CHARIS MINUTES
Preparing The Heart
You woke up this morning, or you’re going to wake up tomorrow morning, you’re going to be given a brand new day. What are the challenges you’ll face? Preparing the heart is the best thing you can do. Â Whilst you don’t know what the challenges look like, God does.
Preparing the Heart – The Transformative Power Of Scripture
In this article, the focus is on the transformative power of engaging with scripture to navigate life’s challenges. This article explores how actively preparing our hearts through the teachings of the Bible equips us to respond with peace and purpose in our daily lives. By examining the example of Ezra, who sought to understand and apply God’s laws, we learn the importance of not just hearing the Word but putting it into action. Discover how embracing these principles can lead to personal growth and inspire others in our journey of faith.
We turn to the Word of God, allowing it to change our thoughts and transform our lives. Instead of conforming to the world, we rely on the Word as our greatest source of help, our ever-present support in times of need. As we seek the Lord, we reflect on James 1:22-25, which describes the Word as our mirror. This passage reveals what the scripture says and emphasises the importance of being doers of the Word, not merely hearers. By actively engaging with the Word, we embrace its teachings and apply them in our lives.
Preparing the Heart: Taking Action on God’s Word
Next, when we only listen without acting, we deceive ourselves. We must recognise what the Word of God is saying to us and put it into action. Often, we hear something and immediately disqualify ourselves, thinking, “That’s great for Brother Andrew, Sister Carrie, or Brother Barry.” We wonder how we can achieve the same things and stop ourselves before we can apply the Word of God in our lives. Ezra, however, took a different approach. He decided to seek the Lord and not rely on yesterday’s bread. He committed to seeking the law of the Lord and putting it into action, building his faith line upon line, precept upon precept, consistently growing in his application of God’s Word.
Ezra’s Commitment to God’s Law
In Ezra 7:10, Ezra prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord and teach its statutes. Ezra not only invested in his heart but also manifested his commitment through his actions. He became an example for others; when people looked at him, they saw a living, breathing, walking, talking Word of God. Jesus exemplified this for us, and we can achieve it too.
Responding with Peace and Purpose in Daily Life
While we are at work, school, the grocery store, or even in our cars, we don’t have to react like the rest of the world. If someone cuts us off, we don’t need to feel angry, mean, offended, or upset. Instead, we can remain at peace, trusting in what God is doing. Why? Because we have prepared our hearts with His Word.
We can prepare our hearts by reading, studying, and keeping the Word before our eyes. We should act on it, allowing it to transform our lives and teach it to others. When opportunities arise, we can share our faith by saying, “This is what the Word of God says”. As we continue to prepare our hearts through the law of the Lord, we will find that each day unfolds beautifully before us.
Embracing Change Through Action
The changes that need to occur, even those you may not recognise, happen as you seek the law of the Lord and the Word of God. James emphasises that faith without works is dead, reminding us that the Word we receive is not just for hearing; it is meant for action. By preparing the heart, we actively engage with this Word, putting it into practice in our daily lives and utilising it in the present moment.
