August 7, 2023

Developing a Tender Heart

“‘For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 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. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God. I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and make it plentiful and will not bring famine upon you. I will increase the fruit of the trees and the crops of the field, so that you will no longer suffer disgrace among the nations because of famine. Then you will remember your evil ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your sins and detestable practices. I want you to know that I am not doing this for your sake, declares the Sovereign Lord. Be ashamed and disgraced for your conduct, people of Israel! Ezekiel 36:22-32

The Lord wants to give each of us a “heart of flesh” so we will be responsive to Him. A tender heart assumes the form He desires, much like a lump of clay that allows the potter to shape the vessel. And to those who have accepted and obeyed previous guidance, the Holy Spirit can continue to give wisdom and instruction.

Resistance to God will cause a hardening, but those who regularly submit to Him quickly address sin and return to the place of obedience and blessing. When we yield to the Spirit’s promptings, our heart becomes increasingly pliable and sensitive to His leading. Then God can give us greater understanding of His Word.

People with a responsive heart tend to stay connected to the body of Christ and seek to build up and encourage others. Such individuals are not only receptive to what God wants to tell them; they’re also willing to listen and be corrected by others.

This week as you read your Bible and pray, open your heart to the words of God. Listen for His instructions, and rely on the Spirit’s power to help you yield. Let Him shape you into a beautiful vessel.

Listen to Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. on OnePlace.com
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