Cure for a Deceitful Heart

 

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.”

—Jeremiah 17:9-10

Contrary to what many in the world believe, humans are not basically good. I know that may come as a shock to some. But, all we need to do is look around us at the behavior of even very young children to realize that humankind’s natural bent is to do what is disobedient, wrong, even evil.

As believers in the life-changing message of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, we know why this is. First man, Adam, through his disobedience to God’s only command, brought willful sin upon himself and all who followed him. That sin curse has been passed down, generation to generation, so that all humans are born with the taint of sin.

But, God has given us the possibility of a cleansing from sin. He has chosen humans to belong to Himself through His mercy, grace, and unfailing love. God expresses His love through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, on a cruel Roman cross of torture to pay the penalty for our sin. The Prophet Jeremiah, in the forth-telling of God’s truth, shared this reality and these words from God, as recorded in Jeremiah 17:9-10:

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.”

The “deed” that matters most is the acknowledgement of God’s gift of salvation. The Holy Spirit reveals this gift and humans, once enlightened, can acknowledge what God has already done for them. His cleansing power vanquishes the power of sin.

As the sun rises on a new day, let’s rejoice that God has chosen to reveal Himself to us and given us salvation through His Son. Our sins are covered by Christ’s precious blood. And, that’s truly good news.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Tuesday, October 16, 2018

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

A Look in the Mirror

 

“By the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”

—Romans 12:3

When you look in a mirror what do you see? I’m told that, if you’re a woman, you are seldom, if ever, satisfied with the image you see in the mirror. While people that love you dearly may look at you with a fondness, appreciation, and deep love that surpasses what you might even imagine, what you see in the mirror appears to you as an unrelenting series of flaws. I wish that were not so. I wish that women would see themselves the way God sees them: as the strikingly beautiful, smart, loving, and kind examples of His mercy, grace, and abiding love that they are.

Likewise, if you’re a man, you may look in a mirror and see only the qualities that mark you as a so-called “real” man. Reportedly, men don’t necessarily see all their many flaws the way women see theirs. In fact, men often tend to see themselves in a much better light than others see them.

For my part, I know that sometimes I am startled when I look in a mirror. Or, more so, when I walk past a storefront window and see all of me at the same time, I am often shocked. “You are a truly strange, fat, ugly, despicable man,” I will say to myself. While most of the time I probably think far more highly of my intellect than my intellect exists in reality, that brief glimpse in the storefront window quickly dispels any notion I have about any reasonable aspect of my own attractiveness. Again, that is not how God sees me. And, while I may have difficulty comprehending His reality for me, I am so very grateful that it’s true.

The Apostle Paul offers these words of instruction, found in Romans 12:3:

By the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

Our identity—that is our true identity—is found in the Lord Jesus Christ. We need to strive to see ourselves through His eyes. His love for us does not cloud His vision. Rather, His love for us gives Him the clearest possible vision of all the qualities He enjoys when He looks at us.

As we move out into another day, let’s remember that our identity is not judged by any mirror, nor by what anyone may think about us. Rather, our identity is determined by God’s view of us—seen through His eyes of love. And that, dear ones, should bring each of us great comfort.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Monday, October 15, 2018

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

When That Day Arrives

 

“The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.”

—Zechariah 14:9

Adrian “Buddy” King has written the words and music to a gospel song that has become quite famous in certain Evangelical circles. Though likely not written for this purpose, the song has found its way into the repertoire of soloists who sing at funerals. The words celebrate that day when Christ’s second coming ushers in the new heaven and the new earth. Here are those words:

A Great day is coming
Heavens gates will open wide,
And all who love the Lord will enter in;
To join with their loved ones who in Jesus Christ have died;
Our eternal life in Heaven to begin.
And the Lord Himself will greet us on that great and glorious day.
And with the smile of the proudest Father He’ll look at us and say:

“Welcome Home Children!
This is the place I’ve prepared for you.
Welcome home children, now that your work on earth is through.
Welcome home children, you who have followed so faithfully
Welcome home children!
Welcome home children!
Here where I am you shall always be
Forever rejoicing with me.”

The sentiment of this song is a sweet reminder of that day when we will all gather in heaven to spend eternity with our God and with each other. What a truly wonderful day that will be!

