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Time to renew your heart

Posted on by DeMoss
Bible, cross, and cup. Tools of a prophet.


In his latest blog “Home Words Bound,” the Rev. Benton Heisler reminds us of ten questions John Wesley asked to encourage his followers to journey toward wholeness, then and now.

BENTON HEISLER
Director of Connectional Ministries

Benton HeislerMy article this week is largely comprised of the words of John Wesley. They come from a devotional study titled “Renew My Heart”. 

The news is full of countless challenges, degrading rhetoric, exaggerated statements. Few, if any, creative solutions to real challenges are being provided by wise men and women with one of the most powerful governments in the word at their disposal. While they fail, we continue to pay them, yet those who truly and consistently produce, protect, process payments and are stewards of our park resources are not paid. God help us!!

At times, I question the moral courage and moral character of those we have elected to lead in our government, Democrat and Republican alike! COME ON PEOPLE, DO YOUR JOB AND FIND SOLUTIONS, FORM CREATIVE COMPROMISES AND MAINTAIN A CIVILITY THAT LEADS YOUR PEOPLE.

In the meantime, remember the words of Luke 12:20 will one day be applicable to us all, “This very night your soul is required of you.”

So here are all the questions John Wesley stacked around this verse. He pictured them being asked of us as we meet God face to face. They bear a time of reflection by each of us:

  • How did you employ your soul?
  • How did you employ the body with which I entrusted you?
  • Did you employ your health and strength in a vigorous pursuit of that better part which none can take away from you?
  • Above all, were you a steward of my grace going before, accompanying and following you?
  • Did you employ your memory in treasuring up what would be for My glory, your salvation and the advantage of others?
  • Did you store up what you had learned from my word and your experience of My wisdom, truth, power, and mercy?
  • Was your imagination employed in awakening your pursuit of wisdom and holiness?
  • Was I the object of your love?
  • Was all your desire unto Me?
  • Was I the joy of your heart, the delight of your soul? 

I plan to print these questions of Wesley and place them in the devotional reading material I use each day. They are powerful reminders of what it takes to be a disciple of Christ.

Perhaps if we all pray more and Facebook post less, new solutions to many of life’s challenges will be revealed.

Perhaps if we serve more and are self-centered less, generosity will overcome greed.

Perhaps if we call on the name of Jesus more, and call each other derogatory names less, hope will truly replace hate.

I am willing going to give it a try. I look forward to joining you on this journey to wholeness in Christ. 

“If you make my Word your home, you will indeed be my disciples.  You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:13 New Jerusalem Bible) Each article I write for this column is based in the guidance of a Scripture passage. I pray that these reflections, stories and information will assist you in your own witness and service as a Disciple of Jesus Christ.

Last Updated on September 20, 2022

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The Michigan Conference