The Ultimate Cardiologist

“Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.”    Psalm 17:3

GOD is The Ultimate Cardiologist! He knows the hearts of men!  HE has no need of a stethoscope HE can read mans heart through His absolute knowledge.  His diagnosis for every patient is the same (Romans 3:23), their hearts are damaged from birth (Psalm 58:3)!  He charges no fee for His examination (Ephesians 2:8-9) and the cure HE gives as a gift (Romans 10:13)!  His maintenance program is simple, it is done by one pill each day, the Gospel!  Randomly each patient is given a stress test to show them the condition of their hearts! 

Those that choose a different cardiologist and follow Dr. Quack will never find relief but are destined for sure death!  “Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” Robert Frost.

There will never be a better health program than the one offered by The Ultimate Cardiologist!  For Heaven’s Sake, choose HIM!

My heart was full of pain

It demonstrated my need.

Corrupt it was and shameful.

I needed a doctor I concede!

But where can you go,

To find one to do the job?

This isn’t a normal transplant.

It has to be an act of GOD!

To take another’s heart

And put it in my chest!

The evil would remain

And never pass the test!

O but there's a Great Physician

That can surly do the work.

He gave Himself on Calvary!

He can clear away the murk!

He didn’t use a scalpel.

Or use another’s heart.

He gave to me a new one!

His grace He did impart!

I was born again! 1/7/1970 

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26

JESUS-Forgiveness-Justification-LOVE

“Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.”    Psalm 17:2

I have found there is great power in words and few are greater than 'justification'!  More to be desired than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb! Thank GOD for the justification He has provided through the death, burial and resurrection of His Son 'JESUS'!  Such great 'love' He expressed for me a sinner that deserved death!  On my own could never be justified by any work I did or could do. The presence of sin remained in me! 

There is another word that stands beside justification, forgiven!  When the eyes of GOD look upon me He only sees JESUS!  Amen and Amen! 

There are words that sing songs in my ears

Like the whistle of the wind through the pine.

Or the patter of the rain on the cabins tin roof.

Singing over and over, JESUS is mine!

These words have powers that move my soul.

Thoughts of JESUS who has made me whole!

He has cleansed this poor and worthless man.

Justification was the Fathers pure plan!

JESUS followed through from beginning to end.

Taking my place O how I depend on Him!

Forgiveness is another that hits me firm

How could this be? Such sin I did spurn!

It was love that brought JESUS to the tree

Without sin He gave His life just for me!

“Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:” Acts 13:38

Answered Prayer

“Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.”  Psalm 17:1

There is a difference in the prayers we pray!  Some are spoken without urgency and others are deep and gut wrenching!  It is the last type of prayer David was praying. This was the same type Jonah prayed when he found himself in a place of great discomfort, “When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.” Jonah 2:7.  These two along with many others throughout GOD’s word found relief through crying out to the only One that has the ability to answer!

The first qualification for answered prayer is a heart made righteous by trusting the only One that has the ability to answer, JESUS CHRIST! Without Him prayers are just wind and hopeless thought!  The second is living a life that honors the LORD!  In both cases it is crying out to GOD that makes the difference!   

I prayed a prayer that CHRIST did hear.

He heard my petition when I came near.

The answer came with a quick reply.

“I Forgive!” Now on JESUS I do rely!

I had prayed so many times before

But this time how my heart did soar!

I never imagined it could be like this!

I’m free at last and I have such bliss!

Now when I bow and go to my knees.

My prayers He hears it’s Him I please!

Now longer do my words drift and fly.

They go to CHRIST in Glory! I do testify!

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 15:16

The Path of Life

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”  Psalm 16:11

The course GOD chooses for us is our, “Path of Life”!  Whatever comes to pass during this journey, whether the road is smooth or bumpy the presence of Christ makes all things well!

We must keep our eyes on the Guide, He is our way!  There are no detours on the path He leads; it is straight on to our destination.  Making a wrong turn will cause great difficulty but when returning to the path our joy returns as if we never made a wrong turn.

This is an exciting path full of new adventure, filled with wonder and great pleasure!  The pleasures of the path bring full and complete joy!  The presence of the Guide is above all awesome, peaceful and serene!

I found the path made with gold

My walk it was fearless and free.

I took the hand of The Superb Guide

Who made this path for me!

I’ll never regret I followed The Guide

He made each step safe and assured.

He took my hand as we walked along.

I held tight and my walk matured!

Oh such grace CHRIST gave that day

When He guided me into His Way!

I don’t know where I’d be right now

But I’m sure it would be full of decay!

