For the last two Sundays we have been traveling so we haven’t been able to worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Today we located the International Church of Ljubljana and the service started at 5:00pm. We walked there. It took 25 minutes, and the temperature was 95⁰F. We were welcomed with a blast of air conditioning and a friendly greeting. There were about 25 people gathered for worship with a time of fellowship and hospitality afterward.
Prayer: All that we have is from You. All that we are is because of You.
This church is doing a study of Proverbs and encouraged us to read one chapter each day. This is easiest when one corresponds to the date. Today is the 29th, so read chapter 29.
Corporate Prayer always includes praise and prayers.
- Praise God for answering prayers for our son-in-law to find employment after a long time of searching!
- A sister’s brother who is recovering from a traffic accident.
- Over one thousand youth from all over the former Yugoslavia had a conference in Split, Croatia. May they continue their fervor for spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.
- Health and safety for Pastor Abaga traveling to Africa.
Sermon: Proverbs-Heart of Man
Heart-The Organ
We all have a heart. It is an important organ for our life. If it has a problem, the whole body has a problem.
We are told how to take care of our heart. It is very precious. Exercise aerobically for 150 minutes per week. Don’t eat just anything. Eat a heart-healthy diet.
Heart according to the Bible.
Many different books in the Bible speak of the heart. This is not talking about the organ. It is the center of emotions … one facet of the heart.
Proverbs 23:7
For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, “Eat and drink!” But his heart is not with you.
Proverbs 15:13
A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.
1 Samuel 16:7
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 God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
The heart, the inner person’s soul … not color of skin, color of his hair, citizenship, job title, etc. None of that matters to God.
The heart is the essence of who you are before God.
What are we doing with our heart, then? What does He see?
#1 Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.
Not self reliance, not apathy, do it myself, trust my own thoughts. These all damage your heart.
#2 Proverbs 21:4
Haughty eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is sin.
Pride leads to self destruction. Don’t be prideful. Stay humble. Do a heart check-up.
Proverbs 23:17
Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the Lord always.
Envy catches up with you.
Proverbs 6:25
Do not desire her beauty in your heart, Nor let her capture you with her eyelids.
Guide your heart away from sexual immorality, lust, etc.
Proverbs 11:20
The perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord, But the blameless in their walk are His delight.
Bitterness and forgiveness is a matter of the heart. Anger comes from the inside first. We can’t see the rage inside, but God can. We are not created to carry anger and hatred.
We want to deal with it ourselves. The inner self can inflict our body.
God’s Plan for Caring for the Heart
Proverbs 4:23
Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.
Thoughts, values, desires … what you think is how your life flows.
Music talks to your inner self. TV, radio, movies can damage the heart of the inner man.
Proverbs 2:2
Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding;
Listen for people who are like minded. Iron sharpens iron. Words of discouragement make dreams die. Stay away from negativity. Seek people who bring value to your life. Apply your heart to the wisdom of God not of man.
Proverbs 23:12
Apply your heart to discipline And your ears to words of knowledge.
Instruction that we need is in the Word of God. Don’t start your day without it. To know God, you MUST know his Word. Delight in it!
Psalms 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Take care of your heart.
We were walking home and drawn inside this church because we heard beautiful organ music. A relaxing ending to our Sunday!
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