“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
“A heart checked by God beats to a different rhythm — humility in, mercy out.” Imagine your heart as a beautiful garden, flourishing with vibrant flowers and lush greenery. Just as a garden needs attention, our hearts can sometimes become hard and overgrown, losing their tenderness. Ezekiel 36:26 reminds us that God can replace our stony hearts with hearts of flesh, softening our spirits so we can live with compassion and love.
Remember, “God does not scorn the cracked vessel; He fills it until the light leaks through.” In other words, God delights in a broken spirit — a heart that is open and willing to receive His grace. Like a cardiologist using a stethoscope to check our pulses, we need to examine the condition of our hearts. By acknowledging the signs of hardness, we make room for God’s transformative touch to nurture our emotional and spiritual well-being.
Psalm 51:17 says, “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”
I remember Lydia from Acts 16, whose heart was opened to the truth of the Gospel. The softness of her heart not only allowed her to embrace faith but also empowered her to impact those around her. This reflects the essence of our slogan: “Soft hearts, strong lives.” When we cultivate tenderness within, our strength and resilience flow naturally.
As we reflect on Fenelon’s words, which say, “A broken heart is an open heart,” we realize that vulnerability leads to deeper connections with others and with God. Similarly, the poet’s lines, “Stone hearts sink; flesh hearts float,” serve as a reminder that those who remain receptive will rise above the currents of life with grace and poise. Amen, Matthew 5:8 says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Amen
Prayer for the Day!
Dear Lord, thank you for softening our hearts and opening our eyes to the beauty of Your grace. Brethren, I ask that the Lord renew your mind, strengthen your hands for the work before you, and anchor your hope in the promise that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion. May you taste and see that the Lord is good; may gratitude be your song, repentance your daily road, and obedience your delight. And when trials come, may you remember that His grace is sufficient, His power made perfect in weakness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
