Blogs

One of our greatest challenges and responsibilities is the care of our own heart. Why? Our heart is the core of our identity and our being. More important, it is the dwelling place of Jesus. Therefore, our heart should be well tended and guarded.
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23, N.L.T. The Message puts it this way, “Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.” As your heart goes, so your life will go. Guarding, vigilant watch-care...these words elicit our intentioned effort. Your heart truly is the greatest treasure we have while on this journey. No one else can or will take care of it for you. Resolve to keep vigilant watch-care over your heart.
Let’s consider a few ways to nurture our hearts. First, we must see our heart as a daily gift from God. It is a gift that requires our regular reception and embrace. “I’ll give you a new heart; put a new spirit in you. I’ll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that’s God- willed, not self-willed. I’ll put my Spirit in you (your new heart) and make it possible for you to do what I tell you...” Ezekiel 36: 26-27, The Message, parentheses mine. Thus, heart care begins by daily opening this gift from Papa.
Once opened, this gift makes following and obeying Jesus a reality. His Holy Spirit, within our hearts, ignites passion for God’s will and lifts us from the dead end existence of self focus. Our new heart is responsive and sensitive to the gentle nudging of Holy Spirit. It is where we hear the still small voice of God. Are you tuned to your “new” heart? If so, you will be tuned to His heart. You will be enabled to hear the heart-beat of Jesus within you.
Second, simply give your heart daily to Jesus as an offering of love. “My son, give me your heart” Proverbs. Let Jesus have your heart so he can touch your heart. His regular touch keeps our hearts tender and pliable in his hand. “A tenderhearted person lives a blessed life; a hardhearted person lives a hard life” Proverbs. “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” Ephesians. We must daily throw out the welcome mat of our heart to Jesus!
Next, treat your heart with the same level of passion and care that you treat Jesus. How are you treating your heart? One brother presents the challenge of heart care as “heart friendship”. “You should treat your heart as you treat Jesus.” Start today by engaging in a friendship with your own heart. “Friendship with your heart is friendship with Jesus, because he lives in your heart. The way you treat your heart is the way you are treating Jesus. Are you treating your heart well? Your heart is Jesus. He not only lives in your heart, He is your heart. Respect your heart as you respect Christ.” Befriend and respect your own heart and you will be a better friend to Jesus.
In the grip of Papa’s gift of a “new” heart! Ron Ross