Heart Pillow - Finding Peace Craft
Whole heart Review - Stories and Examples
point 1: God Doesn't want us to be half hearted.
When we talk about being wholehearted, it means giving our full effort, love, and devotion—whether to God, to others, or even to the things we do in life. Half-heartedness can lead to missed opportunities and a weaker connection to our faith and purpose.
A good way to illustrate this for kids is through everyday examples. Imagine playing a game but not really trying to win, or working on a school project without caring about the outcome—it wouldn’t feel very fulfilling, would it? God wants us to live with passion and commitment, not just do things halfway.
When someone is half-hearted in their faith or actions, it means they are not fully committed—they may say they believe or care about something, but their choices and dedication don't reflect it. Imagine trying to run a race but only jogging slowly, or playing a game without really trying to win. In the same way, if we approach our relationship with God half-heartedly, we miss the full joy and strength that comes from truly knowing Him. God desires a deep, meaningful relationship with us, one where we give Him our whole heart, not just bits and pieces when it’s convenient.
Being half-hearted can also make life feel unfulfilled. When we are only partly committed to something important—whether it’s faith, friendships, or responsibilities—we miss out on the rewards of true dedication. Jesus teaches that we should love God with all our heart, soul, and strength because a full-hearted faith leads to a life of purpose, peace, and joy. When we give our best to God and others, we experience the richness of life the way He intended. Half-heartedness keeps us from the blessings of complete trust and devotion, but wholehearted living opens the door to something greater.
Point 2: Why God wants our whole heart.
God desires our whole heart because He created us for a deep, loving relationship with Him. Just as a parent wants their child’s full love and trust, God longs for us to be fully committed to Him, not just turning to Him in moments of need or convenience. When we give Him our whole heart, we are opening ourselves to the peace, joy, and purpose He has planned for us. Half-hearted devotion can lead to distance in our faith, making it harder to experience the fullness of His love and guidance. God knows that when we fully trust and love Him, our lives become more meaningful and fulfilling.
Additionally, God wants our whole heart because He is faithful and deserves our complete devotion. He has given us everything—life, salvation, and endless grace. Holding back parts of our heart means we are not fully receiving the blessings He wants to give us. When we surrender completely to Him, we experience the strength and wisdom that come from walking closely with Him. A wholehearted commitment allows us to grow in faith, love others deeply, and live according to His purpose. God’s desire for our whole heart is not about rules—it’s about leading us into a life filled with His goodness.
Point 3: Our Heart and God's Heart Together Completes us
When we fully commit our hearts to God, something beautiful happens—we become complete. On our own, life can feel uncertain, empty, or lacking direction, but when we align our hearts with God’s, we find peace, purpose, and fulfillment. God’s heart is full of love, wisdom, and grace, and when we open our hearts to Him, we receive those blessings in abundance. Just as a puzzle is incomplete without every piece, our lives are missing something essential without a deep connection to God. When our heart and His heart come together, we experience the strength and joy that come from His presence in our lives.
This connection isn’t just about feeling close to God—it transforms us from the inside out. As we grow in faith and embrace God’s love, our hearts reflect His kindness, patience, and compassion. We begin to love others as He loves us, serve with joy, and trust Him in every circumstance. The more we allow our heart to unite with His, the more we become the person He created us to be. Living in harmony with God’s heart means stepping into a life of true fulfillment—a life where we are never alone and always surrounded by His unfailing love.
Point 4: The closer we are to God The more we are filled with his blessings, like love joy peace, gentleness, kindness, all the fruit of the Spirit
When we draw near to God, we open ourselves to His abundant blessings—love, joy, peace, gentleness, and kindness. These aren’t just emotions; they are reflections of God’s presence in our lives. As we build a deeper relationship with Him through prayer, faith, and obedience, His goodness flows into our hearts, shaping how we think, feel, and treat others. The more time we spend with God, the more His spirit transforms us, allowing us to reflect His character in everything we do. His blessings are not temporary feelings but lasting gifts that help us live with purpose, strength, and hope.
This closeness to God also brings a sense of peace that surpasses all understanding. In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, knowing that we are deeply connected to God gives us confidence and reassurance. When we rely on Him, He fills us with joy even in difficult times and grants us the patience and kindness to love others well. His presence removes fear and replaces it with gentleness, allowing us to live in harmony with Him and those around us. The more we lean into God’s heart, the more complete and fulfilled we become, walking in the blessings He freely offers to those who seek Him.
