An Open Heart To The Lord

When our hearts are set towards Heaven Jesus becomes the source of our life. I think this is one of the most important messages I am able to give you. With Jesus as the source we are walking in sync with the Holy Spirit and the provision God has set out for us. I see this breaking down into two categories. I want to share this in the following way:

Jesus provides for your every day life. You don't need to be in ministry full time to receive and be able to acknowledge how God has provided for your life. God has equipped you with skills that you are employable and you will not be in need. Even when lessons of humility are being given to you so your faith will flourish the Lord will still provide for your needs of life. What I am trying to say is that when you need to buy a pair of jeans because you don't have pants or your pants are worn out the Lord is just as pleased with you as when you put your tithe and offering into His ministry. The Lord's love for you is unconditional to heal you, bring you to wholeness and to equip you that your life is an example to those around you.

Jesus provides for His ministry through you. A portion of your income is for the spread of the gospel. Just as we are able to acknowledge the Lord Jesus for the jeans you purchased the Lord gives us joy in supporting the expansion of His Kingdom. This joy I am talking about comes from the Holy Spirit --- some as seeds of faith knowing the Lord has burdened a church or ministry with a vision that will benefit His Kingdom and His glory will be reflected in the local community; some as financial support for a budget a church board has carefully prepared and prayed over that you know in advance where your financial offering is supporting; sometimes simply giving to God's workers what they need so they are equipped, the silent witness of the Holy Spirit working through you blessing those who are on the front lines of the gospel.

I want to share a few passages of scripture with you.

1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (NIV) Paul is explaining that we shouldn't stumble those around us. The heart of the verse I wanted to focus in on 'or whatever you do' speaks to me of God's love in action as we go about our day to day lives. I pray that this day to day witness is in your life.

Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (NIV) When a life is yielded to the Lord God's signature is felt by those around the child of God. This isn't meant to be a sign of pride. Others know who your God is by how you live your life, act and re-act to life.

Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." NIV This is the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to live, love and care for people who are the outcasts of society. Jesus spent His time with known sinners and the outcasts like the tax collectors. Yet when these men and women turned their heart to the Father the signature of God was felt as a radically transformed life renewed by the new life the Holy Spirit brings to those who believe in Him for their salvation. There is reference to a prostitute Jesus freed in John 4. As well a tax collector received Jesus' gospel and received the gift of eternal life found in Luke 19.

Go forth and share the joy of your salvation with those around you, having met with Jesus and been refreshed and encouraged in your heart.

Lord we invite more of you in our lives. Come use us, you are the potter, the keeper of our souls. Amen