Taking Heed - Robert Schaetzle
“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” Hebrews 12:3 NKJV
We must take heed of God's advice and be mindful to not allow our heart to be taken in by the abundance of evil we see daily in the news. Evil can be a stumbling block for the lost and for the immature believer’s faith. I pray often for the families of recent shooting victims and my heart senses the emptiness these families must be feeling. I pray for our Lord’s personal revelation in their hearts and His abundant grace onto them.
An evil heart is defined in Hebrews 12:3, as an unbelieving heart. A heart that refuses to receive God’s amazing love. I pray for myself, and my loved ones, that our hearts will never be led astray, but remain focused upon God’s promises.
The ancient Hebrew language used the term “heart” to mean the inward motivations that control a person’s words and deeds. Unless we purpose in our own heart to live under God’s authority and promises, we too, might tend to become casual with God. This battle is won daily, as we stay in His Word and in fellowship where we encourage each other’s faith.
To keep my heart laser focused, I even purpose that my spoken and written words would be through the Holy Spirit’s prompting, all for His honor! Whether writing a short devotional, an essay for publication, or a lengthier sermon: it’s all about Him, not myself. It is His-story and He is at the center of it, not I. Gathering inspiration to encourage and build up the faith of others is rewarding and a great blessing for me as it increases my own faith.
Father, thank you for teaching me to take heed of your Word and the wisdom it contains. Thank you for guiding me in speech and the written word so that I do not cause another to stumble towards unbelief.
Robert lives in Sunnyvale, CA and serves in a Sharing and Caring Ministry. Contact | 
