Encouraging Word
Colossians 3:17 says in whatever you do, in word or deed, do it as unto the Lord. To me, that means to do it with all your heart! With all your heart means to feel or believe it very strongly. It also suggests being all in, not holding anything back, and being committed. This should describe our relationship with God. As people of God, we should love God, seek God, trust God, and serve God with all our hearts.
Love God. In Mark 12:30, the greatest commandment says to love God with all your heart. This kind of love (agape) is unselfish, unconditional, unwavering, unfailing, and unending. Revelation 2:4 says that Jesus should be our (ITALIC TO END QUOTE) “first love.” Are you in love with Jesus?
Seek God. Jeremiah 29:13 says that you will find God when you seek Him with all your heart. Seek means to search, look for, attempt to find, desire to obtain, and pursue. Matthew 6:33 says make it a priority to seek God and His will. And Matthew 7:7-8 says to make it a practice. Continue to ask, seek, and knock. Are you seeking God’s will for your life?
Trust God. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Trust means to believe in, rely on, have confidence in, and place your faith in. We are to trust God and not self; to yield to God and follow His path. Trust God no matter what!
Serve God. Joshua 22:5 says you are to serve God with all your heart. In Joshua 24:15, Joshua tells the people that he and his house will always serve the Lord. Serve means to perform duties or services for another and to put others needs before your own. 1 Samuel 12:24 says, “only fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you.” Let’s follow Jesus example by being a servant.
With all your heart, love God, seek God, trust God, and serve God.
-Tony Cooper
Director Emeritus of Jimmie Hale Mission
