Sunday, August 15, 2010

When God Breaks Your Heart (part two)

The ‘having your heart broken’ experience begins with a response. It is a response to a realization. In Mark chapter 6 we find that the people of the day were following Jesus in huge numbers. Even when he tried to escape the hordes for some ‘time out’ they had anticipated his movements and were already at his 'time-out' hideaway before he arrived there with his disciples. Why were they so eager? Why were they so desperate? What led to such a passionate response from so many people?

Mark writes that when Jesus saw the waiting multitude, “he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” Mark 6:34. Jesus understood why these people craved his presence. He knew why they wanted to ‘hang out’ with him. So he gave them what they needed. “The people listened to words of mercy from the Son of God, words that were as balm to their souls.” Desire of Ages, E.G White p.244 Jesus understood that their need was a need of the heart!

Though they were not sure what it was that they needed they came to Jesus realizing that Jesus had answers for their deepest needs. Jesus began to open their hearts by teaching them truth – life transforming truth. They found out that the ‘heart-breaking’ procedure begins with learning some ‘heart truths’.

Jesus has the answer for your every need. Choose to let him open your heart. Jesus says to you today, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me…Learn the unforced rhythm of grace…keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 The Message.

Open your heart to learn that only Jesus - yes only Jesus - understands your heart. Let him teach you to live your life each day.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

When God Breaks Your Heart (part one)

Have you ever had your heart broken? I have; it was a long time ago. Now before you go getting the wrong idea, let me quickly get to the point – have you ever had God break you heart?

Yes, God break your heart. Now I realize that may sound rather dramatic so let me explain.

Our spiritual heart is always under attack. The threat of spiritual heart disease is ever present. Guilt, anger, greed and jealousy are potent viruses that can paralyze our confidence, our human relationships, and our love for God. There is a way to keep our hearts healthy. Jesus showed us how on that day when he turned a boy’s lunch into a miracle.

We will discover that Jesus takes people who are willing to learn and guides them towards health and vitality. It is a journey that involves opening our hearts to what seems impossible. It will also mean having God ‘bless, break and bestow’ our hearts for ministry. Though the breaking of our heart can be painful, when it is God who breaks our heart it is also God who provides the healing.

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