Matters of the Heart Pt. 1

"God withholds nothing from a man/woman who gives Him their heart"

The BIG question is, to whom does God reveal Himself to? There is a lot to unfold that I will not be able to cover everything in this blog post but will reveal more later on this topic in part II which will come from my Youtube Channel - Simply Tola

"The person who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who (really) loves me, and whoever (really) loves me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him reveal Myself to him (I will make Myself real to him)" John 14:21

The Holy Spirit revealed to me the number one barrier that hinders an individual from receiving revelations from God.....

Selfishness- meaning it's always about the person satisfying their own desires and wants and never about pleasing God. God's will for believers is to obey Him and His word.

By man's nature, we are selfish beings, we are always looking after me, myself, and I. If you want to operate successfully in God's kingdom, He tells us opposite, to forsake ourselves for Christ. Your life does not belong to you, but everything you are and have belongs to God. When the Spirit of God comes upon a man and transformation through the word of God occurs, it enables the person to live only for God and His desires for ourselves. I only want what God wants for Tola. Sounds weird? But that's the kingdom principle and secret that many don't want to live by.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone wishes to follow me (as my disciple), he must deny himself (set aside selfish interests), and take up his cross (expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come) and follow me (believing in Me, conforming to my example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in me). Matthew 16:24

Many Christians have missed God and really aren't Jesus disciples. Why? Because they cannot deny themselves: their wants, desires, plans, etc. It's always about them. That's why God cannot use such people because they are still carnal in their mindset. They have not gone through the process of brokenness before God.

Simple....To follow God, you cannot be selfish!

That's why it goes on to say in scripture:

"For whoever wishes to save his life (in this world) will (eventually) lose it (through death), but whoever loses life (in this world) for my sake will find it (that is, life with me for all eternity)"

That's why Jesus emphasizes...

"Do not store up for yourselves (material) treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal." (Matthew 6:19-21)

We are not to focus our lives and build our lives around material things (money, fame, etc.) without God. It will pass away! This is not to say God wants us poor NO WAY! We have a rich Daddy. He wants us wealthy and rich but the essence is to serve His Kingdom work. (How do I know?)

The scripture also says:

"For what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world (with all its pleasures), and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul and eternal life (in God's kingdom)?" Mark 8:36

This shows me a born again believer can gain the benefits of this world and still make heaven! It's not a sin, God doesn't want poor children, it's just our willingness to follow certain kingdom principles. In this kingdom God releases riches and wealth to those He can trust, those that will not idolize it when given, and those who will use it for His glory.

Now, if we are not selfish, what does God require of us?

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? And Jesus replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself (that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others)." Matthew 22:36-39

It's impossible to love God with ALL your heart and hate your neighbor. Thats why by order:

1. If you Love God

THEN you will naturally...

2. Love His people

If you can love God genuinely, you will easily love His people. And we know by "Love" meaning obedience and following God's word not emotional love. God's will for us is to serve Him through the people He has called us to serve. Lives are connected to your destiny. What are you going to do with what He placed in your hands? People are waiting for you to manifest the glory of God on the inside of you so they can be liberated.

“For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me [with help and ministering care]; I was in prison, and you came to Me [ignoring personal danger].’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You as a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ The King will answer and say to them, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it for Me." Matthew‬ ‭25:35-40‬ ‭

Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves. By neighbor, He means our brothers and sisters in Christ (the body of Christ). How did you effectively take care of the people, and their needs? It all reflects back if we genuinely love God. When we serve God's people ultimately we are serving God.

Again emphasizing in scripture: "The King will answer and say to them, I assure you and most solemnly say to you, to the extent that you did if for one of these brothers (insider not outsiders) of mine, even the least of them, you did it for me." Matthew 25:40

Matters of the Heart is a deep topic meant to push you into a place of reflection. Genuinely Ask yourself :

-Do I love God as I claim to say and sing?

-Am I fulfilling His purpose concerning me?

-Does God even reveal Himself to me?

If you need assistance in answering these questions refer back to the scriptures in this blog. The word of God is like a mirror. Your life should reflect the written scriptures, if not then start asking the Holy Spirit to help you to love God, to show you what it takes to serve Him with all your heart, mind, body, and soul.

Love you all

<See you Part II!>

-Simply Tola