‘God knows my heart’: Yes, but

‘GOD knows my heart’ But never forget His way is right side up

By Bethany Riehl

Our world is upside down.

That might very well be the most obvious sentence you will read today.

No matter where you stand on any given issue, I’m certain we can all agree that the world has gone mad. Truthfully, it’s been that way since the Fall; nothing is new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

I’m not here to bemoan the state of our world. I’m here to share something with you that began to dawn on me in the last few months – soft light, barely distinguishable at first, but rising ever more on the horizon in brilliant gold and pink hues.

Our world, Christian, is the one that is upside down. More accurately, our God’s world is right side up and we look at everything from the wrong angle until we look at it from His.

The longer we walk with God and saturate our hearts, souls, and minds with His Word, the more that Word illuminates His ways and gives us an awareness of what is actually true.

Paul Washer recently said in a sermon, “You see, earth’s problem is: how can God judge? Heaven’s problem is altogether different: how can God save – pardon – wicked men and still maintain His righteousness?”

That statement has me looking at everything differently. Take for example the phrase, “God knows my heart.” Maybe you’ve said or heard this. As truthful as it is, we can agree that this simple phrase has more often become Christian lingo for, “Stay out of my business, I don’t answer to you.” Or, at the least, a quick dismissal of things that might require a deeper examination of our own motives.

“Yes, I cut that guy off in traffic, but I’m running late, and God knows my heart.”

“No, I haven’t been to church in years, but I watch online, and God knows my heart.”

“I know divorce is wrong, but I haven’t been happy in years, and God knows my heart.” “Yes, this show is full of profanity, nudity and violence, but it doesn’t really affect me; God knows my heart.” We can say this simple phrase and most of the time it shuts down anyone that might question our actions because we insist that they don’t know our motives the way God does. And that’s absolutely true. It’s important, however, to remember that this is what He says of our heart: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, NIV) Bethany Riehl Yowch! Not quite the innocence we’re assuming, right? He goes on: “I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:10, NIV) God knows our hearts and motives better than anyone, and that should make us shudder to ignore any loving admonition presented to us that seeks to help us grow in righteousness. Does this mean we are helpless and hopeless to do good? Absolutely not. For as many verses about the wicked state of the heart of man, there are also a great many that ensure us of the miraculous changes we undergo in Christ. Ezekiel 36:26 assures us that when we become believers, God removes our heart of stone and replaces it with a heart of flesh. Now it’s soft and moldable and, to make us more like Him, God will test our heart and cut out the sin that we hold so dear. Romans 7 reminds us that our flesh and our spirit are in constant tension with one another, fighting for control until the day we pass from this life to the next. God knows my heart – yes! And…oh no. It is not as innocent as I would convince myself that it is.

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Recently our family was invited to dine with friends. We shared a special meal with them that they have each week, one where they usher in a day that they set aside as a “Sabbath Day” for their family.

We sang the Doxology together, and while dining on delicious pasta and garlic bread by candlelight, they explained their desire to take God literally in His command to work 6 days and rest on the 7th. Our host admitted that it had been hard for him to submit to that at first.

“But God knows my heart…” he said. (Reader, you know I cringed a little at this with all of my thoughts recently swirling on that phrase.) He went on, “…and He knew this was an area I needed to surrender to Him.”

And there it was. What my mind had been striving for without fully alighting on.

God does know us – our thoughts, motives, and intentions. As such, we can rest in our obedience to Him, even when others don’t understand our convictions. Even more, we should trust Him to show us the areas in which we need to surrender, even when we don’t understand or see danger in our own lives.

What would be so wrong with this family not taking a Sabbath day of rest? To most of us, nothing at all. But for our host it would be wrong because God, knowing his heart and his needs, had impressed upon him to surrender and take a full Sabbath day. His obedience has resulted in a wonderful blessing for his family, and those they share it with.

