Heart of Flesh

Originally published on April 30, 2012

"I will give you a new heart 

and put a new spirit in you;

I will remove from you

your heart of stone

and give you a heart of flesh."

Ezekiel 36:26

September has always been a special month for me.  Not only is it the month of my birth, but as a child and even as a homeschool mother, I always enjoyed the beginning of the new school year.  The preparation for the upcoming year brought a sense of hope and excitement to my days as I purchased new clothing and supplies, preparing myself for the challenges that lay ahead.

As the first day of school approached during my junior high and high school years, I would organize my notebook, making new dividers and filling it with fresh paper and pencils.  I then would turn my attention to my attire, deciding which outfit I would wear for the first day.  Often, I would get a pair of new shoes and somehow, this made me feel like a brand new person tackling a brand new school year.  

In the same way that my fresh, never-before-worn clothes and virgin pencils groomed me for the new classes I was about to face, the new heart of flesh that God has given me through faith in Jesus Christ prepares me for living my life as a member of the family of God.

Empowered Obedience

A friend of mine recently gave a great visual of the battle that occurs between my spirit and God's Spirit as described in Galatians 5:17.  "The sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature.  They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want." 

My friend likened this contrariness, this conflict to a tug-of-war between me and God. As God's Spirit moves me in His direction, my flesh pulls back against Him, pulling me in the opposite direction. The only way for me to go in God's direction is for me to stop pulling and let Him lead me.  If I drop the rope altogether, giving up the fight and surrendering my will to Him, I can freely walk along with Him.  

As one who has been provided through Christ with a tender and responsive heart (Ezekiel 36:26), I am given the ability to withstand the temptation to do things my way.  The grace of God which constantly flows through me from His indwelling Spirit empowers me to, "offer the parts of (my) body to him as instruments of righteousness.  For sin shall not be (my) master, because (I) am not under law, but under grace." (Romans 6:13-14)  Either I choose to give myself over to the pull of God, or the influence of sin.  

Each time I sense the tug of God leading me in His direction, there will be the temptation for my flesh to fight against Him.  But thanks to God's grace abundantly found in my life and manifested through His Son's death on the cross, I have the option and ability to drop the rope, giving in to God's will.  When I submit, the fruit of the Spirit are produced and there is no law against these things! 

I don't have to try harder to be good and please God, rather I have to nail, "the passions and desires of (the) sinful nature to his cross and (crucify) them there."  (Galatians 5:24 NLT) Or, as 17th Century Puritan preacher Peter Bulkeley said, "If God be God over us, we must yield him universal obedience in all things.  He must not be over us in one thing, and under us in another, but he must be over us in everything."  

I am empowered to obey by the grace of God when I submit to Him and allow Him to lead me.

Godly Devotion

Our neighbors own a huge German Shepherd who looks quite intimidating but who is actually a big baby.  He's gentle, calm and pretty laid back. . . until his owner brings out the beloved tennis ball.  Then he turns into the fetching machine, never taking his eyes of the yellow orb.  Nothing can distract him from the job at hand; squirrels, food, other dogs, they all fade into the background as the ball takes center stage, monopolizing his attention.  He's all about his ball.

In the same way, I am called to be wholly devoted to God.  He may allow a variety of attractive belief systems or alluring distractions to come my way in order to test me "to find out whether (I) love him with all (my) heart and with all (my) soul.  It is the LORD (my) God (I) must follow, and him (I) must revere.  Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him."  (Deuteronomy 13:3-4)

This kind of devotion comes with maturity as we progressively work toward, "attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.  Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming."  (Ephesians 4:13-14)  Growing in my walk with God means I will gradually become more Christ-like, little-by-little gaining an immunity to distractions.  The goal is to become like my neighbor's dog; all about my God!

As I cultivate my personal relationship with God through faith in Christ, I will increasingly develop my devotion for Him and Him alone.

Spontaneous Love

Have you ever tried really hard to love someone, especially someone who is particularly prickly?  I have. . . and it doesn't work.  I just don't have it in me to love like God loves me!  

I like the way Oswald Chambers put it in his entry for April 30th in My Utmost for His Highest:  "Love is not premeditated, it is spontaneous, i.e., it bursts up in extraordinary ways.  There is nothing of mathematical certainty in Paul's category of love.  We cannot say--'Now I am going to think no evil; I am going to believe all things.'  The characteristic of love is spontaneity.  We do not set the statements of Jesus in front of us as a standard; but when His Spirit is having His way with us, we live according to His standard without knowing it, and on looking aback we are amazed at the disinterestedness of a particular emotion, which is the evidence that the spontaneity of real love was there.  In everything to do with the life of God in us, its nature is only discerned when it is past."

