Scripture for Today:  Proverbs 28:14 “Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.”

It seems a bit extreme to open up a macadamia nut with a vise and hammer, but this nut is said to be the hardest nut in the world to crack!  Even after being boiled or roasted, it is a very difficult nut to open.  Three hundred pounds of pressure per square inch is needed.  The effort is worth it as this nut is up to eighty percent oil (the good kind) and delicious!  My favorite are those enrobed in chocolate!

Our verse for today talks about something that can be just as hard as the macadamia nut; a heart that does not fear God.  It would take a very hard heart not to recognize the awesome power that God demonstrates.  The person who hardens their heart against God is one who is at risk to fall into all kinds of trouble.  That is because a hardened heart is a prideful one, and pride goes before the fall (Prov. 16:18).

The heart of King Nebuchadnezzar became arrogant and hardened with pride.  In consequence, God stripped him of glory until he acknowledged God as sovereign (Daniel 5:20).  The story never ends well for those who’s pride produces a hardened heart.  They become a hard nut to crack!  How much better to fear God and tremble before His majesty!

The one who always trembles before God is blessed.  Recognizing His power and splendor and one’s complete dependence gives a person the right perspective.  The trembling heart will be soft and pliable, ready to obey and serve.  I have confidence to approach God’s throne because of Jesus.  But that does not mean I will not tremble before His awesome presence!

Lord, keep me from developing a hard heart.

Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.