Walking in the Word
Day-to-Day Reflections on the Christian Journey
by
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A WORSHIPING HEART
Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the LORD our God to go and worship the gods of those nations…. Deuteronomy 29:18
Have you gone to see your doctor lately about your heart? Or, should I ask about your going to see your pastor? A variety of tests will show your doctor what’s happening with your heart. The dreaded treadmill has sent many patients for further testing and surgery. But, how does a pastor measure the spiritual health of a heart? A generous heart is a good and necessary sign, but it’s limited. More is needed. All giving may not be motivated by a generous heart. The tax man also rewards it!
God’s prophet Moses points out the terms of God’s covenant with his people. To make sure that there are no misunderstanding regarding mutual expectations, God’s anointed leader recalls what God has been doing. He reminds everyone that they’re in God’s presence as he speaks about the dangers they’ll face in their life with God. Other gods and idols will appear. Today we still face “tempting sounds” and “sights that dazzle.” We also need to keep a watchful eye on our hearts!
Yet, what we watch is not a muscle pumping blood and bringing oxygen. My heart refers to who I am and what I desire out of life! Is my heart turning away from God and worshiping a false god when I’m so absorbed in my work that I cannot take time to gather with others and worship? Is my life too focused on being “successful?” What sort of plaque is clogging my arteries? Pastors and fellow believers notice it. God sees it. No MRI’s needed.
Is my heart is turning away from the Lord and worshiping a false god when I’m missing worship regularly? Am I bowing to the gods of the nation when I log on to a pornographic website, poisoning my family? Pastors and friends may not notice it immediately, but spiritual blockage is building up. Is my heart still turned towards God? He’s waiting.
Let’s think and talk about it:
1. When was the last time that you did a spiritual heart exam?
2. How important is faithful worshiping with God’s people to you?
3. Name the false god or contemporary god that you find most tempting
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About the Book
Walking in the Word is a practical, yearlong devotional to use many times over or share with family members or friends. You may not always agree, but you’ll always be stimulated to think about what God’s Word has to say to that part of your life being addressed.
About the Author
George and Shirley Vink served as a pastoral couple in the Christian Reformed Church for over forty years. Born in The Netherlands, they’ve enjoyed living in Canada and the United States. The Vinks have four happily married sons and ten delightful grandchildren. In addition to preaching and traveling, George enjoyed sharing a weekly “Pastor’s Perspective,” writing devotionals for the Back to God Ministries’ TODAY and teaching other pastors in Myanmar, Russia and Vietnam. He has experienced life as a challenge to walk faithfully with his Lord.