All InSample

Did you know the word "heart" is mentioned more than 700 times in the Bible? Why do you think that is? I believe we find the answer in Proverbs 4:23, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.”

When many of us think of the heart, we think of love. For me, I instantly think of my family. My father has early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and most days he doesn’t know who I am. Still, whether he knows me or not, I love him the same because my love for him is rooted deep in my heart. Occasionally, my father will say my name. And my heart leaps when he says my nickname. Those are good days because my father truly knows me. 

In researching the meaning of the word "heart" in the Bible, I discovered that the word for heart is often referring to the seat of intellect, feelings, and will. So, when we read the word heart in Scripture, it’s not talking about the organ that pumps blood to every part of the body, but instead to the place in the body where will, sadness, happiness, gladness, kindness, and joy begin. It’s the place where true and meaningful things are rooted. The place where dreams and foundations are planted. 

In Acts 2:43-46, a passage that you probably will recognize and maybe even be able to quote from memory by now, Paul shares: “Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart.” 

These people had hearts that were all in! They gave up possessions, time, everything - to people they may have just met! Only an all in heart would make this dream a reality. I think back to my heart leaping when my earthly father recognizes me. Then I think about my Heavenly Father and how must God feel when we, His children, remember Him. His heart leaps! 

What if we didn’t just go through our days, living our routine lives, ignoring God, and instead put Him first? What if we didn’t wait for a storm to come or a miracle to happen to remember Him? Do you think God’s Heart longs to leap for you? His Heart and His Love are sincere, supernatural, and not dependent on our hearts or love. More importantly, His Heart and Love for us are all in. 

If an Acts 2 all in heart is what you want, you must recognize that it will only come through Him. It only comes with a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit in our hearts which allows us to feel, love, and act beyond ourselves.