Unlike all other religions in the world, Christianity does not require its believers to work their way into eternal life. Rather, God has provided the one and only way through His Son Jesus. God has done everything. We are chosen by Him for eternity. The Holy Spirit reveals this great truth to us. And, the Holy Spirit enables us to receive God’s precious gift. But, a very important truth contained in this reality is that on that day, God’s reign will be revealed to everyone. Notice what the Prophet Zechariah proclaimed, as recorded in Zechariah 14:9:

The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.

That phrase, “on that day,” is a very powerful phrase. It speaks of the culmination of one age and the beginning of a new and eternal age. All old things will pass away. All things will become new.

As we start another day of life, let’s remember that we are only passing through this world on our way to the best possible eternal world. Our task here is to lovingly, patiently, and very respectfully share the good news of that great new world.

As we encounter people today, let’s be keenly aware of the nudging of the Holy Spirit when He wants us to say a word in behalf of God’s Kingdom. No more precious opportunity should consume us than the opportunity to represent well the God who loves us so very much.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Friday, October 12, 2018

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Purpose Fulfillment

 

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands.”

—Psalm 138:8

As we have moved along the pathway of our lives, we sometimes have had someone who took a special interest in us and gave us either very specific help, or served as an example that we could emulate to make ourselves better, more disciplined people. Sometimes, we call such an individual a “mentor.” Some mentorships are deliberate and purposeful relationships. Other times, a person might serve as a mentor without even realizing the effect that he or she is having on the person observing his or her life.

In our walk with God, we have in Him the perfect mentor. He is keenly aware that He has set an example for us through the life and testimony of His precious Son, Jesus. He has also given us the Holy Spirit to live within us and guide us every step of the way.

King David was always keenly aware that God had opened up a special way for Him. He sensed God’s divine Presence. It gave David an assurance, but also developed within David a hopefulness when he looked at the future. Notice what David writes in Psalm 138:8:

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands.

In this Psalm of prayer, David acknowledges the role God plays in his life. But, David also recognizes how prone he is to failure because he is, after all, just a sinful human being. So, David prays that God will not abandon him, even when David falls short of God’s perfect will for him.

We can live our lives with the calm assurance that God will never leave us nor forsake us. And, we can certainly recognize His divine Presence in our lives. All we need to do is look around and see His mighty hand helping us along the pathway He has laid out before us.

Let’s begin this new day with the awareness that God is our very special mentor. He wants the best for us and will always provide the blessings we need in every situation. That should give us confidence to live bold lives of service to Him.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Thursday, October 11, 2018

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Patiently Keeping Promises

 

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

—2 Peter 3:9

In 1990, an Evangelical Christian organization was formed with the name “Promise Keepers.” Quoting a portion of the entry on Wikipedia:

Promise Keepers was founded by Bill McCartney, then the head football coach at the University of Colorado Boulder.

According to the group’s website, McCartney got the inspiration for Promise Keepers on March 20, 1990, during a conversation with Dave Wardell, while both were attending a Fellowship of Christian Athletes banquet in Pueblo, Colorado.

He envisioned his home stadium, Boulder's Folsom Field, would be used as a gathering “… for training and teaching on what it means to be godly men.”

In July 1990, 72 men met at Boulder Valley Christian Church in Boulder to organize what would be Promise Keepers’ first event at University of Colorado’s Event Center. From that point, the Promise Keepers’ membership gradually grew.

By the time of the first official PK conference in July 1991, approximately 4,200 attended. The organization was incorporated as a nonprofit in the state of Colorado in December 1990.

Most Christians of middle age may know someone who attended a “Promise Keeper’s” rally. Whether the organization was fully effective in reaching its long-term goal might be debated. But, for a time at least, it had a significant and prominent influence on behalf of the Kingdom of God.

There are certainly great advantages for Christian men who keep their promises to God and to others. But, they were not the first true promise keepers. Notice what the Apostle Peter writes, as recorded in 2 Peter 3:9:

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

God is a promise-keeping God. And, He is not at all slow about doing so. In addition, as this verse above explains, God is very patient with those whom He has chosen to belong to Himself.

As we begin another day, it is good for us to remember how loving, patient, and kind our God is toward us. And, because He is a promise-keeping God, we can become promise-keeping people. Let’s determine to strive for that goal this day. It would be very good if Christians all over the world were known as promise-keeping people.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Wednesday, October 10, 2018

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Discovering Our Lives

 

“…whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.”

—Matthew 16:25

Have you ever encountered someone about whom it was said: “He’s a man on the way up the ladder!”? Or: “She’s a woman destined for bigger and better things, as she rises higher and higher in this company!” Both of these statements express a recognition of the kind of ambition to succeed that few individuals seem to have.

