He Wants Our Whole Heart

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:14-18 ESV)

I admit that I have a jealous and selfish heart sometimes. I've had these feelings on a Sunday morning, nonetheless. I think this just proves how easy the "earthly, unspiritual, and demonic wisdom" can creep into our lives. I understand now that this is an area I need to be spending time praying about. James tells us in chapter 3, that if I don't pray and get rid of this then I'm welcoming "disorder and vile practice". How scary?!

You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you. (Deuteronomy 4:2 ESV)
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. (Deuteronomy 6:5, 6 ESV) You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. (Deuteronomy 6:7 ESV) With it (our tongue) we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. (James 3:9, 10 ESV)

I love this verse because sometimes we can get carried away with "our take" on the bible, but God says "listen, what I've already told you is perfect!"

The Lord should not be loved with half of our hearts and the other half worshipping ourselves, money, things, fill in the blank. He wants our whole heart. He wants your whole heart.  In Deuteronomy 4:2, the bible tells us, God commands us, to not add or subtract to the word. And later in chapter 6, verse 5-6 he gives us another clear command.

The question is, what is in our hearts? Because what is filled in our hearts is what we are giving to the creator, the maker, the one true Holy God. How often are we thinking about loving Him today with all of our soul and all of our might? Let's not look past the next verse, verse 7.

Here we see an example of what it looks like to love God with our whole hearts and all of our strength. It's talking all day long about Him and teaching our children about His unconditional love! It's being in love with Him. If we are completely in love with Him, it should be reflected by what we are talking about and sharing with others.

Last verse we will turn to is in James chapter 3, where we started.

So, is that you? One minute blessing Him and another cursing another. I know that I struggle with that, I struggle with that all the time. But friends, "these things ought not to be so".

Lord,

Thank you for your perfect word. It is there for us, it is you speaking to us and teaching us. God, I yearn for my heart to only be for you. If I call you Lord, I must fully submit to you and bear your cross daily. I must not be blessing you and cursing you with the same tongue! Lord, send your Holy Spirit to convict me. Please don't take it easy on me, I can be stubborn and selfish. Thank you for not giving up on your people, for always chasing after us.

In Jesus Mighty Name,

Amen

Seek & Set

Over the past month, Holly and I started house shopping. If you've been through the process, then you probably understand the roller coaster we've been on. One thing has been awesome though...

...we've prayed for God's wisdom and clarity throughout this process and each time, yet we've been disappointed, we've been thankful for His clarity. After a month of searching for our new home, we've seen some really nice homes online (with all of the upgrades). I can so easily get caught up in wanting and needing those things. Master bath only has one sink, ehh. Only a shower, no garden tub too? The closet is big, but not a walk-in, ehh.

Have I lost focus of how blessed I should be to have a roof over my head? I met many friends in Costa Rica where an upgrade for them, would be to have floors over DIRT.

Thinking about these things quickly humbles me...I know that I'm not finding my joy or putting my hope in this home. This home won't define our marriage or our relationship with God.

Our small group is studying the book of Colossians and we are to read chapter 3 for tonight. Here's how Paul's letter starts out...let's just say, it struck a chord in me.

"...seek the things that are above...Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." Colossians 3:1-2

If I truly seek and set my mind on things that are above, not on earth...what types of homes would I be looking for. I know this, when I'm seeking things of Him, I encounter Him and when I encounter Him, I live my life to honor Him.

Heavenly Father,

You are Lord of my life. I will not find my acceptance in things of this world. I find my acceptance through Christ's sacrifice. For now, you look at my life and see your Son. Thank you Jesus! Lord, we trust you in this time to provide the home you want us to live in. The home you have planned from the beginning of time for Holly and I. Your word says, "...do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossions 3:17)...we come to you now and always Jesus. Holy Spirit, we ask for your wisdom and guidance and continued clarity in making these decisions. Thank you God for loving us and listening to our prayers.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Edgar & Holly's Wedding Slideshow