Ask God For A Heart After God's Own Heart

A Heart for God
Acts 13:16-22

God's assessment of David's heart is one of the highest praises that anyone has ever received from the Lord. And this commendation is not reserved exclusively for the most beloved king of Israel; in fact, our Father wants every one of His children to have a heart for Him.

The Lord testified that David was a man who would do all His will (Acts 13:22). In other words, the chief characteristic of a "heart for God" is a passion to obey Him. Not every act of the king's life was as the Lord would have desired, but his pattern was to follow after God. And David also knew what to do when he sinned. His prayer was that the Lord would search out any wicked way in him, clean it up, and help him get back on track to become the kind of person his Father wanted him to be (Ps. 139:23-24).

David's relationship with the Lord was his highest priority. Not only did he delight in God's Word, but many of his intimate conversations with the Father are also recorded for us in the book of Psalms. In addition, the Scriptures reveal many examples of how David trusted the Lord in all the challenges of his life. This humble servant recognized that God alone was responsible for any greatness he achieved as king.

Becoming a man or woman with a heart for God is a valuable goal. Our aim is not perfection but a consistent, growing relationship with the Lord. In the process, we will discover that our desires and interests align with God's, and obeying Him will be our great delight.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit

www.intouch.org
and
click here to listen to Dr. Stanley at OnePlace.com.

You are God's Masterpiece!

God's Masterpiece...Who Me?

Melissa Taylor

"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

Devotion:

You've got to be kidding me? If I didn't see it for myself in God's Word, I wouldn't believe it. Ephesians 2:10 says "...we are God's masterpiece."

Wait a minute, this cannot be right. I don't feel like a masterpiece. I certainly don't look like a masterpiece. But God's Word says that I am a masterpiece. And not just anyone's masterpiece; I am God's masterpiece.

According to Merriam-Webster's online thesaurus, synonyms of masterpiece are: showpiece, blockbuster, success, gem, jewel, prize, treasure, and piece of the master. Insert any of these words into today's verse in place of masterpiece.

Doesn't it just take your breath away to know that there is Someone that feels this way about you?

God loves what He created, so shouldn't we too? I struggle not to get down on myself. Often I focus on what I do wrong more than what I do right. I look in the mirror, compare myself to someone else and I just feel blah. That's right, blah.

I wonder, "What's special about me?"

It is very hard for me to believe that I am God's masterpiece. Do you have thoughts like these? If so, stop right there! Don't let those lies penetrate any deeper. That's not what our Creator thinks.

When I listen to the Truth, which is His Word, not my thoughts, then I hear Him saying things like, "Oh Melissa, you don't always get it right, that's true, but I love you so much. Look in My mirror and see what I see, My beautiful creation, My treasure, My masterpiece.

The sooner you see yourself for who you really are, the sooner you can take your reign as My priceless princess with a purpose - My masterpiece. You were created in My image and you are indeed a piece of the Master."

Dear Lord, thank You for creating me in Your image and calling me Your masterpiece. Please help me to live like the one You created me to be. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Related Resources:

Listen to Today's Radio Show for more on the Father's love

The Wonder of His Love: A Journey into the Heart of God by Nancy Stafford

My Princess: Love Letters from Your King by Sheri Rose Sheppard

Visit Melissa's blog

Application Steps:

Take note of the way you think about yourself today. If you notice a lot of negative thoughts occupying your mind, intentionally choose to think about what God says about you. Remind yourself that you are a masterpiece of our almighty God.

Reflections:

Do I believe that I am God's masterpiece?

How do I view true beauty?

What can I do to remind others and myself that we are true treasures of God?

Power Verses:

2 Corinthians 1:21-22, "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." (NIV)

Ephesians 1:4, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." (NIV)

© 2009 by Melissa Taylor. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-GMatthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

Love of God and Our Required Response

Loved, but Lost

John 3:15-18

Probably the most cherished and comforting of all God's characteristics is His love. However, the fact that He loves us does not determine our eternal destiny; we can still be separated from Him in our lost condition.

Because the Father cares so much for mankind, He made provision to rescue us from our doomed state of alienation from Him. This offer of salvation is extended to everyone, but in order to benefit, a person must accept it. By the death of Christ on our behalf, the Lord opened the door for us to be saved, but He does not push anyone through.

