08/18/2019 -
Are we Christian to our very heart, or are we only Christian by our own proclamation, and on our surface? It is one thing to be known as a Christian, but as God sees our heart, and our innermost thoughts what does He find there? Do we fear the thought of having our heart searched by God? Are we confident enough in our faith to ask that we be tested as well as searched?
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalms 139:23-24 KJV
When I was in school I remember studying for final exams; I recall reaching that point when I would tell myself “I’ve got this!” But, I also remember walking to take the exam, and the uncertainty that surfaced as I crossed campus! I questioned myself, and doubt entered in... was I really ready for this test? Had I prepared myself sufficiently? Was I confident that I would make an “A” or concerned I might have missed the mark... suddenly there was the fear that I might have overlooked something.
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:12-13 KJV
This is how we should prepare ourselves as Christians. We should approach our faith with resolve; studying God’s Word, and the gospel of Christ with determination; preparing ourselves in faith and love with a sense of intensity, an unfailing purpose, one known to the true believer, the pilgrim, and the unwavering disciple. By our fervent prayer, unyielding love, picking up our own cross , following Jesus, and by our complete absorption in God’s Holy Word, we will find the truth. It is at this point when the searching, and the test, will no longer bring us fear, but will set us free...
“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."”
John 8:31-32 ESV
However, don’t discount the time you might have spent in superficial study of Scripture, hypocritical prayer, or shallow faith, because by renewing your resolve, and a resurfacing of your willingness to be transformed, the Lord will lead you to erase the teachings of men, and will do wonderful things in you.
“And the Lord said: "Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men, therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden."”
Isaiah 29:13-14 ESV
So are we Christians by Faith, or just simply religious, and how do we love Jesus? Do we love Him as we are commanded to love God? Let’s each search ourselves today! If we find that we are shallow and superficial as we are working out our salvation, all is not lost because we have come to know today that God is waiting, and Jesus has not abandoned us, but they are waiting for our willingness to be transformed. Are we willing to submit ourselves?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your abiding love for us, and the open arms with which you await us when we have strayed, or have not approached you as we should. Thank you Holy Father for the mercy and grace you pour over us every moment of every day through your Son Jesus, and help us to not only study your Word, but to allow it to transform us. Hear our prayers Gracious Father, and circumcise our hearts that we might love you with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. Teach us Lord, so that we will be unafraid to ask you to search us and test us. Strengthen our faith, and calm our fears; give us confidence in our faith that we will not only walk on water, and stand firm before our enemies, but be strong in the moment of our greatest test. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who awaits our roots to be planted in the soil of faith by your Word. Praised be your name for waiting on our resolve, and willingness to be transformed through Jesus, and doing wonderful things through us. All glory is yours Father, and your grace lifts you above all. Great is your love, and mercy, now and forevermore.
“Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'”
Mark 12:29-30 ESV
Rich Forbes