With The Heart!

“Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (Acts 8:37 NKJV)

Contrary to what most unbelievers think, understanding God and believing the work on the Cross begins with the heart, not the head because the mind of man cannot begin to conceive the wonders of God.

The word heart is mentioned 830 times in the bible–noting the condition of a person’s or a nation’s heart–whether good or evil, because it is the heart of man that interest God. He looks upon the heart of man (and woman) to determine their honesty and integrity for many will be guilty of having lying lips. They will say one thing with their mouth, but the lies trip so fluently that they begin to believe the lies they tell. However, the heart–which no man can see–is fully exposed to God and He knows what a person or a nation is truly capable of doing.

Paul tells in his letter to the church in Rome, “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (10:10).

Throughout history, God has looked upon the heart of man and saw the evil and the good and in whatever condition the heart was found, man received his just reward.

Physically–the heart pumps the blood that keeps us alive and whenever there is a problem with the heart, our physical condition is impacted–negatively. Without the body’s ability to receive the life-source, blood, things begin to deteriorate and sometimes, they are left irreparable. The body can survive without the brain functioning as it ought, but it cannot survive without a functioning heart to keep the blood flowing.

Spiritually–the spirit of the man–is the center of right and wrong, whether our spirits agree with Holy Spirit or is influenced by demonic spirits–this is control center by which man is judged by God.

In the beginning of my ministry, over 25 years ago, I often told the naysayers that in order to believe God, one must believe with the heart so the mind will accept. For the carnal mind of man cannot accept the spiritual reality of a living God unless led by the Spirit of God who speaks to the heart of man.

Romantically–we are often led by our hearts rather than our heads and sometimes–this is a good thing, but sometimes, our hearts lead us astray–into accepting those into our lives that lead us down the wrong paths. But it is the heart that usually determines our love interest, not our heads. When the heart and head agree–the love relationship lasts forever.

This is why it is more important for Believers to have a relationship with God rather than an affiliation with religion or religious doctrine. When our hearts and head agree–the love relationship lasts forever with Him and we can know, without doubt that He has only our best interests at heart.

Praying for a heart change–towards God–for all people in every nation so we can see peace in the land.

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It’s Already Done!

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24 NIV).

There are many people who “say” they believe something, but then their doubt creeps into their conversation and anyone listening realizes that–they didn’t really believe what they said.

Within the context of this very familiar passage of scripture (for most Believers), we find Jesus talking to His disciples about faith and prayer “after” they see the withered fig tree. Their comments triggered the response Jesus gave them. “Have faith in God, don’t doubt what you say and whatever you say will come to pass” (verses 22,23). Then He gets to the good part–“believe you have already received and it will be yours.” It’s already done when we believe we already have it.

But then–in John’s conversation about prayer, there was something added. “Whatever you ask the Father for in my name, shall be given” (John 14:13,14 15:16, and 16:23,24 paraphrased).

There are no magic bullets to seeing prayer answered. Our faith determines what shall be done in response to our prayers. I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again.  When we pray–believe, without doubting, that when you ask for anything (in alignment with The Word),  you can receive it and it will be done. Don’t wait until you see it to believe you’ll have it. Act like you already have it, continue to thank God for it, and rejoice when it manifest itself.  This is His response to our prayers. I dare you try it–and don’t doubt--but have faith in God!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask for quick resolution for all the unrest in the land, healing for sickness and disease, and receptivity by all who are promoting the Gospel and their safety. We thank You and receive it because it is done!

 

Teach All Nations!

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28: 19,20 NIV).

What a great parting gift from Jesus to His disciples just before He ascended and returned to The Father–giving us the authority to do just what He said.

To go–means to move from one place to another.  We cannot remain stagnant or pulled into ruts that keep us from going–moving forward; not backwards to share the Gospel.

Make–means to create/mold something into something else.  In this case, we are to mold people into disciples of Jesus Christ, after going into all nations–by whatever means possible.

For those who choose to accept the call to discipleship–they are to be baptized–totally submerged under water, (just like Jesus was) as a symbolic representation that our old sinful nature has been buried with Him and we arise a new creation, ready to serve Him.

Teaching–the most important thing we can do–by example, how we should conduct ourselves with each other–learning to love and forgive and how we should love God.  This is the commandment in total–to love, for if we love we cannot hate or commit crimes against one another.  If we love God, we do not want to sin against Him.

From the looks of the condition our society today, we have much work to do.  Let’s go and get it done so The Father will be pleased with what we do and bless us to be a blessing to others. Moving Out!  Forward, March! Doing all things to His glory!

Help us O God to exercise the authority You have given us with wisdom moving before us, in all things!