Imagine that you've fallen into a rushing river and are about to drown. I jump in to save you, but you refuse my help. Did my diving in save you? No, you did not accept my offer of rescue. In the same way, God made every provision for your salvation, but you must respond to His offer.

Just as a swimmer stretches out a hand to accept rescue, so each of us must reach out in faith, believing that Jesus died for us. Accepting His forgiveness for our sins is not just an intellectual belief. A drowning man will not be saved if he merely knows that a swimmer can save him. He has to put his life in the hands of the rescuer and depend totally on him.

Simply relying on God's love to save you is not enough. Our heavenly Father desires that everyone be saved, but many will remain lost because they fail to accept His offer. The next move is yours. Choose to believe in Christ, and surrender your life to the One who is willing and able to save you.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit

www.intouch.org
and
click here to listen to Dr. Stanley at OnePlace.com.

Focus on God's Prespective

What We Can't See

Marybeth Whalen

"'Don't be afraid,' the prophet answered. 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' And Elisha prayed, 'O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.'" II Kings 6:16-17a (NIV)

Devotion:

Have you ever asked God to help you see what He's up to in the spiritual realm?

In II Kings 6:15-17, the prophet Elisha prays for his servant to be able to see beyond his circumstances. They are surrounded by a great army and the odds look to be overwhelmingly against them. He asks God to show the servant what is taking place beyond what the eye can see. The servant's eyes are opened to a supernatural realm and he is able to see the Lord's armies gathered to fight on their behalf. Elisha knew his servant was feeling hopeless and simply needed a different perspective.

We need eyes to see just like that servant did. Make no mistake, we are fighting a war. As Christians, we must suit up every day and face another battle. We have an enemy who wants to defeat us. And some days it seems like he gets the victory. We look around at the failing economy, the fractured families, and the fast pace of our lives and feel that the odds are overwhelmingly against us. We grow weary and feel like giving up.

In those moments we need to stop worrying and pray for a new vision. We need to ask God to change our perspective so that we can look past what we can see to what He is taking care of in the unseen. We need to remember to trust Him and to ask Him to help us see His activity--no matter how overwhelmed and unworthy we may feel. God sees us and He will send help when we need it.

The odds are never stacked against us because God is waging a battle we can't see. I love that He is always fighting on our behalf, even when we don't see it--and especially when we need it the most.

Dear Lord, please help me to remember that You are fighting even when I don't see it. Help me to have a vision for what You do daily on my behalf and not grow discouraged by the battles I face. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know The One Who Fights for You?

Walk with Me Today, Lord: Inspiring Devotions for Women by Emilie Barnes

For monthly encouragement, get our P31 Woman Magazine

Visit Marybeth's blog

Application Steps:

The next time you face something and feel overwhelmed, unworthy or discouraged about it, remember Elisha's servant and what he saw when God opened his eyes. Ask God to open your eyes when you need encouragement.

Reflections:

How would living life aware that God is fighting on your behalf change your outlook?

Power Verses:

Psalm 20:7, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." (NIV)

I John 4:4, "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (NIV)

© 2009 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

Our Life Speaks

Communicating Through Our Life

John 13:34-35

Did you realize that everyone's life makes a statement? Perhaps you've never looked at your routine as anything more than merely traveling back and forth to work and accomplishing daily tasks. If so, you might wonder what message this could possibly broadcast to the people around you.

The truth is that every one of us communicates to others through our character, actions, and words. The believer's life should be an expression of glory to God while conveying to onlookers the vital importance of divine truth. Wherever we are, Jesus' light should shine brightly through us so that He is evident in a dark world. And remember, the strength of our life message is directly related to the depth of our relationship with God.

Of course, this does not mean that our lives have to be perfect. But our responses and actions should demonstrate that our heavenly Father is dependable, faithful, forgiving, and present. We are His ambassadors, representing the Savior to the people we encounter each day. Our lives are opportunities for others to see the Lord in action, as we serve others--or as we reveal peacefulness and trust, even during difficult times.

Coworkers, family, neighbors, and friends are all witnesses to our daily conduct and conversation. Every encounter we have is an opportunity to reflect Jesus into somebody's life. Ask the Lord to strengthen your faith and your walk so that those around you can't help but be drawn towards His light.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org and click here to listen to Dr. Stanley at OnePlace.com.