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A Dislocated Heart
Nehemiah was a prestigious Jewish cupbearer to the king of the Persians. His fellow Jews had been in exile for decades. Some had been able to return to their ancient land of Judah, but things weren't going well there.
A brother and some other men visited Nehemiah with bad news, breaking his heart.
They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. (Nehemiah 1:3-4 NIV)
This is an example of a heart being moved toward God’s plans.
A Dislocated Heart is a God-given and passionate concern for God’s agenda that supersedes our comfort and plans.
Every great movement of God started with one man or woman who cared deeply enough to hear God’s voice and stepped out to do something. We can't change everything with a Dislocated Heart, but we can change something.
Our Savior Jesus Christ modeled this heart!
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8 NIV)
How do you develop a Dislocated Heart? The process involves four specific actions:
1. Honest, personal self-evaluation: Are you too wrapped up in your own life? What needs around you do you find yourself caring about?
2. Genuine repentance: Do you see how a lack of a Dislocated Heart grieves God?
3. Thoughtful consideration: Fear can be a typical reaction to a change of heart and demands trusting God.
4. Ask God for a Dislocated Heart: Like Nehemiah, pray!
Remember, it’s not about doing something great for God; it’s about letting Him do something great in your heart that just may include Him giving you a Broken Spirit.
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About this Plan
What do you think of when you hear the word ambition? Self-centeredness? Greed? In this seven-day study, you’ll learn that God wants you to develop ambition—Holy Ambition! Bible teacher and pastor Chip Ingram draws from the story of Nehemiah to help you develop the seven conditions you need to let God use your gifts and dreams to transform the world.
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