Chapter 1--The Heart of the Matter

There is an old Keith Green song that states,

"My eyes are dry,my faith is old,
my heart is hard, my prayers are cold,

And I know how I ought to be,
Alive to You and dead to me. . .

But what can be done with an old heart like mine, but soften it up with oil and wine.
The oil is You, and your spirit of love, please wash me anew, in the wine of your blood."

This is the core of Chapter 1. . .what is going on in the heart of a believer.  On page 33, it states that "The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah understood that the heart was what mattered to God, and that if the heart were sick, the whole body would be in trouble."

How is your heart?  How do you measure if your heart is well? 

When duty becomes the norm versus a true longing to follow after the things of God, then perhaps the heart is in need of a reawakening--a spiritual cardiac kick-start.

If you are not a believer, then the first step would be to acknowledge your need of Christ the Savior.

For those that are believers, it is important to recognize the condition of your heart.

In the book Jane Eyre,  one the main characters is Mr. Rochester.  During one of his reminiscences to Jane Eyre he relates that at one time he was a young, impressionable man that easily trusted those who (he thought) had his best intentions in mind.  When he realizes, too late, that he has been deceived, he hardens his heart like a "india rubber ball"  that is impervious to any outside influences.  This hardening affects every aspect of his life--his relationships with his equals, his staff, his young step-daughter, and Jane Eyre.  This hardening negatively colors every thought and action.

When we, as christians, harden our hearts, does it affect us the same as Mr. Rochester?  Do we become cynical towards others?  Do we harshly judge others?  Do we withdraw from fellowshipping with others?

Personally, I have been in both places. . .the soft heart and the india rubber ball.  I know that when my heart is hardened, I am miserable.  I need my family and close friends to speak the truth (in love) to me about my spiritual condition.  I need to examine my thoughts, my words, my goings in and goings out.  And I need to do it daily.

How about you?

Time to start posting!

Hello fellow bloggers,

Do you have any comments about the introduction? Go ahead and post them! I will be adding chapter one insights and reflections this week for you to review and give your remarks.

Jot down your notes and questions in the margins of your book as you are reading. Then, share your musings with your fellow bloggers. . .we are here to discuss this journey that we have decided to undertake.

Looking forward to your sharing in your revelations.

Mdg--a woman of providence

Introduction to "Brokenness"

Hello fellow Bible study bloggers!!!

As I was reading the introduction, I couldn't but help remember the "Jesus Movement" of the 70's that sparked a revival among the younger generation.  It was a time of realizing that God was NOT dead and that He was truly interested in me AND also, all those hippie-types that were so prominent in the news.

I remember the long services of praise and worship and the teaching of the Word.  I remember the anticipation that I felt when it was time to go to church.  "I was glad when they said unto me, 'Let us go into the house of the Lord.'" 

I still love the Lord and love to sing His praises and hear the word being taught, but do I have the same longing and anticipation that I had during the 70's?  What is standing in my way?  What has caught my attention and time? 

As you read the introduction, think about the times of revival in your own life.  What would you like to see happen (spiritually) in your life today?  What is keeping you from your desire? 

I know the areas that God has been speaking to me about.  Have I responded to His promptings or have I dismissed them?  When I finally humble myself to what God is wanting to refine in my life and character, then He will be able to bring revival to my heart and life.

How about you?

The Journey Begins!

Hello ladies,

Are you ready to begin the journey?  We are going to be discussing the book "Brokenness" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.  Our first segment of discussion will be pages 1-25 (introduction).  As you read through this section, please make notes in your margins or on a separate sheet of paper.  Your notes can contain questions, comments, and observations that come to mind as you read the passage. 

It is hard to be honest with ourselves in regards to spiritual matters.  But, if we are willing to allow God to speak to us and change us for the better, the process of getting there will be gentler than if we fight against what God wants to accomplish in our lives.

I look forward to hearing from all of you as we journey together.

mdg