A Troubled Heart

Luke 19:41

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes…

This week my heart weeps for some of the things I have seen and heard in the lives of those around me. It is so difficult to look around and see people making decisions that cause pain and hurt--not only to themselves, their families, their friends--but also to the heart of God. My quota has been filled and is now overflowing with the stories of God’s people being distracted from the truth and buying into the lies this world and Satan are telling. For those of you reading this who claim to know the Lord as your personal Savior, please read and evaluate where you are at. If you are currently standing where you should, then praise God! But if, when you look around, you become aware that you are not on the right path and not facing the correct direction, please take some time with the Lord and ask Him to forgive you and bring you back to where you should be. God’s plans for us are so much better than what this world and its lies are offering to you.

Listed below are six thoughts that have been bouncing around my mind all week long. 

The Difficult Truth

1. Sin is always pleasurable for a season!

But when it is all said and done, sin will return to demand from you more than you can ever pay. Do not be fooled!

2. Do not trust your feelings!

Though feelings are very important they can also be very misleading. Before you react to your feelings take a few steps to make sure they are leading you down the right path. Bring your feelings to the Lord, share them with someone who will hold you accountable, and know that tomorrow there is a great chance that you will feel differently; so maybe wait until then to jump off the cliff.

3. What you do affects everyone around you!

Most people think that their little sins have no effect on anyone else. Yet that is the farthest thing from the truth. Every decision, both small and large, will either bring life or death to those who surround us--especially to those who are closest to us.

 

The Wonderful Truth

1. God will lead you out of the mud!

There is a way out of that situation that you are in, or that habit that has you in bondage. Jesus made the way! He is waiting for you to cry out to Him and surrender. 

2. God has made a way for you to be clean once more!

Jesus came and died for our sins, and now we do not have to walk around burdened by our shortcomings.

3. There is nothing that you can do to mess up the love that God has for you!

No matter where you are at and what decisions you are swimming in, God loves you. The book of Revelation tells us that Jesus stands at the door and knocks, waiting for us to open the door. He is knocking on your door and wants to help bring life where there was death. All you need to do is call to Him!

 

Dear Lord,

Today, I pray for my friends and for myself. I pray that we do not lose focus and will strive to serve you. For those who are married, please keep their hearts soft towards one another. Help them serve each other and not become selfish. For those who are parents, help them be patient with their children and remember that we are to be the example for them. For each of us at our jobs, please help us be the best employees as we consistently represent you. And for those people that are watching us to see if our faith is genuine, Lord, please help us shine for you. If there is anyone reading this that needs to make a 180 degree turn and change their ways, help them feel your love and guidance. Be with your people, as it seems that the enemy is finding ways to enter in and wreak havoc. I pray for your protection.

 

In the name of Jesus!

Amen