The Heart of the Matter

Ask God to thrust into His harvest many young people ready to proclaim the “Good News.” Pray that they will learn from God’s Word to live in the light of His coming and be ready to stand before the judgment seat of Christ. “I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one” (1 John 2:14). Thank God for every pastor and teacher already laboring to perfect the saints, and ask Him to strengthen them to continue their work through the power of the Holy Spirit.

On Valentine's Day, many people will exchange to one another heart-shaped gifts of all kinds, from candy to cards. The heart has become the symbol for love and affection during this heartwarming holiday. But what does the Bible stay about the heart?

Within the Holy Scriptures, the heart is presented as the center of man’s personality or his inner self. The heart comprises the intellect, emotions and will — the whole man. The Hebrews developed the word “heart” to constitute the core of man’s being. The book of Proverbs speaks about the heart in much detail. “As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man” (Proverbs 27:19).

Proper direction or decisions are produced from the heart that follows God’s will. Not only is the heart the center of man’s being, but also the heart is the active force whereby thoughts, desires and actions are produced. Proverbs 4:23 admonishes man specifically to guard or protect his heart. “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.”

One must “trust in the Lord” (Proverbs 3:5) fully in order to implement wise choices from the heart. The heart that “seeks knowledge” (Proverbs 15:4) and “studies to answer” (Proverbs 15:28) understands that the “preparations of the heart” (Proverbs 16:1) are from the Lord. But “he that trusts in his own heart is a fool” (Proverbs 28:26). Therefore, how extremely important it is for the inner man to be influenced and instructed by the Lord when making proper decisions, for “the Lord weighs” the actions of the “heart” (Proverbs 21:2).

Proper desires also are produced from the heart that follows God’s ways. “Give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways” (Proverbs 23:26). If our hearts continue to be pure and pliable, God can accomplish great and mighty things through us. “But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity” (Proverbs 28:14). God must be allowed to mold and shape the “heart” through the power of the Holy Spirit. “A man’s heart devises his way: but the Lord directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

Proper delight is produced from the heart that follows the Word of God. His commandments must be “continually upon (the) heart” (Proverbs 6:21). Although situations may seem severe to the heart of man, and circumstances seem chaotic and confusing, “God’s plans will be established” (Proverbs 19:21). When God is in control, the inward aspect of man can be tranquil and happy. A “joyful heart makes a cheerful face” (Proverbs 15:13) and “is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22).

Let the dedicated believer approach God with his “whole” heart (Psalm 51:17) realizing that He alone can change and “cleanse” the heart completely and continually (1 John 1:9). God requires His children to love, serve and worship Him with all of the “heart” (Deuteronomy 6:45; Matthew 23:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). Is your heart really in your service for the Lord?

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

John 16:33

Never wait for the lost soul to approach you and ask about the way to salvation. He or she seldom comes. The method of our Lord Jesus was to seek the lost. “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). All around us are opportunities to witness about “new life” in Christ, if the believer will allow the Holy Spirit to assist him in sharing that marvelous message. People should be given a choice. Pray that all of the SMS missionaries will present the Gospel to anyone who is willing to listen to the “Good News.”