Today : Do Not Lose Heart
TODAY’S VERSE
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” II Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The heart, that part of us that balances out our rational thinking. It is the center of mystery, passion, hope, wonderment and love. It is that part of us that reacts to the love of Christ. It is what keeps us alive. God told the Jews that He would take out their stony heart and give them a heart that is alive! And likewise, He has done that for us. Unfortunately though, we can totally ignore our heart. We can get so busy, so worried, so carnal that we forget that God wants our emotional, intuitive, passionate part of us. Paul warns us, “Do not lose your heart!” The question is, “How?” How do we stop from giving in or giving up? Paul gives us that answer. He says we can stop from losing heart, “by renewing our heart, day by day.” Devotions, meditating, praying, spending time with God is the way to renewal. Today, stop and come to Him. Give Him your heart. Ask Him to renew it. If the worries of the world, the lure of riches, or the lust of the flesh has your heart in cardiac arrest, go to code blue. “Stand back” and let Jesus resuscitate your heart right now.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Jesus, creator of my heart, I come to You now in desperate need of heart renewal. You know how I have let time slip by. I have not protected my heart. I can feel it becoming callous. Forgive me. Oh Spirit of God, right now, I ask You to renew my heart. Give me the peace, joy, love, passion, hope and steadfastness that comes from a heart renewed by You day by day. In Jesus’ name.
AMEN
TODAYS AFFIRMATION & MEDITATION
I will not lose heart
Quiet yourself as you come into the presence of God. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and direct your thoughts. Picture yourself tired, confused, feeling down, finding it hard to breathe. Put your hand on your heart and say, “Oh Lord, renew my heart.” Take a deep breath and as you exhale picture God coming to you and touching your chest. Feel God’s power renewing you. Breath deep and say, “God, fill me with hope.” Again, “Lord fill me with faith.” As you breathe one more time, “Lord fill me with love.” Cry out, “more God, I want more. Come and renew my heart, I want more of You!” As you worship in His presence let God minister to you.