The Heart of God

Perhaps the most famous Bible Verse is John 3:16.  'For God loved the world in this way:  He gave His One and ONly Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.'  This verse reminds us of the greatest gift ever given!  I believe this verse declares the heart of God.

When we consider this verse we see that the source of the gift is God.  The strength of the gift is that it is given out of love.  The scope of the gift is the whole world!  God has expressed His love to the whole world in the sending of His Son.  Next we notice it is a sacrificial gift.  God gave His Son - His only Son.  What a sacrifice! He died for us!  Lastly, it is a salvation gift.  The greatest gift ever given is the gift of eternal life provided by the Lord Himself in His substitutionary atonement on our behalf.  All who trust in Him are saved forever.  Glory Hallelujah!  His resurrection was the final expression of how he broke the chains of death, sin and the grave.

God has a huge heart - a heart for the whole world.  Our privilege as His children is to take this glorious gospel to the ends of the earth as He commanded.  This week, at Northside we have 35 people in Puerto Rico rebuilding two homes and ministering to 150 children in Vacation Bible School.  Recently a team went to Bulgaria, another team went to Guatemala, one member went to the Ukraine.  We have a member serving in Paraguay.  This fall, our missions pastor will take a small team on an exploratory trip to East Asia.  Within just a few days a group of 40 adults and youth will minister at a wonderful retreat center.  They will minister at a children's camp and work on the property and facilities as well.

When you care about the things that God cares about, you will find it keeps the fire burning.  For me, going on mission with the Lord to the whole world is just another way of making sure I'm in step with God's agenda and not simply asking Him to join mine.  The difference is known in attitude, gratitude and fruit.

If you want to know the heart of God, love the world like He does.  Start from where you are and consider going to the ends of the earth as He directs, short term or long term.  It will keep the fire burning.  Whether that trip is across the street, a few minutes down the road, an hour away, a few hours, or across the globe, it's a trip worth taking!

For the sake of souls and the glory of God!
Bruce