It is not my effort that produces a loving attitude or loving acts, rather it is in extension of God's Spirit working through me.  "God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."  (Romans 5:5)

As I let God's Spirit have it's way in me, I will find that the irritation I used to experience when dealing with a certain difficult personality has vanished and in it's place is patience and gentleness.

When I let go and let God, it will become apparent that my previous penchant for perfection and high expectations for others' actions has been replaced by a desire to let go of past failures and to always hope, believing with faith that things will get better.

If I follow God where He leads, I will soon see that circumstances and situations that used to anger me and send me into a tailspin now have no affect on me.  My blood does not boil and I'm no longer compelled to chew someone out, defending my position.  

Love comes as a natural extension of God Spirit as He becomes greater and I become less and will show up unprompted in ways I can't explain.  

God is the craftsman of my new heart.  Only He can, "Create in me a clean heart. . . and renew a right spirit within me."  (Psalm 51:10)  And with this heart of flesh I am empowered to obey God, to be wholly devoted to Him and to love spontaneously.  In this way, I am growing "in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church."  (Ephesians 4:15 NLT)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will let go and let God have His way in my life this moment.

When do I insist on having my way, thus preventing God to love others through me?

How do I hang onto my own desires, refusing to nail them to the cross?

Stand in the Gap

"I looked for a man among them

who would build up the wall

and stand before me in the gap

on behalf of the land

so that I would not have to destroy it,

but I found none."

Ezekiel 22:30

Friday the 13th is an unlucky day.

A rabbit's foot brings good luck.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

To find a four leaf clover is to find good luck.

If you walk under a ladder you will have bad luck.

If a black cat crosses your path you will have bad luck.

Breaking a mirror will bring you seven years of bad luck.

Step on a crack, break your mother's back.

These are common superstitions that I have heard from the time I was a child.  Although I wouldn't say I believed these false notions, I am familiar with them and don't completely discount them.  I won't purposefully walk under a ladder, for instance, and the sight of a field of clovers always reminds me of the searches I conducted in my youth for the elusive four-leaf variety.

Luck has to do with chance, not purpose or design.  All of these seemingly harmless sayings and beliefs are an affront to the One and Only God who set all things in motion and in His sovereignty controls the universe.

How many silly beliefs do I allow into my life as a part of my consciousness?  Am I willing to stand in the gap of the wall of God's teachings, correcting untruths, repairing damage done by false beliefs and traditions, and building up the ways of the Lord in my home, neighborhood and community?

The wall around the holy city of Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonian army in 586 B.C.  In 445 B.C., Nehemiah led the effort to repair the walls, symbolizing the restoration of a nation devoted to God and His law.

In the same way, God is calling me to stand in the gap, to rebuild the walls destroyed by a culture that exalts self and worships celebrities, that falsely teaches that there are many ways to God and the truth is whatever you believe it to be.  


Could it be that God has placed me here for such a time as this?  

Know the Truth

Before an attorney can argue a case before a judge, he or she must know the law.  She must spend hours studying the law itself, previous rulings which interpreted these laws found in the case law records, and analyses of the law.  

Likewise, as one who claims to follow Christ, I must take the study of His Word seriously. The Bible is no ordinary book, however.  Studying it is not the same as analyzing the law or other scholarly text.   No, "For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrated even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

Studying God's Word will challenge me, teach me, warn me, correct me, and train me in righteousness so that I will be ready to do good things in His name. Scrutinizing and learning God's Word accomplishes more than imparting knowledge, it serves to transform my mind.  

Before I can agree to stand in the gap left by false teachings I must know the truth so that I will recognize the falsehoods. 

Take a Stand

It is believed, although not substantiated, that 18th Century philosopher Edmund Burke said, "All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing."  A cursory glance at history will confirm the truth behind this premise: Humans do not want to rock the boat, step outside our comfort zone or go against the majority.

I may not be faced with blatant evil, but darkness exists all around me.  Co-workers joke about the latest sitcom episode in which God's name is maligned and His values mocked.  Loud music filled with profanity and messages uplifting the degradation of women reach the ears of youngsters playing in the neighborhood.  A friend offers to loan me a book written by a preacher known for a teaching that plays to my selfish desire for happiness but denies the truth of the Gospel.   

These are all examples of opportunities when I can take a stand for God's ways.  The Apostle Paul gives me some strong advice as he closes his letter to the believers at Corinth.  He said, "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong."  He encouraged me to watch out for false teachings, dig my heals in to keep from being drug along by accepted ways of thinking, to be brave enough to go against popular opinion and to be tough enough to not take any attacks personally.

This kind of action must also be taken on by the church as a Body.  As speaker and author Mary Nelson said, "The church is the glue that keeps us together when we disagree.  It is the gasoline that keeps us going during the tough times.  It is the guts that enables us to take risks when we need to."  

