How can we ensure our hearts are "stirred" for God's plans in daily life? Verse in Focus “And everyone whose heart was stirred and whose spirit was willing came and brought to the LORD a freewill offering for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments.” (Exodus 35:21) What a Stirred Heart Looks Like • Readily responds to God’s prompting • Gives freely without coercion • Sees ordinary resources as offerings for extraordinary purposes • Moves from intention to action Daily Practices That Keep the Heart Stirred • Begin each morning by surrendering the day: “Here I am, Lord—use me.” (cf. Romans 12:1) • Keep a running list of needs and opportunities; act on at least one each day • Reflect nightly on where you sensed God’s nudge, celebrating obedience and confessing missed moments The Word: Fuel for Holy Passion • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – Schedule unhurried reading; listen for assignments, not just information – Memorize verses that call you to action (e.g., James 1:22; Colossians 3:23) Relying on the Spirit’s Inner Work • “For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13) • Fan into flame the gift within (2 Timothy 1:6) by: – Quick obedience to small prompts – Times of quiet to hear His voice – Continual confession, keeping spiritual arteries unclogged Guarding the Heart from Numbness • “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) – Shut out influences that cool zeal (cynicism, constant complaints) – Feed on testimonies of God’s faithfulness—biographies, missionary reports, answered prayers Community: A Spark for Enthusiasm • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together…” (Hebrews 10:24-25) – Serve alongside others; shared mission multiplies motivation – Invite accountability: a friend who asks, “What offering did you bring to God’s work this week?” Living Ready to Offer • Keep a portion of time, talent, and treasure unallocated so you can respond instantly • Treat interruptions as potential divine appointments (Acts 8:26-35 shows how a willing servant meets a prepared heart) • Celebrate every “yes,” no matter how small, reinforcing a lifestyle of availability Summary Snapshot Stay in the Word, stay sensitive to the Spirit, stay surrounded by God’s people, and stay ready to give. When these rhythms weave through daily life, hearts remain stirred, hands stay willing, and God’s plans advance through ordinary moments offered back to Him. |
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