“The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain” Proverbs 15:19

Absolute HOPE

“For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”  Psalm 16:10

A sure Hope belongs to the believer in CHRIST.  This Hope follows them through their journey not only in this life but beyond the grave.   It is an everlasting Hope that never fails or staggers but is full, pure and above any hope any could ever imagine!

This Hope takes the believer by the hand and gently leads them in all their travels, never letting them go.  When in times of trouble, Hope gives their hand a squeeze telling them, all is well. 

Hope makes the unknown known and worry and fear depart from hopes presents.  Hope paves the way of the believer and removes all obstacles that are in their path.  Even death and the grave can not hinder Hope!  Hope defeated death and the grave and assures the believer the same!   Hope can be summed up in one name, JESUS!

I hoped one day to be pure and clean.

This was my aspiration!

I tried my best to do the work

But it ended in frustration!

I began to wonder if my hope was real,  

That I could be pure and clean?

But I knew if it were to come true.

Then CHRIST must intervene!

So I laid myself before the cross

And out to Christ I called.

I found the hope I’d searched for

His righteousness CHRIST installed!

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 15:55-57

Better Today- Perfect Tomorrow

“Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.”  Psalm 16:9

Asking ourselves what makes us happy speaks volumes about who we really are.  When happiness is only brought on because of a fleshly desire it is a temporary joy, it will soon dissolve and we will find ourselves once again in need of satisfaction. 

Only those who have placed their trust in CHRIST can experience such a gratifying happiness. This happiness assures us of a better today and perfect tomorrow!

A righteous heart is full of bliss

When your trust in CHRIST

Is not amiss!

A mind set free you appreciate.

When you arrest the flesh

And CHRIST, you imitate!

In CHRIST there is no better way

With hopefulness

That will surely stay!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” 1Peter 1:3

Now and Forever

“I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”  Psalm 16:8

Overwhelming happiness floods the heart of the one that comes to CHRIST for forgiveness.   Liberation is found, life is new and fresh.  Everything is clean and beautiful.  Hate and envy disappear and you are inundated with Love.  When you lay yourself down to sleep restlessness is not present, you are as a baby in a mothers arms, peaceful and content.  You are “born again”!

So many are the benefits of being a believer one could not find the space to write them all, but the one that stands far above all others is the awesome presence, of The Living GOD, living in your life and heart, always there, never gone!

I’ve had things fresh and clean.

The scent of which was peaceful.

I’ve felt the touch of a mothers love

The sensation of which was gleeful.

But on that day on bended knee

When I took JESUS as my Savior.

No greater joy had I felt before

And the peace was even greater!

The flowers smell was different now.

A fragrance of which was delightful!

Sight was changed from dim to bright!

My hearing was a splendid recital! 

When I laid my head upon the bed

I fell deep into peaceful slumber.

Like a mother’s child I’m safe and sure.

CHRIST cast all my worry asunder!

“And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever;  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”  John 14:16-17

His Love Lifted Me

“I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.”  Psalm 16:7

From the very depths of my soul, inexpressible gratitude and praise belongs to my GOD and Savior JESUS CHRIST! 

It was He that chose me, an undeserving wretch, apparently without hope and yet He cared and loved me!  He sent others in my path to encourage me and direct me to the day of my salvation.  He has lifted me out of sorrow and pain and placed me far above my any dream could take me.  When death arrived at my door it was He that reassured me and brought great grace.  He wiped the tears from my eyes and peace overcame me. 

He promised to never leave me, and He hasn’t!  Even in my many times of failure it was JESUS that was there, pulling me back to His side and whispered in my ear, I still love you.  My journey would be without hope and an unknown future would be before me but He has placed within my heart a known future full of hope and peace.

During my sleepless nights my mind is on Him and I praise Him for what He has done and is doing in my life.  He is my “Pearl of Great Price” my “Rose of Sharon” and the “Lily of my Valley”, He is JESUS!

I walked in a valley and saw a lily,

So beautiful and so lovely.

I looked to the sky all full of blue

And could see You far above me!

I smelled a rose along the way,

Your sweetness did surround me.

While I walked along I sang this song,

“JESUS, you’re the source of my glee”!

No better hope, no better care

Could ever be set before me.

You are all I need or ever will!

JESUS gives the light to see!                                         

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.”Jeremiah 17:7

The Green Pasture

“The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.”  Psalm 16:6

Understanding the place or calling where GOD has put us is most satisfying.  I have personally made the mistake of searching beyond those lines and found myself frustrated and worn.  Many times our desires, even though they may be good are simply what we want and not what GOD wants!  The real blessing is finding the place where GOD has placed us and staying within its boundaries.

