Hearts Known and Hearts Cleansed

Daily Reading:  Acts 15

And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. (Acts 15.8-9)

Devotional Thought: The Christians in Antioch were being pressured to conform to circumcision as well as other Jewish practices, so they sent representatives to Jerusalem to get the Apostles’ opinion on this matter.  In the course of deliberation, Peter stood up and made a statement that seemed to turn the tide.  In speaking of his ministry to Gentiles, Peter said, “God, who knows the heart... He purified their hearts by faith” (Acts 15.8-9).

Rejoice in the truth found in these verses today!

• God knows our hearts!  Others will judge you, but they don’t know you.  God really knows what is inside you.  While this “cuts both ways,” Peter’s intent was to give comfort and assurance to those who have accepted Christ as Savior.  Don’t let anyone steal your confidence!

• God accepts us!  Other may reject us as not good enough or wise enough or rich enough…  God accepts us all because of the work that Jesus accomplished on the cross!

• God gives us the Holy Spirit!  We need the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  God gives the Spirit to us all!

• God does not make distinctions based on race or ethnic background or geographical origin.  God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…  All of us are the targets of God’s love!

• God purifies our hearts by faith.  Jesus said it is the pure in heart who shall see God (Matthew 5.8).  Do you want a pure heart?  That comes from God by faith.

Live in the freedom of these truths today!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you know my heart - even  better than I do!  And in those places where it is not pure, please cleanse my heart and make it like yours.  Give me the Holy Spirit, O Lord!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 73:21-28

21 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,

22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.

23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.

24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

27 Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.