A New Heart
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The expression “heart failure” can be very misleading, and could erroneously be interpreted to mean the end of life. So when a doctor applied the term “congestive heart failure” to a living and actively working person recently, I was taken aback. Linguistically, “heart failure” could be interpreted to mean the heart has “failed,” and stopped working; but medically it means the heart is not pumping enough blood and oxygen to support other organs in the body. Or simply put, the heart is not working as efficiently as it should. It does not mean the heart has stopped beating. The use of “failure” in this case is like its use in an exam. The marks just fall below the pass mark; so it is a failure.
Heart failure in any form is a serious condition and should be given immediate attention. It is progressive, and can range from mild to severe. The good news is, some of the conditions that lead to heart failure can be reversed, and certain lifestyle changes can improve the quality of life. Various treatments exist; including medications and surgical procedures. In extreme cases, a heart transplant may be needed.
While the heart may be seen as a physical organ that can be removed and replaced to give a new lease on life, and its quality, Bible often refers to the heart in a totally different way — as the source of everything we do, the seat of our thoughts, feelings and actions (Proverbs 4:23).
After God scattered Israel for defiling the land He had given them(Ezekiel 36:16-21), He sent Ezekiel to prophesy to them saying:
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.”
(Ezekiel 36:26-27 ESV)
God’s transformation is seldom physical, but often an internal work of the Holy Spirit on our thoughts and feelings; which in turn control our actions. It is in that light that Paul wrote to the Romans,
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
(Romans 12:2 ESV)
When God gives us a new heart, it is not a physical activity; but its effects manifest in our thoughts and actions. Only God’s favour can lead to this new heart, and only the leading of the Holy Spirit can shape our thoughts and actions in obedience to this new heart.
May we yearn for God’s favour, and the leading of His holy Spirit always; a reflection of our new heart.
MEMORY VERSE
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.
(Ezekiel 36:26)
QUESTIONS
Has God’s presence transformed your thoughts and actions?
Do you know that He promised to give us a new “heart” full of new thoughts, feelings and actions?
PRAYER TIP
Father, please transform our hearts so that our thoughts, feelings and actions will be transformed and conformed to Your perfect will.
CREDITS
- MAYO CLINIC , Heart Failure, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373142
TODAY IN HISTORY
After Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, events were recorded for each day leading to His death and resurrection. The week is referred to as Passion Week, or Holy Week.
In “Today in History” we go on that journey with Jesus, stating what happened on each day, and the scriptural references. Please come on the journey with us.
TUESDAY
The Tuesday following his triumphant entry was the day Jesus is believed to have:
- Predicted His own death as recorded in John 12:20–36, John 13:21–38.
- Narrated the Parable of the Ten Virgins as recorded in Matthew 25:1-13.
URGENT CALL
Every soul is valuable to God, far more than the entire world! But by nature, we are all sinful, and alienated from God, and we ultimately face his wrath!
God in His mercy and love made a way for us to remedy this. He gives us a chance to reverse this downward spiral to destruction, join His family, be part of His household, and become His children.
The first step to becoming a member of God’s household is for us to be saved.
Salvation comes through accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Personal Savior.
It is a very personal decision. No one can make that decision for you.
If you make that decision today, there will be great singing and rejoicing in heaven; because one new member has joined the family and household of God! A soul, much, much more valuable than the world, has been saved from destruction!
Do you want to make that decision today?
Please visit “The Believer’s Prayer” for guidance if you want to make that decision.
Then develop your new relationship with God through your Quiet Time.
Then find a Bible-Believing Church where you can Fellowship with like minded people.
We will be happy to hear from you through the contact information on that page, or the ones at the top of this page. Don’t delay. Make this very personal decision today!
God richly bless you
SPECIAL GRATITUDE
Thank you for visiting the Testimony Devotional Website.
We would not have gotten here without your prayers, goodwill and overall support. We are grateful, and humbled.
We thank God for counting us worthy to share in His Great Commission; and we thank you for sticking with us through this journey.
God richly bless you.
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