From the Director

One of the tendencies of human beings is to settle down into the comfort and security of a routine. However, this can be a very dangerous place to find ourselves spiritually. Each of us has a responsibility to stoke the fire of our passion for the Lord on a daily basis. When we become lax, every one of us is at risk for spiritual burnout no matter how long we have walked with the Lord.

Recently, I was challenged with the example of Ezra who the Scripture records “set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10). What an antidote to the enemy of spiritual indifference!

I believe God is looking for men and women who are intentional about growing in their love and usefulness to Him. As Ezra’s life reminds us, this will not happen easily or by chance. Rather, it is only as we wholly give ourselves to knowing and practicing God’s Word in our personal lives that our public usefulness will reach its full potential.

My prayer is that God will use this issue of Heartcry! to strengthen your spiritual resolve in the days ahead.

Byron Paulus
Executive Director