I. What does it mean to love God with all your heart?
A. Heart is not an affectual word, it’s an ontological word.
B. Our love for God is not just a matter of feeling, it’s a matter of being.
II. Why do we need to put God first?
A. The heart will love something, it’s just a matter of what.
B. The heart is sick and loving God is the cure.
Questions: Points to ponder upon this New Year
Read Proverbs 3:5-8 and meditate on the following questions:
A. If the heart represents the totality of your being (mind, will, emotion), how do you trust the Lord with all your heart?
B. How does that trust affect the different aspects of your being – your mind, will and emotion?
C. What do you do if what you know to be true about God doesn’t agree with what you feel? (For example, you know God is faithful but you still feel fearful).
Read Philippians 4:6-8 and meditate on the following questions:
D. Based on this verse, what elements of prayer should you engage in to help the heart move from a state of anxiety to a state of peace?
E. How can hoping in the wrong cause be destructive? What happens when you hope in the wrong thing?
Prayer and Action Point:
This start of the year, take time off for prayer and meditation. Make a list and think about what you would like to do so you can deepen your relationship with God. Afterwards, make another list and think about what activities you can eliminate to create time and space for God and for serving in the church. Then lift up these lists to God and ask for wisdom and guidance on how to implement them.