The NIV 365 Day Devotional
Change: A New Heart
Where did we get the idea that we can’t change? From whence come statements such as, “It’s just my nature to worry,” or “I’ll always be pessimistic. I’m just that way,” or “I have a bad temper. I can’t help the way I react”?
Who says? Would we make similar statements about our bodies? “It’s just my nature to have a broken leg. I can’t do anything about it.” Of course not. If our bodies malfunction, we seek help. Shouldn’t we do the same with our hearts? Shouldn’t we seek aid for our sour attitudes? Can’t we request treatment for our selfish tirades? Of course we can. Jesus can change our hearts. He wants us to have a heart like his.
Can you imagine a better offer?
- The heart of Jesus was pure.
- Jesus’ heart was peaceful.
- His heart was purposeful.
- His heart was spiritual.
God’s plan for you is nothing short of a new heart. If you were a car, God would want control of your engine. If you were a computer, God would claim the software and the hard drive. If you were an airplane, he’d take his seat in the cockpit. But you are a person, so God wants to change your heart.
Consider:
- List several excuses people typically give for not changing.
- To what extent are we able to fix or change ourselves apart from God?
- What kinds of tools does God use to make our hearts more like Jesus’ heart?
- How does Christ’s death on the cross enable us to change?
- List some practical benefits of living good and holy lives.
- How can a person figure out what he or she is holding back from God?
- What is one specific change you can make in your daily routine to become more like Christ?
- What happens to us when we surrender our hearts to God?
- What motivates you to continue striving to imitate Jesus?
Taken from The NIV Lucado Encouraging Word Bible.