“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24 NKJV
Devoted Hearts
I’m reminded daily of the intensity of hatred that is displayed all over the world throughout the various media platforms; similar hatred has been displayed throughout history. There was great hatred between the Samaritans and the Jews, as we read in John chapter 4 when Jesus walked from Judea to Galilee through Samaria. Hatred of this magnitude can ripple down from people in power to people in general, and can affect our friends, family, and church family if we aren’t careful to guard our hearts and minds.
2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to take every thought captive that is contrary to God’s will. This truth means that I have the option to choose to do something about all the thoughts that enter my mind before they enter my heart, even if painful or negative.
Our Father in heaven seeks out everyone all over the world—He seeks out those who choose to worship Him in spirit and truth.
I feel now more than ever before that it’s crucial that I keep my heart in a spot that would please Him every minute of every day. I say this because I know that He is a gracious God and my relationship with Him is so important to me, and I don’t ever want to take His grace or forgiveness lightly.
Our minds are very clever to shrug off our convictions. We have been slowly and subtly programmed to accept the things and ideas of this world, and sometimes we can easily get caught up with the acceptance of the so-called “normal” behaviors; but we are not of this world. He is looking for upright hearts in all of us. He delights in seeking His worshipers. We are reminded in Romans 12:2 to not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
God wants me to be sincere in worshiping Him in everything that I do— not merely singing songs (however, I love worshiping Him in song)—but in my mind, my heart, my thoughts, my tithe, my relationships, my expressions, and my actions.
As I worship God, I learn more of Who He is and how He thinks, how I see myself, and what He’s calling me to change in my life.
“The Lord gives you the experience of enjoying His presence. He touches you, and His touch is so delightful that, more than ever, you are drawn inwardly to Him.” (Madam Jeanne Guymon).
Lord, we thank You again for Your faithfulness, for Your grace, peace and steadfastness. May You be glorified in our worship. We love You, Lord. Amen.
Yes! Very encouraging to keep my heart in the right place.
Thank you. A very good and encouraging message.
Amen!
Working through some situations and after a day of letting my thoughts go wherever they wanted (since I was so sure I was justified in where I let them continue to roam) I finally said enough and prayed that the Lord would take them captive…it has made all the difference in my day and my relationships…so timely, thank you and am so glad I read this after my prayer so it was confirmation more than conviction (though heaven knows I most always can use some of that too!)
Thank you. I needed this. Sometimes the (media) and world influences penetrate our mind. God is good and this is a reminder to keep our faithful focus. I will copy this reading, share it and read it often. Blessings.