You Gotta have Heart!

June 20, 2011 Monday Message:

“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him.” Ephesians 3:17a

Each of us has our visible side, the part of us that we allow the rest of the world to see. It’s the face we put on so that we can look good to others. Our outer show is driven by the circumstances around us. Living life like that is like juggling – scrambling to keep all the balls in the air. It keeps us in the game, but mostly it’s not real – there’s nothing of substance behind the show.

Remember that the Pharisees put on a good show. They held elaborate ceremonies, huge rituals and lengthy liturgies, but did not know love for their fellows. It was an empty show; they lacked substance from above.

Each of us also has our inner person, our soul, visible only to us and to God. It’s driven by eternal truths and Godly substance, not other people and circumstances. We sometimes refer to this as “heart.”

If a boy thinks a girl is cute, he says, “I like you.” If she’s extra-special, he tells his friends, “I think we’re in love.” But when it’s time to get married, he confesses to her, “I love you with all my heart!”

When we want to express the most commitment, the most sincerity, we refer to our heart. When we want to get closer to God, we don’t just use the eyes on our face. We sing, “Open the eyes of my heart!” Ephesians 1:18

When Jesus partners with us, we don’t welcome him to some obscure body part. We have prepared the best room inside our temple-of-a-body for His arrival. Jesus will make his home in our hearts, we’ll see Him with the great big eyes of our hearts, and we’ll love the Lord with all our heart. And soul, mind and strength.

May Jesus be alive in your heart today!

Norton Lawellin