Exodus 19:5-6 – “Now then, if you listen closely to My voice, and keep My commandment, then you will be My own treasure from among all people, for all the earth is Mine. So as for you, you will be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”

Today, as I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God, one word kept echoing in my heart, mind, and spirit – HEART.   I never cease to be amazed and convicted as I read the account of Israel’s exodus from Egypt.  They encountered a problem, complained, and longed for Egypt.   It was bondage with difficulty, but in their minds, it was safe. They did not have to solve problems; they just did what they were told.   We do that!   Any time there is a problem, we tend to want to throw in the towel.  The false idea is: If it is hard or filled with problems, it must not be the will of God.  That is Wrong Thinking!

In Exodus 19:5-6, God says that if you give Me your heart and live in obedience, you will enjoy My favor, guidance, protection, and provision. Think about that in light of the revelation that the New Covenant is a better Covenant with even better promises!

Mark 7:6-8 speaks to the heart.   It is not what we say, but what we do that reveals who we are.   Mark 7:15-23 reveals the importance of the Heart!   In (vv. 20-23), we see the progression.   First, it is in the Heart, then in the Head (mind), then in the Hand.   We either live Spirit life or flesh life.  Whatever occupies the top place in the heart guides the mind, which guides the life.

In Mark 8:17-21, we see hardness of heart.  No seed can grow in unplowed, softened ground.   Lack of understanding.   What we focus on and listen to conditions our hearts (hardening or softening).   That condition either grows and gives rise to faith or doubt.  The heart is the key to obedience or disobedience. The heart is the key.

Mark 10:17-26 reveals the heart’s importance.   Religious acts do not require a surrendered heart. A surrendered heart makes God more important than anything.  Our first focus must become the condition of our soul (heart).   If God has our heart, He has our Head and Hand too.   In Exodus 23:20, God promised Moses He would protect and guide them and even give them divine health.    Consider that promise in light of the reality that we have a better Covenant established in better promises.

It is all a matter of HEART.   If God has our hearts, He has our HEADS and our HANDS. We become extensions of Him in this world.

LORD, help us to surrender our whole hearts to you!