Your Light Shines and Chases Away The Darkness
I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. (Psalm 101:2 )
Psalm 101:2 brings to mind the Saduccees and the Pharisees who wore the long robes, openly prayed and attended Synagogue. They did what was right in “clear sight” of all who would see. Standing on street corners, praying loudly for all to see. And yet these same individuals who called themselves “holy men” of God were considered “hypocrites” by Jesus’ own words. They didn’t have clean thoughts in their hearts towards Jesus, they were harboring evil thoughts, and plotting to be rid of Jesus. But to look at the so called “holy men” with their tallits and kipahs in full view, you’d never suspect they plotted and schemed in the privacy of their own homes. They waited while observing Jesus. They were trying to trick Him at every turn. But our beloved Savior knew their games and knew their hearts. So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. (Mark 3:2)
He saw everything they did “in secret” as did His Father…our amazing Sovereign God. God sees all. He’s a cardio knower. He reads our hearts, knows our minds. Accepts and loves us with all of His heart. He hates “sin” but, He doesn’t hate the person. So, nothing can be in secret. He sees it. Jesus is grieved by an unrepentant heart. He can get angry (as in His Father’s house when they were selling mite infested doves, and bargaining. He called them out in a powerful way. Over turning their tables, and with a knotted whip) and he can become grieved. So too His/our Father. And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts…(Mark 3:5)
So, when we’re in our homes safely tucked away from the world, do we still behave in a “godly manner?” It’s one thing to behave in a godly way in public, when so many eyes are watching. It’s another to reflect His goodness and righteous and loving behavior where family members can see. God definitely calls us to both.
Our Father loves us, and calls us to certain standards and practices in His name. He wants every part of us–body and soul, and spirit–to grow close to Him. He wants those that will gladly and freely give everything to Him. Surrendering to Him at His will and joined and grafted in His love. Bless he Lord, O my soul;and all that is within me, bless His holy name! (Psalm 103:1)
He wants us to love Him. He wants our love. He knows our weaknesses, and of our ignorance in certain areas. He doesn’t require anything more than which we can handle. When you seek His face and His strength, things will come back to you. He will bless you accordingly, in abundance. We cannot outgive God. God’s word is pregnant…it grows and grows. The more we seek, the more we see and know. Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore! (Psalm 105:4)
When we do our good deeds we don’t need to announce them to the world, or blow a trumpet saying, “look at me” – God sees and will reward us openly. He keeps a careful tally of our actions, both public and private. Our actions should be with a contrite and loving heart, and with a complete obedience to the Father. And, this is something that should be done both in and out of our homes. …And your Father who see in secret will Himself reward you openly. (Matthew 6:4)
Trust in God and know that His will and His intent toward us are always in our best interest. He set up this world so that a real element of faith is always required in order to connect with Him. Never doubt His love or His ability to sustain us in all things. When they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some doubted. (Matthew 28:17)
When we live a life of purpose according to His will…we will be better for it. When we consult Him in prayer for decisions, or for an upcoming event…the outcome will be blessed. When we observe His laws, and His doctrine both inside and outside our homes…we will thrive. We can always bring Jesus’ truth to the world because we have Jesus’ divine powers and Spirit to solidfy(back it up) at all times.
Our job is to work inside and outside our homes in accordance to His gospel. To be a faithful messenger to others, His job is to prosper His word. Amen.
picture (c) of RWS
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