There will always be things in life that will attempt to pull you in a direction that is opposite of what God intended.

We have an enemy that seeks to divide us in every way. Since he knows he can’t have our whole heart, he is happy to take half of it. Why? Because a divided heart indicates a heart filled with distraction. And distraction is what leads to destruction.

An undivided heart, however, has one aim and driving purpose in life, which is to please God. It is a heart that is fixed on God alone, and does not allow itself to be distracted or influenced by the cares and fleeting pleasures of life.

Scripture Focus:

“Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” – Psalm 86:11 (NIV)

Did you know that God’s love is the greatest love ever known to man? Not only because it is unconditional and unchanging, but it is always available to us!

Many people grow up doubting the love of God due to negative life experiences. Broken relationships, rejection, misfortune, and even our own personal failures can cause us to doubt why God would choose to love us.

Sometimes well-meaning churches even misguide us into thinking that we need to earn God’s love by behaving or acting “good enough.” If you ever doubt that God loves you, just look at the cross. It was there that God demonstrated the greatest act of love when He sent Jesus to die for us.

Therefore, we no longer have to work towards being loved; it is already freely given to us. As you go throughout the week, I ask that you take a few minutes to meditate on Scriptures that will strengthen your faith in God’s love. Then pray and ask the Lord to show you how to reflect His love to others.

Scripture Focus:

”The greatest love you can show is to give your life for your friends.” – John 15:13 (GWT)

– Dr. John Barton

Is your heart broken and overwhelmed by the painful realities of life?

Perhaps you are dealing with past hurt or present rejection. Maybe you are grieving the death of a loved one, a painful breakup, or financial hardship. You may even feel weary in your faith and burdened by the immense pressures of life.

Whatever is broken in your life, you can receive healing and wholeness. God knows exactly where you are and what you are going through. It makes no difference whether you are feeling physical pain or suffering from an emotional wound. He has a master plan to restore your broken heart.

The God of the universe cares about you. He knows the pain you feel, and He cares about the condition of your heart. When you begin to surrender and allow His grace to do the necessary work in you, in time you will be fully restored.

My prayer for you today is that you will come to know God as the Mighty Healer, the Great Restorer, the One who heals all pain. May God heal your broken heart and fill it with His divine peace. In Jesus Name. Amen!

Scripture Focus:

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3 (NIV)

When was the last time you gave any thought to the condition of your heart? I am not referring to the organ in your physical body, but the essence of who you are within.

If you were to honestly examine your own heart right now, what would you find? Would you find love, joy, peace, and gratitude? Or, would you find anger, fear, bitterness, and greed?

The advice to follow your heart may be dangerous if you’ve never taken time to examine what’s in it. Today’s scripture reminds us that everything flows from the heart—our hopes, dreams, fears, hurts, and decisions.

Everything that makes you who you are is in your heart. So again, how’s your heart?

Scripture Focus:

”Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)