Welcome to “Going Deeper with the Word.” In this segment, we welcome people of all backgrounds, religious or not, to review the Word of God. The Word of God provides guidance, direction, and instructions for living our lives and walking with God.
Today, we examine how God’s Word provides clear guidance and direction about giving your heart to God.
Let’s review examples of God’s Word that can lead and guide our steps and back up the principles we learned in today’s message. I will be reading scripture today from the Amplified Bible.
If you are watching this message online, we invite you to share your comments as we review each verse.
Here is our first verse.
Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him,
And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].
Proverbs 3:5-6
In this verse, King Solomon elaborates on what we learned in today’s message. In giving our hearts to God, and in the process, giving our -trust- to God, we will be led through paths which are straight and smooth. This is in contrast to the often unpredictable paths in life that can occur if we actively turn away from God and seek out the ways of the world.
Do you fully trust God with your life? If not, why? If so, have you noticed a change in your life? Let us know in the comments.
Let’s have a look at another verse.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7
In this verse, we see the Lord speak to Samuel to remind him that appearances are not what is most important to God. He explains that He examines the heart above all else. This is one of many examples in scripture where we learn directly from God the importance of our heart.
In a society that is driven by appearances, this verse helps us to understand that God examines our hearts and not how well we dress or our physical fitness, popularity, or social status.
Think about a time you had ‘one look’ at someone and formed a negative opinion of their character. What was that opinion and why? Is it possible the heart of that individual is not aligned with your presumption of their character? What would be your reaction if God said to you that this individual is one of clean heart and character, despite your opinion formed from appearances?
Let us know in the comments.
Let’s look at one last verse.
And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
Romans 12:2
In today’s message, we explored the idea that there are many customs and attitudes of today’s culture that are socially acceptable but do not honor God. In this verse, Paul drives home that we should not adjust and adapt ourselves to be conformed to the world, but instead position ourselves for seeking the will of God, which in his words is good, acceptable, and perfect. We also see mention in this verse the importance of God’s plans for us.
Do you struggle with acceptance of something that is considered socially acceptable in our culture, but you know does not honor God? How does this struggle affect your life?
Giving our heart to God and seeking out God’s will and plans for our lives is one of the most, if not the most important things we can do in our walk with Him. Give your heart fully to God today.
Thank you for your time in reviewing these verses with me today. Please be sure to share in the comments how these or other examples of God’s Word have helped you learn more about kindness.
Thank you for the opportunity to share encouragement. Here @walkinginstepwithGod we truly appreciate your support. We are fully committed to Christ and the community. We invite you to join us in fellowship and to seek opportunities for fellowship in your local community as well.