Having worked in the corporate world most of my adult life, I have observed just such men and women headed for the top. Many times, they had significant talents and abilities, had worked harder, put in longer hours, and sacrificed their personal lives to achieve ever-higher success. Sometimes they pursued advanced degrees at the same time they were making a name for themselves in the halls of their corporations or businesses. Many times, these driven individuals also sacrificed relationships and, sadly, seemed to greatly devalue the people around them. Sometimes, they even harmed other people to get one rung higher up the ladder toward achieving their goal of “success.”

Success in the Kingdom of God does not at all mimic the success, as defined by our current secular age. In the Kingdom of God, it’s not about personal achievement. Instead, in the Kingdom of God, it’s all about surrendering to God’s perfect will. Jesus spoke these words, as recorded in Matthew 16:25:

“… whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.”

As Christians, we “find” our true lives, when we surrender our imperfect and faulty human wills to God’s perfect and divine will. We give up the worldly measure of success for the heavenly measure of success. Instead of striving to become leaders, we strive to become servants of Christ, devoted to the matters of His Kingdom. In fact, Scripture refers to us Christians as “bond slaves.”

I’ve written extensively in past blog posts about our role as “bond slaves.” The Apostle Paul describes the early church leaders as “… bond slaves of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” (1 Corinthians 4:1) Paul is drawing a parallel to the instructions found in Deuteronomy 15:16-17. Furthermore, as I have explained in those other blog posts, a “steward” is a slave elevated to a position of responsibility in his or her master’s kingdom. Still a slave, a steward thinks only of what would be in his or her master’s best interest.

We gain the discovery of our true lives, when we give ourselves fully, and without reserve, to Jesus. No matter what we do each day—at work or at home—our lives belong to God, through Christ, when we surrender to His perfect will and obediently do what He wishes us to do.

As we begin another day, let’s determine to ask the Holy Spirit to help us surrender ourselves daily to God’s perfect will for us. If we do, we will experience a fullness of God’s presence in our lives that can hardly be adequately described. And, the joy we will feel will certainly overwhelm us.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Tuesday, October 9, 2018

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

No Grudges

 

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”

—Leviticus 19:18

It is almost impossible to make our way through life without having someone do something that significantly offends or harms us. I’m not referring to the kind of thin-skinned offenses that so many of the people in our culture seem to ascribe to the public words of politicians, or other individuals, who speak out in behalf of some cause in which they sincerely believe.

No, I’m talking about the kind of offense that occurs when someone we know, or even love and trust, does something, or says something, that truly harms us in some way. The question when such an offense happens is: “How will we respond?”

For years, when someone took very hurtful action against me, in word or deed, I wrote them off. I sealed them up in an impenetrable mental shell and, from that day forward, acted as if they didn’t exist. They were “dead” to me. I did not speak to them, nor about them. I did not tell anyone what they had done. I just treated them as if they were “dead.” And, in fact, they were “dead” to me. But, that is clearly not the way that God intends us to act toward our brothers- and sisters-in-Christ.

Of course, if we scrupulously followed Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 18:15-17, the number of genuine offenses would be significantly reduced, if not totally eliminated. Nevertheless, if a brother- or sister-in-Christ does something to harm us, we must respond in a loving, forgiving way. The root of this most proper behavior on our part comes from the Old Testament Jewish Law. Notice what Moses records in Leviticus 19:18:

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

As “Christ’s-ones,” the term “our people” would refer to our brothers- and sisters-in-Christ. We should never seek revenge, nor bear a grudge, against a fellow believer. Realistically, it is wise for us to develop such a forgiving spirit that we also stand ready to forgive anyone who harms us, whether that person is a believer or an unbeliever.

In previous blog posts, I have written about the nature of forgiveness. So, let me simply state here that forgiveness must always arise first within the heart and mind of the person who has received the offense, in response to the teachings of Jesus. We must remain ready and willing to forgive, whether the offender asks for forgiveness or not.

So, at the beginning of another new day, let’s be ones who maintain a spirit of forgiveness. Let’s not hold a grudge, nor seek revenge, against those who harm us. Certainly, if we do maintain this spirit of forgiveness—as hard as that may be—we will truly be walking in the footsteps of Jesus.

 

Based on a blog originally posted on Monday, October 8, 2018

_{Copyright © 2024 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}