Jim Burns Homeword Daily Devotional for Parenting and Christian Family

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HomeWord - Nov. 28, 2007


Spiritual Heartbeat 
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”  Proverbs 4:23

What is the heart?  Most simply, it is the organ that pumps blood through the body.  I read recently that physiologically each person’s heartbeat has its own unique pattern.  Just as there are no two people exactly alike, no two hearts keep the exact same rhythm.   The Bible refers to the heart as the driving will or innermost being. 

Just as there are no two identical physiological heartbeats, so it is with how God made our spiritual hearts.  Your spiritual heart possesses a unique emotional heartbeat that races when you encounter different causes, activities, subjects or circumstances.  Instinctively, it seems there are some things we care deeply about and other things that don’t even turn our heads.  Understanding this spiritual heartbeat is a part of the journey God has for us; it helps us understand God’s intention for our lives.

The Bible is full of stories that show how passion stirred calling.  Solomon had a heart to be a wise ruler.  Moses had a heart for his people.  Nehemiah had a heart for Jerusalem.  These are simply a few examples among many.  Even in today’s world we can see how people’s passion drives them towards what God has for them:  Billy Graham has a passion to evangelize.  Jim Burns has a passion for healthy families.  Bono has a passion for the AIDS epidemic.  What is your passion?

While some of these examples may seem out of reach or unattainable, I believe God has given each of us a passion no matter how small or large the scale may seem.  Many moms are following their heartbeat to stay at home and sacrifice their careers to raise their children.  Other people are figuring out how they can use their passion and skills in the workplace to make a difference.  Some are teaching Sunday school to fulfill their passion that the next generation would come to know Jesus.

What gets you excited?  What powerful emotion or enthusiasm has the Lord placed on your heart?  Not sure yet?  Keep looking.  For when you find that passion, you will have a better understanding of God’s call on your life..

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GOING DEEPER:

1. What is your spiritual heartbeat?  Have you taken time to discover what passion God has placed on your heart?

2. How can you exercise your passion to help and serve others?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 37:4; Hebrews 4:12; Colossians 3:23-24


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