The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.
Luke 6:45 NIV

Several years ago, my son fell on his arm while skating. From the outside, his arm looked fine, but his cries of pain told a different story. When the doctor held the x-ray up to the light, even my untrained eyes could see the jagged edge of his small bone sticking out.

I can still hear my brave little soldier\’s cry of “Ow-ow-ouch!” when the doctor needed to \’set\’ the bone back into place. They had ushered this nervous Mom out of the room for the procedure, and when I came back in, I saw my baby\’s freckles standing out in stark contrast to his paler than usual complexion. After being fitted with a bright orange cast, he recovered enough to ask when he\’d be able to skate again!

From the outside, we cannot see everything happening on the inside of a person\’s body. But God can. Not only does he see beyond our skin, He sees our hearts. And God doesn\’t see just arteries, vessels, and muscles, but knows the intent and spiritual condition of our hearts.

Jesus told the Pharisees, the hypocritical religious leaders of His day, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts.” (Luke 16:15 niv)

What if God administered a \’spiritual x-ray\’ and held the condition of your heart up to the light so all could see the results? Would you be ashamed? Would the sickness of sin be evident? Just as the doctor set my son\’s bone back into place, God wants to \’set\’ our sin-sick “hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1 niv)

God knows what you think, what you feel, and most importantly, if He truly is the Lord of your life.

Prayer: Lord, I love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Thank You for loving me. Lord, help me to keep my heart set on things above and serving You. In Jesus\’ Name I pray, Amen.

Donna Shepherd Inspirational Writer

Children's author and inspirational writer, Donna J. Shepherd, looks at everyday life and finds God's fingerprints everywhere. From bird watching to the Beatitudes, Donna's writing touches the heart with wisdom and humor while feeding the mind with daily portions of God's Word.

She is currently a columnist for The Dabbling Mum and a staff poet for The Inspiration Station. Her articles and poetry have appeared in Reminisce Extra, Just Between Us, Guideposts for Kids, Penwomanship, Sisters in the Lord, and many more. Her devotionals appear in Daily Grace for Women, Devotional Reflections to Nourish Your Soul (Honor Books), and Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms (Warner Books).