From the heart, To the heart

{Warning:: This post is straight from the heart and to the heart!}

Lately God has been revealing to me His incredible love for me. His love for each one of us.

And also how much of a sinner I am, a sinner in need of His daily grace.

"But He gives us more grace..." James 4:6a

For whatever reason, He has been opening my eyes to some ugly things in my heart. When that happens, it's never fun. It brings pain and tears. But in the end, it's what I need. And it brings peace.

This song popped into my head a few minutes ago and it just ties right into the thoughts of my heart right now.

The chorus speaks to me the most:

"Empty me
Of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition
And the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me
So I can be
Filled with you"
{Chris Sligh}

My prayer is that I could indeed be emptied.

My favorite sermon from church in the last month was titled, "Rekindling Our Love for Jesus."

The points that spoke to me the most were the following:

• "Love the Lord your God (referring to Deuteronomy 6:5) does not leave anything out.
• Is He everything to me?
• What and who is drawing your heart?
• You can serve Christ without loving Him, but you can't love Him without serving Him.
• We sometimes have a lifestyle, but not a heartstyle."

That last line is one that has been resonating within me ever since I heard it. How's my heartstyle? Maybe not as great as I'd like it to be. I've certainly become more aware of some of my thoughts, actions, and attitudes towards certain people and am seeking to be made more in His image as a result. My challenge to you is that you would take a few moments to assess your heartstyle. Who is your heart drawn towards? Maybe the more important question is who do you want your heart to be completely drawn towards?

I firmly believe that God is moved by repentant hearts that are humbled and broken before Him. Whether it's on our knees or not, He hears our honest cries. My hope and prayer is that my heart and yours would be renewed and made fresh to serve Him anew beginning this very moment.