Heart Condition Update
When a doctor tells a patient that they have a heart condition, it’s almost like hearing the word “cancer”. There are many different levels of heart condition as there are many different forms and stages of cancer. (I would like to be president of the “HATE CANCER CLUB”.) I was speaking to my doctor about dieting a few days ago and he had some commentary on which diets are actually “heart healthy”. I would be wise to daily take care of my heart. There are genetic things about an individual’s heart that isn’t chosen. For example, my cholesterol issues were given to me by my parents, according to my doctor and there is little I can do about it. My heart is absolutely vital to me living each day and the keeping life blood flowing throughout my body and brain. My doctor knows my physical heart, but the Lord knows me even deeper than that.
My soul heart is quite different than my physical heart, although I believe they are connected. The Lord not only created me, He wired me to welcome Him into the deepest crevices of my life. I believe confession (agreeing with God about sin) and repentance (turning away from sin) are important topics for “soul heart” to keep exploring.
Isaiah pens a chapter that very accurately and eloquently describes our “soul heart” condition and situation. Check this out….
6 We are all infected and impure with sin.
When we display our righteous deeds,
they are nothing but filthy rags.
Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall,
and our sins sweep us away like the wind.
8 And yet, O Lord, you are our Father.
We are the clay, and you are the potter.
We all are formed by your hand.
9 Don’t be so angry with us, Lord.
Please don’t remember our sins forever.
Look at us, we pray,
and see that we are all your people. (Isaiah 64:6,8-9 NLT)
I am so thankful that the Lord is filled with mercy and compassion. He is so very patient as He continues to clean up after me. His Grace is unbelievable and hard to imagine. I’m so glad that He keeps working on me and shaping me into His image, in spite of my stupid choices and dumb decisions. I’m thankful that the Lord has selective memory when it comes to my walk with Him. My very best behavior will NEVER measure up. I believe the Lord wants my heart committed to Him, because my behavior follows. For years, I was taught that behavior modification was what God wanted. I think He is clear in His Word that He wants my “soul heart” committed to Him and then my behavior follows that.
The things I do and say have always come from my heart. I’ve decided to work on the “behind the scenes” part – my soul heart so that what others see is genuine and real. This is a continual process for as long as I’m alive.
Pressing On!
Dwayne