Monday, July 26, 2010

Near in mouth, far from heart....

Jeremiah 12:2b says:  "You are near in their mouth and far from their heart."

This was me prior to a relationship with Jesus Christ.  I could certainly talk a good game.  If anyone asked if I was a christian, I would have said "yes".  I could recite the books of the Bible in order, I could say the Lord's prayer, I knew all the "don'ts" in the Bible (i.e., DON'T: have sex, get drunk, lie, steal, covet, murder, etc), I knew John 3:16 by heart.  Yep!  I could talk a good game.  Jesus was near in my mouth but very far from my heart.     The next scripture in this chapter (verse 3) says, "BUT, You O Lord, know me; you see me and test my heart toward you".  It says that He (God) knows me....not that He "knew" me.  This speaks volumes to me.  This means that at times I am still this person that can have Him "near in mouth, but far from heart".  This tells me that I have to actively seek and work with the strength  that He gives me to not be this person.  I am capable of talking a good game but their are no games with God.  He means what he says and says what He means.  The fact that He "knows" me also tells me that although He has seen my sin nature, He didn't give up on me!  Thank you Lord for Your love, your grace, and your mercy toward me!

3 comments:

Creations By Cindy said...

Praise God that He is a Lord of second chances. Be blessed. Cindy

Barb said...

Oh Lord....let our mouths match our hearts!!

LisaShaw said...

Amen! What a powerful message filled with grace and truth --- very humbling -- reminds me of the Scripture: "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight O Lord my strength and my Redeemer".

Thank you for sharing dear friend. You and Barb still have to get together with me soon (smile). Love ya!