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Hello , Are Your Emotions Getting In Your Way?The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? Jeremiah 17:9. NLT.
1. Deceitful! Our hearts are what propel us through the future. Yet God says they are deceitful and wicked! Can you trust your heart? Is there a place for emotions in our relationship with God and the church? The answer is resounding "Yes!" but with qualifications.
2. Minds! It takes a brain to seek the Lord, to understand His word, and decide to act. Without faith it is impossible to please God, Hebrews 11:6a. Yet faith comes by hearing, or understanding, God's word, Romans 10:17. With the brain we come to believe Jesus is God's Son and the Christ, He is both Lord and Master. With it, we understand the need to repent. The Jews had heartfelt emotions after hearing the first gospel sermon, Acts 2. They were pierced or cut to the heart, Acts 2:37.This led to their brain/heart repentance. They believed, repented, and were baptized. They were added to the Lord's church, Acts 2:41. Did they need their heart? Absolutely, but only after considering Peter's sermon. They came to the conclusion they had taken part in Jesus' death on the cross. Their emotions caused them to move forward to repent and be baptized.
3. Issues! Many today are worshipping solely on emotions. From screaming and rolling on the floor to upraised hands swaying to a contemporary band, people let their hearts go. It's as if God were some sort of drug-induced reverie. When Jesus said God must be worshipped in spirit and truth he meant there was a proper way to worship Him with our spirit. Don't let your emotions serve as a substitute for faith. Don't let them serve as your means of worship. Use your brain. Then use your heart. "We love Him because He first loved us."
Tip: Salvation is first a brain-centered activity followed by a heartfelt decision.Prayer: Our God and Father in heaven. Even though You reign from heaven we know You fill the universe. There is no place we can go that You're not already there. We praise Your magnificence, Your glory, and power. We give thanks to You for Your plan of salvation, true for every generation since the first century. We honor our Lord and Savior for His sacrifice, O God. We bless the Holy Spirit for His work in giving Your word and His part in salvation. You are our God and Father, Most High God! In Your Son's Name, amen!
This message is from Garland Van Dyke at Bible Points!Matthews St. church of ChristPO Box 1522, Bay City, TX 774141915 Matthews Street, Bay City, TX 77414(979) 318-2463www.matthewsstreetchurchofchrist.com facebook.com/matthewsstreetchurchofchristWant your own copy of our devotional in your inbox? biblepoints.org/bible-points(It's twice weekly and we don't bombard you with stuff!)
