Passage of the Day:
Vindicate me, Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered. 2 Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;3 for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.4 I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites.5 I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.6 I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, Lord,7 proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds. 8 Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells. 9 Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with those who are bloodthirsty, 10 in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes. 11 I lead a blameless life; deliver me and be merciful to me. 12 My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the Lord, Psalm 26:1-12.
Reflection:
Eleven years ago, I was rushed to the hospital from work with a collapsed lung. This medical emergency led to a series of visits to my primary care doctor along with a cardiologist. During the first of many appointments with this cardiologist, I discover that I had an enlarged heart. Initially, there was concern of potential swelling of my heart. The good news was this was the opposite of the Grinch’s heart, but various tests were performed to see if anything was wrong with my heart. Fortunately, I was finally given a clean bill of health, passing my heart examine prior to moving to South Carolina.
Prayerful Action:
The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.[a] 5 They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob, Psalm 24:4-6.
Restoring Your Heart:
Passing a spiritual heart examine is like taking a Pass-Fail Class in college. The purpose of this spiritual exercise isn’t to earn a perfect grade. Rather, passing a spiritual heart examine is about trial and error, learning the importance of obeying God’s commands. Moses does one of the best jobs in the Bible of simplifying listening to and obeying God in Deuteronomy 28:1-2. Passing this heart examine is all about accompanying God by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit.
Song of the Day:
You can try to fill your heart with earthly treasures and temporary pleasures, but only Jesus can fill this void deep inside of you. The quicker you come to this conclusion; the sooner you’ll pass the spiritual heart examine. May this classic tune speak to your heart with Gut Level Music.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 