Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- September 2, 2013
Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. Psalm 86:11
The way of the Lord is an ongoing education in eternal matters. It is a lifetime of study and learning from the Holy Spirit. A believer graduates from God’s spiritual school only after he graduates to heaven. Even the most fully developed disciple has the next stage of maturity to aspire to. Many lessons learned from the Lord are progressive and contingent on each other. The course of study Christ teaches His child this semester builds on what they learned last semester.
The core curriculum for a Christian is to rely on the faithfulness of God. The amount of time it takes for us to trust God with a troubled situation is an indicator of our growth in grace. A divided heart of distrust is created when we are offended, frustrated or hurt. The quicker we learn to thank God, forgive and rely on His faithfulness, the quicker we enjoy the grace and peace of our Heavenly Father. Our trust in the character of God builds His character into our life.
Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5
A man or woman is made weak when their heart is divided by forces competing with faithful living. Their lives can resemble a powerful river with surging water guarded by two river banks, or be severely weakened like scattered tributaries that barely trickle forth water. Pride divides, humility unites. Fear divides, faith unites. Anger divides, forgiveness unites. Selfishness divides, selflessness unites. Harshness divides, kindness unites. Hate divides, love unites. An undivided heart has focused faith in Jesus Christ.
Lastly, the fear of the Lord is the fruit of your undivided heart. Your life unencumbered by the world’s trappings is free to love, worship and revere Holy God. Your whole heart dedicated to growth in godliness is an influential instrument in the hands of the Lord. The Holy Spirit uses your daily quiet time to keep noisy diversions at bay. Yes, guard your heart with the glue of God’s grace that fills any fissures of unfaithfulness. Your undivided heart fears the Lord’s name and unites around His love!
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:5
Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to rely on Your faithfulness, so my devotion to You is wholehearted.
Related Readings: Exodus 33:13; Ezekiel 11:19; Hebrews 3:6; Colossians 2:2; James 4:7-8
Post/Tweet today: The Holy Spirit uses your daily quiet time to keep noisy diversions at bay. #undividedheart
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© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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Extremely timely help I found in this reading as I was mired in family conflict arising from what I think is a “divided heart”.
Thank you for presenting divine wisdom to put in perspective daily life struggles.
I found timely help and encouragement with this reading as I am dealing with marital conflict. Thank you for presenting divine wisdom to address daily practical struggles.