[one_fourth]Today’s verse says: the people of Israel “would flatter him with their mouths, lying to him with their tongues; their hearts were not loyal to him, they were not faithful to his covenant.” Yes, over and over, they claimed that they would follow God, but then turned away from Him on the next hardship or occasion of discontentment. The problem here is that they used to make commitments to God with their mouths and not with their hearts. Therefore, their returning to God (repentance) was empty. My brother, my sister, talk is very cheap: the Lord wants your conduct to back up your spiritual claims and promises to Him. He does not accept any lip service from anyone, and never forget that He reads what’s in your heart. I always remember this story of a young boy standing in a car and his parents were asking him to sit because you can’t remain standing in a car while it is driving. He did not want to sit down. In the end he told his parents: “ok I am sitting down, but in my heart I am standing”. That is exactly what our lip service to the Lord is… it only pleases those who see it physically, but it does not please the one who sees our hearts. When we read the story of Hannah crying for a child and promising God she will consecrate the child to Him if He gives her one (1 Samuel). Why is it God answered her prayer? Because of what He read in her heart, not because of what she pronounced with her mouth! Sometimes people pray asking God to bless them with something and promise things to Him… My friend, the Bible says “God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19), so if you have not received any answer from God despite your promises to Him, know today that He has heard your prayer, He not forgotten or discarded your request. However, check the motives and motivations of your request. God Don’t think you can bargain or lie to Him for God reads your heart every single day looking for love, integrity, sincerity and faithfulness. He says: “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve” (Jeremiah 17:10)… Stay blessed in Jesus’ name. [facebook] [retweet]