Our Hearts are God’s Home

DAILY READING

Acts 7:44-53

FIELD NOTES

I’ve had the privilege of visiting several amazing and beautiful places of worship through the years — including York Minster in England; St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain.

When one enters these wonders of engineering, architecture and art, it’s natural to think, “Oh, this is a fitting place for God to dwell. Surely God is in this place.”

As striking as these brick-mortar-and-stained glass buildings are, they pale in comparison to God’s own creation — roiling and foaming ocean waves, snow-capped mountain peaks, the silent splendor of a winter’s starry sky. Observing these wonders of nature deeply touch our souls and remind us that “the Most High does not dwell in houses made with human hands” (Acts 7:48).

Whether God is honored in a finely wrought human-designed building or in the grandeur of a brilliant sunset, the place God most longs to be enthroned is in the human heart. May we make our hearts available to him as the new year begins.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• Where do you feel God most vividly? In grand cathedrals? In nature? In the quietness of your own devotional times?
• How can you find more time in the coming year to invite God into your heart?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• With your parents or other trusted adult, look up photos of York Minster in England, St. Peter’s in Rome and Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. In which of these buildings would you most want to worship God?
• Where do you feel closest to God? In church? Outside in nature? Or at other times?

PRAYER GUIDE

Most High God, we know that you do not dwell in houses made with human hands. We know heaven is your throne and earth itself is your footstool. Yet we also know you long to make your home in our hearts. We open our hearts to you now and offer ourselves to be your hands and feet in the world you love so much. Amen.