Examine your Heart

First of all: The 35 year celebration yesterday night was amazing. Thanks to all who were involved with helping, supporting and being there. It would not have been possible without you!

Today's topic will be the last of the series of The Exciting times of Waiting. So before we'll get into the topic let's review what we've learned and talked about thus far. Our key verse during this time was from Isaiah 40, Vers 31:

"But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."

We heard, that waiting is good because it is the time for you to prepare for God's plan for your life! There are three stages in life: Time of preparation. Time of fulfillment and time of sharing your wisdom. And this time of preparation, this waiting time is so essential, because we know that quality takes time and it is during that time that God can shape us according to His will so that we may fulfill His plan for our lives and make the right decision. We've learned from King David's life that he was called to be the king years before he was actually chosen.
During the waiting times we therefore gain wisdom and learn disciplin. During those times God wants us to be faithful and trust Him that He has a good plan for us and that He will reveil it as His time comes and we're ready. But overall we must love people because by loving others God's love is shown.

We also learned that the Holy Spirit helps us during the Waiting time to make the right decisions. He gives wisdom and strength and guidance. And we need strength to endure during the Waiting Times! And last time we talked about discovering our identity which lies in Jesus Christ.

Today we'll talk about examining your heart.
We should know who we are in Christ to find out His calling on our lives. In Psalm 27:1-4, David expresses it so wonderfully how he steps into His calling. He didn't know what was ahead but with faith and trust he knew God was bigger! So we read: "The LORD is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? 2 When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. 3 Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. 4 The one thing I ask of the LORD— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in his Temple."
Your heart/spririt is the most precious thing which has been giving to you. So take care of it. Your heart or the attitude in your heart decides how your future wil look like. It is essential and vital to life!
Therefore ask God to examine your heart. Is your heart really truly with God? Does he have your whole heart or just a part of it?

How do you do that? The following questions will help you and will be a guideline to check your heart.
When was the last time that you cried over sin in your life?
When was the last time you cried becaus of injustice?
When was the last time that you cried over your friends who are not with God?
When was the last time that you really felt and experienced God's peace and rest?
When was the last time that everything was fine between you and God?


How does your heart look like?

I want to encourage you to ask yourself these questions and really look deep into your heart. If you find that things are not so good between you and God. Work on it. Talk with Him about it. He cares for He loves you.

I want to finish this series with a verse from proverbs which should be written on all of our hearts:

Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands. Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes. Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.