Deuteronomy 11:18 (New International Version) “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.” 

I couldn’t but think of the 4-H Pledge as I read this passage.  Every meeting would open with us reciting the following: 

 I pledgeMy head to clearer thinking,

My heart to greater loyalty,

My hands to larger service, and

My health to better living,

For my club, my community, my country, and my world 

Pretty much covers the complete individual, doesn’t it? 

This week as we continue our series on the heart, I want draw our attention to what it means to have our hearts fixed upon God. 

Different translations read differently.  King James simply says, “ Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul,..” 

The fix is derived from the original word in which this phrase comes from, suwm. Hebrew Transliteration means to put, place, set, appoint, make, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix.

According to Dictionary.com, the words fix means:1.to repair; mend. 2. to put in order or in good condition; adjust or arrange: She fixed her hair in a bun.  3. to make fast, firm, or stable. 4. to place definitely and more or less permanently: 5. to settle definitely; determine: to fix a price.  6. to direct (the eyes, the attention, etc.) steadily: 7. to attract and hold 8. to make set or rigid. 9. to put into permanent form.

I like where this is is going, don’t you?  Just think where we would be as individuals, communities, churches and nations if we would obey this command.  If our hearts, minds, hands and foreheads were fixed upon God’s word?  Can you imagine? 

We serve a God of order, so I can not but think there is significance in the order in which these words appear. 

 Hearts

Minds

Hands

Foreheads 

At the center of man is his or her heart and soul.  If the Word is fixed in the heart the other areas mentioned--the mind, the hands and the forehead—will much more likely submit to God’s command.  However, recall with me our original learning from this study, that the heart is, above all, evil (Genesis 6:5).  It is difficult for onlookers to get a clear glimpse into the heart and soul of other men.  Wouldn’t you agree?  Man does a pretty good job of playing the part, saying the correct words and doing the right things in the presence of the right people.  However, scripture says that true Christ followers will be known by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:21-23).  You and I would be prudent to pray and ask for a discerning spirit.  We do not want to be found guilty of being deceived by one whose heart is not fixed upon God and His commands. 

I have to admit, I know God’s order is correct.  However, I find it interesting He does not place the mind before the heart.  Heart is definitely at the center of everything.  I know that.  I also know the mind is very powerful for good and for evil.   At the end of the day, I have to come to the conclusion that God is God, He is the Creator of man and man’s heart, soul, mind…  If the heart is fixed upon Him the mind will follow.  Who am I to question God? 

So, we are to have God’s Word fixed in our Hearts and Minds.  However, the verse doesn’t end there.  It concludes with an instruction. 

Have you ever attempted to break a habit?  What gimmick did you try?  At one of our Open Houses, PureHeart tied a white ribbon to the wrist of every young man as a symbol of what God has done for them and as a reminder, when they were tempted, to never allow their hands to stray.  A symbol, tied around their wrists. 

As with any body part, the hand can be used for good and for evil.  However, it is much more difficult to allow our hands to be used for evil if they are governed, sanctified, fixed, firmly controlled by God’s commands.

Finally, this verse concludes with an instruction to bind the Word to your forehead.  Scripture memorization is the key in accomplishing this.

A fixed heart is very much a possibility.  It requires complete surrender and re-surrender.

Join me this week praising God and pray for the following:

1.      I praise God for you.  Your prayers were felt.  Our leadership day retreat was amazing.  The three of us felt the presence of God.  Thank you for praying for us. 

2.      I praise God for how He is working this ministry.  He is bringing young men to our door step in ways that only He could do.  It is amazing.  Thank you for your prayers. 

3.      Continue to pray for me, Ryan and Brad.  There was no “Ministry Instruction Manual” when we said ‘Yes” to God.  Pray for us as leaders that we do not lose heart or focus in our journey.

4.      Pray for the young men who partner with us. 

5.      Continue to pray for our home church bodies.  Pray for our pastors as they lead the body of Christ. 

6.      Pray for OWU.  Pray for God to open doors of opportunity to partner and minister in a new and exciting way. 

7.      Pray for our wives and families.    

Thank you so very much;

Sharing from the Heart;

Steve