Helping Soften Hearts
We as human beings often focus on our sinful behavior and try to overcome it, but Jesus already paid for that. God tells us Himself in 1 Samuel 16:7 NET he is not judging a book by its cover; he is looking inward at the condition of the heart. He is full of love and mercy and wants to transform us into the Body of Christ by building a personal connection with Him inside our hearts.
God’s compassion is immeasurable and renews each morning (Lamentations 3:22-26). All He asks is that we wait patiently on His will and not direct our own path. He wants to guide us step by step in this process, because the Holy Spirit has already bestowed spiritual gifts upon each disciple in the Church. What part of your personal testimony serves as a survival guide in another person’s life? Have you tapped into your spiritual gifts, and are you using them to benefit others? (1 Corinthians 12:4-12).
Christians live in a world full of brokenness, but we can bring an offering of peace (shalom) and eternal life to our neighbors. The Gospel is good news and deserves to be brought to those who exist in darkness and despair. When even your own thoughts and feelings betray you, it becomes necessary to rely on your faith. In fact, faith should always trump fear and doubt. Yet, faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead (James 2:17 NET).
Since we live as a society full of sinners, I encourage you to incorporate your spiritual gifts into your works. It will not only help you find your passion for life, but the act of sharing your talents along with your story may help to transform your deeds into what Jesus established as the Great Commission (Mark 16:14 NET).
1/14/2020
Dear Lord,
How are we to live out the message of The Gospel in a world that is so reliant on themselves? There are far too many distractions, devices, and demons that bully us away from the power of the Resurrection and the Holy Spirit. Help me find a way to soften hearts, so they may be open to the Word of God in their mind, in their soul, and in their daily life.
I feel so much taunting from the enemy as we witness our physical world crumbling around us. How can we open eyes and ears to all the gifts you have given your people? I want to help your Church hear your voice. Please give me the timing, the knowledge, and the strength to speak words of life and not death.
Faith and obedience are the keys to the Kingdom. While salvation is given freely to those who embrace Christ, it doesn’t stop there. Help us let go of our jaded minds and our stone-cold hearts, so we can relinquish our journey in this new decade to your Spirit. Give us the necessary promptings and connections to live and give our testimony in a way that feeds the hungry, rewards the humble, and comforts the forgotten (Matthew 5:3-10 NET). May we be the peacemakers, and may You bless your children to speak Your truth with grace.
Love,
Kristin
Jesus brother James was full of great reminders of how and where we fall short as believers. He directs us to live out the message of The Gospel and warns us of our own vanity. (James 1:22-24). We often embrace the offer of salvation, yet we don’t press on toward transformation. It is, after all, a marathon as Paul tells us (Hebrews 12:1-2 NET). And, we must allow the Lord to take our past hurts and our negative thinking into His hands, so He can mold and shape our hearts like a potter handles clay.
The Promise of Israel’s Return
“I will give you one heart and a new spirit; I will take from you your hearts of stone and give you tender hearts of love for God, so that you can obey my laws and be my people, and I will be your God.” (Ezekiel 11:19-20 TLB)