{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"47. The Right Heart","description":"Today\u2019s Scripture reading comes from Genesis 9:16, quoting from the NASB: \u201cWhen the bow is in the cloud, then I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.\u201d Not all covenants are unrestricted, but God\u2019s covenant with Noah was unconditional. God keeps His covenant independent of man\u2019s obedience. God will do what He says He will do\u2014this covenant with man is, in fact, one-sided. After nearly twelve months of water completely covering the earth, God\u2019s wrath was satisfied. He cleansed the earth and purged wicked man from it. Though God cleansed the earth of man, He did not cleanse man\u2019s heart. Why? God is after something here. Man\u2019s free will love and obedience was his desire in the garden and in giving his commands to Israel through Moses. Loving obedience to God is within man\u2019s reach. Noah found favor in God\u2019s eyes, as one who was righteous and without blame. Whatever motivated God\u2019s covenanting with man must also inspire His love for man. When we choose God, He is pleased. God did not command Noah\u2019s worship or his burnt offering upon returning to dry land, but God was pleased to receive his worship and was soothed by its pleasant aroma. God desires our unprovoked worship and obedience. God absolutely loves it when we turn to Him and worship Him with a heart that says: \u201cNot my will, but your will be done.\u201d God initiates unqualified covenant because though the \u201cintent of man\u2019s heart is evil,\u201d not everyone lives out the evil intent\u2014though provoked. For ten righteous men God spares a city. God is pleased with the heart of a righteous person. What is the condition of your heart? When all around you succumb to evil intent, do you hold to the narrow way and find God\u2019s favor? Being an effective leader is as much about having the right heart as following proven leadership practices. God covenants with man and He always keeps His Word.   \/\/ Points to Ponder Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. First, consider how you commit your ways to God. Second, how are you resisting when all around are caving to common cultural demands or political correctness? Third, keep doing the right thing, even when it is unpopular.   \/\/ About the Narrator MAJ Marissa Dey serves in the United States Army.   \/\/ Purchase a Copy Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon. ","author_name":"Leader, Draw Near","author_url":"http:\/\/ldnpodcast.libsyn.com\/website","html":"