From the Heart

The Word of God is like a heart: living, beating, supplying to the Body the oxygen and nutrients needed for its sustainment. I am saddened that men have attempted to cut into it; at times in an effort to remove essential arteries; to close off the valves; those channels through which flow life’s blood. I am saddened that they will argue over its precepts; to heatedly enter into conflict over interpretation - to the point of breaking fellowship. (I speak not of heresies, nor of those who love not the truth!)

I am saddened that believers are so caught up with the temporal that they neglect the eternal. (I for one am guilty.) This time of earthly pilgrimage should be one of courtship; a time of preparation as we ready ourselves to greet the Bridegroom. For those who seemingly have little concern in pouring over His love letters, in desiring an awareness of His innermost thoughts ( a lofty aspiration indeed!) of His compassions; of His own desires and cares for our well being: that we may learn to trust, to depend upon, to learn what it is to walk with Him. . .

Those believers who will have none of this, who are lacking in understanding and wisdom; who spend precious little time meditating upon Him - shall they suddenly acquire those desires upon entering His presence? Or will they feel themselves almost as strangers; will they be uncomfortable as they realize that they have known and experienced little of His presence while in the earthly realm? Will they “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory?” Shall I also be a part of this forlorn people? Shall I say with Isaiah: “Woe is me! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.”

If the Lord withholds revival: is it not because we have no heart for it? Do our lips form the words, yet there is no response brought forth from the heart? Lord, our deadened hearts are in need of the quickening of your Spirit. Though we be increased with goods, yet we are poor; though we are wise, yet are we without understanding.

Hear, we pray, our feeble cry. Turn us, we who are weak. Strengthen our tired bones; give Light unto our darkened eyes. In spite of the insincerity of this mortality and the multitude of our sin, be merciful; show unto us the kindness of your grace.

Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.