Joshua Van Oostrom

There is very little that one can know. When we compare our knowledge to that of our Father’s, it is impossible for us to scratch the surface here on earth. The wonderful things He reveals to us are sometimes forgotten before they are shared. But His perfect Word lasts forever. Despite our finite minds, we have a daily opportunity to know Jesus. It is the heart that knows God that cannot help but serve Him. It is this heart that Jesus welcomes into His Kingdom.

What we consume regularly determines our heart condition and where our allegiance stands. What we see with our eyes, hear with our ears, and put into our mouths feeds our utmost vital organ. It is here that Jesus dwells within each one of us. A car speeding down the road at 100 mph can only be stopped by an equally opposing force. The sustenance we provide for our hearts does not have this same pleasure. Once something is experienced, there’s no reversing course or pulling the emergency break. This is why continuous pour consumption is so destructive. The instant gratifications of our 21st century world eliminates the time we need with the Lord. Our loving Father has created us with the ability to choose. But if we do not choose Him every moment of every day, we are putting ourselves in danger. If this is something we honestly desire, then God’s grace will pull us closer everyday. This is what it means to walk with God as Enoch once did.

A heart that desires holiness brings pleasure to the Lord. In a world where debauchery and mind-captivity is prevalent, holiness stands apart. The battle begins when the enemy realizes he is losing his soldier. The devil will use our differences from the world against us. He will turn our friends and family away and portray us as crazed lunatics. He will attempt to paint our lives in such a negative light that others will look at us with disgust. The good news is that he will fail. The attractiveness of God’s Kingdom has no competition. As ambassadors, we have all the power to declare the enemy’s invasion an utter failure. Thankfully, the God I serve has already won.

A heart that knows God can call these facts to mind when the waters get rough. A heart that knows God will look above every problem and stand firmly on the Rock. If there is something that keeps your heart from knowing God, eliminate it this very instant.

Lord Jesus, I pray over every soul who comes across these words. I declare the chains in their lives be broken. I plead Your blood over them and I pray these words push them to the foot of the cross, where every sin was paid for. Have them choose You, Lord, for I know You have been calling. Amen.