Changed heart

We’ve all battled with certain things we wish were different about us, I’m sure of it. Perhaps they are areas that have been generationally passed down to us, cultivated by our upbringing or learned from route, tradition and for lack of guidance.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

Hosea 4:6

But He will pour out His anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness.

Romans 2:8

No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law, rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.

Romans 2:29

In these three versus we see destruction and anger in those who hold a title, do the “right thing”, selfishly live, refuse knowledge or understanding. These are a people who may have been saved but are stuck in that. They don’t desire that deep internal growth, relationship and heart transformation.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2

I see a connection with the heart and mind here.

We are told to

guard your heart for out of it flows the abundance of life.

Proverbs 4:23

Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me

Psalm 51:5

First and foremost I want to learn from these scriptures myself for

Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself. You tell others not to steal, but do you steal?

Romans 2:21

The Holy Spirit sanctifies us and produces in us a change of heart but we are told to be transformed by the renewing of our mind.

When a thought comes in, we can hold it captive to the word of God. We can choose to dwell on it or simply say “the Lord rebuke you” and choose to foster God’s word of love and power instead. We should allow the Holy Spirit to speak into our minds the truth, not be in agreement with lies.

The enemy is after our attention, our mind and our heart. Who is Lord of your life? If we say Lord Lord but reject His ways, if our heart isn’t changing by His presence then let’s cry out for that living water that can only satisfy us and quench this eternal thirst within us.

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; But their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, Teaching for doctrines the commandments of men”. 

Mathew 15:8

He’s after the heart. He wants to be in relationship, empowering you, strengthening you, leading you in His perfect will; with a renewed perspective, a Godly vision, something beyond greater than you can think or imagine. Won’t you allow the Lord to tenderly sanctify your heart. Let’s choose today whom we will serve.

Let’s not simply hold a title but take every thought captive.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5

As we begin to do our part we invite an atmosphere for the Holy Spirit to work also. We are sensitive to His movement as He sanctifies us, showing us where we need to be strengthened, where we are lacking spiritual vision and He alone will send, provide and give us everything.

“ I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me”

Psalms 57:2

“And we know that all things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to his purpose”

Romans 8:28

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Does that mean when we go through something that sanctifies us we should praise Him? Absolutely!

He is working all things for our good. Resistance strengthens us, tests us and pushes us further. The breaking only causes us to build up stronger. A righteous person may fall but they get back up.

Let’s do our part but also allow God to do His in us so we can do what we are called to do with a new heart and transformed mind.