31 July 2008

Fixed Heart – 10.16.07

Greetings, all. I'm thinking of a name for this twice-weekly devotional...what about "Bible Time with Bro. Bubbles?" No, don't ask. But do come preach with us in Orlando on a Saturday night sometime...you never know what'll happen.

Anyway, let's take a look at what the Bible has to say about a "fixed" heart. First of all, Psalm 112:7-8: He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desires upon his enemies.

A heart that is fixed is said to be established. As we have stated previously, the reason for having a "purposed or "prepared" heart is to ensure victory by having a predetermined course of action when faced with temptation. It's the same idea here.

A heart that is fixed is one that trusts in God. A heart that is established is one that won't be moved by temptation, or trouble, or trial, or ridicule. A heart that is anchored in Jesus Christ will rest in confidence that all things – seemingly bad things included – do work together for good to them that love God (Romans 8:28). A heart that is established will take comfort in knowing that Jesus Christ is a friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24) and has promised to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6).

What does it take to knock you off course? A bad day? A situation that doesn't go your way? Circumstances that didn't turn out the way you had planned? A snide remark thrown your way when you try to be a witness? An insult from a "friend" because you choose to dress modestly?

Is your house built on the sand, or is it built on the rock? When the rains come down and the floods come up will it "go splat" or "stand firm?" See Matthew 7:24-27.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

A fixed heart is also described in Psalm 57:7 (and Psalm 108:1): My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.

The connotation here is prepared – as in, "Lauren, fix me my breakfast!" No, seriously, think about it this way...yesterday, did you spend more time in front of the bathroom mirror or the mirror of the word of God (James 1:22-25)? Did you spend more time fixing your hair or your heart? Which one is more important? When you get up on a Sunday morning and go down to the church house to worship God, do you prepare your heart to praise His name and receive His word?

It is imperative for each of us to daily set aside some time to be quiet and think and allow God to work in our hearts. So often we sit down to read the Bible or rush into the church house as if we can suddenly click our minds and hearts into "God mode," but it just doesn't work that way. Be still, and know that I am God… (Psalm 46:10)

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