Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Intent Of The Heart
For those of us that have been believers for any length of time, we know that there are days when we do not get everything right. We live in a challenging world. There are many things that can distract us, even from serving God as we know we should. This is the challenge of living, the challenge of being a believer waiting in earnest for Jesus to return. Paul wrote of his desire to be with God rather than being on the earth.
Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
Paul wanted to be with the Lord, but stayed here to help others win their battles spiritually. We need each other to make it. That was part of Paul’s message here. We can help each other to win battles. Paul talked about this in his second letter to the Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
This quote from Paul’s letter is used often to say that when we die we are immediately with God. But I think there is another meaning. When we overcome sin in our life, when we beat those temptation, we are absent from the flesh and walking in the Spirit in God’s ways. God is always with us, but when we walk in His ways we are with Him.
We will not always get things right. But we can always want to get them right. If we spend time with God, He will help us get our hearts right. He is always with us, always on our side.
Prayer
Father, we exalt You as our King. We want to do Your will. Help us to get it right, and please forgive us when we do not. Please help all those struggling today to see You in their lives. Touch our hearts and create them clean in us. Please send today Your healing, deliverance, and abundant provision. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.