Kristin Saatzer

Purposeful Encouragement

  • Home
  • About
  • Speaking
  • Contact
  • Books I Love
  • Savor the Savior Book
  • Hear The Savior Book
You are here: Home / Devotionals / Purpose of Heart

Purpose of Heart

March 30, 2015 By Kristin Saatzer 2 Comments

When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.” Acts 11:23

These heartening words were spoken by Barnabas to the early church in Antioch. 

Barnabas was quite a guy. He was an early disciple of Christ, companion of the Apostle Paul and described as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit. My favorite Barnabas fact is his name. It means: son of encouragement. Our guy was known for encouraging the church and giving it direction. Every church needs a Barnabas. Heck, every life needs a Barnabas.

While reading in Acts chapter eleven, verse three jumped out at me, particularly: “with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.“

In The Webster Bible – among others – it says: “..with purpose of heart cleave to the Lord.” Barnabas implored this brand-new church in Antioch to cleave to the Lord. Webster gives these synonyms for cleave: stick, cling, hold-close, cherish.

Barnabas desired that they purpose in their hearts to stick, cling, hold close and cherish their Lord.

This Son of Encouragement  traveled an arduous and painful road in following Jesus. The path to the cross.

Our man Barnabas knew. He knew the church also faced an arduous and painful road ahead and he was right. Heart wrenchingly right.

Cross sunset and sunrise

The path of the King comes with a price. Like you, I have read and seen accounts of the church in the Middle East paying an extraordinary price for their faith. Many have lost absolutely everything on their journey as Christ-followers. Yet, most choose  not to deny Him. These precious ones have purposed in their hearts to cleave to God, despite the cost.

As an American Christian, I find it impossible to wrap my head and heart around the suffering-for-Christ our brothers and sisters around the world are facing –  unimaginable, harrowing persecution.

As Easter week begins I take this exhortation from Barnabas to heart. You see, he was speaking to us friends. To you and I and our brothers and sisters being martyred, threatened and abused. He spoke to The Christians in Antioch all the way to today in America and all over the world. The church of Jesus Christ – The Family of Families.

 We too, walk our own path with Christ. Today, it looks very different from our persecuted family. But someday it might not. Someday American Christians may face similar persecution. 

But still, there are challenges on our paths. On mine, on yours, aren’t there? Sacrifices we have made to follow Jesus. Relationships severed?  Habits and hang-ups that we don’t want to let go of even though we know He is asking us to? Dislike and disapproval leveled at us? 

Reading this passage, looking towards Easter, I feel summoned and heartened by the words of Brother Barnabas to press on in my journey. I pray you do as well my friend. May we see the grace of God as we view the cross and the empty tomb. Join me this Easter week by taking Barnabas’ advice by cleaving to and continuing with the Lord.

Let us purpose in our hearts this Easter week and beyond:

~to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters (check out www.persecution.com )

~to be a Barnabas in the lives of others 

“…At the feet of Jesus,

Risen now for me,

I shall sing His praises

Through eternity.”

Philip P. Bliss

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Devotionals, Easter Tagged With: Barnabas, Easter, Encouragement, Persecution, Purpose, The Cross

Comments

  1. Mark Clemmens says

    May 19, 2015 at 5:22 am

    This is very encouraging ! Thank you

    Reply
    • Kristin Saatzer says

      March 12, 2016 at 5:03 am

      You are welcome Mark!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About Me

My prayer is that this place and the words written here will bring you a measure of encouragement, friendship and desire to live out your life with PURPOSE. more about me

