July 13, 1993
Two severe childhood cases of rheumatic fever left me with a leaky mitral valve and a prognosis of death before middle teens. But mother prayed, my doctors labored, and I survived.
An ultrasound three years ago and another test this month resulted in the same comment from two different doctors: “If you had not told me, I would not have noticed any heart murmur... it is very faint.”
According to the specialists, my heart is healed.
But a heart can be damaged by other things. Besides physical disorders, people can break it. Unfulfilled dreams can make it ache. Unhealthy or harmful relationships can scar it. Suspended hope can make it feel sick. Our heart is a most vulnerable thing.
Obviously these are not references to the physical heart but to the emotional side of our personalities, the part that feels deep pain when injured. This “heart” doesn’t heal by surgery or medication.
There is also a third kind of heart, one the Bible speaks of far more frequently than the other two. Genesis 6 says, “God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”
From that beginning through to Revelation, readers are reminded that God searches our hearts and rewards every one according to how they live. He makes the connection because this “heart” is the center of who we are, the inner part where we think and make choices that lead to actions and the way we live. If our hearts could choose rightly, God would commend us but the sad truth is, none of us think as God intended.
He created us to love and enjoy Him from the heart in an attitude of submission. Instead, we invariably make the choice of independence and rule our own lives — apart from Him. Because this is true, and because He loves us, He sent Christ to offer us a not only a new life but a new heart.
A new heart doesn’t mean open heart surgery. It does mean what the Bible calls regeneration, a renewal that involves a supernatural cleansing from sin and guilt. When it happens, we can see His perspective on the folly of sin and the necessity of obedience. A new heart means thinking differently.
It is not accomplished like a magician with a wand. Old habits are hard to break even though it is reasonable to offer ourselves to God. We try to act right but He encourages us to think right: “Be not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
We are responsible to abandon our own former reasoning and choices as well as reject the way the world thinks and discipline ourselves to a regular “cardiovascular” workout. That means reading and studying Scripture, filling our minds with God’s thoughts, then doing as He says.
Not only does a new heart have the capacity to understand spiritual truth, it’s condition improves with exercise. Pain and scars of our own doing and from mistreatment gradually heal and no longer trouble us.
As I look back over my life, I can see how God has healed my hearts: all three of them. I can wash walls, something doctors said I could never do; I can love and be loved, something I’ve occasionally thought would never happen; and both are more enjoyable and even possible because the Lord touched me and healed my third heart.
Showing posts with label heart issues. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heart issues. Show all posts
Monday, January 11, 2016
Friday, December 26, 2014
Software and Scripture ................. Parables 214
(April 25, 1990)
Computer buffs soon discover that some software programs can be used in “resident mode.” That means they can be loaded into the RAM (random access memory) ahead of the program primarily used, and accessed whenever needed.
For instance, I have the text of the entire Bible in a program called GodSpeed. After it is loaded (in resident mode), I load my word processing software. As I type this column or other manuscripts, I sometimes want to insert a verse of Scripture. Instead of copying it from my Bible, all I have to do is type in the reference (in abbreviated form, such as joh 3:16 for John 3:16), hit two keys, called the “hot key”, at the same time, and the verse is instantly included in whatever I am writing.
This Bible program is not visible when in resident mode. Nothing on the screen indicates that it is in there, ready to go to work. Nevertheless, those verses are available when I want them.
Psalm 119:11 says “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” God wants us to put His Word into more than our personal computers. It’s our hearts that need it. When it is hidden there, we have instant access to that which will give us victory over the worst enemy we have, the sin that destroys our relationship with God and with others.
The process of putting Scripture in “resident mode” involves learning and relearning what it says, memorizing it, meditating on it, even teaching it to others. However, just filling our brain with the words on a page is not quite enough. As powerful as the Written Word is, for it to really do its job, we also need to obey it. For that, something else must also be in “resident mode.”
Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
This verse is an important “resident mode” aspect in the life of a Christian. Scriptures says only those who have received the Lord Jesus Christ can be called the children of God. It also says without Him, we can’t discern what the Bible means and will soon give up reading it, thus lose the battle with sin.
Having Christ first of all means having life: “He who has the Son has life but He who has not the Son of God has not life but the wrath of God abides on him.” Without Him, all we have is our own temporary existence and God’s wrath on our sin. However, the life of Christ is more than “fire insurance” against the judgment of God. He “gives us His divine nature” so we can have “all we need for life and godliness...” so we can “escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:3).
