Unbolt The Door To Your Heart

Tag: outward

  • Secret Thoughts

    “This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares”.  Romans 2:16 NIV

    “We may be sure that all this will be taken into account in the day of true judgment, when God will judge men’s secret lives by Jesus Christ, as my Gospel plainly states”.  Romans 2:16 Phillips

    In plain language, Romans 2:16 is saying: God sees the real person—not only the image we present. One day Jesus will judge every life, including what was hidden in the heart, with perfect fairness.

    One of the tools used for surveillance, of everyone, is known as a flock camera. They are at intersections and Highways across the nation. In Turlock there are over 40 of them.

    Flock Camera uses AI algorithms to capture the license plate, vehicle make, model, color, and unique features like bumper stickers or scratches.  By law the pictures are kept in a database to allow the authorities to track and capture criminals.  You can readily see the issue with privacy that this technology presents. Before the authorities needed a court order to track a suspected vehicle. Now they are tracking all innocent individuals and supposedly getting a court order to use the pictures and data.

    What you need to understand is that there is no expected privacy about your activity anymore. You are being recorded and your information is being stored in a database. If they want to know who went to a certain location, all they have to do is type in the address.

    God not only knows every place you have visited, what shows you watched, what videos you watch, what music you listen to, what you say under your breath.  God takes it a step further in that He knows what you were thinking in your mind when you do anything.  

    God evaluates more than public behavior. He knows hidden actions, motives, intentions, and thoughts—the things a person may successfully conceal from everyone else.

    You may be able to put makeup on or dress in a manner that receives the praises of men. God gives little concern about the outside. God knows what is in your heart and most inner thoughts.

    At some future date you will have to look Jesus in the eye about your thoughts. Remember that Jeus does not show favoritism and your outward behavior will not save you. You do not need to say out loud what you think about a person or situation. God knows what you were thinking in your mind.

    Sobering thoughts for you to ponder.

    Remember it is not a religion it is a relationship.

    Prayers and Love for all.

    Larry

  • Daily Walk

    “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God”. Colossians 1:10 KJV

    “We also pray that your outward lives, which men see, may bring credit to your master’s name, and that you may bring joy to his heart by bearing genuine Christian fruit, and that your knowledge of God may grow yet deeper”. Colossians 1:10 JB Phillips

    In this verse Paul is giving them the instructions for a daily walk with God. 

    It is a great reminder of how we are to live each out each day.

    Paul is describing two aspects of your daily walk.  One outward and one Inward.

    Your outward life should reflect a live that is worthy of what Jesus did for you when He was crucified and then He rose from the grave. He paved the way for you to enter the realm of eternity on the coattails of His righteousness. Your sins are forgiven! Will others see today the positive, outward praise and thanksgiving you have for what Jesus did for you?  Will they see it on your face? Hear it in your words? Is your walk today worthy of what Jesus did?

    Are you producing the fruit of the Spirit in every situation or every circumstance that may arise? In every step today are you making the atmosphere better by exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit? Always reflecting the light of God.

    Then Paul turns inwardly and tells you to spend the day increasing in knowledge with God. The Greek word used here for knowledge is (epignosis).  It implies a deep, personal, and relational understanding, like knowing a person intimately rather than knowing about them.

    Paul is not telling you to increase in wisdom or knowledge about God and His word. He is telling you that each day you should work on becoming more intimate with Him. If you work at becoming more intimate with Him, then all other knowledge will follow.

    “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”. Matthew 6:33 NIV

    Make God’s priorities, values, and His ways your focus. See the world through Jesus eyes and His Love for all mankind.

    This is not accidental but a very intentional, purposeful habit of praying, reading and meditating on Scripture and quieting your mind to listen to His voice of guidance.

    Purposely and intentionally shut off the world and its distractions and open myself to see, feel and enjoy the presence of God walking next to me.

    You habit should be to spend time with God instead of picking up your phone to scroll or post or turn on the TV for more news and programs that are not bringing you closer to God.

    Remember it is not a religion it is a relationship.

    Prayers and Love for all.

    Larry