Cleaning the heart valve

My mother just came home on Thursday last, from 5 weeks of being in the hospital. She had heart surgery to replace a leaking valve. The doctor said there was a lot of bacteria there which was making her really sick in other areas of her body as well. According to her, he said that there is still some kind of bacteria hiding out in her body and there is a big possibility that it could happen again because it will find its way to her heart. He wasn't sure how it got there but he said sometimes our lifestyle causes these things to happen. We have talked about it and I have been praying for her a lot as well as encouraging her to give that same heart over to God.

While reflecting on our conversation this morning, I started to think about my heart and where it could be leaking. I thought about the valves of my own heart. I thought about the bacteria that forms in our bodies and hides out and when we least expect, it attacks our heart.

The doctor isn't sure of the source of my mother's particular bacteria, but my mind went to the things that God says could cause bacteria to grow in my heart. Ephesians 4 tells us to, "Put off falsehood, get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice, let there not be even a hint of sexual immorality or any kind of impurity among us, or greed, nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place." All these things I realize have the potential to cause a great stench in my life. In Proverbs 4:23 we are told to "guard our hearts, for everything we do flows from it."

I ask myself, "Am I guarding my heart? Am I allowing bitterness, and rage and slander, foolish talking, greed, selfishness, am I allowing these things a place in my life to form bacteria ?"
I noticed that the word constantly says to put off certain things. It also says don't do certain things or get rid of these things. The responsibility is mine to lay aside anything that could cause my heart valves to leak, anything that could spread to other areas of my life and cause contamination.

I want to live a life holy and pleasing to God. I want to be a sweet sweet smell in His nostrils and pleasant sound in His ears.

Lord I just thank you for Your Holy Spirit and for your cleansing blood. I thank you for your the mirror of Your word that shows me where I need to make adjustments. I thank you Jesus that if I confess my sins you are faithful and just to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Wash me today Lord and I know I shall be whiter than snow. Thank you in Jesus name.

Blessings,
Vickie

Faith on Sunday

Today was a beautiful day. The weather co-operated nicely after an all night rain from Hanna. The fresh smell of the new day really made me appreciate the night rain........also appreciate the fact that I wasn't in it.............I took a few minutes to give God praise for using the rain to cleanse the streets we walk on, for watering the trees to make them greener, and just for watering the earth. I thanked Him for helping me not to see the rain as an inconvenience any more but truly as a blessing, a much needed blessing.

The message at church today was on faith. It was a timely reminder from the book of James. A few interesting things that my pastor said was that James doesn't argue about whether faith works or not, he tells you that it works. I like that. When you have proven something beyond a shadow of a doubt, you don't need to waste time trying to establish its existence all over, you can speak with confidence that yes it exists. Many of us have proven over and over again that faith in God works. We have trusted God when things looked impossible and He has come through for us over and over again.

Another thing he said that challenged my heart, was that faith must be tested. It's no use having faith and not putting it to the test. Where's the proof? I have been pondering that in my heart, because time and time again I say that I trust God but then I don't put my faith to the test, so how can I say with confidence that I have faith? Faith without works is dead.


Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Lord, help me to trust you not just in word but also in my actions. Help me Lord to put feet to my faith so that it would walk with me whereever I go, for your word says without faith it's impossible to please you. I want to please you Lord. I want to be so sure of what you promise me Lord, that I would not hesitate to step out. I confess I need your help Lord and I ask it in Jesus name. Thank you Lord.

Blessings,
Vickie