“GREAT HEART CARE”

A recent in The Cincinnati Enquirer caught my eye. Maybe you saw it. “Christ Covets National Stage.” I thought, “I’ve got to read this!” In this article it talks about Christ Hospital purchasing a building close to their main campus as part of a major expansion “aimed at becoming a national destination for high-end cardiac and other medical care.” Jesus always “covets the national stage” and He is also in the business of giving “high-end cardiac care.”

In fact, the Bible has a lot to say about the human heart.

1 Samuel 16:7: But the Lord said to Samuel (in speaking of King Saul), “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as a man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Before Samuel had even met David, the Lord chose him to lead Israel. At his young age, David already knew the importance of obeying God fully, which is why the Lord could work through him and develop him into the ruler Israel needed.

1 Chronicles 28:9: “The Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him.” David lived in the wonderful presence of God because His attention was always focused on Him. He loved the Lord and wanted to please Him – and he knew that for Solomon to live the very best life possible, he would have to do the same. Do you have a deep desire for God? He knows your heart and whether he is the priority of your life. He promises that you will find Him when you seek Him – not because you want something but because you truly love Him with all of your heart.

Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” To have a relationship with God requires that we confess our sin so that we might have a clean heart. Faithfulness to God requires a steadfast spirit.

Psalm 119:11: “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” Power and encouragement come to us when we memorize Scripture. When we “hide and store” God’s Word in our hearts and minds, it remains available to always help and strengthen us when we go through tough times.

Proverbs 17:22: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” The only way to have a joyful heart is to have and maintain a close relationship with Jesus.

Matthew 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” To see God, we need to have a pure heart.

Matthew 6:21: “…for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” What do you think about most throughout the day? What causes your heart to beat fast in wonder and anticipation? What do you think you couldn’t live without? Whatever has your attention is your treasure, but on God is truly worthy of your heart.

Matthew 11:28-29: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” All of us need rest, and Jesus promises to give it to us when we find our rest in Him. He is our Burden-Bearer. When we surrender the circumstances of our lives to Him, He lifts us up and infuses our hearts with fresh hope and wisdom. Some situations are just too difficult for us to handle, but nothing is too great for Him. He promises to refresh our weary souls when we cry out to Him.

John 14:1: “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” Troubled hearts do not have to be afraid or anxious, but can turn to Jesus believing that He has the power to handle any situation through our faith in Him.

Ephesians 3:17: “…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…” It is in knowing Jesus, having him in our hearts, that we experience the love, grace and forgiveness of God.

Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” How could Paul be so positive, secure, and unruffled in his relationship with the Lord after being beaten, shipwrecked, imprisoned, and persecuted? Paul could be positive, secure, and unruffled because peace with God is the fruit of oneness with Him. When we are firmly rooted in a deep, intimate relationship with Him, we enjoy a tranquility that transcends explanation. Though everything is in tumult around us, we are still confident and calm. This is because we know when the Lord is with us, we have absolutely nothing to fear.

As you can see, the heart is very important! Jesus is the great cardiologist who cares about your heart.

See you at the “great heart care” place this Sunday!

Craig