From the moment of the Fall, our greatest desire – whether we give in to it or not – has been to be our own god, to control our own life. Our secret idols move in and take up residence in our hearts and the greatest offense of all is that they can make us believe that we are too good to offend our God in our secret little sins.

We are admonished in Matthew and Luke not to judge one another unfairly, harshly, or hypocritically. But in the same passages, we’re told to inspect the fruit of our faith.

To lay our hearts open to our Master Surgeon is a worthy pursuit. He is always busy making us holy and righteous – for our good and (most importantly) His glory.

Everything He does is for His glory. His Word is sharper than a double-edged sword and those slices cut deep at times, and in ways we don’t understand. We can surrender to that beautiful truth that God does, in fact, know our hearts and that He wants to mold them to be like His Son.

There was more to that Paul Washer quote and here is a good place to share it:

“You see, earth’s problem is how can God judge? Heaven’s problem is altogether different: how can God save – pardon – wicked men and still maintain His righteousness? And the answer is in the gospel where God becomes a Man who goes to a tree and bears the sin of His people; and with that sin the curse, and with that curse all the holy hatred, all the righteous judgement of God, is poured down on the head of God’s Son and He absorbs it. He satisfies justice so it no longer has a demand against God’s people. And so, God can be Just and the Justifier of wicked men.”

God’s ways are not our ways, His thoughts are far above our scope of understanding. When we say, “God knows my heart,” let it be with humility and awareness that His way is right side up. n Bethany Riehl lives in the Treasure Valley with her husband, three kids, and one super chill dog. She and her husband homeschool their kids and were only slightly embarrassed when their lives didn’t change all that much when the world shut down in 2020. Hashtag, homebodies. She writes articles and fictional novels when she can, and her one desire is to point others to the love and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. Her books can be found on Amazon or at your local library…after you request them to be in stock, of course. www.christianlivingmag.com

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REAL Man’s Toolbox God’s unconditional love verse: John 3:16

By Leo Hellyer

Just recently, I came across a complete update to a fantastic Bible study by Max Lucado. Max developed the original 3:16 Video Bible Study Series as a live presentation with a group of participants at a church. This study examines the one verse of John 3:16 in a manner that brings depth and clarity to the verse like few have been able to do. This new study is presented through streaming video.

In this updated version of “3:16: The Numbers of Hope,” Max starts off by recalling a moment when, as a youth in a Bible class, this verse came alive for him for the first time. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This is a verse we have all heard many, many times, but few of us have deeply examined the truth behind these very familiar words. As we look into this verse, we find out that 26 words can explain the unconditional love that God has for each and every one of us.

Max Lucado is a great communicator and brings life to this verse in a very unique and down-to-earth manner. He summarizes it in four phrases: He loves, He gave, we believe, we live. This study is done in a way that allows listeners to feel they are present while Christ is having conversations with followers and searchers about how to be saved.

There are two other presentations on John 3:16 that I highly recommend you take the time to watch. Both of these presentations can be found on YouTube. The first is “Tim Tebow Shares the Incredible Story of John 3:16.” He presents a very personal story about how John 3:16 has impacted his life forever. His story brings out the truth that God speaks to each of us, in a way that works for us, at a particular time in our lives. Most of us are well aware that God is in control of all things; but when God brings things about, that really gets our attention, and it reinforces that He is truly in control.

The second is a very unique, hard-hitting presentation called “John 3:16 – The Story of Love.” This is a video story about a bridge operator, his young son, and a train full of passengers. The story is narrated by Reggie Dabbs. It is an edgy presentation, but it is very moving. Be prepared to be affected by this video.

