Posts Tagged ‘tuned-in heart’

A Tuned-in Heart #2

Friday, June 26th, 2009

When our hearts are in tune with God, we have a heightened awareness to His quiet whispers and gentle nudges. And boy, oh boy, life gets exciting when we respond.

Last summer, while traveling by train in Poland, I “happened” to share a berth with a man named Alexander. I sensed the divine nudge to tell him about Jesus, so I began looking for the right moment in our conversation. Lo and behold, it came within a couple of minutes when he asked me why I came to Poland. Then he told me that he was an atheist.

“That’s too bad,” I said. He raised his eyebrows in surprise. “You see, God loves you and has a purpose for your life. That’s probably why I’m on this train…today…and so are you. This was no coincidence. He wants to communicate something to you, and He sent me here to deliver the message.” A wonderful conversation about spiritual things followed. Alexander didn’t commit his life to Christ that day, but I believe a seed was planted in his heart and God will water it.

The story of Philip and the treasurer of Ethiopia in Acts 8 is another illustration of divine nudges. Philip’s heart was in tune with God, and he heard the command to “Go south.” He obeyed. Then he saw the Ethiopian sitting in his carriage and heard the command to “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.” He obeyed. A wonderful conversation about spiritual things followed, and the Ethiopian placed his faith in Jesus Christ as a result.

Since my last post about having a tuned-in heart, I’ve prayed frequently for God to make this characteristic true of me and my family members. I want to partner with Him where He’s at work. Do you? Today, if you hear God’s voice or feel His nudge, dive in and see what happens!

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A Tuned-In Heart

Friday, June 19th, 2009

I read a simple but profound verse this morning: “O LORD, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with you” (Psalm 125:4).

What does it look like when our hearts are in tune with God? Here are a few thoughts:

  • We’re not easily irritated when unexpected phone calls, emails, and visitors interrupt our to-do list. In fact, we view those “interruptions” as God fulfilling His intention for our time that day.
  • We view life’s tough stuff as opportunities to experience God’s strength in a deeper way.
  • We don’t panic when an unexpected expense hits us. Instead, our first response is to pray, thanking God that this was no surprise to Him and He’s able to provide.
  • We understand that our material possessions and bank account belong not to us, but to the Lord, and He can do with them as He pleases.
  • We value what God values – being people of integrity, caring for the orphan and widow, living so our actions match our words, and more.
  • We hunger for His Word and find pleasure in studying it.
  • We enjoy the fellowship of other believers.
  • We obey the Holy Spirit’s nudge to speak a particular word to someone at a certain time, to phone, to send a card or email.
  • We’re content to wait when He says, “Wait.”
  • We go when He says, “Go.”
  • We obey His directives with joy and anticipation.
  • We truly look forward to the day when Christ returns.
  • We’re quick to forgive when offended.
  • We’re sensitive to others and able to speak a good word in season.
  • We’re able to effectively communicate the message of life to someone who’s never heard or doesn’t understand the Gospel.

Wow – the list could go on and on! Can you think of other evidences that show our hearts are in tune with the Lord’s? Feel free to post them for others to read!

Based on the Psalmist’s prayer, I’m going to begin praying this for my friends and family – first, that their hearts will be in tune with God’s. Next, I’m going to ask God to be good to them. I’m eager to see how He’ll answer!

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