Programming Your Heart to Trust and Obey God
Guarding your heart and keeping it open to the Spirit of God is essential for walking in His fullness. Proverbs 4:23 tells us, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." But how do we keep our hearts receptive to the Word of God and fertile ground for His Kingdom?
The answer lies in practicing four key spiritual disciplines that condition your heart to respond intuitively to God's Spirit:
Judging God Faithful
Putting on the New Man
Doing Good to All
Walking in Love
These spiritual disciplines are more than just religious activities—they are practices that align your heart with God's truth, making it sensitive to His Spirit and creating fertile soil for the Word of God to bear fruit in your life.
from A Heart Like God's series
“God has sent his spirit into your heart”
Keeping Your Heart Sensitive to God's Spirit: Spiritual Disciplines for a Fruitful Life
Guarding your heart and keeping it open to the Spirit of God is essential for walking in His fullness. Proverbs 4:23 tells us, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." But how do we keep our hearts receptive to the Word of God and fertile ground for His Kingdom?
The answer lies in practicing four key spiritual disciplines that condition your heart to respond intuitively to God's Spirit:
Judging God Faithful
Putting on the New Man
Doing Good to All
Walking in Love
These spiritual disciplines are more than just religious activities—they are practices that align your heart with God's truth, making it sensitive to His Spirit and creating fertile soil for the Word of God to bear fruit in your life.
1. Judging God Faithful
The first discipline is learning to judge God faithful in every situation. In Hebrews 11:11, Sarah received strength to conceive after she judged God faithful. You need to ask yourself in every area of life: Is God faithful? Did He really say this? Can I trust Him?
When you consistently judge God faithful, you are programming your heart to trust Him no matter what comes your way. Life will throw challenges at you, but if you’ve disciplined yourself to trust in God's faithfulness, you’ll respond with faith instead of fear. This is a key to keeping your heart open to His Spirit.
Application:
Practice: In difficult moments, declare God’s faithfulness aloud.
Meditate on: Lamentations 3:22-23, “Great is His faithfulness.”
Exercise: Start each day by thanking God for His faithfulness, especially in the areas where you’re waiting for a breakthrough.
2. Put on the New Man
Ephesians 4:22-24 commands us to "put off the old man" and "put on the new man," which is created in true righteousness and holiness. This spiritual discipline reminds us that our new identity in Christ is secure, but it requires daily intentionality to live from that identity.
Putting on the new man is a choice to reject old patterns of thinking and behavior. It’s a discipline that keeps your heart aligned with the reality of who you are in Christ—a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). When you practice this regularly, your heart becomes fertile ground for the Word of God, and you start living out the transformation God has worked in you.
Application:
Practice: Daily remind yourself, “I am a new creation in Christ. I am righteous and holy.”
Meditate on: Colossians 3:10, “Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”
Exercise: At the end of each day, reflect on moments when you reacted from your old nature and ask God to help you respond from your new nature tomorrow.
3. Doing Good to All
Galatians 6:9-10 teaches us not to grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not lose heart. Doing good to all, especially those who are difficult to love, is a spiritual discipline that keeps your heart soft and open to God’s Spirit.
When you commit to doing good to others, you’re training your heart to see people as God sees them. This keeps your heart from becoming hardened by bitterness or unforgiveness and positions it to receive God's Word and truth. As you do good, especially in challenging situations, you are actively cooperating with God’s Spirit in your life.
Application:
Practice: Look for opportunities to bless others, even those who are hard to love.
Meditate on: Galatians 6:9, “Let us not grow weary while doing good.”
Exercise: Set a daily goal to do one act of kindness, particularly for someone who may not expect it. This will train your heart to stay open and receptive to God’s leading.
4. Walking in Love
The final discipline is walking in love. 1 John 3:16 tells us, “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us.” Jesus’ selfless act of love is the model we are called to follow. Walking in love means choosing to act in the best interest of others, even when it’s difficult.
