Purpose of heart
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
If I could give just one message today, it would be that each person reading this Dose would decide, deep in your heart, to keep walking closely with the Lord. I write the Daily Dose for that very reason. I’ve lived far from God, and I can say with absolute certainty that life is the best it can be when it’s lived close Him, walking day by day in His plan and with His presence. It’s more than Sunday services, more than occasional prayers, it’s pressing in to His love and purpose every day to follow His lead.
That’s exactly what Barnabas told the believers in Antioch. He saw God’s grace at work and urged them, “Keep going, don’t let go of Him.” They needed that encouragement during the constant pressure and persecution they faced each day. We need it, too. Our world today feels full of anger, envy, and conflicts with attacks dominate the headlines. As God’s people, we’re called to step away from the sticky grips of the world such as debt, destructive habits, binges, addictions and fill those empty spaces with God’s Word, love, and Holy Spirit presence.
John writes, “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3). The hope of seeing Jesus should shape how we live now. We purify our hearts not to earn heaven but because heaven is our home, and we want His will on earth as it is in heaven. (see Matthew 6:10)
Below are some practical ways to live your life everyday with purpose:
- Schedule daily time with God.
Block out a non-negotiable slot each day. You can start with just ten minutes. Read a Psalm, pray, and sit quietly before Him. - Replace, don’t just remove.
Identify one unhealthy habit (excess scrolling, late-night junk TV, impulse shopping). Swap that time for worship music, a walk while praying, or reading a chapter of Scripture. - Use Scripture to steer your thoughts.
Memorize a short verse that reminds you of your identity. Repeat it when frustration or temptation hits. - Find an accountability partner.
Share your goal of pursuing God daily with a trusted friend who will pray and check in with you.
Use these suggestions to get started right now:
- Set tomorrow’s alarm ten minutes earlier and prepare your Bible or devotional tonight.
- Choose one “swap.” If evenings are your weak spot, replace 30 minutes of scrolling with a worship playlist.
- Text a friend and ask them to join you in a weekly check-in about your quiet time.
Today I want to encourage you to remember that Barnabas’ words still ring true: stay close to Jesus with purpose of heart. He sees every small step you take. As you lean into daily fellowship, His grace will root you, purify you, and empower you to live victoriously, even in unstable times. Remember, Jesus is coming back soon, and that hope inspires a life set apart for Him.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 11:19-26
19 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only.
20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when Jesus.
21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch.
23 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.
24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul.
26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
Journal:
- Where do you feel the world’s pull most strongly—time, habits, attitudes?
- Write one step you’ll take this week to replace that pull with purposeful time in God’s presence.
- Invite Him to strengthen your heart as you keep walking with Him.
The Daily Dose 