Monday, February 11, 2013

For My Heart/ With All My Heart


I just happened to have my hiking boots on the other day. And if you know me, you know that the boots are only a fashion statement and not for real use. But since I had them on and it is heart health month I decided to put them to their intended purpose. I cranked up the incline on my treadmill to the highest setting and went for a mountain hike. Wow, I was breathing hard in no time and getting a cardio like I haven’t had in a while. Good for my heart and good for me.

I’m supposed to be mindful of my heart. My father died from a heart attack when he was younger than I am now. My doctor is always doing EKG’s (or ECG’s I think they are called now) and other KG’s/ CG’s on me to make sure that my heart stays OK. But even my doctor can’t monitor one aspect of my heart. That is its capacity to love.

Deuteronomy was one of the first places God told His people to monitor their volume and ability to love. Chapter 6 verse 5 and 6 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart (all your inner self, thoughts, and purposes) and with all your soul (desire, passions and emotions) and with all your strength (serious immense diligence). These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts (inner self, mind, and emotion).”

Love God with all your heart and keep it in your heart. Double hearts.

Then Jesus Himself said in Mark 12:30 and 31 that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all of your heart and soul and strength and that the next command in order is to love everyone around you like you love yourself.

Love God and love others with all your heart. Double hearts again.

The Greek word that Jesus used for heart is ”kardias” This is where we get the medical word “cardio” meaning heart. This is the muscle that keeps us alive. This is one of the most important parts of our body. It’s very important to keep this in working order. It’s very important to prioritize loving God and loving others. Love with all your cardia – max capacity. And keep this cardia for love in correct working order.

1.     I’m supposed to make sure I keep my heart healthy so I can live.

2.      I’m supposed to make sure I keep my heart spiritually healthy so I can love.

The second kind of love doesn't even require hiking boots!

P.S. Happy Heart Day 

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