This spiritual discipline keeps your heart sensitive to God’s Spirit and prevents it from becoming hardened by selfishness or resentment. Love is not just a feeling; it’s a decision to reflect the character of Christ. When we walk in love, our hearts remain fertile ground for the Word of God to grow and bear fruit.
Application:
Practice: Consciously choose love in every situation, especially when it’s hard.
Meditate on: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, “Love is patient, love is kind…”
Exercise: At the end of each day, reflect on how you walked in love and ask God for more opportunities to demonstrate His love to others.
Why These Four Spiritual Disciplines Matter
Judging God faithful, putting on the new man, doing good to all, and walking in love are spiritual disciplines that keep your heart sensitive to God's Spirit. When you practice these disciplines, you are cultivating fertile ground in your heart for God's Word to take root and grow. Just as a farmer prepares the soil for seed, these practices ensure that your heart remains open and ready for the Kingdom of God to bear fruit in your life.
Homework
To help reinforce these spiritual disciplines, I want to encourage you to do two things this week:
Read Mark 4, specifically paying attention to the parable of the sower and Jesus' explanation. Reflect on how the condition of your heart affects the fruitfulness of the Word of God in your life.
Read 1 John. As you read, let the message of love take deep root in your heart, transforming how you relate to others and how you see yourself.
Living out these four spiritual disciplines—judging God faithful, putting on the new man, doing good to all, and walking in love—will keep your heart open and sensitive to God's Spirit. As you consistently practice these disciplines, you’ll find that the Word of God bears fruit in your life without striving. Let’s commit to living out these practices daily and watch how God moves powerfully through us.
Do You Judge God Faithful?
Faith is the key to unlocking the reality of God's Kingdom in our lives. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Faith is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on God's character and promises. It is by faith that we understand spiritual truths and perceive God's Kingdom, even when it is not visible to our physical eyes.
from A Heart Like God's series
“for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”
The Logos took on flesh and became the man Jesus. When you look at Jesus, you’re seeing God’s wisdom and understanding embodied. The best way to know God is through Jesus, who is the living Word. Jesus not only came to reveal God to us but also to dwell within us. His Spirit lives in us, and through Him, we lack nothing.
Faith, then, is a response to God. We often think faith is something we have to muster up to get God to move, but faith is really about recognizing what God has already given us. It’s not about trying to force God’s hand but aligning our hearts with what He’s already done. When we pray or fast, it’s to condition our inner selves to live within the power He’s already placed in us.
Faith isn’t something we do to get God to act; it’s our response to what He’s done. Scripture says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” If Jesus were to stand in front of you and say, "I promise you healing, or provision, or deliverance," would you believe Him? Of course. But that same promise is in the Word of God, and it’s just as powerful as if He were physically present. The Word is alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, and it’s meant to bear fruit in our lives.
The issue we often face is that our hearts can become dull. Disappointments, fears, and past traumas can cloud our ability to see God’s promises clearly. But God has given us a new heart, one that is designed to align with His will and statutes. Our job is to guard our hearts and keep them receptive to His Word so that it can bear fruit.
Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God using parables, and He explained that the Word of God is like seed sown in different types of soil. The condition of our hearts determines whether the Word will be fruitful. It’s not about external behaviors or trying to get God to act—it’s about letting the Word take root and grow within us.
To live a fruitful Christian life, we need to let the Word of God be fruitful in us. We don’t need to beg God to do something; we need to align our hearts with what He’s already done. Faith is about trusting in His character and promises. When we do this, we allow His Spirit to work in us, transforming us and making us more like Him.
So, where are the eyes of your heart focused? What evidence are you gathering to trust God in the areas of your life that need transformation? The Word of God is in you to bear fruit—guard your heart, build your faith, and judge Him faithful. As you do, you’ll receive the strength to conceive and see the promises of God come to life in your experience.
Hebrews 11:3 tells us that "through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God." Faith allows us to see beyond the natural world into the spiritual reality that God has established. Sarah, in verse 11, received strength to conceive because "she judged Him faithful who had promised." Here we see the critical connection between faith and trust in God's character. Sarah's faith was not in her own ability but in God's faithfulness to fulfill His word.
