So, in my time with God today and in my reading of “The Art of Listening Prayer” God really spoke to me about the condition of my heart. I think God is just continuing this love theme in my life at the moment. Seth Barnes tells the story about a girl trying to discover what her role as a missionary saying:
I asked the Lord to reveal my purpose here. I mean, there were plenty of opportunities for ministry, but nothing was filling the void in my heart (Seth Barnes “The Art of Listening Prayer” p 41).
An observation I made is that there is a distinct difference in doing something just because it’s an opportunity or need and doing something with purpose because it is what makes your heart come alive. Sometimes we do need to simply fill a need or act on an unexpected opportunity. However, I believe God desires us to serve him in ways that make our heart come alive for him and those we are serving.
Seth goes on to state that:
All throughout scripture, we see a picture of God in pursuit of a people. He’s romancing us. He wants one thing: a people who will love him with their whole heart (Seth Barnes “The Art of Listening Prayer” p 42).
I don’t know about you but I enjoy being romanced and pursued. I get even greater joy doing the romancing and pursuing. How awesome is it that the Creator of the universe desires, romances, and pursues each of us in a way that makes our hearts come alive?!?!
Today’s reading closed with some wonderful scriptures and truths to be reminded of:
Mt.22:37: Jesus restates: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart . . . .”
Ps.119:58: “I have sought you with all my heart.”
Ps 51:17: “A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
Ps. 86:11: “Give me an undivided heart.”
Pr. 23:26: “My son, give me your heart.”
Jer. 29:13: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Joel 2:12 “Return to me with all your heart.”
2 Tim. 2:2: “Call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
(Seth Barnes “The Art of Listening Prayer” p 43)
This weekend, may we seek to more perfectly love Him with ALL of our hearts.
Overwhelmed with love,
Chad
