Bible Study & Devotional 221
written by: Torrie Slaughter
Guiding Scripture: Proverbs 21:2,‘ Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.’
🔴Internal Investigation
When we hear a company is conducting an internal investigation, most of us become immediately suspicious. We know we are unqualified to research a problem and find a solution if there isn’t anyone holding us accountable. Loyalty, trust, and favoritism cause the truth to remain hidden, so the parties involved can continue their routine.
So what is self-examination, and to who do we report our findings?
As men and women of Christ, administering an exam of our bodies to check for illness or our motivation is biblically sound. It is the way we invite God through the Holy Spirit to inspect our hearts. (Psalm 26:2, Psalm 139:23,Psalm 51:10, Matthew 6:21)
1 Samuel 16:7But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
A Conforming Heart
I will admit that I have placed more onus on my hair, clothing, and make-up, the outward appearance, to cover how I felt. A worldly shield that kept me from sharing my faith because it made me vulnerable to attacks. I remained comfortable by conforming to worldly standards.
But God!
As King Solomon wisely wrote, God weighs the heart of every human being. God sees the Spirit within each of us, and we have the power to show everyone who God is through our behavior, thoughts, and deeds.
Because God is with us we can go confidently into prayer, fasting, and asking the Holy Spirit to reveal our errors. The Apostle Paul teaches us in Romans 8:27, “And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”
As you read today, think about the warnings from 1 Corinthians 5 and request God to deliver you from the strongholds of sinful behavior. Don’t let a comfortable routine become a stumbling block for you or your neighbor. Love creates a desire to do internal investigations with Christ as our divine example.
After all what person, if a neighbor asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? (Luke 11:11) Ask God to help you serve with love, mercy, wisdom, and kindness considering the whole picture.
🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Ezra 8:21-9:15, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Psalm 31:1-8, Proverbs 21:1-2
This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. Want to hear more? Tune in on Mondays and listen to Our Given Purpose the Podcast and on Fridays to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast & Internet Show. Torrie also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name.
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