+DEV+ A New Heart

 

Jun 6, 2022 at 12:55 AM CST

Topic: +DEV+  A New Heart




A New Heart


"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   


Scripture Focus: Ezekiel 36:22-38


When I first met Stanley, he was in his mid-50s and had spent more years behind bars than free. He had a very difficult time realizing he could be forgiven for committing yet another crime. However, God was working on his heart through prayer, Scripture, and books like Forgive and Forget. This book includes these powerful words: "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you" (Lewis Smedes, 1984).  


Gradually, Stanley did find forgiveness through Jesus. He also discovered that God was transforming his heart and placing a new spirit within him. God removed Stanleys’ stone heart and replaced it with a "heart of flesh." Soon Ezekiel 36:26 became Stanleys' favorite verse in the entire Bible. He no longer discriminated against others but developed a love for all people. He also began to serve in one of the local churches.  


Have you found forgiveness? Give your heart to the Lord and see how He transforms you into a forgiven person who is able to freely serve Him and others. 


Insight: Pray for God to give you a new heart that beats faithfully for Him.





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