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As we move along in our study we find a familiar theme, it is what is in
your heart that matters. Our outward actions can say one thing, our words
can say another, but it is our heart that reveals the truth. What is in your
heart? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We have all been in the situation that we couldn’t say what we really
thought. Whether it is an interview at the track or an encounter with fans,
most times we need to measure what we say and take into account who is
listening. I say this to illustrate that we don’t always reveal what is in
our heart.
Jesus continued his teaching in the Sermon on the Mount with these words;
Mathew 5:27-30, "You
have heard that it was said, `Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that
anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with
her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and
throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for
your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to
sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of
your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
Adultery is wrong, even thinking about it is wrong. This illustrates
God’s high view of the marriage relationship. Jesus helps us to understand
that when we enter into a marriage relationship it should be the only
intimate relationship we have. It is not up for debate, don’t even think
about it.
Jesus expands the teaching that it is what is in our heart that matters.
He expands this to lustful desires. Lust is a word that we have equated with
sex but listen to what it indicates. Lust, a desire, yearning, a longing, a
hunger, an ache, envy, thirst, an itch for something. Most of these terms
describe something that overtakes us. It is very hard to have the willpower
to resist. When we allow the wrong thoughts to rule our mind we end up
sinning in our heart. Jesus lets us know that is the same as following
through with our thoughts.
He has some advice for us though; remove it from your life. He explains
that we are to go to great lengths to remove whatever it is in our life that
causes us to sin. He said it is better to lose one part of our body that to
lose our entire life. Have no doubt about it, this is serious stuff.
Jesus doesn’t limit this just to adultery, his example covers anything we
do that causes us to sin. We need to cut it out of our life.
Have you ever heard of garbage in, garbage out? That’s exactly what Jesus
is saying, if you allow these things in your life then your life will be
worthless. If the things we put in our minds and hearts are not good then
what comes out will be bad. Don’t allow yourself to be fooled into thinking
you can control your mind, you can’t.
Take a look at some of the video games that are being released today.
Some of the worst ones create a mindset that doesn’t value what God values,
life itself. Do you think there is a connection between what people subject
their minds to with these games and what they do in their lives? I do and I
think we see it in the way people treat each other. We have developed a
disregard for others and their lives.
How do we respond to things in our life that cause us to sin? Probably
not the way Jesus instructs us to here. For some reason we think we can
handle it. We think we are strong enough to resist the temptation. We think
others are weak but not us. We are wrong.
What are we thinking? Soon enough it will show in the way we live our
life. Are we ready to live a life that shows the love of Christ? I would
encourage you to take note of what you allow into your mind. Take note of
what you allow yourself to think. The wrong influences and thoughts will
lead to actions that will destroy our lives.
I watched a movie that helps us to understand this teaching; Fireproof.
It helps us to understand how important the relationship of marriage is and
helps us to see how we can make it better. There is a teaching in that movie
that we all need to remember; “Don’t just follow your heart, because your
heart can be deceived, lead your heart to where it needs to be.” Jesus
teaches us the same thing, how we condition our heart matters. What we put
into our heart matters, because what is in our heart will show itself in our
lives.
Don’t allow things into your mind that will destroy your life. Cut them
out, remove their influence. It is better to lose a part of your life than
condemn yourself to hell. Do not take these words lightly. Watch yourself
and the things that influence your thoughts.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto
Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue
this ministry. Thank You.
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www.rwjm.com. Send us
your prayer and counseling needs no matter what part of our racing family
you are in, or give us a call. Remember that God loves you, we love you and
Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing. GOD BLESS.
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Tolland, CT 06084.
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Numbers 6:24-26 "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord
make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face
toward you and give you peace."
May God always Bless you, everyday in everyway. Rev. Don
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