I’ve liked this quote from Emmet Fox ever since I first read it several years ago. It may seem odd, but a local pastor first mentioned Fox to me about 10 years ago. Most pastors do not quote from Fox, but many have read his work.
Fox was an early source of inspiration for AA and routinely preached to thousands in halls around New York City each week during the great depression. Much of his work is outside of orthodox theology, some is far outside the mainstream, but I find the quote, above, to be very Biblical. What comes out of a man (words) defiles him (Mark 7:20-22). What we hold in our hearts, these are our true prayers because God knows them and we speak to him with our real beliefs, not our hollow words. You can speak good things all day, but if you hold evil in your heart, God is not fooled.
As I begin my day, here’s 12 scripture verses about your heart and your thoughts. If you need a verse to meditate on for the morning, maybe one of these will help.
Matthew 6:21
Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.
Proverbs 4:23
Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Psalm 37:4
God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
Matthew 5:8
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:
Proverbs 23:7
You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts.
Luke 16:15
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
Romans 12:2
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
James 1:26
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
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