kinds,

3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be “PERFECT AND COMPLETE”, lacking in nothing.”

Looking back over my life there are times when I can now SEE that I was experiencing a tremendous teaching moment during a trial or tribulation.  The tough times in life were simply periods of growing that occasionally were valleys of instruction that usually uncomfortable, maybe even painful!  Observing from where I am currently, I am able to SEE that the greatest difficulties were when I was trying to do things ON MY OWN with no DIVINE leadership.  

Walking in the dark can be painful.  We can stub our toe on unseen obstacles, bump into things that are in plain sight when walking in THE LIGHT, or get into some of the more dangerous times in our lives!  But when we WALK IN THE LIGHT, the pitfalls of life are sometimes able to be avoided.  Not experiencing those “teaching moments” is something we generally try to steer clear of, but whenever we are grimacing from that broken toe is is usually not the time to learn the lesson, it is a time to cry!

One day SOON we who BELIEVE will be “PERFECT AND COMPLETE”, LACKING IN NOTHING!  At least some of us!  Those who aren’t BROTHERS in the DARKNESS of “this world” will be relinquished to their judgement, forever !  Alerting them to their future destiny is an act of love, because they are headed to DEATH, and we have the answer to prevent it, IF THEY WILL LISTEN.  

As far as they can see, everything is fine in their lives, but very soon their EYES will be opened and they will realize the error of their ways.  They won’t be able to run from GOD any longer!  Their dependence on their intellect and what feels right will prove to be fatal.  What was thought to be the foolish notion that a god will judge as ALL will be glaringly TRUTH as they are found lacking, and we are found “PERFECT AND COMPLETE!!!”

“PATIENT IN TRIBULATION!”

Romans 12:9-13                                    (ESV)

“9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Out do one another in showing honor.

11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the LORD.

12 REJOICE in HOPE, be “PATIENT IN TRIBULATION”, be CONSTANT IN PRAYER.

13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”

Why do I seem to always think that my answers are the best solution for my problems?  Not knowing what to do or when to do it can be very confusing.  We THINK the world is going to stop due to our decisions or indecision, but will it?  While it is true that our choices can affect others lives, GOD is in Control and we aren’t powerful enough to overcome HIS Will and Purpose.  

Most of us claim that we have FAITH.  But do we exhibit FAITH when things take longer to be revealed to us than we think they should?  Do I REST IN THE LORD, or do I jump to do something, ANYTHING, to show that I am “working for the Kingdom”?  We have allowed society and “this world” to determine our calendars, to operate on the devils pace while being a soldier of THE MOST HIGH GOD’s army!  IF WE TRUST GOD, WE HAVE TO TRUST HIS TIMING!!!

To be anything less than “PATIENT IN TRIBULATION” is proclaiming that GOD may have our future figured out, but we have to take care of when we want HIS BLESSINGS!?!  Romans 5:3 says “Not only that, BUT WE REJOICE IN OUR SUFFERINGS, KNOWING THAT SUFFERING PRODUCES ENDURANCE...”.  The word PRODUCES reminds me of growing a crop.  You can plant the seed hurriedly, water and cultivate the planted seed, but ONLY GOD determines the PRODUCE that will come from your labors (1 Corinthians 3:7)!  

Whether we admit it or not, we all were born with a desire to be god of AT LEAST our own lives.  But being “PATIENT IN TRIBULATION” is a sure fire way to demonstrate our FAITH, our total TRUST IN GOD!  If HE is GOD, then why do I think I can help HIM with HIS TIMING???  I am STILL learning to be “PATIENT IN TRIBULATION!!!” 

“ONLY BELIEVE!”

Luke 8:49-56                                                       

“49 While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler's house came and said, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the TEACHER any more."

50 But JESUS on hearing this answered him, "DO NOT FEAR; “ONLY BELIEVE”, AND SHE WILL BE WELL."

51 And when HE came to the house, HE allowed no one to enter with HIM, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child.

