God Desires Your Heart ©

Today's post comes from Starla at Keepin It Real




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When I read the bible, it really comes alive and speaks to my heart.  Even the Old Testament (which I used to think was very boring) until I started reading during alone time with God.  I try to spend quiet time with God in the mornings.  I begin with prayer, thanking God for waking me up.  Then I pray for my family and friends and I finally pray for myself.  I ask God to open my eyes and ears to reveal what He wants me to learn.

I was recently reading Matthew chapter 9 and verse 13 jumped out at me:


"But go and learn what this means:  "I desire compassion, and not sacrifice, for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."


I continued to the next verse but I wasn't able to go any further.  I felt God telling me to GO back to verse 13 and DO exactly as it says.  (Ok, I hear you Lord)


The beginning of verse 13 says "But go (don't wait) and learn (don't ignore) what this means.  


Jesus was talking to the Pharisees who were questioning why He was dining with tax collectors and sinners.   Matthew was a tax collector and tax collectors made their money by taxing people for everything they could think of and were often pretty wealthy.  For tax collectors greed was the name of the game.


Sounds like the IRS to me.   Boy do I have some personal stories to tell about them.......

 I desire compassion (sympathy for others distress and the desire to alleviate it), and not sacrifice (precious offering),
Hosea 6:6...For I delight (take pleasure) in loyalty (faith) rather than sacrifice, And in knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
Mark 2:17.....it is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick, I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.
Luke 5:31,32....it is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
1 Timothy 1:15...Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners


Psalm 50:8  I do not reprove (convict) you for your sacrifices, And your burnt offerings are continually before me NASB study note.....God does not reprove them for failing to bring their offerings (v8) but for bringing them with the motive of trying to make the God who owns everything dependent on their generosity.


He elaborates more in the following verses from Psalms 50
10....for every beast of the forest is mine 11.....And everything that moves in the field is mine  12 If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine and ALL it contains. (I love that part.  I feel Him saying, "No need for dead animals, PLEASE") 14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving.....  (Just say THANK YOU!!  And mean it of course)



My best summation of these verses is that God desires your heart more than anything else.  That is the only thing you can truly give to Him.  Everything else already belongs to Him.  Be loyal and understand His will for your life.  God takes pleasure in your loyalty and knowledge of Him.  Your gratefulness and thankfulness is very precious to Him.  God is more eager to bless us than we are to receive His blessings.


Obey God's will and put it into action by learning, seeking, reproving, defending and pleading.
 

Learn to do good;

Seek justice,

Reprove the ruthless,

Defend the orphan,

Plead for the widow.

Isaiah 1:11

Have you given Him your heart?  I mean have you truly given your heart to God? 

From my heart and spirit to yours, ©

Starla Danielle Espinoza

©

Scripture from the New American Standard Bible (NASB)

An Example To Follow

Today's post comes from Dawn at The Most Perfect Gift

 “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint.” 1 Peter 4:8-9

Serving others is self-less. It’s a sacrifice, putting our needs aside to fulfill someone else’s.

I often pray and ask God to open my eyes to recognize the needs of others. How can my family bless someone today? And God is always faithful and He has opened my eyes to see and filled my heart with compassion. He has provided opportunities for us to help others around us.

What always fascinates me is how He works, how He orchestrates opportunities and how He always provides the means! My family is able to help another particular family in a way that I have secretly wished that for me, uh..I mean us. Okay, it was more like complaining during one of those self pity moments. “Why doesn't anyone see our needs?” But the shocking truth here is that I WANT to help this family and I feel no resentment. One would think my flesh is screaming, “No, I can’t!” and make up every excuse to not be available. Oh, believe me, there are times when I would rather not take on any more responsibilities. After all, I am human!. ;-) But then I am quickly reminded I am able, through Christ who strengthens me! So, why not? 

I know what it is like to have this need and here we are fulfilling that need for another family! Only by His might because there is no other way! I am in complete awe at  how God can change our hearts and He always equips us with what He has called us to do - all for His glory and honor! Amen!

Photo Credit: Laura J Lee

And God just didn't create us, throw us into this world and command us to love and help others. He provided an example for us to follow. So, we have no excuses. All we need to do is to look to Jesus, study how He served others all throughout the New Testament. 

1 Peter 2:21 “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, …”

Jesus will show us the way, He is the shepherd and we are His flock. “The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8

So let's make sure we get into His Word daily. Read it, study it, believe it and practice it and we will hear His voice. John 10:27 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me"

Let's Pray
Open our eyes, Dear Lord, so that we may see those around us that are in need. Help us to be sensitive to others and recognize ways in which we can bless others, in Your Name. Use us as a vessel where Your glory flows through us. Lead us in this dark world where Your light shines so bright others don't even see us, they only see You.
In Jesus' Name, Amen