God Almighty created each of us for one purpose, and that purpose is to have relationship with Him. God loved and still loves this world – and each of us in this world – so much that

He wants us to be with Him for eternity. His love for us is so great that He was willing to give up His only begotten Son, his pride and joy, so we would be able to spend eternity with Him. God also loves us so much that He doesn’t force us to be in relationship with Him. He loves us so much that He gives us our own free will. We get to decide whether we want to accept His gift or not. He also loves us so much that He makes it very easy to accept His gift of eternal life. It is not a complicated process. We do not have to choose which way of many ways to receive the gift of eternal life. All we have to do is accept the only way to eternal life with Leo Hellyer God Almighty, and that is to accept the gift of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. John 3:16 is one verse in the Bible that most of us have heard many more times than we can remember. The danger of that is that it can become just words on paper. We must remember that the Scriptures are the inspired Word of God. We should always endeavor to extract every bit of wisdom, truth, love, guidance, mercy, etc. that we can out of all Scripture. We cannot just read Scripture as words on a piece of paper. Our God communicates with us in many ways, and His Word is definitely one of those ways. John 3:16 is just one verse in the Bible – 26 words – but these few words are the foundation for the salvation of mankind. This Scripture describes what unconditional love for all means. We need to frequently come back to this one verse, dissect it, examine it, believe it, and live it. Who knows which method God will reach you with: a pastor, a football player, a motivational speaker, a friend, a co-worker, a stranger, or His Word? The truth is, God is reaching out to you. The question is, are you listening – and what are you going to do with the truth? n Leo Hellyer is a non-staff pastor with a local church and has been married to his wife Norma for more than 45 years. The couple volunteered with the Boise FamilyLife Ministry Team for 20 years. Leo has also been serving with Boise Rescue Mission Ministries for 20 years and is currently serving at the River of Life Rescue Mission. He is president and chief firearms instructor with Helping Hands Firearms Training LLC. If you have questions about Real Man’s Toolbox, or need other assistance, Leo may be reached at silverplate426@msn.com or 208-340-5544.

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Kristian Short Youngster loves both God and golf

Kristian Short, 7, takes a swing at a golf ball. The youngster, who is a student at Calvary Christian School, is a talented golfer and, with his father’s encouragement, seeks to use his skills for a higher purpose. (Courtesy photo) By Gaye Bunderson

Many a father and son take to the golf course together, especially when the sky is blue and the weather is warm. But late last year, Bill Short and his son Kristian played nine holes at BanBury Golf Course in Eagle the week before Christmas.

The temperatures were pleasant, the sun was shining. It wasn’t a competitive match, but of course they kept score. Kristian won with a score of 35, while his dad golfed a 42. Bill Short couldn’t have been prouder of his little boy.

At 7 years of age, Kristian Short is something of a golf prodigy. The fact that he beat his 48-year-old father at golf only made the old man beam.

Kristian has always been an early bloomer. Golf caught his attention at the grand age of 3, when his dad and grandfather were playing the game.

“I bought him some plastic clubs,” Bill said.

Kristian progressed up the ladder of beginner clubs pretty quickly. After that first set of plastic clubs, Dad bought him some better plastic clubs.

Shortly after, Bill purchased some real clubs for his son, and then, it was time for custom-made clubs.

Golf has become more than a sport for the males in the Short family. “I’m trying to give Kristian every opportunity to not only excel at golf but to use this platform to spread the love of Jesus,” Bill said.

Kristian attends Calvary Christian School in

Boise. He has a favorite Scripture – Isaiah 6:9 – and in accordance with his school requirements can quote it easily, readily, and flawlessly: “And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.” When asked what he likes about that Scripture, Kristian said he loves it because “that’s when Jesus first came to the earth to save us.” The youngster has been golfing for more than three years now and, in the last year, won seven tournaments and qualified for and played in the

U.S. Kids Golf World Championship at Pinehurst,

N.C. in July of 2021. He didn’t start out a perfect player, according to his dad. “When he started, his hand grip was backwards and his score was more like a good bowling score,” Bill said. Bill signed Kristian up with golf instructor Jake Vetsch of Boise, and in a very short time, his boy’s golfing stance and swing improved and he was taking stroke after stroke off his score. Said Jake of his very young student: “Kristian is the best junior that I teach; he’s the most serious so far. He says he wants to be a professional, and he’s a natural. I show him something and he nails it the first time.”

