The Heart of the Matter

The Heart of the Matter

We work to provide a roof over our heads and put food on the table. Imagine having no money. That would mean no place to sleep, eat or relax.

Jesus asked the disciples to leave home, cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Can you imagine leaving your loved ones, belongings, money, clothes, and all the comforts of home? Jesus’ specific instructions were to “not” take gold, silver, clothes or even an extra pair of sandals on their journey. He also instructed them to go only to the lost sheep of Israel.

The apostles traveled from place to place to teach about love and peace. They were also instructed to leave where they were not welcomed. Do you think they worried about rejection? What concerns would they have had regarding food and a place to sleep at night?

It’s incredible to think that the Apostles were counting on the conversion and faith of strangers. Imagine how Jesus might have spoken to them. His words had to have been so compelling and moving it was beyond all common sense and understanding. They witnessed the purity of Jesus’ heart and His faith in His Father and saw that He was able to overcome all evil. These men, the apostles, left everything to become spokesmen for one man who came to show the world that life as they knew it on earth would change and that there was a heavenly place of perfection not of this world waiting for them.

The disciples had to have searched their soul deeply to stir a faith so strong. They had to have experienced a love so intense that it conquered all. They must have been touched with such a powerful force to cause them to become obedient to the point of selflessness. They were not perfect. However, isn’t it incredible to know that we have a merciful God who can forgive us anything and still allow us to do incredible works and pray for help in Jesus’ name.

The disciples followed Christ with faith, love and obedience. They believed in His promise of eternal life. They accepted the fact that they were guaranteed to be ridiculed, persecuted and would suffer the hatred of others. They trusted Jesus and went on to teach, having faith that the Spirit of God would lead the way and they went on to imitate Jesus. These apostles were the first leaders of our church and preserved God’s teachings that are recorded in our bibles.

Today you have the opportunity to examine your heart, soul and faith and chose to become a more visible follower of Christ. Lead by example, live by the commandments, and study the beatitudes. When you read your bible you will learn how to reconcile rather than be angry. It will be clear that cursing is an insult to God. If you obey God’s commandments and teach these commandments you will be called the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. There is scripture that educates about gossiping, adultery, divorce, retaliation, enemies, giving, praying, fasting, money, idols, tattoos, judging; the teachings are too many to list. There are so many habits that we’ve formed that have become our “normal”. Let us begin by becoming aware of our actions, responses and words, and make all that we do “pleasing to God”.

Permit yourself to expect God’s blessings everyday. Allow His love and power to take over all aspects of your life. Get stirred up over God’s love for you as you come to the realization that you are part of His incredible and supreme design and plan. He has created this earth which supplies us with food and water, and He has given us each other so that we may not be alone.
Since original sin has set the tone for all generations, we are to labor for our food (remember it was once available to us “for free” in the Garden of Eden). Our labor can include physical labor in warehouses, harvesting crops, years spent obtaining an education, working past greed, unfair competition, pettiness, not to mention endless hours over decades of time devoted to our businesses, employers, and households so that we may obtain our pay to sustain ourselves in this life.

You are up against evil thoughts, behavior, and attitudes. We all are. We all can change. Will it be easy? Maybe not. Will the change be worth it? Wouldn’t you say it’s worth eternity of heaven!

Jesus does not ask us to leave everything we have, rather, he simply asks us to love with our “heart and soul” and serve one another. It does not matter that we are rich, well off, comfortable or poor. Jesus simply asks us to help our neighbor, share what we have, work together for peace and to make our time here on earth worthwhile.

How’s your heart today? Is it happy, sad, joyful, playful, tender, or emotional? It’s normal to feel an array of emotions many times a day. You’ll work through the spectrum of emotions, you always do. However, we are reminded that we cannot manage our lives all alone, the fixes, solutions, and miraculous ways that move us forward through our lives are all through the Will of God.

You have a beautiful heart. God asks you to share its life with others. Start with “Labors of Love”. Labors of love can change a person, life, community and world. This is a staple for life. Work with your heart and hands in unison to bring about harmony and enthusiasm. Strive to please someone beyond expectations so as to leave a person with one’s heart in one’s mouth caused by immense excitement. As if falling in love, care for others so deeply that it causes an electrifying feeling right to the core. Seek out those in need, and help to ease distressed hearts, and put them at rest so that they may be relieved of doubts, fears, and worries. Set your heart on one who needs the most. Love completely, intensely, earnestly, thoroughly and fully.

Use your gifts to raise spirits and respond kindly to shortcomings and faults of others. A sympathetic and passionate heart will be the victor. Offer a hand without airs to bring courage to a frightened soul. If physical and emotional acts won’t suffice, then stop and go to a quiet place and pray for others.

Did you know that we are called “Ambassadors for Christ”. What a fabulous title. What a beautiful way to live. All God asks is that we honor Him in all that we do. Our payment for a job well done comes in blessings throughout our days and the promise of eternal life.

The bible says “laborers deserve their food”. Can you imagine the rewards that come through “Labors of Love”. Jesus gave His life for us so that we may have eternal life (wow, what a “labor of love”!). Today you as you continue on your journey you will be abundantly blessed and your table will be overflowing with food!!