Prepare Your Heart

As we read in yesterday's devotional, preparing the way for the Lord begins with repentance and consecration. Hebrews 12:1-2 says let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. What things in our lives do we need to repent of, to throw off: maybe idols, sin, self-sufficiency, pride, or jealousy?

Heart checks are a good idea, and as Christians we should be doing a “heart check” on a daily basis. A heart check is when you come before God and honestly look at the state of your heart, feelings, and emotions. Proverbs 4:23 says keep your heart with all diligence, so today let’s do a “heart check.” Ask yourself, what is the state of my heart today, do I need to forgive, do I need to let go of disappointment, bitterness, or judgement? Is there fear in my heart that I need to repent of?

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9

Jesus is faithful, when we confess our sins, he forgives us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness, so dealing with the issues of our heart is as simple as saying sorry, confessing our sin before God and asking him to cleanse us.

A journey of preparation is also a journey of consecration. Consecration means to separate a person or thing for the service of God, to make it holy and sacred. The Hebrew qadesh and Greek hagiazo are translated into several different English words: holy, consecrate, hallow, sanctify, and dedicate.

In the Old Testament God is said to be qadesh or “holy.” Time and time again God calls his people to consecrate themselves, calling them to be set apart and holy (Lev 19:2, Ex 19:6). When people were “consecrated,” they were set apart to live according to God’s demands and in his service.

The term holiness is also found throughout the New Testament. In Matthew 23:16-24 Jesus criticized the scribes and Pharisees on the basis of their neglect of justice, mercy, and faith. He said it is “the altar that sanctifies the gift” (Matthew 23:19). The cause to which a person gives themselves determines the nature of the sacrifice. When the cause is God’s, the gift is consecrated. Jesus’ mission was to sanctify people. Paul said that Christians are called to be “saints,” and their sanctification comes through Christ.

Consecration is when we set our lives apart for God. When we devote ourselves to God as belonging to him, as a living sacrifice to him, as clay in his hands for his purposes.

Prayer Point: Father, I ask that you would help me to continue to consecrate my life to you. I pray that as I repent, shift and transform my heart, set me apart Lord for you and for your mission to build your kingdom.