The blessings of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are all part of the **Fruit of the Spirit** found in **Galatians 5:22-23**. These qualities are not just feelings but evidence of God working in us, shaping us to be more like Him. When we live closely with God, His Spirit grows these fruits within us, influencing how we love others, respond to challenges, and walk in faith.
The more we seek God, the more His Spirit fills us, making these qualities a natural part of our lives. Instead of forcing kindness or struggling for patience, His presence helps us reflect His love effortlessly. It’s not about perfection, but about allowing God to transform our hearts over time. The Fruit of the Spirit is proof that God is alive within us, guiding us to live a life filled with His goodness.
Point 5: We can find rest from our worries when we are bound heart to heart.
When we are bound heart to heart with God, we find true rest from our worries and burdens. Life can often feel overwhelming, filled with challenges, uncertainties, and fears, but God invites us to come close to Him and experience His peace. In **Matthew 11:28**, Jesus says, *"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."* This rest is not just about physical relaxation but a deep spiritual comfort, knowing that we are never alone in our struggles. When our heart is connected to His, we can trust Him to carry our worries and lead us with wisdom and love.
Resting in God’s presence allows us to let go of anxiety and replace it with faith. When we surrender our fears to Him, He fills our hearts with the assurance that He is in control, no matter what challenges we face. His peace is greater than any stress, and His love reassures us that we are safe in His hands. Just like a child finds comfort in the presence of a loving parent, we can find security and calm when we stay close to God. By binding our hearts to His, we experience a life free from unnecessary worry—a life anchored in His perfect peace.
“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”
Point 6: Sealed Until the Day of Redemption
Once we trust Christ as our Savior our hearts are sealed by the Holy Spirit. This means that our salvation is secure, and nothing can separate us from God’s love. Just as a seal marks ownership and protection, God’s seal on our hearts guarantees that we belong to Him forever.
When we give our hearts to Christ, He keeps us, strengthens us, and prepares us for the day of redemption—the moment when we will be fully united with Him in eternity. This truth brings peace and assurance, knowing that our salvation is not based on our own efforts but on God’s unchanging promise.
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Bible Verses (KJV 1611) That Support This Teaching
- Ephesians 4:30"And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."
- 2 Corinthians 1:22 "Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."*
- Ephesians 1:13-14 "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory."*
- **John 10:28-29** – *"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."*
- **Romans 8:38-39** – *"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."*
---Many KJV1611 study verses that match this lesson.
Here are some **KJV 1611** study verses that align with your lesson on wholehearted devotion to God:
- **Deuteronomy 6:5** – *"And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."*
- **Psalm 86:12** – *"I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore."*
- **Jeremiah 29:13** – *"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."*
- **Matthew 22:37** – *"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."*
- **Proverbs 3:5-6** – *"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."*
- **Colossians 3:23** – *"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."*
- **1 Chronicles 28:9** – *"And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind."*
These verses emphasize the importance of **wholehearted devotion**, seeking God fully, and trusting Him completely. They beautifully support the themes of your lesson—giving God our whole heart, finding rest in Him, and receiving His blessings.
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Our Heavenly Father
We come before You with grateful hearts, knowing that You wholeheartedly love us and desire for each person to know Jesus Christ as Savior.
Lord, if anyone here that does not know Christ, I pray that you speak to their heart today. draw them to you and reveal your truth to them.
May they see their need for salvation. Help them to understand and to trust in the precious blood of Jesus by surrender their life to you. Let them experience the fullness of your grace, mercy, and love, by trusting Christ as their personal Savior.
Thank You, Father, for your unfailing love and the gift of salvation.
In Jesus’ holy name we pray,
Amen.
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Susan Nikitenko Lesson 2025©
. The Word of God declares:
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" — Romans 3:23
We cannot cleanse ourselves, nor can we earn salvation through good works. It is only through the precious blood of Jesus Christ that we are redeemed.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." — John 3:16
To receive this gift of eternal life, we must follow the ABCs of Salvation:
A – Admit** that you are a sinner.
Sin separates us from God, and we must acknowledge our need for a Savior.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" — Romans 3:23
B – Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose again.
Salvation is found in Christ alone**, through His sacrifice on the cross.
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
C – Confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Salvation is a personal decision—one that requires faith and trust in Him.
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." — Romans 10:9
If you have not yet placed your trust in Jesus Christ today is the day of salvation. Surrender your heart to Him, knowing that only through Him can you truly live a life devoted to God.
The invitation is open,the Savior is calling—will you trust Him today?
Anchor Baptist Church©2025
