transformation of the heart

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

The will of God is not merely focused on whether we become a doctor or a teacher or whether we have tuna or peanut butter for lunch. It is focused on what we do to position our heart in relationship to God at all times, in all circumstances.

Rejoicing, praying and thanksgiving are all acts of our will that, particularly in times of difficulty, weakness and uncertainty, require faith. They are activities that draw our focus to Heaven so we can agree with what is true, no matter what we feel or perceive with our physical senses and emotions. And since our agreement is what attracts the strength and reality of Heaven into our lives and circumstances, it makes sense that these activities fulfill the will of God expressed in the Lord’s Prayer—on earth as it is in Heaven.

The transformation of the heart is the first step in bringing heaven to earth...

Difficulty has a way of exposing the degree to which our lives and minds have been truly transformed by a heavenly perspective for certain responses to be habitual. The things we practice as a lifestyle equip us for difficulties...

Thanksgiving agrees with Heaven by acknowledging the truth that our lives are a gift from God, and that He is sovereign over all. God is extravagantly generous, and the life He has given us to experience on this planet is not a life of survival, but of abundance and blessing. But unless we properly recognize what we’ve been given, we won’t be able to experience that life. That’s the reality of receiving a gift.

Bill Johnson