Encouragement

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DAILY/EVENING REFLECTIONS

The wisdom of the heart
1 Samuel 16
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."-NIV

1 Corinthians 1
25For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

1 Corinthians 1
21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

I wanted to talk about mind wisdom, heart wisdom and God’s wisdom. Sometimes all can be intertwined, like the idea that man can scientifically explain creationism through the theory of intelligent design. This marries mind and God wisdom together. When we think in terms of Godly love and eternal compassion, then we have effectively married heart and God wisdom.
However, when it comes to what matters most to God, intellectualism and even sacrifice take a back seat. He considers us not by appearance, intellect or self righteous piety. Rather, He looks at the heart of a man and judges and blesses accordingly.

Book knowledge I have, spiritualism-I am working on getting to a place that I feel is pleasing to the Father, but my hardest battle has been discerning what lies inside a man’s heart. This gift is not to be overlooked. How many of us have been caught up in an unnecessary web or drama, lies and deceit with someone because we didn’t take the time to understand what the person was really about. This is displeasing to the Father for many reasons, but primarily because 1) it is harmful to us, 2) it keeps us from concentrating on the things of God.
How do we get ourselves in such messes? Simple. We are blinded by the physical beauty of the person, or their intellect and/or their talents.

I have learned the hard way that physical appearances, intelligence, creative ability and even so called spirituality are no match for the genuine kindness and that can reside within a man’s soul.

Matthew 9
13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Consider what Christ says here.

He is saying that God would have us even go so far as to overlook aspects of the law to rescue those who were lost. What good is self righteous behavior when we cannot even lend a hand to aid those who are drowning? This is why out of all the Christian sins, I feel piety is the worst.

Men can forgive downfalls due to lust, greed, anger or jealousy-but it is hardest to overlook and overcome the sting and bitter arrows of those who walk in the light and therefore consider themselves pure.

Christ said no man comes to the Father lest he draw them, so we are not our own, nor is there anything special about us in this regard. What makes me different from the prostitute down the street in God’s eyes? Not one thing. Recall, God has even saved prostitutes while allowing religious leaders to perish. God is not a respecter of rank, title, intellect or beauty-rather he reveres the heart, for it is the heart that reveals our true natures.

MATTHEW 15
19Out of your heart come evil thoughts, murder, unfaithfulness in marriage, vulgar deeds, stealing, telling lies, and insulting others. 20These are what make you unclean.

God would have His children be wise and not foolish. Although we should love all and try our best to aid others, we should discern the character of certain individuals and act not so much in a judgmental manner, but a prudent one.

Yes, there is a difference between judgment and discernment. For example, if I found a man bleeding in the street and near death, mercy and love would dictate that I aid him, feed him and get him to a hospital. However, if I found out this man has killed someone, then I would have to prudently involve the police and hope that this person had extenuating circumstances which would allow him to change. I would not regret my loving kindness, for judgment is in God’s hands. However, I would also be aware of the danger of such an individual and deal accordingly.

If we can manage to cultivate heart knowledge, we will come a step close to mastering God wisdom and even closer still, to knowing God.-ARN under the instruction of THS

EVENING REFLECTIONS-The Builder

Hey guys! My short story THE BUILDER has been published . It is a two part short story about faith and the unfailing beauty of God’s love for us. Take a read and let me know what you think! God Bless:



as always you can write me with questions and comments at [email protected]

FUNNY BONE YARD

A child came home from Sunday School and told his mother that he had learned a new song about a cross-eyed bear named Gladly. It took his mother a while before she realized that the hymn was really "Gladly The Cross I'd Bear,"

Locked Car Door
A woman was at work when she received a phone call that her daughter was very sick with a fever. She left her work and stopped by the pharmacy to get some medication. She got back to her car and found that she had locked her keys in the car.

She didn't know what to do, so she called home and told the baby sitter what had happened. The baby sitter told her that her the fever was getting worse. She said, "You might find a coat hanger and use that to open the door."

The woman looked around and found an old rusty coat hanger that had been thrown down on the ground, possibly by someone else who at some time or other had locked their keys in their car. Then she looked at the hanger and said, "I don't know how to use this."


So she bowed her head and asked God to send her some help. Within five minutes an old rusty car pulled up, with a dirty, greasy, bearded man who was wearing an old biker skull rag on his head. The woman thought, "This is what you sent to help me?" But, she was desperate, so she was also very thankful.

The man got out of his car and asked her if he could help. She said, "Yes, my daughter is very sick. I stopped to get her some medication and I locked my keys in my car. I must get home to her. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?"

He said, "Sure". He walked over to the car, and in less than a minute the car was opened. She hugged the man and through her tears she said, "Thank You So Much! You are a very nice man."

The man replied, "Lady, I am not a nice man. I just got out of prison today. I was in prison for car theft and have only been out for about an hour."

The woman hugged the man again and with sobbing tears cried out loud, "Oh, Thank you God! You even sent me a Professional!"

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