Secrets of the Heart

Dear Kindred Spirits in Christ,

I think we all have a few secrets that we've never shared - things we wish had never happened, events that we would change if only we could. But it doesn't work that way. God forgives and it disappears from His Book of Life, but we're the ones who never forget. And maybe that's a good thing - because the outcomes can help to engrave it upon our minds to never do it again.

We can have good secrets too. Kind gestures done anonymously, merciful acts that are never announced or acknowledged by those we know, even silent prayers for individuals who wouldn't appreciate our intervention. Matthew 7:1 states that only God knows our hearts. 1st Samuel 16: 1-7 declares that The Lord does not see as mortals see; for they look upon the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. He alone is the true judge of our inner thoughts, our character and the desires that motivate us in daily life.

I often pray for God's will to be done in my life, and for His help to accomplish all that He would have me to do. Although I don't really know the full impact of my actions upon others, I still hope to make a positive difference. I grapple with not being able to do more, or not trying hard enough, but must remind myself that very few have grand scale opportunities, and can squander them by their choices. It's really doing a consistent amount of smaller things, as we are able, that makes a difference in the lives of those around us, and in the areas where God has planted us to bloom.

I challenge each of us to examine ourselves carefully, to look with scrutiny to see what is deep within our hearts - perhaps buried so deeply that only God can see the full truth. In these uncertain days, let's try to seek the deeper truth that will surely set us free; let's ask for a cleansing and anointing to both grow in the Word and in our good works. Each of us are given abilities to serve in the Kingdom, and together, we are the body of Christ. We need to make it count while there is still time. And we need to constantly be aware of the fact that with our heavenly Father, there are no secrets.

Love Always,

Marti