Taking Devotions to Heart - Part 2

Thump - thump, thump- thump (heart beat) … what does your heart sound like?  I love the story of the little boy listening to his mother’s chest.  He asked, “Does Jesus live in your heart”?  “Yes He does”, she replied.  The little boy looked up and said, “Mom – Jesus is making coffee”.  What’s the condition of your heart, have you had a recent check up?  Today, yes today, let’s consider what captures our hearts?
 
If your heart could speak for itself would it say, "I’m worried, stressed, and full of “myself”", or would you have to limit the words of praise, adoration and awe of describing God and His great love?  Seriously, why do we take devotionals so lightly, hurriedly and check it off as a to-do, so it’s done?  God’s heart beats for us.
 
Alright, enough, enough … right?  Taking devotions to heart starts with a proper attitude.  It’s a “get to” rather than a “have to” attitude.  It’s an attitude of gratitude when we really take to heart God’s sacrificial, unconditional love for us.  Do we really grasp that the Creator of the heavens and earth is wooing us into deeper intimacy with Him?  Incredible, yet accessible!
 
Be intentional with your individual and family time with God:

• Make it a priority
• Keep it relevant (find an understandable version of the Bible)
• Be honest with God
• Look for ways to personalize it (substitute in your name when reading scripture)
• Act upon His promises
• Be eager to learn
• Invite Him to mess with you (what would you have me do)
• Celebrate
• Be creative (location, add music, total silence, draw/paint)
• See the BIG picture
• Write it down, pray it back
• Empty yourself, fill up with Him

 
 Camp has the unique privilege of being “Jesus in tennis shoes” referring to living out God’s love in all that we say and do.  This comes with tremendous responsibility, humility and dependence upon God and His Word.  We take it to heart from the start:  "God, Lord, Father what would you have us do?  How may we serve You?  What would you have us be about?  Where are You moving?  What are Your thoughts, principles and priorities?  Guide us, use us for Your glory and reputation.  Amen!"
 
The mission of T Bar M Camps is to present Jesus Christ, teach His ways, and represent Him in an exciting, enthusiastic and encouraging Camp experience.  That’s why we do what we do, and are what we are. Thank you for joining us and being such a big part of the Camp family – we take that to heart.
 
Thump - thump, thump - thump … hear the beat … that’s His Love drum reminding you of His presence.