There is no need for me to act as a "Lone Ranger," roaming around looking for false teachings and standing alone against them.  Although there will be times when I am personally called to action, there are also many times in which the Body needs to stand together for the Truth.

The time to take a stand for God's ways and His Word is now, before the Truth is diluted down to a watery story, devoid of the power to save.

Rooted in Love

There is a Romanian proverb that says, "You will catch more flies with a spoonful of honey than with a gallon of vinegar."  Although the only reason to catch flies, in my opinion, would be to kill them, there is a point to this saying that I don't want to miss.  If I want to get my point across, I must be kind and respectful.  As the saying goes, "No one will care what you know until they know that you care."

As followers of Christ, we are to be known for our love.  Not my love, but the love of Christ.  Love is our distinguishing feature, our flag of identity, our characteristic attribute.  So often, though, we are known more for what we are against.  

When I am rooting a plant cutting, the best medium to use is moist soil, contrary to popular belief.  A plant rooted in soil will form stronger roots than those rooted in water, giving it a better chance to survive once the plant's roots are established.  Then, the strong new plant can be transplanted into it's permanent home.

In a similar way, I am rooted in the love of Jesus, the preferred medium for growing new roots.  His love gives me a better chance at growing as a new believer, encouraging tender new leaves to form as I rest in His love and acceptance.  Once I begin to absorb the nutrients that come with His love, I begin to establish my roots, growing them deeper as they reach toward His living water.  He becomes my most important sustenance and source of love.

This love that flows through me can then pour out to others, unencumbered by fear or judgement.  Love turns a harsh rebuke into a tender question, a cruel verdict into a compassionate caution, or a hard opinion into a caring word of guidance.  

"Speaking the truth in love. . ." is my mantra, helping me to take a stand without inflicting pain and injury. (Ephesians 4:15)

Who will stand in the gap? I will as I learn the Truth so I am equipped to recognize the false teachings all around me and will be able to take a stand in a way that glorifies my loving God.

I will stand in the gap!

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that it will be my highest goal to glorify God in whatever I do.

How do I fail to take a stand for the truth in my daily life?

When do I take a stand, but do it in a harsh and unloving manner?

Iron Sharpens Iron

"As iron sharpens iron,
   so one person sharpens another."

Proverbs 27:17

I was inspired recently by a friend of mine who uses this blog as a devotional for her 3 sons.  They explore the Biblical truths, talk through difficult issues and ponder deep thoughts.

When I first began writing this blog a couple of months ago, that was my intention; that the thoughts recorded here would inspire readers to live out Deuteronomy 6:6-9 as my friend so beautifully demonstrates. 

"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."

God desires for me to do more than simply read His Word.  He wants me to delight in it, to examine it, and to put it in to practice.

Delight

When I think of delight, I think of the way my dog reacts when he sees the leash and knows he is going for a walk.  He becomes very excited and can't wait to hit the road and start his adventure!

This is how I want to be with God and His Word; to brim with enthusiasm over studying His Word and learning more about Him.  

Examine

I remember an inspection we endured when moving out of Army housing at Ft Bragg.  We had hired a cleaning team to come in and thoroughly scour the entire quarters, but first we had to pass the inspection.  In anticipation of the renowned difficult clearing process at the North Carolina Army Post, I had done some preliminary cleaning and inspection of my own.  But nothing prepared me for his thorough examination of the bottom of the inside of our garbage can or the corners of the outsides of the windows!  Needless to say, we failed that inspection.

If I examined God's word using the same gusto this man employed in carrying out his inspection duties, I would know God better than I do.  Examining involves careful scrutiny and thorough investigation.  It takes time and effort, but produces a deeper understanding of God and His law.

Practice

It is relatively easy to read and study God's Word.  The real difficulty comes in putting it into practice!  James implores me in chapter 1 verse 22 to, ". . . not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

I love to read the Proverbs and chuckle at some of the vivid word imagery or stand in awe of the wisdom Jesus dispensed during His time in human form.  But when it comes to living it out, I struggle.  For example, Jesus said in Matthew 5:39 to, "not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."

Another difficult word comes in Ephesians 4:29 where the challenging instruction is to, ". . . not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. "

And I always snicker at the picture conveyed in Proverbs 27:15-16, but I struggle with the content of the message. "A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day;
restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand."

I want God's Word to transform me and fashion me into a new creation! 

Spending time with others in deliberation and discussion of scripture is vital to my spiritual growth.  I am inspired by my friend to take Deuteronomy 6:6-9 to heart and make a conscious effort to delight in His Word, examine it and obey it as I meditate upon His statues and discuss them with my family and friends throughout the day.  Won't you join me?

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will take your commands seriously, keeping them always on my mind.

When am I more eager to discuss the latest book or movie, but not what I'm studying in the Bible?

How can I begin a practice of regular discussion of God's Word in my home?