Heart of the Matter

1 John 2:14 “I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father. I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you who are young in faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one.”
When we come to Christ, He takes residence in our hearts and minds through his Holy Spirit. To stay connected, we must hold his work in our hearts. Every day we will be faced with choices and if we do not stay grounded in God’s word we leave ourselves open to evil strongholds.
God calls us to stay rooted in His word and allow it to be our guide. When we allow God to be our guide, we reduce the risk of going astray. When God’s word is the lamp to our feet we can navigate what lies before us with confidence. When God’s word fills our hearts, we can rest knowing that all things will work out for His glory, even when we struggle. It is during our times of struggle when we need to examine our hearts and use scripture at the measure. God calls us to love. So simply ask yourself, are my words, actions, and behaviors loving and do they represent God in me or is my selfish spirit what people see?
Gracious Heavenly Father, examine my heart and remind me that I have won the battle with the evil one because I have a relationship with you. Father, be my guide today and help me be better today than I was yesterday knowing I represent You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Regret

Matthew 27:4b “What do we care?” they retorted. “That’s your problem.”

Throughout life we make choices and these choice have a lasting impact not only on ourselves, but on those who love us. Judas made a decision to betray Jesus. This decision, although ordained by God, was a decision he could not live with and he chose to take his life.

As we live each day we are face with choices and theses decisions have the power to cause eternal impact on the ones we love. today as you navigate this life the best way you know how remember the plans you sent into motion cannot be reversed. Regret is real, so be careful with your words, actions, and behavior because they will determine the future.

Gracious, loving Father. Father of life, love, and forgiveness. Father to the hurting, lame, and lost. We come humbly before you seeking Your wisdom as we make choices today that will impact our future and the future of those around us. Father, if we have done damage we come seeking wisdom on how to bring healing. Father help us see how we have hurt others and help us forgive those who have hurt us. Father, help us find healing in the brokenness as we navigate all this world throws our way. In Jesus’ Precious Name, we ask for peace, comfort, and love to rain down from Heaven. Amen