Change of Heart

2 Corinthians 4:1-6
¹Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. ²Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. ³And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. ⁴The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. ⁵For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. ⁶For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

My devotion this morning was on this passage, and it posed what I found to be a difficult question: How does God shine His light in your heart? I had to think about it for awhile. How has accepting Christ made a difference in my deepest, most sincere thoughts and feelings? How has it changed yours? Think about the words you say when you aren't thinking about it. Are you often hateful and rude to your family? How about when you first wake up and "aren't really thinking yet"? What you say then reflects your heart (Luke 6:45). Is the light and love of God upfront in your heart? Is it ready to overflow into your words and actions? Or is it hidden deep inside? In order for the things of God to be "default" in your mind, you have to memorize Scripture and constantly be thinking and praying on it. That's tough to do! During your quiet time (and I cannot stress how important it is to do this in the morning, even just a few verses. It sets the tone for your day and is well worth your time.) write down on an index card a verse that stuck out to you (mine today was Romans 14:8-9) and carry it around throughout the day. Whenever you get the chance, read it. It will be stuck in your mind by the end of the day! Remember that Christ should be Lord of you heart and mind. Make Him a priority in your thoughts. Don't think you're alone! I'm learning this too, day by day! :)

Grace and peace in Him,
Becky