What is the Heartbeat of God?

“Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” (Ezekiel 18:23 NIV) 

God’s heart is unmistakably clear, and in Ezekiel 18:23, we get a glimpse of the heart of our Father – a God who takes no pleasure in judgment but rejoices when hearts turn back to Him. He longs for repentance, not destruction. 

Repentance, then, is not merely feeling sorry. It is a radical reorientation of our hearts and lives. It is choosing to walk away from disobedience and toward the life God longs to give us. It is saying “yes” to the God who offers hope, forgiveness, and a future and saying “no” to our own selfish desires and behaviors. 

This message of repentance and renewal is at the very core of SAT-7’s ministry across the Middle East and North Africa. As tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, SAT-7 is standing in the gap – bringing prayer, peace, and the Gospel to people caught in fear and conflict. Just days ago, SAT-7 PARS aired a special live program in response to missile strikes, offering comfort and calling for prayer. One viewer simply pleaded, “Pray for peace… that whatever is best for us as a nation may come to pass.”

Through SAT-7’s Turkish, Persian, and Arabic language channels, believers are being reminded of this truth: that God’s deepest desire is for hearts to turn to Him and live. Let us stand together as the Body of Christ – speaking peace where there is unrest and pointing people toward the God who desires all to live. 

Please join us in prayer. I have prepared the following general prayer points to help you (your Sunday School class, your Bible study group, or your church) as you go before God in prayer for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. 

• That nations would turn from violence to peace. 

• That Iranian and Israeli believers would stand firm in their faith. 

• That wisdom and justice would guide leaders’ decisions. 

• That dialogue, not destruction, would prevail. 

• That many would respond to God’s invitation to repentance and life. 

Thank you for your partnership in ministry that continues to point people to the God who asks not for punishment, but for repentance – and rejoices when even one sinner turns and lives. 

Blessings, 

John Frick

John Frick, M.B.A., M.A.C.M., C.F.R.E. is the Vice President of Development at SAT-7 USA. He is a gifted speaker and has had many opportunities to address civic, political, and church groups regarding various current events and issues. He is passionate about the cause of the poor both in spirit and in body, as well as giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves. His full leadership bio is available here.