“A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.”
Luke 6:45 NLT
Dearest Friends,
It’s time for us to get really honest and dig deep to see what our hearts hold. There is no better time to reassess where our heart flows from because it is out of the abundance of the heart that our mouth speaks.
Oh sisters,
I tremble as I write because if I’m to share this message, I need to be transparent. I can fail miserably when it comes to what my heart carries. There are times that I grumble internally, I make assumptions, and sometimes my smile hides a less-than-positive attitude. This is not as it should be. However, I’m willing to admit this to you and our Lord because it isn’t hidden from either of you. In fact, God sees my every thought. And since the scripture above is correct, you see what is going on inside of me because my mouth speaks it. It’s when I’m taking an honest assessment of myself that I’m confronted with the possibility that I’ve let too much of the world seep into my heart.
What Is Your Heart Hiding?
God sees what is in your heart, and it’s likely that those around you are hearing (and seeing) from where your heart flows as well. We are in the same boat because God’s Word says we are.
If we are allowing ourselves to get distracted by public opinion and worldly influences then we are susceptible to allow those things to take residence within our hearts. The enemy breeds evil thoughts and casts luring nets to entice us into wayward thinking. Those rancid thoughts turn into destructive words and may even lead to harmful actions.
There is no pretending because our mouth speaks what our hearts are hiding.
What Is Flowing From You?
When I’m feeling overwhelmed and tired my thinking tends to get negative. I’m become impatient with those around me and my words are more likely to come from an abrupt place. This reveals that I’m not relying on the strength of the Lord, but instead in my own faulty efforts.
But that is just one example that you might be voicing “me too” with.
There are many things that may hold the treasury department within our hearts. Here are a few that may strike a cord with you. I know that I have struggled with each of these at different points in my life:
- Bitterness -Are you harboring unforgiveness within your heart towards someone who has hurt you? Perhaps it’s time to resolve this grievance and start anew so that you heart is released from the bitter root that embedded itself within you.
“Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.”
Hebrews 12:15 NLT
- Rage – Do you let anger get the best of you? Do you let your mouth fly off without filter or restraint? This is not becoming of a Christ-follower and reveals unresolved issues.
“Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper–it only leads to harm.”
Psalms 37:8 NLT
- Judgment – This comes from a self-righteous place against those around us. A sign you might be falling into this trap is if you find yourself becoming critical and speaking death instead of life about people. Are you edifying others around you with what you speak or are you casting judgment that isn’t yours to place?
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.”
Matthew 7: 1-2 NLT
What We Fill Ourselves with Will Overflow From Us.
We have a choice about what we allow ourselves to be filled with. The Lord has created us to be vessels that carry His Spirit which overflow with His living water. If we allow things like bitterness, rage, and judgment to reign in our hearts then that is what will flow from us. We then succumb to the evil that we have been influenced by and therefore become ill-equipped to carry out the tasks that the Lord has purposed us for.
If the overflow of our hearts is to be of the Spirit, we must be filled with the Spirit. Share on XThe great news is that we don’t have to stay in that place. We can make a decision today to change the direction of our heart so that we are in full alignment with God’s will. It takes repentance friends. It takes admission of guilt. Then finally, it takes surrendering to the truth that God wants us to live. It is then that we transition from hindered-living to an abundant life that is established in His truth. It is His truth that sets us free!
Take an Honest Assessment of Yourself
We all have areas in our hearts that have become tainted because of the unacceptable things we’ve allowed to dwell within us. It is our responsibility to take an honest assessment of our hearts and pay special attention to what is flowing from us. Then that we will know what needs correction and how to pray for deliverance.
Our hearts are reserved for eternal occupancy by Christ Himself. If our hearts are already crowded how will there be room for Him? Make room for Him friend. Start fresh by opening your heart up to Him and allowing Him to take residence. He’s worth it.
Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart.
Psalms 26:2 NLT
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father,
Today I come before you and ask that you deliver me from my own tainted thoughts and what I’ve allowed to take residence in my heart. I ask you Lord to search me through and through to expose the areas that I’ve kept hidden from not only you, but myself. Do a work in me Lord and change me from the inside out. Help me to walk in the fullness of your love by ridding me of any bitterness, rage, or judgment I’ve held in my heart. Make my heart new Lord as today I am throwing out the harmful things I’ve been holding onto. Create in me a heart that is a treasury of good things. May those good things flow from me continuously as I step into the new way of life you have for me. For it’s in Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Featured Post
Today I’m honored to feature a post from Julia Kyte at Committing My Way called “What Type of Vessel Are You?”. This post dives further into a little self-examining to see what kind of vessel you most identify with. Her writing is not only captivating but her message is spot on.
>> Please Continue Reading Here <<
I need much pray for my mind. I look at things and have thoughts i should not. But battle for me !! Please pray!
I’m praying for you now dearest Debbie that not only would the Holy Spirit convict you when your thoughts turn sour but that He would revive you and help you to think about that which is lovely. God bless you.