First Heart Sighting

We are starting our journey through the "hearts" in God's word. Starting in Genesis, the first "heart" we see is in Genesis 8:21: "And the LORD smelled a soothing aroma. Then the LORD said in His heart, “I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done." NKJV

"The LORD said in his heart," at this point in scripture, Noah has just gotten off the ARK after almost a year inside the floating vessel. The first thing Noah does is sacrifice many animals and burn them on the altar for the LORD. God is so blessed by Noah's sacrifice and praise.

God is blessed in HIS HEART, when we praise HIM. When we thank HIM. I just smile at that.

But if we think of God as our father, aren't we as parents happy and so blessed when our children thank us? We are so thankful that they are willing and able to do some small act of kindness, to thank us for all we do for them. GOD is also blessed. How often do we praise HIM? Sunday mornings at church? How often do we thank HIM for all of HIS gifts that he gives us? Health, life, children, grandchildren, food, a home, family, a job, clean water? All we have is from GOD. All HE gives us are blessings and gifts, because HE loves us.

So, today, take some time to Praise HIM. Sing to HIM. Thank HIM. Pray to HIM. Dance for HIM. Do one nice thing for someone else in HIS name today.

In a strange dichotomy, the second "heart" we see, is also in this passage: "although the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth." That makes me so sad. I love writing in journals, it is a good exercise to write down my prayer requests, thoughts. I love going back to journals I have had since my teen years. The thing that breaks my heart, when I read about my thoughts is this: wow, I am so selfish. I want what I want when I want it. This goes so against God's way of loving us and wanting us to live. It, my life, my thougts, my feelings, my choices, my desires, my wants all HAVE to align with God's will and plan for my very "aliveness" to be a sweet savor to my LORD.

Father, I do not want to walk in the way of sinners. I do not want to displease you, my Father. I want to live holy, acceptable, sanctified, in service, and humbleness, for you, about you, because of you. May the words of my heart and words of my mouth be a sweet savor to your heart, my LORD. Thank you, Father. I love youy!!