Do You Judge Him Faithful?
Faith is deeply tied to our perception of God’s character. If you judge Him faithful to what He has promised, then your heart is aligned with His truth. Consider the promises He has made in His Word. What are you expecting based on those promises? Are you confident that He will fulfill them? Romans 8:32 assures us that God, who did not spare His own Son, will also "graciously give us all things." If He has given us Jesus, how can we doubt His willingness to fulfill other promises?
Faith and Gratitude Go Hand in Hand
Are you thankful? Gratitude is a powerful tool in building faith. When you acknowledge what God has already done for you, it strengthens your trust in Him for what He will do. If Jesus were to ask you, "What would you like for Me to do for you?" how would you respond? More importantly, do you believe that it would happen? The way we respond to His promises in the Word should be no different from how we would respond if He were standing in front of us physically.
The difference is not in His ability or His willingness to fulfill the promise but in how we hear His Word. Jesus said in Matthew 13:13 that some people see and hear but do not perceive or understand. Why? Because their hearts have grown dull. The issue lies in how we hear and receive His Word. If our hearts are open, we can perceive His promises clearly and allow faith to take root.
Creation Declares His Faithfulness
If you need reassurance, look around at the world God has created. Nature itself testifies to God's provision and faithfulness. Consider the birds, the squirrels, the very air you breathe. Every breath you take sets off a cascade of processes in your body, supplying oxygen to your organs, strengthening your immune system, and supporting healthy thoughts and emotions. Just as God has created your body to function in this intricate balance, He has also created a spiritual system that supplies you with all you need for life and godliness.
Your spiritual life is no different. The Logos of God, His Word, is planted within you and gives life to your spirit, guiding you in wisdom and aligning your steps with His purpose. The world around us may be chaotic, but the state of Christ in you is greater than the state of the world.
Faith Requires Discipline
We often live disconnected from our awareness of the spiritual dimension, but the spiritual realm is not something we access only in moments of need. It is a constant source of health, wisdom, healing, and life. Just as you cannot drug your way into physical health, you cannot shortcut your way to spiritual maturity. It takes discipline. Faith must be cultivated, just like health is maintained through proper diet and exercise.
Faith is a response to who God is, not merely what He can do. To increase faith, we must do whatever it takes to see God clearly—not based on our circumstances but based on His character, His track record, and His self-revelation. Faith is built when we continually look to Him and trust in His faithfulness.
What You Feed Your Mind Shapes Your Faith
Just as what you eat affects your physical health, what you think on affects your spiritual health. Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. What are you focusing on? Are you feeding your faith by meditating on God's promises? If you see Him as generous and faithful toward you, you will begin to reflect those qualities in your own life.
If you struggle to believe, look to Jesus. The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ are the ultimate demonstration of God's character and His commitment to you. As you meditate on the cross, you will see that God is not only able but willing to fulfill His promises.
Let Christ’s Life Grow in You
You can receive what you allow to flow through you. Often, we try to initiate spiritual growth by our own efforts, but Jesus tells us that faith and its fruit are the work of His Spirit in us. Our job is to guard our hearts, to ensure that the soil of our lives is fertile for His Spirit to grow fruit abundantly.
As we focus on Christ—His love, His generosity, His forgiveness—the fruit of His Spirit grows in us. This is how we perceive and live out the reality of God's Kingdom. By faith, we see the unseen, and by faith, we allow His life to flow through us, impacting every area of our lives.
We are blessed to see and hear what many righteous men and prophets longed to see (Matthew 13:16-17). Now that we have Christ in us, we must guard our hearts so that the fruit of His Spirit will grow and manifest in all areas of our lives.
Perceive His Kingdom by faith, and trust in His character.
This message and article are from “A Heart Like God’s” series by Clint Byars. Click to read all the articles and watch the sermons in this series from this series. Or watch this series on YouTube.
