Used Book New Heart – Thyme4Faith

Used Book New Heart is the story of a grandfather’s legacy and the dynamic duo of the Word and the Spirit to change our lives.

It started with the scribbles inside the back cover of a grandfather’s bible. This wasn’t my grandfather. It was someone who had received a bible after his grandfather had passed away. The recipient was excited by the prospect of discovering highlighted verses and notes that offered a glimpse into his grandfather’s spiritual journey. Unfortunately, all he found were a few verses jotted inside the back cover. Then he realized the real story was actually the well-worn cover which testified to his grandfather’s dependence on God’s Word throughout his life.

(Paraphrased from the devotional message presented by Matt Hill, Men’s Ministry Leader at Hosanna Luthern Church.)

Used Book New Heart Becomes Personal

I was touched to the core by this story and knew it was worth sharing in a Thyme4Faith message. With this goal in mind, I started looking for verses that spoke to the importance of God’s Word throughout our lives.

Suddenly, the lightbulb of my faith was illuminated with a new brilliance. Flipping to the first verse I selected, I found this little card stuck in the pages of my bible. A friend gave me this card eons ago. My eyes grew wide as I realized the verse I sought was tied to my name.

Psalm 119:15-16 “I will meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.”

“This is amazing”, I thought, “the verses I was searching for are associated with my name. Could this be linked to my delight in sharing God’s Word through my faith blog?”

Continuing my research, my heart skips a beat when I land on the comment recorded by the next verse I had selected.

Isaiah 55:11 “so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
    It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

God initially led me to this verse in my early days of faith blogging. I had been in a funk because my faith posts were reaching far fewer people than my food posts. This verse encouraged me to press on, assuring me that God will accomplish what He desires. My reaction written in the margin says – “This feels like confirmation that He is accomplishing what He wants with Thyme4faith posts (whether I see it or not.)”

Living Word

Are you as curious as I am about how the Bible, written centuries ago, can appear fresh and relevant today? It’s a combination of two things. First, it’s literally God’s Words that He inspired man to record. Can you imagine the wisdom and grace stemming from a perspective like God’s which is not bound by time? This eternal wisdom is designed to shelter and prosper us, which is what we long to offer our own children.

Second, and epically important, it’s the Spirit of God interacting with His timeless Word. When these moments happen, they break through the surface, bringing new clarity and purpose. I can’t guarantee these moments are always the Holy Spirit. It could be fueled by that double espresso you just had. But when they occur while you are reading God’s Word, hold on to your seats my friends, the Spirit is in the house!

God’s Word and the Holy Spirit are the dynamic duo delivering transformation for every life.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to see the scribbles of a faith journey from someone in your life? Or better yet, to pass on your journey to someone you hold dear? Let’s crack open the best seller of all time and read it with urgency and curiosity. Let’s underline, highlight, and capture our thoughts. Most importantly let’s be changed by it. Simply put – Used Book, New Heart.

God, open our hearts as we faithfully seek out Your divine Word in the bible. Send Your Holy Spirit to break through with personal direction and encouragement for our lives. May this dynamic duo transform us daily to be more like your Son Jesus who died and rose to give us eternal life. Amen.