A Sifted Heart

It seems to be a creative movement, journaling. I’ve been asked if I do – nope, not really, I blog.  I write about what God is taking me to, through and about.  I spend many hours sitting in front of my computer studying, studying for upcoming ladies studies, researching for others and mostly going to the places God puts His finger on.  Recently in my quiet time, I felt compelled to go to 1 Peter.  It is always my goal to read the whole book in one setting, (granted if it is a small book.)  As I read through Peter’s writing, I had his image in my mind, the one displayed in the Gospels. Peter, the zealous jump out of the boat, speaks without thinking and swings without good aim.

But these writings are a mature Peter, a man not only zealous, but one of transformation and passion. He speaks of holiness, self-control and love. In chapter 3, verse 15, I stopped.  Being one who sees word pictures in my mind, this verse became 3D – in full Technicolor imagery. (Move over George Lucas, you’ve got nothing on the Holy Spirit!)

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.”

Everything needs to be sifted through the reigning power of Jesus Christ, moving pass an intellectual understanding of God, to one of heart revelation. Let’s face it, in all reality if we KNOW it in our heart, THERE is where behavior, moral conduct, and righteous living happen.

Of the 1800s, Theologian Albert Barnes wrote: “In your hearts, or in the affections of the soul, regard the Lord God as holy, and act towards Him with that confidence which a proper respect for One so great and so holy demands.”

Do I have a sifted heart? Do I allow Jesus to RULE in my heart, to rule my heart?  Does my life behavior reflect my heart condition (or my words) declaring Him as Holy, as Lord? Does He take the rightful place on the throne of my life? Do I place HIM in the very center of my circumstances, where everything, everyone fall in line through …HIM?

God wants ALL of us, all of our heart, so much that He said: “I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put My Spirit in you so that you will follow My decrees and be careful to obey My regulations.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

I am reminded of Thomas’ confession, “My Lord and my God.” (John 20:28) May we too see Him for Who He is, revere Him as holy.  Live for Him as holy.

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.”

I leave us with the song, ‘You Won’t Relent’ sung by Jesus Culture (Written by Misty Edwards)

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)