Faith is the Evidence Your Heart Needs
Faith is not merely a mental exercise; it is an active, dynamic trust that works through love. By gathering evidence from God’s track record and reflecting on His faithfulness, we build a stronger, more resilient faith. This approach not only prepares us to face challenges with confidence but also aligns our hearts with God’s spiritual influence, refining our perception of His kingdom and leading us to live more fully in His grace and purpose.
from A Heart Like God's series
Homework for Faith is Evidence
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Faith That Works by Love: Gathering Evidence from God's Faithfulness
Faith and love are deeply intertwined in the Christian life. The Apostle Paul makes it clear that “faith works through love” (Galatians 5:6 NKJV). This connection reveals that our faith is not just a passive belief but an active force, energized and guided by love. Understanding how faith operates through love helps us see how our connection with God’s faithfulness can transform our lives. Here’s how to gather evidence from God's track record and use it to build a stronger, more vibrant faith.
Gathering Evidence from God’s Faithfulness
Faith is often portrayed as a belief in the unseen, a conviction of what we hope for despite not having physical evidence. But the Bible presents faith as deeply connected to the evidence of God’s past actions and promises. Great faith is to trust in the character of God. Great faith is to lay aside our doubt and choose to take Him at His word. When we look at God’s track record, we find a rich history of faithfulness that serves as a foundation for our trust in Him.
One powerful example of this is the story of Sarah, Abraham's wife. In Genesis 18, we find Sarah’s initial reaction to God’s promise that she would bear a son in her old age:
"So Sarah laughed within herself, saying, 'After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?'” (Genesis 18:12 NKJV)
Initially, Sarah’s laughter revealed doubt. However, in the New Testament, we see a transformation in her faith. Hebrews 11:11 says:
"By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised." (NKJV)
Sarah’s faith or trust grew as she considered God’s promise and His faithfulness. She reflected on the evidence of God’s past actions and concluded that He was trustworthy. Despite her advanced age, she began to see beyond her physical limitations and trust in God’s power and faithfulness. Her faith in God’s promise was not based on her circumstances but on the character and reliability of God. As a result, she became fertile and conceived Isaac, fulfilling the promise that God had made.
Sarah’s example teaches us that faith involves considering God’s past faithfulness and trusting Him beyond our immediate circumstances. Her change in perspective—from laughter to trust—demonstrates how reflecting on God’s track record can transform our doubts into faith.
Heart Reflection Questions
1. Am I Looking to God’s Character or My Circumstances to Build My Faith?
Reflect on whether your faith is based on your current circumstances or on the evidence of God’s past faithfulness. Are you allowing temporary situations to dictate your trust in God, or are you grounding your faith in His proven reliability?
2. How Often Do I Review and Remember God's Past Faithfulness?
Consider how frequently you recall and meditate on the ways God has been faithful in your life and in Scripture. Do you take time to remember His past actions as evidence of His continued faithfulness?
3. Do I Trust God’s Word More Than My Immediate Feelings or Experiences?
Assess whether you rely on the promises and truths found in God’s Word over your immediate feelings or experiences. Are you willing to trust what the Bible says about God’s character and His plans for you, even when your feelings or circumstances suggest otherwise?
Action Steps for Using God's Track Record to Persuade Your Heart
1. Regularly Review Biblical Accounts of God’s Faithfulness
Set aside time to read and reflect on stories in the Bible that showcase God's faithfulness, such as the deliverance of Israel from Egypt (Exodus 14), the provision of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16), and the promises fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ. Let these stories remind you of God's consistent character and His ability to act on behalf of His people.
2. Keep a Journal of Personal Testimonies
Maintain a journal where you record instances of God's faithfulness in your own life. Write down answered prayers, moments of divine provision, and personal experiences of His love and guidance. Refer back to this journal regularly to reinforce your faith and remind yourself of God's active presence in your life.
3. Meditate on Promises and Affirmations from Scripture
Choose specific Bible verses that affirm God's promises and His nature, such as Romans 8:28 ("And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose") or 1 Corinthians 10:13 ("No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able"). Memorize and meditate on these verses to strengthen your faith and align your perception with God's kingdom.
