2022 Heart Check
PURPOSE:
The “Heart Check” exercise is designed to help you reflect on the condition of your heart, and remove any blockers that is stopping you from living in your purpose and God's peace.
ENCOURAGEMENT:
Your heart is so important to God.
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23.
Your life, your purpose, your words flow from your heart. I know God has a great purpose and plan for you. We must have a strong heart to be effective in God’s kingdom. It's vital we check our hearts to make sure we remove the barriers that are crippling us from our connection with God.
Healing beings at the foot of the cross and the reminder that we are God’s children. We have a perfect God full of perfect love that can heal. Allow Jesus to move and breathe into these strongholds. He is ready to liberate you!
I was inspired to create this page after listening to this amazing podcast by Christine Caine. Listen below!
The three toxins are guilt, anger/bitterness, and fear.
GUILT & SHAME
As Christine said in her podcast, guilt it only good if it brings you to the foot of the cross. Jesus has come to set you free from guilt and shame. God loves you so much He wants to remove shame and replace it with His peace that passes understanding.
".....Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30
ANGER & BITTERNESS
Anger and bitterness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person is harmed. Jesus knows this, he wants to remove any poison from your heart so you can fully receive His grace in the FULLNESS it was intended.
I pray that you start a self-awareness journey this year, especially when you find yourself upset or harboring bitterness.
Let’s look at the root of our anger. Why do we become angry? Well, anger typically comes from moments when something you value is threatened. So anger is actually a window to your values. How were your values shaped? Some were shaped by both good and bad examples in your life; some were shaped by past pains. Typically, when you lash out there is a hurt behind it, because “hurt people, hurt people.”
This year I found that some of the things I valued came from past pains and insecurities. We all have these from our past. They could be the result of bad teachers, mean peers, unobservant parents or family members. There are so many times in our youth where our impressionable hearts were damaged. The good news is that Jesus wants to strengthen and heal your heart! So, the next time your claws come out, reflect inwardly and ask yourself 'why this issue or value is so strong?' There might be someone in your past you need to forgive. After forgiving you can truly live light and free, the way God intended.
So I ask you today. Who do you need to forgive?
After forgiving, I pray you abide by God’s word to stay focused on who you are in God's eyes.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9
FEAR:
Christine said at the threshold of every transition in our lives, the devil will send a spirit of fear. We know this fear is not from God, because God does not send spirits of fear. God sends spirits of peace, courage, and love to us. I am so amazed to know that we have the power of Christ Jesus within us! The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is within us! How amazing is that?!
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
So I ask you today: What fear is holding you back?
I pray that you cast out your burdens, fears and any bitterness that has been harboring in your precious heart. A strong heart abides in the word of God. Never stop re-reading the promises of the Lord and learning how God views you. Courage comes from God, and courage is the key to fulfilling our dreams! If we listen to our fears, we'll be paralyzed. To be a warrior of God, we must call upon the Lord for strength. He gives it freely. Even in the darkest hour, know that His perfect love can cast out fear.
