John 14: 15-17

John 7: 38-39

Matthew 13: 44-47

Luke 14: 33

Mark 20:28

As believers in Christ, we must be concerned about any activity that goes against God's Word and principles.  But, we must be careful not to get so focused on things of this world that grip our hearts with fear and plunge us into hopelessness.

We read the disciples reached the heart of God. WHAT was the disposition of their hearts that fitted them for this experience?

Let me give you five suggestions.  If you follow the examples of the disciples, you, too, will reach the heart of God.

1.  The disciples were deeply attached to Jesus.  If you want to reach God, you must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  You will keep close to Jesus.  You will identify yourself with Jesus.  Your heart will be united with Jesus as your best and nearest friend.  We must develop a heart that is entirely occupied with the Lord Jesus and dependant on Him alone.

2.  The disciples left all for Jesus.  Indeed, we must forsake all to follow Jesus.  This means we deliberately separate ourselves from things that are not of Him.   It is a matter of the heart.   Is your heart fully committed to Jesus Christ?  For some, God may call you to give up possessions, or wealth, or a life of luxury, or a lucrative career or many other things to be fully committed to Him.

3.  The disciples had despaired utterly of themselves and all that is of man.   It was while their Master was dying, that they learned to despair of themselves and everything on which they had pinned their hopes on until that moment.  I believe nothing hinders us in our seeking to touch the heart of God as much as our secret dependence on something in ourselves or in the church around us.  God calls us to turn our hearts entirely to him and be filled with His Holy Spirit.

4.  The disciples held fast to the promise of Jesus concerning the Holy Spirit. We must ask ourselves the question:  Am I willing to lay aside ALL else UNTIL I inherit the promise of His Spirit?

5.  The disciples waited until the promise was fulfilled. They waited ten days - praising and blessing God; staying in one accord in supplication and prayer.   To reach God's heart, we must set ourselves in abiding contact with Almighty God. We must desire that the Holy Spirit of God occupy us.

God's desire is that you have a heart after God.   Do as the disciples did and you too will have the glorious experience of reaching the heart of God through His Holy Spirit.