Heart Checkup
We have been praying together for quite a few days now, so it is a good time for a spiritual checkup. Today’s approach is a little different than usual; we’ll get back to our devotion-based format tomorrow.
Early this morning, I asked myself a series of questions as I reflected on the prayers we have shared over the last month. Answering these questions did one of two things: either I saw changes in the area I thought about, gave God thanks and asked him to continue to work in that way, or I saw a struggle with the idea and asked God to work powerfully to lead me toward change. I invite you to ask yourself each question, read the verse(s) that follow and pray about God's work in you in each area.
Do I have a deepening love for God’s Word?
Psalm 119:103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Am I making time in my schedule for God?
Mark 1:35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
Have my prayers become routine and repetitive or are they dynamic and Spirit-led?
Ephesians 6:18 Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints...
Do I pray more about temporal needs than the things that build God’s eternal kingdom?
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Am I practicing an attitude of worship every day?
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Do I see that my endurance, character and hope have been strengthened over the last 30 days?
Romans 5:3-4 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.
Have I become more thankful? Am I thanking God in all circumstances?
1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Are my concerns centered on the things I am “missing out on” during this season or am I focused on what God desires to do in me during this season?
Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Am I resting in God’s care and provision?
Psalm 16:1-2 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you."
Is my primary motivation fear or faith?
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
Do I “stockpile” my worries and concerns or do I turn them over to God immediately?
Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
Is there a deeper awareness of God’s holiness and a stronger hatred of my personal sin?
Romans 12:9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
Do I pray for God to bring spiritual revival to my life, my family, our church and our nation?
Psalm 85:6 Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?
Have I been praying for our local, state and national leaders during this time of crisis?
1Timothy 2:1-3 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior...
Is there anything that stands in the way of me hearing God clearly, following Christ fully and being led by the Holy Spirit?
Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
Am I willing to say “yes” to everything Christ wants for me, no matter the cost?
Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.