Subscribe to Blog and Updates

Follow Me

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Instagram

This guy… #oneweekuntilgraduation #seniorawardsnight
•
Follow
This guy… #oneweekuntilgraduation #seniorawardsnight
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/16
The last boy had his last sports banquet last night. 
What an adventure these four years of baseball have been (Covid, injury, illness, and major back issues to boot). But mostly fun with fabulous memories. These senior boys are a special group. Proud of my Micah! #2weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
•
Follow
The last boy had his last sports banquet last night. What an adventure these four years of baseball have been (Covid, injury, illness, and major back issues to boot). But mostly fun with fabulous memories. These senior boys are a special group. Proud of my Micah! #2weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
2/16
My guys surprised me with a trip to LA to watch our Padres (missed Noah and Lauren). Too bad we didn't bring them luck.
My guys surprised me with a trip to LA to watch our Padres (missed Noah and Lauren). Too bad we didn't bring them luck.
•
Follow
My guys surprised me with a trip to LA to watch our Padres (missed Noah and Lauren). Too bad we didn't bring them luck.
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/16
23 years. I have been watching my boys play on courts and fields for close to 23 years! The final Saatzer brother had his final game yesterday. Mom and Dad shed big tears. #thelasts
•
Follow
23 years. I have been watching my boys play on courts and fields for close to 23 years! The final Saatzer brother had his final game yesterday. Mom and Dad shed big tears. #thelasts
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/16
The last boy went to the last dance on Saturday night. #prom2023 #5weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
The last boy went to the last dance on Saturday night. #prom2023 #5weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
The last boy went to the last dance on Saturday night. #prom2023 #5weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
The last boy went to the last dance on Saturday night. #prom2023 #5weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
•
Follow
The last boy went to the last dance on Saturday night. #prom2023 #5weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/16
He did it!! Bachelor of Science in Business Management. #gcu2023
He did it!! Bachelor of Science in Business Management. #gcu2023
He did it!! Bachelor of Science in Business Management. #gcu2023
He did it!! Bachelor of Science in Business Management. #gcu2023
He did it!! Bachelor of Science in Business Management. #gcu2023
•
Follow
He did it!! Bachelor of Science in Business Management. #gcu2023
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
6/16
This guy is graduating from college today! #myjosiah
•
Follow
This guy is graduating from college today! #myjosiah
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
7/16
Such a special senior ceremony on Monday! Thanks to all the Micah fans who came out in support.  #sixweeksuntilgraduation
•
Follow
Such a special senior ceremony on Monday! Thanks to all the Micah fans who came out in support. #sixweeksuntilgraduation
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
8/16
Happy birthday! Micah, you are an amazing young man of character and deep faith, full of joy, fun, and life. You are a solid gold son, brother, friend, and teammate. Have the BEST day, I love you!
•
Follow
Happy birthday! Micah, you are an amazing young man of character and deep faith, full of joy, fun, and life. You are a solid gold son, brother, friend, and teammate. Have the BEST day, I love you!
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
9/16
Yep!
•
Follow
Yep!
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
10/16
Easter season is over and I am taking a deep breath of reflection. What a ride Hear the Savior has taken me on since it’s publication! I am deeply grateful to so many of you for cheering for this book (and me). Promoting does NOT come easy to me, but it is part of the deal (I appreciate you not blocking me for bugginess 😜). My heart swells with gratitude.  A special shout out to those who don’t do the “Christianity thing.” Many of you encouraged me and even bought books because of our relationship. This brings tears to my eyes. This is no small miracle in this ever-divided world, and I love you for it.  What will I write next?  This exhausted writer can’t imagine doing it all again (like childbirth?), but she probably will. 💙
•
Follow
Easter season is over and I am taking a deep breath of reflection. What a ride Hear the Savior has taken me on since it’s publication! I am deeply grateful to so many of you for cheering for this book (and me). Promoting does NOT come easy to me, but it is part of the deal (I appreciate you not blocking me for bugginess 😜). My heart swells with gratitude. A special shout out to those who don’t do the “Christianity thing.” Many of you encouraged me and even bought books because of our relationship. This brings tears to my eyes. This is no small miracle in this ever-divided world, and I love you for it. What will I write next? This exhausted writer can’t imagine doing it all again (like childbirth?), but she probably will. 💙
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
11/16
•
Follow
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
12/16
•
Follow
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
13/16
Spring break baseball kinda day!
•
Follow
Spring break baseball kinda day!
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
14/16
Order in time for Easter gifts! Link in bio.
#hearthesaviorbook #easter #easterdevotional
•
Follow
Order in time for Easter gifts! Link in bio. #hearthesaviorbook #easter #easterdevotional
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
15/16
March birthdays (in April).
•
Follow
March birthdays (in April).
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
16/16
View on Instagram

Categories

  • 4 For You
  • Advent
  • Blog Series
  • Books
  • Can We Talk About?
  • Christmas
  • Devotionals
  • Easter
  • FIGHT!
  • Friendship
  • Goals
  • Health
  • Lent
  • Light
  • More of God
  • Mother's Day
  • New Year
  • Parenting
  • Planning
  • Prayer
  • Repost
  • Scripture
  • Seasons
  • Summer
  • Surrender
  • Thanksgiving
  • The Practice of Gratitiude
  • Uncategorized
  • Wisdom

Archives

  • June 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • August 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014

From the Blog

  • Four Favorites for June
  • A Time of Release and Resurrection
  • A Time to Remember and Reflect
  • A Time to Rest and Refuel
  • A Time to Reset and Refocus

Popular Tags

#annualbooksblog Advent Books Christmas Christmas Season Comfort Courage Darkness discouragement Easter Faith FIGHT Four for You Friendship Giving Grace grateful Gratefulness gratitude Headlines Holy Spirit Hope Hope series Intentionality Jesus Journaling Lent Light Lingering More of God New Year Parenting Praise Prayer Pslams Purpose Reading Surrender thankful Thanksgiving The Cross The Practice of Gratitude to-do's trials wisdom

Find it Here

Copyright © 2023 Kristin Saatzer