52 And all were weeping and mourning for her, but HE said, "Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping."

53 And THEY LAUGHED AT HIM, knowing that she was dead.

54 But taking her by the hand HE called, saying, "Child, arise."

55 And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And HE directed that something should be given her to eat.

56 And her parents were amazed, but HE charged them to tell no one what had happened.”

As I near my 59th year on this earth, I am becoming more and more aware that we are not physically Created to last forever!  It may just be me, but the older I get the more frequent it seems that a younger person doesn’t live even into their teenage years?  Either disease, or accidents, or anything else can cause death to visit earthly bodies with seemingly no respecter of age, nationality, or social status!  If GOD IS IN CONTROL, and HE is, then HE IS IN CONTROL of what we SEE as the bad things as well as the good things! 

While JESUS walked among us, a daughter of a ruler of the synagogue named Jarius was 12 years old, and SHE WAS DYING (Luke 8:41-42)!  Observing a child die is one of the most difficult things I have ever experienced.  I have witnessed my younger sister die (34 years and 3 days old), but only a few years later watched a friend’s daughter die around her 10th birthday.  Not being GOD, we still like to THINK that we know what is best for everyone.  Being upset with GOD for taking someone we love so dearly is not uncommon, but when we realize HE literally holds our lives in HIS HANDS, we can quickly have our SIGHT adjusted.  

The pain of death is something that I don’t have words to describe.  Jarius was a RULER OF THE SYNAGOGUE, yet he watched as his daughter was dying.  While she was raised from her illness, eventually she had to die!  We ALL do!  One day I will die.  When that time comes, I pray that those who love me understand that ALMIGHTY GOD determined (Psalms 39) a long time ago how long HE would use me for HIS GLORY, and when my days of Glorifying HIM are over, HE will call me HOME!  

ONLY until then, others can LAUGH AT GOD for HIS decision to leave me here, but I WILL PRAISE HIS NAME for HIS mercies!  When sin entered “this world”, our ability to live eternally left “this world”.   We are created IN HIS IMAGE, but we are NOT GOD, no matter how much we think we are!  JESUS, OUR CREATOR, says “DO NOT FEAR; “ONLY BELIEVE”, AND SHE WILL BE WELL."   Likewise, we too can be well, but we MUST “ONLY BELIEVE”!!!

“THERE ARE MANY!”

Titus 1:10-16                                           (ESV)

“10 For “THERE ARE MANY” who are insubordinate (rebellious), empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party.

11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.

12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."

13 This testimony is true. Therefore REBUKE THEM SHARPLY, that they may be sound in the faith,

14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.

15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, NOTHING IS PURE; but both their MINDS and their CONSCIENCES are DEFILED.

16 They profess to know GOD, but they deny HIM by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.”

It is dangerous to lump ALL people of a sect into a broad category, for everyone can be changed by the Grace of GOD.  As a matter of fact, it is just like GOD to use someone who appears to be too “sinful”, too vile and despicable, to be used for a HOLY purpose.  “THERE ARE MANY” in today’s society of free speech that use their platform for empty talk and deception.  But it has been that way since mankind was created and was DECEIVED by “the enemy”!  

Life has become SO FAST-PACED that we move so quickly to not be over ran by “this world” that we fail to identify “the enemy”, and recognize ALMIGHTY GOD as being the driving forces behind all actions.  In verse 12 of Titus chapter one, it says “ONE OF THE CRETANS, a prophet of their own, said, "CRETANS ARE ALWAYS LIARS, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."  Well since CRETANS ARE ALWAYS LIARS, why should we listen to him as he is a Cretan???  

Acts 17:11 states “Now these Jews (at Berea) were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received THE WORD with all eagerness, EXAMINING THE SCRIPTURES DAILY to see if these things were so.”  Once again, we get in trouble when we lump all of one group into a category.   We must judge everything that is planted in our minds against Scripture to determine if it is TRUTH!  No matter their denomination, their culture, their social status, nothing can elevate them above what Scripture tells us!  Even when, and ESPECIALLY when, it is exactly what we WANT TO HEAR!!!

“THERE ARE MANY” in today’s world that need to be REBUKED SHARPLY because their message doesn’t line up with Scripture.  We cannot BE DECEIVED by their nice suits and slick talking, by their manipulative words and deeds!  We must be like Berean Believers who SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES DAILY in search of TRUTH.  JESUS said in John 8:31-32 “...."If you abide in MY word, you are truly MY disciples, and you will know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH will set you free."  We won’t be in the majority, BY FAR, and even though “THERE ARE MANY” opposing TRUTH, WE WILL BE SET FREE because we know THE TRUTH!!!