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Thesis: We need God’s heart in us if we’re going to be effective for God in our region of influence.
When I talk about having God’s heart I’m talking about God’s feelings and thoughts becoming our feelings and thoughts; hating what God hates and loving what God loves.
1. Can we have God’s heart?
2. How do we get God’s heart?
3. How and why do we protect our hearts?
4. What happens when we get God’s heart?
1. Can we have God’s heart?
Ezekiel 11:19-21
19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. 20 Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God. 21 But as for those whose hearts are devoted to their vile images and detestable idols, I will bring down on their own heads what they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
1 Corinthians 2:16
for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
2. How do we get God’s heart?
It’s a supernatural work of God’s grace but there are some things we can do in order to position ourselves “under the spout where the glory comes out.”
James 4:8
8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Hebrews 11:6
6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
We must seek God Relationally
*Bible meditation/memorization/confession
*P.U.S.H. Pray Until Something Happens
*Avoid “unnecessary” Ungodliness/Be Holy
Bible Meditation
Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Psalm 119:11
11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Joshua 1:8
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Prayer
In the book Successful Leadership through the Government of 12
“The growth of our church and the growth of Christianity throughout the nation of South Korea did not come by accident. It came through fervent, violent and prevailing prayer, of which the foundation of the foundation of the vision is made. As Jesus said in Matthew 11:12 “The kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force.” Until recently, it took great sacrifice to be a Christian in South Korea. But now at least one-fourth of our nation are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. The church in Columbia is experiencing a similar impact. Our Lord is truly moving all over the world.” ~Dr. David Younggi Cho
We must spend quality time in God’s presence through prayer if we expect to catch his heart.
Deuteronomy 4:29
But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.
James 5:16b
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (for healing)
Hebrews 5:7
During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.
3. Why and how do we Protect our Hearts?
The Why…
Matthew 15:18-20
18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’ 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20 These are what make a man ‘unclean’; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him ‘unclean.’”
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
The How…
Prayer protects the heart God has given us.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Thought Control
2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
I believe we also need to control our mouth’s. I believe God’s given you creative power in your mouth and that when you speak things out into the realm of the earth they begin to take shape.
4. What Happens When we Get God’s Heart?
How you can know if you have or are developing a heart for God, is that your language will change. (Luke 6:45) You will begin to say things from your heart, that reflect the mind, feelings, and will of God.
Jeremiah 20:9
But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
Matthew 12:33-37
33 “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 35 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
A person that has God’s heart will have a heart for prayer, holiness, souls, the Word etc. These things naturally flow from God’s heart to the hearts of those who are seeking him.
People with God’s heart will love what he loves and hate what he hates.
Conclusion:
We need God’s heart in us if we’re going to be effective for God in our region of influence.
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45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-9124