Putting the very disposition of Christ in “resident mode” in our heart means we can call on Him and His life will become evident in our life. His love, joy, peace and power are accessible. But even with that marvelous resource, Christians often forget to utilize the “hot key”, a combination of faith and humility. Christ can permeate all that we are and do only as both are activated. Faith simply trusts Him, first as Savior and Lord, and then to be there, as He promises, to meet our every need.
Humility is recognition that without Christ, no matter how adequate we might appear, we don’t have what it takes to please God. We must admit our falling short and our need; we can’t do it ourselves. Then, when both faith and humility work together, Christ comes out of “resident mode” and the power of His life gives us the victory.
Computer buffs soon discover that some software programs can be used in “resident mode.” That means they can be loaded into the RAM (random access memory) ahead of the program primarily used, and accessed whenever needed.
For instance, I have the text of the entire Bible in a program called GodSpeed. After it is loaded (in resident mode), I load my word processing software. As I type this column or other manuscripts, I sometimes want to insert a verse of Scripture. Instead of copying it from my Bible, all I have to do is type in the reference (in abbreviated form, such as joh 3:16 for John 3:16), hit two keys, called the “hot key”, at the same time, and the verse is instantly included in whatever I am writing.
This Bible program is not visible when in resident mode. Nothing on the screen indicates that it is in there, ready to go to work. Nevertheless, those verses are available when I want them.
Psalm 119:11 says “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” God wants us to put His Word into more than our personal computers. It’s our hearts that need it. When it is hidden there, we have instant access to that which will give us victory over the worst enemy we have, the sin that destroys our relationship with God and with others.
The process of putting Scripture in “resident mode” involves learning and relearning what it says, memorizing it, meditating on it, even teaching it to others. However, just filling our brain with the words on a page is not quite enough. As powerful as the Written Word is, for it to really do its job, we also need to obey it. For that, something else must also be in “resident mode.”
Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
This verse is an important “resident mode” aspect in the life of a Christian. Scriptures says only those who have received the Lord Jesus Christ can be called the children of God. It also says without Him, we can’t discern what the Bible means and will soon give up reading it, thus lose the battle with sin.
Having Christ first of all means having life: “He who has the Son has life but He who has not the Son of God has not life but the wrath of God abides on him.” Without Him, all we have is our own temporary existence and God’s wrath on our sin. However, the life of Christ is more than “fire insurance” against the judgment of God. He “gives us His divine nature” so we can have “all we need for life and godliness...” so we can “escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:3).
Putting the very disposition of Christ in “resident mode” in our heart means we can call on Him and His life will become evident in our life. His love, joy, peace and power are accessible. But even with that marvelous resource, Christians often forget to utilize the “hot key”, a combination of faith and humility. Christ can permeate all that we are and do only as both are activated. Faith simply trusts Him, first as Savior and Lord, and then to be there, as He promises, to meet our every need.
Humility is recognition that without Christ, no matter how adequate we might appear, we don’t have what it takes to please God. We must admit our falling short and our need; we can’t do it ourselves. Then, when both faith and humility work together, Christ comes out of “resident mode” and the power of His life gives us the victory.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Stopping feuds before they start? ................................. Parables 160
Here is a riddle. If I kicked a sleeping dog out of my way and the dog jumped up and bit me, who is responsible for the injury?
I asked my granddaughter. She said, “You are...you bugged the dog.” I asked a friend. She laughed, tongue-in-cheek, “Oh, the dog, of course.”
It is plainly irrational to expect even the gentlest of pets to control themselves under any provocation. If I raised my boot, no animal would meekly apologize, “I’m sorry. I’m sleeping in an inconvenient spot and got in the way of your foot.”
Suppose I mistreat not a sleeping canine but my neighbor. I might not kick him, but my dog (if I had one) might get into his garbage and spread it all over his lawn. Then he might retaliate and shovel said garbage over the fence for me to clean up. And I might call the police, and he might sue me, and the feud is on.
Feuds start so easy but how does one stop them? Or how do we counsel others who bring us their feud stories, especially if they are not willing to be responsible for their part in the fracas?
