"God, who knows the heart, showed that He accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us" (Acts 15:8). "For the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts" (1 Chronicles 28:9). "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).

Our daughter, Ester, has had at least 12 heart catheterizations in her young life.  Catheterization is a medical procedure that involves threading a fine wire up through a vein in the groin area to examine one's heart.  The procedure is largely diagnostic but cardiologists can also make some repairs that at one time would have required open heart surgery. In doing so they use a coil-like device that is strategically placed by the surgeon and snaps shut (although I'm sure this is not the technical way they would describe it!)  Ester's heart abnormalities have been challenging to the medical profession over the years and required the input or participation of several of the most renowned pediatric cardiologists in the world.

It's amazing to observe the rapid pace regarding the increase of medical knowledge in our lifetime; the heart being only one example that we readily identify because of Ester. Procedures continue to be simplified, improved and even performed while infants are still in their mother's womb.  If this had been available when Ester was still a fetus she might not have undergone the six heart operations over the years. Three years ago at Boston Children's Hospital, when Ester underwent Pacemaker surgery, we met a young pregnant woman who was about to undergo surgery so that doctors could correct an heart abormality in her unborn infant.

The diagnostic ability of doctors is surely astonishing but it does not begin to compare with God's knowledge.  The Psalmist David said it well, "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain" (Psalm 139:6).

The first daily Scripture declares, "God, who knows the heart."  What a powerful thought! In this context it speaks of God's knowledge of a person's spiritual heart. God knows not only every minute detail of the physical aspect of our wonderful pumping organ which is vital to life; He also knows what's in our hearts spiritually.  He knows where we lack. He knows when we deceive others or even ourselves. He knows the very motives of why we do that which we do. He knows the thoughts and attitudes of our heart.

The selection of Scripture verses I have used today certainly conveys those thoughts.  He knows my heart; He knows your heart.  After the writer of Hebrews describes the effectiveness and preciseness of the two-edged sword he writes, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:13).  That's pretty humbling and yet I'm sure glad Scripture tells it the way it is.  Aren't you thankful for that!

There are various diagnostic procedures to determine if there is an abnormality or foreign substance attacking one's healthy body.  When I am undergoing these kinds of tests I don't want them to miss anything.  I want the procedure to be precise and accurate, so that I can make a wise, informed decision in how I might best deal with the problem.

I also want to rely on the Holy Spirit to reveal to me that which I might be neglecting or am unaware of that would hinder or destroy my spiritual relationship with God.  It might be through Scripture reading or during prayer. It might be through a trial or through a godly messenger that God speaks to me.  It might be through my observation of the way God is working in another's life or situation that His Spirit speaks to me. Whatever method God chooses I pray that I am watching and listening to Him "to whom we must give account."


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, it is because of our sinful human condition that we spend so much time worrying about what others think and live our lives with their view in mind, instead of Yours.  You who view our minds and hearts from inside out - You know that which motivates our actions, when others simply judge us by our actions.  We  lay out our hearts bare before You today and ask Your Spirit to reveal that which honors You and that which should be burned like chaff.  Remove our pride and replace it with humility as we confess our need for cleansing.  "More of You and less of me" is my prayer today.  In the name of Jesus.  Amen.

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"He Knows My Name"  Video   Tommy Walker

"Open The Eyes Of My Heart"  Video  Paul Baloche

"From The Inside Out"  Video  Hillsong

"Give Us Clean Hands"  Video  Chris Tomlin