The key to finding our place is the same as when we trusted Christ, “let go and let God”!  If we follow this simple principal the LORD has promised, His guidance.  When He leads us to our place and we find the “Green Pasture” He wants us in, our struggle is over and we find ourselves in pleasant places.

Never chase dreams, follow JESUS, He will take you to places beyond your dreams and you will find the heritage He has for you!

I’m letting go of all I have.

I place my hope in JESUS!

All hindrances I will lay aside

And wholly trust my SAVIOR!

I know He’ll guide me in His way

With tender observation.

Making sure I will arrive

To my Holy destination!

“Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.” 1 Corinthians 7:24.   

A So Great Inheritance

“The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.”  Psalm 16:5

There is nothing this world has to offer that can be compared to the inheritance I have in CHRIST.  Money-The streets of heaven are paved in pure Gold!  Land-GOD is creating a new earth!  Homes-The Master Carpenter is building one especially for me, even greater than a mansion! 

There waits for me a reunion like this world has never seen before, where I will be reunited with loved ones that went before me.  These are those that chose the way of the Cross and trusted CHRIST!  Tears will be replaced with joy and frowns will be no more!  Sickness will not be found and pain will go with it.  Worry and want will not find a place, tranquility is the norm and satisfaction is complete!

My mind is not large enough to comprehend what GOD has prepared for me; it would be to overwhelming for me to understand, but when I see JESUS I will be bathed in completeness, my mind will be opened and I will understand the true meaning of LOVE, and be surrounded by Him!

I’m without the mental capability to express the thankfulness I have in being a member of the Family of GOD and the inheritance He has waiting for me!

If all earths possessions

Were placed at my feet.

Diamond filled pockets.

I would not be complete!

If rain showered gold

And sand precious stones.

In the depth of my heart,

My wants still with groans!

So what is inheritance?

If you’re never complete?

This was vanity to my spirit.

It overcame me with defeat!

Then to JESUS my victory

When I fell at His feet!

With Inheritance surreal

I’m full and complete!

“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:” Colossians 1:28

I LOVE YOU LORD JESUS

The Other Side of Happiness

“Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.” Psalms 16:5

Such tragedy belongs to those that refuse the One GOD, and instead look to the god’s of this world!   Not only are they never satisfied in the here and now, but the future for them will bring devastation, never ending devastation! 

They go to great degree to satisfy their craving but peace is far from them. Thinking their own sacrifices will sustain them is as unreal as the god they serve. Blinded by fleshly intent they wander in darkness, seeing only the good in themselves, by the works they do.  They get what they want but miss what they need!

Even within the corridor of the church they can be found.  These are those that depend on self and not the One they claim to serve.  “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:” 2 Timothy 3:5a.

There is only one “offering of blood” that satisfies GOD, this is that of the SON!  There is not any work or sacrifice anyone can do; self is out of the picture. Only the shed blood of CHRIST can satisfy and purify the weary soul!

From the depths of my heart

I plead for you today.

If you haven’t trusted JESUS,

Please trust Him right away!

What you have to hope for,

Without CHRIST as your Lord,

Is total devastation!

And be defeated by the Sword!

So you can take all your good works

And watch them decay away.

Your own bit of righteousness

Will never make the way!

I matters not what you trust

If it’s not CHRIST alone,

That is who your god is

You are not before GOD’s Throng!

“To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 1:25

Above all, LOVE

"But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.”

Psalm 16:3

A true sign of having a right relationship with GOD is how we view other believers.  “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:” 1 Peter 1:22. 

It is impossible to have the love of GOD within and not feel love for others that are filled with the same SPIRIT!  “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” Romans 12:5. 

Love is more than a word we say in passing. It indicates the condition of our heart and position we have with GOD! “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” 1 John 3:14.

 

I am amazed at the many times I have met total strangers and the SPIRIT that we both share brings instant relationship and love that only GOD can convey.  I have met others where at first there was a feeling of disregard because of personality differences but the power of the SPIRIT of GOD changed that feeling of disrespect to one of a love and rewarding relationships. 

How can one love without loving another?

Do I really have love if I hate a brother?

How can one say they truly love the LORD?

If they don’t love others, this is totally absurd!

Now “GOD is love” and that’s all there is to it!

If you love Him, love for others you’ll also submit!

The two are bound together like the Holy Trinity!

For if “GOD is love” how else could it be?

“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” 1John 3:14

“Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 6:23