"God desires truth on the inside where He alone sees - not just a veneer of truth on the outside which men see (that's called hypocrisy!) ... God knows our character. Men know our reputation." - J.R. Miller
Before getting into the "word" that the Lord gave me for my February Update, allow me to give the background for receiving this message.
For the past two months, I have had computer troubles. I had to have a new hard drive installed on my laptop. Then my battery went out. I went through four (4) different batteries (I ordered them online and had them shipped to my home) before receiving a good one (and these batteries were not cheap!) But then the new battery did not give correct messages to my computer, so I had to take my computer to the technician to have him fix a software issue.
During this time, my family - Carl, John, and I - all got sick with very bad colds. It seemed like we would never get over this sickness. It lasted for an entire week.
It was during this time that I heard over and over again the words from Psalm 51:6 - "Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts..." - and I knew that God was giving me a "word in season" for His people. Day after day - as lies swirled around in the news media, the entertainment field, the political realm, etc., I kept hearing the words of David in Psalm 51, saying - "Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts..."
When I got my computer back this week and started working on this February Update, I felt the Lord's leading to address this issue - especially at this time when most people's attention is on the "heart" for Valentine's Day!
Once again, Psalm 51:6 says - "Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts..."
That word - "Behold" - is meant to get your attention! David is saying that what he is about to say about God is a great matter for consideration. Look! See! Pay attention!
What is this "matter" that is so important that you must give it your full attention?
It is this - God takes pleasure in...delights in...loves... requires... and wills "truth in the inward parts." This only is agreeable to Him. This only accords with His own nature. This is what He has an eye to. Nothing else satisfies Him!
So, what is "truth"? What did David mean by this?
He was saying here that God requires true inward purity of thought and heart. He does not take pleasure in seeing the "outside of the cup" made clean - while the inside is full of all manner of sin.
He was saying that God requires that which is real and not imaginary - that which is genuine and unfeigned. He despises hypocrisy but loves sincerity and righteousness. He demands self-discernment, true holiness, and heart fidelity. He loves and looks for "truth" - not shadows or images - but realities. He loves inside truth - a true heart...pureness of heart ...and a pure conscience.
Are you getting the picture?
"Truth" is found where there is -
...a true sense of sin
...a right sight of Christ
...an unfeigned faith in Him
...a sincere love to Him
...a hope in Him without hypocrisy
...and a reverential fear of Him upon the heart.
"Truth" is found where there is not a slight - half and half - but thorough work of God through Jesus Christ - whereby you do not serve two (2) masters!
"Truth in the inward parts" signifies that -
...Jesus - the Truth and the Life - is formed and dwelling in your heart
...the Gospel - the Word of Truth - has a place there
...there is a true and hearty confession of all known sin
...and there is internal holiness and purity of heart.
Thomas Watson made this comment - "Sincerity is of universal importance to a Christian...Sincerity is the jewel which God is most delighted with."
He also made this statement - "To speak plainly - all our pompous show of holiness, without this soul of sincerity to enliven it - it is but 'pious folly.' It is but going to hell in a more devout manner than others."
J.R. Miller added this statement - "God despises hypocrisy. No mere external reformation will avail - while the heart remains wrong."
And, lastly, on the Precept Austin website, this interesting quote regarding insincerity was found - "A hypocrite is a person who is not himself on Sunday."
Let me ask you today -
When God looks at...reads...or studies your "heart," does He find "truth"? Does He find perfect sincerity - whole-hearted devotion - that which is incapable of deluding self...deceiving man...or dissembling with God?
What is the condition of your heart?
How much "truth" is there and how much - if any - "hypocrisy"?
You have seen in this Update what God "desires." Does that matter to you? Or have you made up the rules where anything goes in your "Christianity"?
How much "truth" is in your heart?
Are you like some who "love darkness rather than light" and, as a result, shun the "light"?
We have some today who "stay" with you as long as you preach and teach a "positive message." However, as soon as you deal with subjects such as - sin, repentance, judgment to come, hell, the fear of God, etc. - they want nothing more to do with you or your ministry.
I ask you once again - how much "truth" is in your heart? Do you care that God "desirest truth in the inward parts..."?
Are you like the ones whom Jesus described in John 3:21 - "But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God"?
We are living in the last of the Last Days. Deception is rampant! Satan is using every means that he could conjure up to "sidetrack" or "deceive" God's people.
I believe that this "word" that I heard from the Lord is crucial for the hour in which we are living.
We cannot allow anything to "distort" the character of God - as portrayed in His Word.
My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will take us all "deeper" into the meaning of this verse of Scripture. May we see God and His true character - like we have never seen Him before.
And, in spite of the lies that are swirling around us in this evil and adulterous generation in which we find ourselves, may we never be shaken from this truth - given to us by David!
"Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts..."
This Thursday, we will be upgrading our internet service to U-verse. We are hoping that this will be the answer to the sound issue that we have experienced in the last three podcasts. (Due to the time away from the computer and the need for catching up on ministry work, there will not be a podcast until next week.)
We covet your heartfelt prayers. We know that - by the grace of God - our messages are having an effect on the masses. The Satanic attacks (that have been coming our way) are a good indication that we are making inroads in the enemy's camp. Thank You, Jesus!
We also ask for your financial help! It is totally in line with the Scriptures to "financially support" those who feed you - spiritually speaking! If we have been a blessing to you through our written messages or our podcasts or both, then we ask that you would do what the Word of God says and be a blessing to us with your financial gift. God honors obedience to His Word! He will bless you in return! You can count on that!
To all those who faithfully support us every month with your financial gift, we want to say - "Thank You" - from the bottom of our hearts. We could never have accomplished all that we are doing without your help! May the Lord reward you richly in this life and in the life to come! We know that He will!
If you would like to be a blessing to this ministry or a faithful supporter, you can make your check out to - Walking In Truth Ministry - and mail it to the following address -
Walking In Truth Ministry
P.O. Box 383016
Duncanville, TX 75138-3016
Or, if you prefer to use Paypal, you can send your financial gift to - [email protected]
You can also send a Money gram - if that means of exchange will work better for you.
We are a nonprofit organization with a tax exemption status.
Thank you ahead of time for your gracious gift,
Connie
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. (Isaiah 54:17)
© COPYRIGHT Connie Giordano - All Rights Reserved