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One day in 1947, my dad mentioned that he had not seen his father for over a week. So, the two of us went over to see him. He was sick in bed — really sick. Dad went and got the doctor to see what was wrong with him. The doctor went through the usual routine of checking him over, but he could not find a heartbeat in the usual place, even though he was obviously still alive. As it turned out, his heart was located on the right side of his chest. In his whole life, he had never been seen by a doctor, so it had never been noted before. He was taken to a hospital, and a week later, he died. All those years, no one knew that his heart was on the right side.
Jesus had much to say about our hearts being on the right side.
Matthew 4:25-5:2 – Great multitudes followed Him — from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and beyond the Jordan. And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them. (NKJV)
His Sermon on the Mount contains many beautiful and comforting thoughts, but then, there are some very tough, challenging teachings about turning the other cheek, loving our enemies, not worrying or judging, and how the gate to eternal life is narrow and few enter.
Matthew 6:19-21 – Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NKJV)
These are such difficult words. So many of us have made a great effort to save up for our old age, to supplement our pensions when we are no longer able to work for a living. But Jesus says that that is not supposed to be where our heart is. Not everyone was able to accept His teaching either.
John 6:60,66 – Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, "This is a hard saying; who can understand it?" From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. (NKJV)
Their hearts weren't in the right place any more. Are ours? Are we willing to obey His teaching?
During Lent, this season of repentance, let us ask the Lord to get our hearts on the right side — His side.
Psalm 51:10 – Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (NKJV)
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, there are times when we don't quite understand the words of Scripture, times when we need Your guidance through the written or spoken Word. But when we do, we ask that You would speak to our hearts, and get them in the right place. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.
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Thank you.
Amen, Joel.
Great story, Joel. Memorable. Helps me.
Very interesting story and a good reminder for us all, Joel. God bless!
An incredible story! So fitting for Easter. God’s Easter blessings to you.
Amen and amen, Joel! Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us! Blessings.
A good reminder, Joel. Thank you.
Be blessed.
(ON)
An interesting story Joel, with a great point. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings.
Dear Joel,
What a vivid illustration using the physical placement of your grandfather’s heart. I will always remember that and your thoughtful devotional. Thank you.
Nice to see you writing again. Wishing you God’s blessings.
Summer is combining .we are at our son’s house in Toronto visiting after 2 years of COVID.
Blessings.
Thanks, Joel, for another very mindful devotional and it was sad to hear about the health situation of your granddad back in the day and finding out his heart was physically placed on the wrong side. The bible verse, Psalm 51:10 is one for us to pray and repeat continually. Blessings for these special writings you do.
Good morning, Joel,
I am sure that was interesting when you found out your grandfather’s heart was on the right side of his body. It is interesting what facts stay with us for many years and how much we don’t remember at all.
A great question “Where is Your Heart?” Definitely for me it is true that there have been times in my life, when my heart was not focused on God as much as what needs to get done, just putting one foot in front of the other, etc.
Thank you for the reminder and to ask God for help with keeping our hearts in the right place. May you continue to share with us. Wishing you an enjoyable day with your heart in the right place. Blessings.
Thanks again for sharing, and it is interesting that your grandfather had his heart on the right side of his body. He evidently lived for many years with that, so something else must have made him sick. Another reminder that our lives are not our own, but we belong to him and he made us wonderfully and fearfully. I especially like Psalm 139:13-14 which teaches that God knit us together and we have to know that he has a knitting plan which helps us understand how we are connected wonderfully. I also like Psalm 27:13-14 which tells us that he will strengthen our hearts as we wait upon him. Thanks again for your devotional. Blessings.