heart...

Prov. 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:
Luke 6:45 for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Yes, both of these are the conclusions of two different verses, but both are in reference to the thoughts of the heart. I am reading a book called, Good to Great in the Eyes of God, by Chip Ingram. I have just started, but one of the keys points he reminded me of from the beginning was that in order to be great in the sight of God. You have to think great thoughts. You know, whatsoever things are good, whatsoever things are lovely, if there is anything praise worthy think on these things.... paraphrase. So over the last couple of days I have been pretty conscientious of what I am dwelling on. Sure, we should always be, but what I noticed was the significant difference in the way that I have slept. When I have spent some extended time in worship: singing, reading the Word, prayer, just sitting, giving God a chance to clear my head and resolve any "outstanding issues" my sleep is much more peaceful. Not groundbreaking news to many I know, but it is a reminder for me.

Thus, the reason for the quotes at the beginning is that I am trying to be more intentional about speaking into other people's lives out of the overflow of the Lord's work in my life. However that is not possible if, my heart is not absorbed by the Spirit of God and the things of the Lord; whether that is Scripture, wisdom, a song, or even just a peace. I can't speak peace, if I don't have peace....that's real. I would say that is a big struggle that I am facing - resting in the peace of God. Peace about where I am physically, spiritually, emotionally, relationally with others and relationally with God. Peace. Pray for me that the peace of God would saturate me, even my very life, so that I am swift to hear the voice of the Lord, and slow to speak aside from the leading of the Lord. That my eyes would be open to see the great things that He is doing in my life and even that I can remember the great things he has done...whether in the valleys or on the mountaintops.