Faith is not merely a mental exercise; it is an active, dynamic trust that works through love. By gathering evidence from God’s track record and reflecting on His faithfulness, we build a stronger, more resilient faith. This approach not only prepares us to face challenges with confidence but also aligns our hearts with God’s spiritual influence, refining our perception of His kingdom and leading us to live more fully in His grace and purpose.
So, take time to reflect on God’s past faithfulness, use it as evidence to build your faith, and let it transform your understanding and experience of His kingdom.
This message and article are from “A Heart Like God’s” series by Clint Byars. Click to read all the articles and watch the sermons in this series from this series. Or watch this series on YouTube.
The Neuroscience of Hope
Hope is a choice rooted in God’s unchanging Word. As you choose hope, you will see life through the eyes of faith, recognizing the possibilities God has prepared for you. Neuroscientific research on hope and positive expectation involves exploring how the brain processes these concepts and the impact they have on mental health, physical well-being, and faith. Join us today as we do a deep dive into how to cultivate hope in the heart.
from A Heart Like God's series
Hope is a choice rooted in God’s unchanging Word. As you choose hope, you will see life through the eyes of faith, recognizing the possibilities God has prepared for you. Neuroscientific research on hope and positive expectation involves exploring how the brain processes these concepts and the impact they have on mental health, physical well-being, and faith.
A Heart Like God's: Embracing the New Spiritual Heart
In this exploration of hope, we delve into the profound concept of having a heart like God’s. This isn’t just a metaphorical idea—it’s a transformative reality that is central to the New Covenant. God promises us a new heart, one that is aligned with His will and purposes, and this promise is one of the great miracles we experience as believers.
The Promise of a New Heart
The Bible clearly articulates this promise in Ezekiel 36:26: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh." This passage highlights the depth of God’s commitment to our transformation. It’s not merely a surface-level change; God performs a spiritual circumcision, removing the old, hardened heart and replacing it with a new, soft heart that is responsive to His Spirit. This is reiterated in Colossians 2, where Paul describes a "circumcision performed without hands." This spiritual surgery removes our sinful nature, allowing us to be fully alive in Christ.
As believers, we can declare with confidence, "I’m alive in Christ!" This isn’t just a statement; it’s a reality that shapes how we live and perceive the world. With this new heart, we have a renewed capacity to believe and trust in God’s promises. It’s with this heart that we "believe unto righteousness" (Romans 10:10), and it’s through this heart that we experience the fullness of our new identity in Christ.
The Physical and Spiritual Heart Transplant: A Profound Parallel
The concept of a heart transplant offers a powerful parallel to the spiritual transformation we experience as Christians. In the medical world, heart transplants are miraculous events where a recipient receives a new heart, often leading to dramatic changes in their life. What’s fascinating is that in some cases, heart transplant recipients report taking on characteristics, preferences, and even memories of their donors. This phenomenon, while still being explored by science, mirrors the spiritual truth that when God gives us a new heart, we begin to take on the traits and desires that align with His will.
For example, there are documented cases where a heart transplant recipient suddenly develops new tastes, such as a newfound love for certain foods or hobbies that were previously foreign to them. In one particularly striking instance, a young girl who received the heart of another child began having vivid dreams that ultimately led to the identification of the donor’s murderer. While these stories are fascinating in their own right, they also serve as a metaphor for the profound changes that occur within us when God gives us a new heart. Our desires, our motivations, and even our thoughts begin to align more closely with God’s purposes, as His Spirit works within us.