Youngster loves both God and golf

COVER STORY

Bill wants his son to have self-confidence but also to be humble. He taught him to praise God after both a good shot and a bad one, and when they encounter mean kids or parents at golf tournaments, they respond with courtesy. “We want His light to shine through us in the way we treat them,” Bill said.

Kristian’s favorite golfer is Ben Crane, a man he admires for both his golf skills and his faith. He wants to emulate his hero in both tournament wins and charity and would like to build houses for needy people someday if he’s able. When the Short family – along with wife and mother Ann – met Ben at a tournament, the golfer signed a golf ball for Kristian and drew a cross on it.

If it seems daunting enough to keep a 7-year-old golf whiz humble, know that Kristian also excels at Taekwondo martial arts and has a pretty good arm for throwing a football, too. Still, at this point he doesn’t seem to take himself too seriously. “I’m never perfect,” he said with a smile. As for how competitive he might be, all he knows is that he has made plenty of new acquaintances through his tournament wins. “I make a lot of friends,” he said.

He also has 1,537 ‘friends’ on Facebook from all over the world at Kristian Anderson Short – Golf.

As for his parents, they are not ‘stage parents’. They don’t pressure their only child to win at all costs. They also don’t force him to play golf.

“At his age, it’s more about giving him opportunity than forcing him,” Bill stated, also acknowledging that staying good at golf takes practice and commitment. “You really need to play golf at least five days a week to stay sharp, and to do it year-round.”

That may look like playing a round of golf, just hitting balls on a driving range, or practicing on a putting green. Bill works to keep it all fun for Kristian. “We’ve played at night with glow-in-the-dark balls.”

That isn’t to say that golf isn’t taken seriously in the Short household. Even at his very young age, Kristian has a personal trainer – he has to stay in shape – and a chiropractor to make sure he’s not out of alignment by standing a certain way for golf.

Bill allows his son personal choices. That might include golfing, going to the dog park, skiing, or some other fun activity. Often, Kristian chooses golf, but he also may prefer to go to the dog park or take to the slopes.

“I’m nudging him,” Bill said. He also uses words such as “incentive” – and even “bribe”.

“I bribe him with ice cream,” said the proud dad.

And don’t forget the word “motivate”.

“I motivate him with good things and told him that if he won the Boise spring and fall golf tournaments, I’d get him a puppy.”

After all, a kid can’t go to a dog park without a dog. Not surprisingly, Kristian won the tourneys and got himself a puppy, a chocolate lab he named Patriot – for his love of country, according to Dad.

About his wife, Bill said: “Kristian’s mother is amazed by the talent God has given him. She always reminds me that he’s just a kid, but she recognizes that when he’s on the course he looks, acts, and plays like a PGA golfer.”

Bill sometimes serves as his son’s caddy and may suggest a certain club for a certain shot, but Kristian has his own ideas – sometimes good, sometimes not. “Part of what I do is teaching him, too,” Bill explained.

Kristian will sometimes hit a bad shot, but Bill has taught him that it’s always about the next shot, not the last one. He is still in awe of his son’s skills. “Even today, when he hits the ball and it’s perfect, I can’t believe it.”

Kristian makes losing at golf to a child a good experience. Said his father: “He is truly one of the sweetest, kindest 7-year-olds you’ll ever meet.” n

Bill Short and his son Kristian enjoy a round of golf together. At merely age 7, Kristian possesses innate skills at golf, but his dad helps with instruction from time to time. He is also teaching his son to live out his faith on the golf course. (Courtesy photo)

Kristian will be playing in his school’s golf tournament on May 20. Anyone who would like more information on the tournament may contact Bill Short at (208) 392-0048.