Скачать или смотреть Attempt at Thank You by Nathaniel, Jeanette & Anneliese @SAYMTv

The biggest battle goes on in our hearts and minds. This is where the victory is won or lost. God is not only concerned about your actions and your words, but also about your inmost being. God watches and examines us ‘inside and out’ (20:27, MSG). He ‘examines our motives’ (21:2, MSG).

‘Clean living before God and justice with our neighbors means far more to God than religious performance’ (v.3, MSG). ‘The lamp of the LORD searches the human spirit; it searches out the inmost being’ (20:27). I try to pray regularly as the psalmist prays, ‘Search me, O God… and see if there is any wicked way in me’ (Psalm 139:23–4, RSV).

I also pray this for other people. Proverbs 20:27 is a very useful verse in prayer ministry. If someone feels that they are wrestling with something they can’t quite put their finger on, I ask the Spirit of God to search their heart to reveal if there is any sin that needs to be dealt with.

God never gives a nebulous feeling of guilt. If a feeling of guilt is of the Holy Spirit, he will reveal the specific sin that needs to be dealt with. If something wrong comes to mind, repentance leads to forgiveness through Jesus.

Then I ask the ‘lamp of the LORD’ to shine again and reveal if there is anything else that needs to be dealt with. Because of Jesus’ victory over sin on the cross, where there is repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, there can no longer be any condemnation.

Victory for a king (or we might say ‘leader’) comes through ‘love and faithfulness’: ‘Love and truth form a good leader, sound leadership is founded on loving integrity’ (v.28, MSG).

The leader’s ‘heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases’ (21:1). God is in ultimate control of a leader’s heart. I have trusted this promise many times in my life when praying about job interviews, dealings with the council, judges or governments. Thankfully, the heart of the leader is in the Lord’s hands and he directs it whichever way he pleases.

The heart is so important: ‘All your ways seem right to you, but the LORD weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice’ (vv.2–3).

Since victory is a gift from God, it should never lead to pride: ‘Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin!’ (v.4).

In 1 Corinthians 15:58 it says:

‘Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour... is not in vain.’

This is a great rallying cry that St Paul sent the Corinthian church. It may be hard work, but we must keep going and God will use it to his glory.

Thought for the Day

Do not be worried or threatened by what others are up to in different ministries. Each of us should follow God’s call in our own lives.