Have you ever seen blueprints? If not, blueprints are detailed drawings, containing specifications approved by the builder of a home. A blueprint fully outlines the quality of the materials needed to build a stable and trustworthy home.
For a Christian, the Bible is our detailed “blueprint” with specifications for living an abundant life that has been fully approved by our builder. The Bible also clearly and repeatedly informs believers in Jesus Christ of the quality of choices that are necessary in establishing His lordship in our hearts.
“I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding. Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end” (Ps. 119:32-33, NIV).
The Bible sets forth a lifestyle that is extremely costly to the person who has decided to give their whole heart to Christ. You will be doling out large sums of commitment, discipline, time and sacrifice in order to establish a home that is welcoming to Jesus. I can assure you, however, that your sacrifice will never match the sacrifice Jesus made on your behalf!
“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Ps. 119:10-11, NIV).
As you design your life in accordance with the principles found only in the Word of God, you are allowing Him to establish Himself as the chief cornerstone. As you devour the Word of God on a daily basis, you are welcoming His dear presence into every corner and into every hidden spot of your heart.
“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!” (Ps. 119:114-115, NIV).
When sin calls your name, the Bible responds with a hushed but powerful assurance that God knows best. When your emotions deceive you, the Word of God will complete and sustain you with sweet comfort and unrelenting nourishment. Will you lay down your own preferences and desires to pick up the blueprint of Christ?
Prayer is the way in which we are spiritually able to bring new life, vivid atmosphere and renewed hope into the heart that we call home. When you open your heart through the windows of prayer, you will be offered a view of life that is filled with unmatched possibilities and uncommon assignments.
“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16, NIV).
How wonderful that God would ask us, as fallible human beings, to partner with Him in filling the world with His hope! The partnership that God offers is accompanied by the personal invitation to pray.
How marvelous that the Father allows us the opportunity to pick up the shovel of prayer and begin digging the foundation of kingdom living while in the confines of time. How miraculous to believe that our prayers make a difference in the lives of those whom we love!
“To pray is to enter the treasure-house of God and to gather riches out of an inexhaustible storehouse.”—Charles Spurgeon
I encourage you to throw open the windows of your heart and expose your life to the breeze of the Holy Spirit. As the Holy Spirit rushes into your heart, you will experience burgeoning life and sprouting joy as never before.
“For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life …” (Prov. 6:23, NIV).
If doubt tries to invade your heart, read the Bible; for discouragement, spend time in the Word and for a troubled heart, open up the sacred pages of Scripture. The Holy Spirit will reward you with new assignments and with unique purpose as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer.
You are now ready to go into the world to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus at this moment in history!
Carol McLeod is a best-selling author and speaker who encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. Her commitment to reach women “by any means available” has made her a multimedia maven, with a thriving social media presence, 2 top podcasts, an upcoming television program and even her own Carol McLeod Ministries mobile app. Released in 2022, Meanwhile: Meeting God in the Wait, Carol’s 15th book, examines the life of Joseph and what it means to truly wait well. Her best-selling book, Rooms of a Mother’s Heart, won the 2022 Director’s Choice Award from the Blue Ridge Writers Conference. In 2021, Carol was honored to receive Oral Roberts University’s prestigious “Alumna of the Year” award for distinguished service to God.
