“For the Lord sees not as a man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”- 1 Samuel 16:7
“Christian freedom . . . is freedom to help a neighbor out and give him something to delight in.”- H. R. Rookmaker
As author Mary DeMuth continues Chapter 8 of The Wall Around Your Heart, she points out a truth that often is ignored: only God knows the heart. Letting other people’s perceived sin dominate our thoughts only opens the door to heartache and misunderstanding. Mary then reveals the secret to accomplishing God’s purposes in others: you can’t!
When we’re tempted to play the Holy Spirit, there are four ways to give everything to the Lord, as the author describes:
1. Take all our angst and give it to Jesus.
2. Be so attuned to Jesus’ voice that obedience is immediate.
3. Don’t bring others into the situation.
4. See that our happiness is tied to Jesus, not the behavior of others.
Only one Person can live up to our expectations- Jesus. Mary asks: “If we live in a perfect world, with expectations for perfect people, where will grace find a home?” We need grace because life is messy. People are messy. Jesus came not to be served but to serve. He asks us to follow Him and do the same.
Today’s question: Where has grace found a home in your desert, transitional journey?
Tomorrow’s blog: “Unforgiveness- the great isolator”
Coming Tuesday: the new Short Meditation- “Beauty is soul deep”
