Cultivating a Passion for God

by Elizabeth George January 08, 2019

Cultivating a Passion for God by Elizabeth GeorgeI am especially challenged about the temperature of my own heart whenever I consider these words spoken by Jesus: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth”(Revelation 3:15-16).

Heart Condition

According to this scripture, which heart condition do you think God considers the worst? Think about these chilling facts: To be cold-hearted means to be decidedly below normal, to be unemotional, unaware, unconscious of God. Imagine…being unemotional about the things of God!

And then there’s the lukewarm heart. It’s only moderately warm. It’s indifferent! Imagine being indifferent toward God!

Hot—the third option—is where we want to be. That’s having a high temperature, characterized by passion. It’s fiery and excited. Now that’s the heart of someone committed to God! Have you ever been in the presence of a person who is hothearted toward God? I have. Mike was asked to say grace at a potluck dinner. Well, when you have a hot heart for God you can never just say grace.

A Passion for God

Prostrate in his heart and soul, Mike began a prayer of heartfelt worship. His passion tumbled out of his mouth as he thanked God for His salvation, for the fact that he had been transferred from darkness into the kingdom of light, that he had been lost but was now found, blind but could now see. On and on Mike went until I, frankly, lost my appetite because I had found other meat—for the soul! Mike’s hot heart moved me to forget about a mere hot meal for my stomach.

Our heart for God should be like a boiling pot. Our heart should be characterized by a God-given and intense passion for our Lord. After all, when a teakettle is boiling on your stove, you know it. It sputters and steams. It actually hops up and down and jiggles from side to side, empowered by its violent heat. Hot to the touch, it shares the heat that is within. There is no way to ignore its fire.

Likewise, we should be fiery and excited about God, and God will fuel our fire. That’s what I want for you—and for myself. I want Jesus’ presence in our lives to make a difference. I want us to overflow with His goodness and praise. I want our lips to speak of the great things He has done for us (Luke 1:49), to tell of His wonders (Psalm 96:3). “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so”(Psalm 107:2)!

RESPOND

Dear Lord, please help my heart be fiery for You. I want to be in awe of Your wonders and to tell others about You. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES

A Woman After God's Own Heart—Elizabeth George shares God's Word and woman-to-woman practical wisdom on how you can pursue God's priorities for your home and family. Pick up this inspiring booktoday and receive two free gifts!

REFLECT

In what ways do you cultivate a fiery heart for God?

REMEMBER

Our heart should be characterized by a God-given and intense passion for our Lord.


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Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.

Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.


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