“The plans and reflections of the heart belong to man, But the [wise] answer of the tongue is from the LORD.2All the ways of a man are clean and innocent in his own eyes [and he may see nothing wrong with his actions], But the LORD weighs and examines the motives and intents [of the heart and knows the truth]. 3Commit your works to the LORD [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].”

Proverbs 16:1-2 AMP

Our verse today reminds us that we should always measure our activities by the motives that propel them! Our devotion opens with the statement “The plans and reflections of the heart belong to man…” The word translated “plans and reflections” is the Hebrew word meaning to “lay out an orderly action with regard to the future actions they produce.” AS we consider the intentions of the heart, we must remember the warning of the Scripture.

““The heart is deceitful above all things And it is extremely sick; Who can understand it fully and know its secret motives?10“I, the LORD, search and examine the mind, I test the heart, To give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds.”

Jerimiah 17:9-10 AMP

We are warned that even we ourselves at times cannot not understand the actions and intentions of our heart! The word hear in the above verse is a reference to the inner-man. We are told that it is deceitful. The word means to “sneak or manipulate something in a slippery or sly way.” If that doesn’t describe the activity of Satan in the world today, I don’t know what does! That is why we walk by the council of the Word of God and not by what we want to justify! It is the sickness of sin and self that has invaded the space the originally belonged to God. There is a cure however.

“9How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping watch [on himself] according to Your word [conforming his life to Your precepts]. 10With all my heart I have sought You, [inquiring of You and longing for You]; Do not let me wander from Your commandments [neither through ignorance nor by willful disobedience].11Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart, That I may not sin against You.12Blessed and reverently praised are You, O LORD; Teach me Your statutes.”

 Psalms 119:9-12 AMP

It is when we place the Word of God in our hearts that a transformation takes place. If we are growing in the grace and knowledge of who Christ is then we are being transformed into His image. Our outward man becomes more and more conformed to that image of Christ. Remember Proverbs 4:23?

“Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.”

Proverbs 4:23 AMP

It is ever so true that whatever is in our heart will come flowing from our lives. If we want to reap the promises and benefits of His life, we must constantly be aware that sin is lurking at our door trying to disrupt our relationship with God! Our verse today admonishes us to “commit our works to the Lord and our plans will succeed!” What a tremendously great and precious promise for God! Notice that the formula for success starts with responding to His will and plans! Not ours!. I am reminded of the verse,

“For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.”

Philippians 2:13 AMP

Take time today to renew the thoughts of your heart by His Word. The Word of God is like a cleansing rain that washes away the dirt of the day. Remember that His ways are perfect and good in all He has done! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken