We had a great trip to Ecuador; thanks for your prayers! We worked with Pastor Manuel in three mountain villages. Our students served well and we enjoyed meeting many brothers and sisters in Christ who live in a unique section of the world.
While there, I was reminded of what God examines most carefully. We often look at beauty or size or monetary value… but God looks at the heart. Remember Samuel’s words before anointing David as the second king of Israel: “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (II Samuel 16:7)
From the ancient days to the time Christ walked the earth to now, God examines hearts and is never fooled. Jesus quoted a prophet when he witnessed the religion of those who claimed to know God. “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’” (Matthew 15:7-9)
During our trip, we tried to teach ourselves and our students this simple desire of God… that we completely give Him our hearts. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.” (Luke 10:27) “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (Romans 10:10)
Let’s ask God for the grace to remember what is important to Him. With the Holy Spirit as our Helper, we can present ourselves to the One who has given Himself to us.
“Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for Your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in Your truth.” (Psalm 26:2-3)