A man in the middle of such a feud came to Jesus. Obviously, his brother had taken what this man felt belonged to him because he said, “Tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
It is so easy to take sides. “How unfair of your brother...” or maybe “What did YOU do to him?” But Jesus wouldn’t take sides. He responded, “Who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” Then He turned to the crowd and said, “Beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
Strange answer? Not really. Jesus hit at the heart of the bickering. Human greed and covetousness can divide even brothers. Both were guilty, but Jesus refused to assume the position of deciding which was at greater fault. That would only fuel the feud. Instead, His answer to the crowd pointed to inner motives. He was saying if personal sin is in the heart, watch out. But there is an alternative.
The dog’s response is not my problem. My responsibility is finding a better way to get its attention than booting it. And if I do use my foot in impatience, that and my lack of kindness need to be dealt with. Certainly, this applies to relationships with people too.
Should that same imaginary dog rummage through the neighbor’s garbage, it’s my responsibility. A quick trip next door with my rake and shovel would pacify my angry neighbor. If he beat me to it, the same rake and shovel still needs application, even if I’m not excited about the change of location. Keeping better tabs on my dog would avoid future problems, and an apology will stop the impending feud. There are better ways to settle issues than with retaliation or going to God and asking Him to get even for me.
What about my neighbor’s responsibility? I can’t find a chapter and verse for him! Jesus tells me to love my neighbor — not demand that my neighbor loves me. And He refuses to take any sides in battles that result from my sin and self-centeredness. If I provoke my enemy (or even my friends) to anger, He expects me to make it right—even if the dog woke up with a yawn or the neighbor cleaned up the mess without saying anything. Their grace would not excuse my cruelty or negligence!
Silly riddles? Silly issues? Little spats never amount to anything? Last week’s news: a man was convicted of killing another man in a dispute that began when one tossed and hit the other with a jellybean.
I don’t think either one of them bothered to consult Jesus.
I asked my granddaughter. She said, “You are...you bugged the dog.” I asked a friend. She laughed, tongue-in-cheek, “Oh, the dog, of course.”
It is plainly irrational to expect even the gentlest of pets to control themselves under any provocation. If I raised my boot, no animal would meekly apologize, “I’m sorry. I’m sleeping in an inconvenient spot and got in the way of your foot.”
Suppose I mistreat not a sleeping canine but my neighbor. I might not kick him, but my dog (if I had one) might get into his garbage and spread it all over his lawn. Then he might retaliate and shovel said garbage over the fence for me to clean up. And I might call the police, and he might sue me, and the feud is on.
Feuds start so easy but how does one stop them? Or how do we counsel others who bring us their feud stories, especially if they are not willing to be responsible for their part in the fracas?
A man in the middle of such a feud came to Jesus. Obviously, his brother had taken what this man felt belonged to him because he said, “Tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
It is so easy to take sides. “How unfair of your brother...” or maybe “What did YOU do to him?” But Jesus wouldn’t take sides. He responded, “Who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” Then He turned to the crowd and said, “Beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
Strange answer? Not really. Jesus hit at the heart of the bickering. Human greed and covetousness can divide even brothers. Both were guilty, but Jesus refused to assume the position of deciding which was at greater fault. That would only fuel the feud. Instead, His answer to the crowd pointed to inner motives. He was saying if personal sin is in the heart, watch out. But there is an alternative.
The dog’s response is not my problem. My responsibility is finding a better way to get its attention than booting it. And if I do use my foot in impatience, that and my lack of kindness need to be dealt with. Certainly, this applies to relationships with people too.
Should that same imaginary dog rummage through the neighbor’s garbage, it’s my responsibility. A quick trip next door with my rake and shovel would pacify my angry neighbor. If he beat me to it, the same rake and shovel still needs application, even if I’m not excited about the change of location. Keeping better tabs on my dog would avoid future problems, and an apology will stop the impending feud. There are better ways to settle issues than with retaliation or going to God and asking Him to get even for me.
What about my neighbor’s responsibility? I can’t find a chapter and verse for him! Jesus tells me to love my neighbor — not demand that my neighbor loves me. And He refuses to take any sides in battles that result from my sin and self-centeredness. If I provoke my enemy (or even my friends) to anger, He expects me to make it right—even if the dog woke up with a yawn or the neighbor cleaned up the mess without saying anything. Their grace would not excuse my cruelty or negligence!
Silly riddles? Silly issues? Little spats never amount to anything? Last week’s news: a man was convicted of killing another man in a dispute that began when one tossed and hit the other with a jellybean.
I don’t think either one of them bothered to consult Jesus.
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