This last Saturday I was blessed to attend an event called Equip with many other brothers and sisters in Christ. This event hosted and lead by Eastview Christian Church staff and members provided a chance for those involved in small groups to join in fellowship. It also provide meaningful spiritual wisdom to prayerfully lead well giving insights that allowed us to walk away more equipped to focus on God. These insights encourage and support our small groups on their spiritual journeys and remind us of the influence we have day in and day out on others as part of the body of Christ. What an amazing day and I truly appreciate the wisdom, time, and love shared to grow the body of Christ.
One reminder I walked away with is that God is always in earshot of us. That when we “lean in” and listen to what God has to say. It will influence our lives. This influence will then be the nudge we need to influence others. A reminder of this influence can be found in 1 Peter 2:9 that we are chosen by God, that we may proclaim the excellence of Him who called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light.
Today’s Reading is Joshua 14 and Proverbs 14. Digging into these chapters I selected a few verses that captured my heart and literally spoke about the heart. In Joshua 14 Caleb, son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite , shares how Moses had promised him land. Now, we have already seen through Joshua the division of land, but what I reflected on mainly is what Caleb says in verses 8-9. Caleb says… but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God whole-heartedly. So on the day Moses swore, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.
Breaking down wholeheartedly requires our school dictionary Merriam-Webster that defines wholeheartedly as; completely and sincerely devoted, marked by complete earnest commitment: free from all reserve or hesitation.
My heart check question to reflect on today was, “Where am I at with a wholehearted following of our Lord?” Can I be completely and sincerely devoted? Marked by complete earnest commitment? A realistic answer is that I fall short many times and influenced by my flesh instincts. I will follow this realization with specific prayers for our continued growth, resilience, and obedience to Him and His living word. That we continue to journey each day with praise and submission to Him. In verses 10-11 Caleb says that even from the age of 40, (which is an age I can reflect back to :), until his age of 85, Caleb was still as strong in the Lord, and vigorous to go out to battle. He wholeheartedly continued to love and serve the Lord.
God, we ask that at whatever beautiful age we are at, give us the wisdom and endurance to exhibit an obedient spirit to consistently grow our faith in You that does not lose strength.
Proverbs 14 has many powerful verses, this includes verse 30 that made a connection to our heart topic for the day. It says, A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
Our heart makes a difference, not only on a physical and medical level, but mainly through our closeness with God. This closeness is available to you today. He is waiting for us. Just call out, listen, and trust. This peace provided by our Lord leads to a an earthly time of happiness, and an eternal time of love and fellowship.
Reach out to God today wholeheartedly. Let Him provide you with the peace we all need!