The Heart Is Deceitful

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” — Jeremiah 19:9-10 

God searches our hearts.

He examines our minds.

And He sees our deceit.

Even when we can't understand it.

He knows we are beyond cure.

Which is why He sent His Son, Jesus.

To die on Golgatha (pictured).

To redeem us from our sin.

So we are no longer rewarded by what our deeds deserve.

Pray to Your Father

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. — Matthew 6:6 

God calls us to pray in secret.

Not to be obtrusive with our prayers.

Not to expect an earthly reward.

Yet the Lord knows what I'm going to ask well before I form the words.

And He knows what I need most, even when I can't see clearly.

Thank You, Lord, for hearing my prayers and for giving me more than I can ask or imagine.

Blessed Are You

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. — Matthew 5:11-12 

Paul wrote to the Philippians to warn them to stand strong against opposition.

And to continue to preach the gospel in spite of the world's reaction.

Jesus said something similar in Matthew.

Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you.

Our friends serving in other countries deal with persecution.

I haven't experienced it much here.

God calls us to rejoice and be glad.

Great is our reward in heaven.

Blessed Are You

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. — Matthew 5:11-12

I have not known persecution as some of my missionary friends have.

They are on the frontlines of the battle ground.

In other countries, freedom of religion is not a right.

We are blessed to live in a country where it is not only our right, but it is protected.

Thank you, Lord!

Please place a hedge of protection around the missionaries who in countries where they are persecuted for their religious beliefs.

In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.