The Role of Hope in Shaping Our New Heart
Hope plays a crucial role in shaping and sustaining this new heart that God has given us. Romans 8:24 tells us, "For in this hope we are saved." This hope isn’t based on what we can see with our physical eyes; it’s a confident expectation rooted in the unseen promises of God. When we anchor our hope in God’s Word, we begin to train our hearts to recognize His influence and work in our lives. Our thoughts, beliefs, and responses are programmed by what we focus on, and hope is the key to maintaining a positive and faith-filled outlook, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
The Science of Hope: How It Transforms Us Physically and Spiritually
Recent advances in neuroscience offer intriguing insights into how hope can actually reshape our brains and bodies. The brain regions involved in hope, such as the prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex, play critical roles in planning, motivation, and emotion regulation. When we focus on hope, these areas of the brain are activated, helping us to maintain a positive outlook and engage in goal-directed behavior. This has a direct impact on our mental and physical health, reducing stress, improving immune function, and even increasing our tolerance for pain.
This scientific understanding aligns with what Scripture has been telling us all along. Proverbs 4:23 advises us to "guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." The heart, both in its physical and spiritual aspects, is central to our well-being. As we focus on hope and the promises of God, our entire being—body, mind, and spirit—becomes more aligned with His will, enabling us to live out our faith more fully.
The Reticular Activating System: Filtering Our Thoughts Through Hope
One of the most fascinating aspects of how our brains work is the role of the reticular activating system (RAS). The RAS is a bundle of nerves at the top of your spinal column that acts as a filter for the information we process. It prioritizes information based on what we focus on, meaning that if we focus on negative thoughts or fears, that’s what our brain will filter for. Conversely, if we focus on hope and God’s promises, the RAS will filter in positive stimuli, helping us to recognize opportunities and possibilities that align with a hopeful outlook.
This selective attention can create a positive feedback loop, where our hopeful thinking is reinforced by our brain’s filtering system. This isn’t just about positive thinking; it’s about actively choosing to focus on the truth of God’s Word and allowing that to shape our perception of reality. As Romans 12:2 encourages us, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation is a process that involves renewing our thoughts and allowing God’s truth to reprogram our minds and hearts.
Neuroplasticity: Rewiring Our Hearts and Minds
Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, is another area where science supports the biblical concept of transformation. When we consistently focus on God’s Word and His promises, we are literally rewiring our brains to respond in faith rather than fear. This process can change the way we think, feel, and act, allowing us to develop new patterns of thought that are aligned with God’s will.
This concept extends to our physical hearts as well. The heart has neurons that can be influenced by our thoughts and emotions, meaning that as we focus on hope and faith, we are not just changing our minds—we are also influencing our entire being. This holistic approach to faith, where mind, body, and spirit are all aligned with God’s will, leads to a more abundant life in Christ.
Self-Talk: Encouraging Ourselves in the Lord
The Bible offers practical examples of how we can apply these concepts in our daily lives. In Psalm 42:11, David asks himself, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God." This is a powerful example of self-talk, where David is intentionally redirecting his focus from his current struggles to the hope he has in God.
We can do the same. When we find ourselves overwhelmed by life’s challenges, we can choose to remind ourselves of God’s promises and His faithfulness. This kind of intentional self-talk helps to reinforce our hope and keep our hearts aligned with God’s truth, even when circumstances seem difficult.
Choosing Hope and Trusting in God's Promises
Hope is not just a fleeting emotion—it is a powerful, transformative force that can reshape our hearts, minds, and lives. As we choose to focus on God’s promises and anchor our hope in His Word, we align ourselves with His will and open ourselves up to the abundant life He desires for us. Romans 15:13 beautifully encapsulates this truth: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Let’s make the choice to embrace this hope, trusting that God’s promises are true and that He is working all things for our good. By doing so, we allow His Spirit to fully transform us, making us more like Christ and enabling us to live out our faith in a way that brings glory to Him.
This message and article are from “A Heart Like God’s” series by Clint Byars. Click to read all the articles and watch the sermons in this series from this series. Or watch this series on YouTube.
A New Heart: How Our Spiritual Heart Transplant Changes Everything
When you become a believer in Christ, something incredible happens—you receive a new heart. This isn’t just a metaphorical change; it’s a profound transformation that affects every aspect of your life. Just as a physical heart transplant can cause a person to take on the desires, interests, and even personality traits of the donor, our spiritual heart transplant does something even more miraculous: it encodes God’s desires into our very being.
from A Heart Like God's series
When you become a believer in Christ, something incredible happens—you receive a new heart. This isn’t just a metaphorical change; it’s a profound transformation that affects every aspect of your life. Just as a physical heart transplant can cause a person to take on the desires, interests, and even personality traits of the donor, our spiritual heart transplant does something even more miraculous: it encodes God’s desires into our very being.
