Re:Verse reading–Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-58, 8:1-5, 26-38 (day five)
Acts 6:54 “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick,” God’s Word had done its task. It had accomplished its purpose. It had resonated deep with the human soul. Sounds like Hebrews 4:12. 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Stephen has “rightly divided the Word of Truth”. What happens next, is the response. We read/hear the Bible and the Bible reads us. It reveals the condition of our hearts. Each and every time we listen and hear the scripture, we must “check our hearts”. Here are some responses mentioned in scripture:
James 1: Distracted and Insincere- “immediately forgotten what kind of person he was”
Acts 7: Anger and Rebellion “stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears”
Acts 8: Humility and Obedience “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?”
How do we respond to God’s Word? It will be a heart check!!
How do we respond when we hear a story, read the Bible or learn about a Scripture? I think it depends on the conditions of one’s mind and heart. Does one’s mind and heart prepare him or her to welcome Jesus, to trust him, and to enjoy him or to reject Him after God’s truth is revealed?
This blog provides 3 conditions with our hearts: 1) distracted and insincere; 2) anger and rebellion; and 3) humility and obedience. I can draw 3 different types of people in responding to these 3 conditions. Weak Christians will likely be distracted and insincere; Strong Christians will respond with humility and obedience; and unbelievers will display anger and rebellion toward the truth of the Gospel.
God created an institution of checking one’s heart. How we respond or do something depends the conditions of our hearts and minds. What causes me to go to church or to the Sunday class? What causes me to have concern for the needy, the sick, and the disadvantaged? What causes me to spread love and not hate? What causes me to be helpful to others and have a degree of tolerance and sincerity? What causes me to practice inclusion but not division? What causes me to welcome Jesus, trust and enjoy Him? The heart, my heart, drives all the causes, actions, attitudes and behaviors.
I know by heart God is concerned with the conditions of our hearts. He wants and needs hearts that are loyal TO Him, hearts that live FOR Him, and are fully committed to His plan and His will. I am sure Satan will not sit on the sidelines when someone like Stephen boldly proclaims God’s truth and his or her Heart is loyal, lives and dies for Jesus.
Great reminder of checking the conditions of our hearts with God as we are on this earthy journey. Are we walking with God with all our hearts, minds and spirits? How are our spiritual lives? And How are our spiritual well-being?
I am reflecting deeply on where my heart is at this phase of my life. How is about you? How do you respond when you hear of God’s truth? Peace, wisdom, health, joy, and happiness to you all. God bless!