Get Your Heart Right with God Today

The View From Above: Thoughts to Help With Everyday Life

July 31, 2026

Pastor Paul Stephens

Get Your Heart Right with God Today

Why not get your heart right with God right now?

It isn’t always easy.

Life presents challenges, but keeping your heart right with God and with your fellow man is possible because of the power we have in Jesus Christ to become more like Him.

Perhaps you’re facing a challenge today.

Have you been offended and are now battling anger, bitterness, or thoughts of revenge?

Are you upset with someone?

Are you struggling with temptation?

Has pride quietly gained a foothold in your life?

Are you determined to prove that you’re right when, in reality, being right isn’t the issue?

Forgiveness is.

The question is whether we are willing to endure a wrong, forgive, and move forward.

There are many challenges that confront us as we seek to keep our hearts right with God.

So, how do we keep our hearts aligned with the character of Christ?

The answer begins with repentance.

Scripture Focus

1 John 1:9

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

It doesn’t take much for unrighteousness to leave a stain on our lives.

Recognize it.

Confess it.

Repent of it.

God is faithful to cleanse you.

The stain can be removed when we are honest before Him.

Repentance, however, is only part of the answer.

We have an example to follow.

That example is Jesus Himself.

We are called to pattern our lives after His.

Scripture Focus

1 Peter 2:21–22

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: ‘Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth.’”

Can we live a perfect life as Jesus did?

No.

But we can strive to follow His example in every circumstance.

Consider His words:

Scripture Focus

Matthew 5:44

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

So often we must choose to act contrary to what our emotions are telling us.

Even in the greatest agony imaginable, Jesus prayed from the cross:

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Was that difficult for us to read?

Yes.

Was it difficult for Jesus?

No.

Forgiveness flowed naturally because it reflected who He is.

Whenever we do wrong, conviction should lead us to repentance.

Repentance opens the door to forgiveness, cleansing, and a fresh beginning.

Today’s Challenge

Take time today to examine the condition of your heart.

Is there someone you need to forgive?

Is there an attitude that needs to change?

Is there a sin that needs to be confessed?

Repent where necessary, follow the example of Jesus in all you say and do, and allow His grace to restore your heart.

You’ll discover that a heart that is right with God brings peace for today and rest for tonight.