The Fascinating Reality of Physical Heart Transplants
Research into heart transplants reveals something astonishing—recipients often adopt characteristics of their donors. Here are some remarkable examples:
Claire Sylvia was a 47-year-old woman who received a heart and lung transplant from an 18-year-old male donor. Before the transplant, she had no particular interest in fast food. However, after the surgery, she developed a sudden craving for chicken nuggets and beer, the favorite foods of her donor. Along with these new cravings, Claire also noticed changes in her attitude, becoming more relaxed and carefree—traits her donor was known for.
An 8-year-old girl received the heart of a 10-year-old girl who had been murdered. After the transplant, the recipient began experiencing vivid nightmares of being murdered in exactly the same way as her donor. These dreams were so detailed that they eventually led to the identification and conviction of the murderer.
Sunny Graham, a man who received the heart of a donor who had committed suicide, developed a strong emotional connection to the donor’s widow and eventually married her. Tragically, Sunny later took his own life in the same manner as his donor, despite never having had suicidal tendencies before.
A middle-aged woman who received the heart of a young athletic man suddenly developed a love for biking and physical activity, mirroring her donor’s active lifestyle. Another woman who received the heart of a football-loving man began to enjoy watching football, even adopting the habit of shouting at the TV during games—something she never did before.
These stories illustrate that a physical heart carries more than just blood—it seems to carry memories, desires, and traits that can profoundly influence the recipient. Now, imagine how much more powerful the transformation is when God gives us a new spiritual heart.
A Spiritual Heart Transplant: Encoded with God’s Desires
Just as a physical heart transplant can change a person's cravings and behaviors, our new spiritual heart is designed to align our desires with God’s. Ezekiel 36:26-27 speaks of this profound change: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them."
When you receive this new heart, it’s no longer a struggle to follow God. Your new heart naturally desires to obey Him. Just as a physical heart transplant can make someone crave new foods or adopt new hobbies, your spiritual heart makes you crave righteousness, love, and the things of God.
Living from Your New Heart
However, the key to experiencing the full benefits of this spiritual heart transplant is to align your mind with your new heart. Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This means feeding on God’s Word, meditating on His promises, and continually reminding yourself of who you are in Christ.
Faith: Your new heart is wired for faith. Just as a transplanted heart brings new physical vitality, your spiritual heart empowers you to live out the faith that naturally produces good works in your life.
Hope: With your new heart, you have a confident expectation of God’s goodness. If you’re feeling disappointed, it’s a sign that you’re not fully living in hope. Shift your focus back to God’s promises and let hope inspire endurance in your walk with Christ.
Love: Love is the greatest of all. Your new heart is infused with God’s love, and it naturally desires to express that love in everything you do. When love is your motivation, your actions reflect God’s heart, and transformation flows naturally.
Embrace the Transformation
The reality is that you have been given a new heart—one that is encoded with God’s desires. Just as physical heart transplant recipients take on the characteristics of their donors, you have received a heart that desires what God desires, loves what God loves, and naturally resists what is contrary to His nature.
As you go through your week, keep asking yourself: "Am I living from my new heart? Is my mind in alignment with who God says I am?" When challenges arise, let faith, hope, and love be your guide. Remember, God has done a complete work in you. Your heart is new, and you have everything you need to live the life He has called you to live.
Transformation is not about striving harder; it’s about letting the new heart God has given you lead the way. Trust in the work He has done in you, and watch as your desires, interests, and actions begin to reflect His nature more and more each day.
This message and article are from “A Heart Like God’s” series by Clint Byars. Click to read all the articles and watch the sermons in this series from this series. Or watch this series on YouTube.