Heart Purpose

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

Memory verse: Psalm 42:2(New American Bible )

"My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When can I enter and see the face of God?"

Today's reading: Psalm 107-109 1 Corinthians 4

The Purpose of The Heart

1 Corinthians 4: "Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God."

The Lord will 'expose the motives of the heart". The word 'motive' translates 'purpose' or 'deliberate wisdom'. That is wisdom with a purpose.

Why do we seek to learn? What is the reason for our accumulated wisdom and knowledge?

We must know how to thrive in this world of increasingly harsh judgement, don't we? After all, just surviving this life is not much of a life, is it? So, we study and work to get to a place where we can launch the next step up in our lives, hopefully. But this speaks to our physical existence.

What about our spiritual existence? 1 Corinthians 4:5 is written by Paul to the followers of Christ and I believe Paul wants us to examine our chosen purpose. Why do we choose to think the way we do and make the decisions we make?

God wants us to look at our own hearts-not someone else's. Yes, God wants us to love our neighbors and friends and wants us to help the weaker and learn from the more wise but God really wants us to learn deep lessons about self-control(a fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22&23).

God wants us to try all things by the Spirit.

1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.... 2 By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,…

"By this you will know the Spirit of God".... this is wisdom worth seeking-knowing the Spirit of God. This is a purpose of the heart with eternal value.

How well do you know the indwelling Spirit of God in your heart? Do you consider Him in all you do? He is there when you do all you do. He wants you to be conscious of Him in your every move and word.

The Lord will expose the motives of your heart. So, take up your cross and make sure your motives are His. Strive to be motivated by the Holy Spirit. Tell God to change your desire in Your motivation. He will do it.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Glorious, great and wise God, give me heavenly wisdom and self control in Your bread today. Change my desire in what motivates me. Forgive me my wickedness.

God of all control,

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen