Heart for Jesus

…greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4, KJV)

May you find God faithful in your life this week.  And even more than that, may you choose to be faithful to God.  Faithfulness to God comes out of a heart that chooses to live daily for Him, despite what the circumstances may be.  Remember, that “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”  When you wake up in the morning, declare that this day will be for the Lord.  May you live it out for Him to the best of your ability.  Read this story about a little boy about to go into surgery and examine your heart today!

I Found Jesus There
by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

“Tomorrow morning,” the surgeon began, “I’ll open up your heart…” “You’ll find Jesus there,” the boy interrupted.

The surgeon looked up, annoyed. “I’ll cut your heart open,” he continued, “to see how much damage has been done…” “But when you open up my heart, you’ll find Jesus in there.”

The surgeon looked to the parents, who sat quietly. “When I see how much damage has been done, I’ll sew your heart and chest back up and I’ll plan what to do next.”

“But you’ll find Jesus in my heart. The Bible says He lives there. The hymns all say He lives there. You’ll find Him in my heart.”

The surgeon had had enough. “I’ll tell you what I’ll find in your heart. I’ll find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels. And I’ll find out if I can make you well.”

“You’ll find Jesus there too. He lives there.”

The surgeon left. The surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery, “…damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, widespread muscle degeneration. No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy: painkillers and bedrest. Prognosis:, ” here he paused, “death within one year.” He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said. “Why?” he asked aloud. “Why did You do this? You’ve put him here; You’ve put him in this pain; and You’ve cursed him to an early death. Why?”

The Lord answered and said, “The boy, My lamb, was not meant for your flock for long, for he is a part of My flock, and will forever be. Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain, and will be comforted as you cannot imagine. His parents will one day join him here, and they will know peace, and My flock will continue to grow.”

The surgeon’s tears were hot, but his anger was hotter. “You created that boy, and You created that heart. He’ll be dead in months. Why?”

The Lord answered, “The boy, My lamb, shall return to My flock, for he has done his duty: I did not put My lamb with your flock to lose him, but to retrieve another lost lamb.”

The surgeon wept. The surgeon sat beside the boy’s bed; the boy’s parents sat across from him.

The boy awoke and whispered, “Did you cut open my heart?” “Yes,” said the surgeon. “What did you find?” asked the boy. “I found Jesus there,” said the surgeon.

This little boy believed in a God who was faithful, but not only that he had chosen to be faithful to God despite the fact that his days were already numbered.  When people look at your life, do they see Jesus?  Will they find Jesus in your heart when they open up a conversation with you?  What will people find this week when they interact with you?  Take time to examine your heart and choose to be someone who carries Jesus well!  May God find you faithful in even the smallest details of your life.  Always remember that God is greater than anything you will face this week.  He will not let you down, He will not let you go, and He will not walk away!  Please return the favor.  Be faithful to God this week, not because God is doing something for you.  But because you serve a God who is amazing, loving, and deserving of your faithful devotion each and every day!

What level of faithfulness would you like to be at this week for God?

1.  Oh, I’ll be faithful if God does something for me!

2.  I’ll be faithful for God if He answers my prayer!

3.  I will be faithful for God regardless of how life goes.  I choose to be faithful each and every day because of who God is, not for what He can do!

Challenge: Read 1 John 4

Apply the Word: What does it mean to be God’s love extended?  How will you be the hands and feet of God this week?

Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 4:7

Lord, I pray You will find me faithful all throughout this week!  I choose to empty out the things that mean nothing in my life.  I pray that the meaning in my life will come from serving You and lifting You up!  You are all that I desire, the One that I want to live my life for.  May You be high and lifted up in my life!

When they open my heart, I pray they find You Jesus!