In May I went to get my heart checked. Tests were run. My cardiologist decided to order a heart cath. We actually hoped that all it was, was the one blockage we knew was there had simply become further blocked. While my cardiologist was in there taking a look, he would
put a stint in and that would be that. Instead, he found three substantial blockages and triple bypass heart surgery was scheduled. God knew the condition of my heart and led the doctor to discover it.
The Word of God puts great emphasis on the condition of our heart. Not our physical heart, but our spiritual heart...the seat of our thoughts, desires and actions.
• “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” - Matthew 6:21
• “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts
are fully committed to Him.” - 2 Chronicles 16:9
• “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” - Proverbs 4:23 • “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they will see God.” - Matthew 5:8
In Mark 4 we find the Parable of the Soils. In it there is a description of the Four Kinds of the Heart: Four Heart Conditions. There is the:
Hard Heart: This heart is resistant to God’s Word. (v. 14 - 15)
Shallow Heart: This heart quickly receives God’s Word, but lacks commitment and falls away. (v. 16 - 17)
Overcrowded Heart: Is divided over many loyalties. God’s Word is choked out. (v. 18 - 19)
Receptive Heart: Is open to God’s Word. Receives and obeys and as a result is a healthy, fruitful heart that honors God. (v. 20) Make no mistake about it, God knows our heart!
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7