I just woke up to a barking Springer Spaniel and a cup of Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Coffee. I checked outside and saw what Gibbs was barking at. Seems to be that our yard attracted a doe and her young fawn. Now that's a first, in a very long, time.
Today we will talk about the music of the heart. So here's a question for you. Do the words that come out of your mouth sound like a violent rap tune? Do the words that come from your mouth fill the air with constant complaints and whining? Are the words spewing forth from your mouth full of negativity and despair? Do the words coming from your mouth build up or tear down?
If you answered yes to even one of those questions it is time for a change of music within your heart. Now we can't just plug a quarter into your mouth and request a new tune like a jukebox in a burger palace. No, we can't do that. We need to change the music player entirely. We need to change the attitude of the heart.
This is done by spending time with Jesus. He changes dispositions. We can soften our attitudes with prayer and time spent in the Bible.
Luke 24:13-35New International Version (NIV)
On the Road to Emmaus
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19 “What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
We find two men confused and in mourning. Just some time spent with Jesus and their hearts were set afire.
Time spent with Jesus changes the music coming from the heart, which in turn changes what people hear coming from our mouths.
Don't like the music? Well, you can change it.
Marty
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