Searching deep within

Psalm 7:9 – “… for you, the righteous God, look deep within the hearts of men/women and examine all their motives and their thoughts.” (Living Bible)

The Psalmist reminds us that it is only the Spirit of God that can penetrate deep into our hearts and souls, searching out our inner thoughts and motives.

I still maintain that one of the bravest prayers we can ever pray is:

"Search me, O God and know my heart." - Psalm 139:23

Living in Grace

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Who are we carrying the stone for?

I came across this lovely story that is told by Elisabeth Elliott. It challenges us on the question of why we actually follow Jesus. What are our true motives? Do we respond to God, because we think there is something in it for us or just because we love Jesus? 

“One day Jesus said to his disciples: “I’d like you to carry a stone for me.” He didn’t give any explanation. So the disciples looked around for a stone to carry, and Peter, being the practical sort, sought out the smallest stone he could find. So he put it into his pocket. Jesus then said: “Follow me.” Jesus led them on a journey. About lunch time Jesus invited them all to sit down. He waved his hands and blessed the stones and they all turned into bread. He said, “Now, it’s time for lunch.” In a few seconds, Peter’s lunch was finished.

After lunch, Jesus told them all to stand up and he said again: “I’d like you to carry a stone for me.” This time Peter said, “Aha, Now I get it!” So he looked around and saw a small boulder. He hoisted it on his back and it was very painful – in fact, it made him stagger. But he said, “I can’t wait for supper.” Jesus then said: “Follow me.”

Jesus led them on a journey, with Peter barely able to keep up. Around supper time Jesus led them to the side of a river. He said to them, “Now everyone, throw your stones into the water.” They did. Then Jesus said, “Follow me.”

Peter and the others looked at Jesus dumbfounded (even angry). Jesus sighed and said, “Don’t you remember what I asked you to do? “I’d like you to carry a stone for me.”

Who were you carrying the stone for?” – Elisabeth Elliot

Living in Grace

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Testing my motives - Lent reflection

Reflecting on this passage from Ezekiel 9, Max Lucado writes:

“Idols come in attractive packages today. You can identify them when they keep you from worship, consume your tithe, or become what you are most proud of.”

I feel that these words summarise the overall attitude of the Israelites before God allowed them to be taken into exile. They had become proud, arrogant and self-reliant. They felt they didn’t need God anymore and so this ultimately became their idol. Idolatry is not always linked in with a statue of a pseudo god, but it can be as discreet as ‘worshipping oneself.’

Ezekiel’s vision continues to jar at our senses, but we must remember that there are images that God gave to him, so that he could communicate a message to the people. I feel we shouldn’t get to bogged down on the definitive meaning of each one, as it can be a little confusing. However, we need to take note of the overriding message that comes through – God is heart-broken that we have turned our backs on Him and he is going to respond as a jilted lover – with anger. 

“Oh, Lord God! Will you destroy everyone left alive in Israel when you turn loose your anger on Jerusalem?” – Ezekiel 9:8

Prayer: Lord, help me to test my motives so that I may walk in your ways. 

Living in Grace

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