State of the Heart
A word study of the heart
Day 1
Welcome to a short word study while on the go! If you want to draw closer to God and don’t know where to start, a word study may be a good place. Understanding God’s word and the themes in the bible can be intimidating. This study might just spark your desire to go deeper in God’s word…..when you’re ready!
In this 5 day bible study we will take time to compare the heart of man to the heart of God. You can look up the verses and write out references to the heart or you can use the Biblegateway.com verses to read on the go. If you have OneNote you can copy and paste the verses that really touch your heart.
I like the work of writing out the scriptures on a note pad. It is helpful in meditating on God’s word.
You do whatever works best for you!
Circling or highlighting the word heart (and what the verse says about the heart) as I write out each verse helps me emphasizes the main point. Also, compiling my favorite promise verses on an index card and posting them on the bathroom mirror helps to remind me of the heart of God and how he moves through His word!
Something else I find helpful is writing out beside the verse (or group of verses) who the writer is speaking to. This task keeps in place the appropriate context of scripture.
So, the object today is to have a clear view of my heart compared to the Father’s heart because therein lies the beginning of understanding. In the background of my mind is the knowledge that in spite of my tendency for straying, the heart of God is steadfast. I recall the childhood memory verse pointing me in the right direction:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
I pray you are reminded through God’s word today and encouraged to know —it’s ok to not be perfect, you are still loved! He is working in you and through you and me to accomplish His purpose. All we have to do is cooperate, open our minds, and pray for understanding and the heart change we so desperately need.
How can a heart be deceitful or wicked according to the following verses?
Genesis 6:5
Genesis 8:2
Jeremiah 17:9
Mathew 12:34
Mathew 15:8-9
Mathew 15:18-20
Deuteronomy 9:4
Psalm 7:9
Psalm 28:3
Psalm 36:1
Proverbs 21:4
Isaiah 47:10
Jesus’ words in scripture tell us to ‘take heart’ he has over come the world. And not to let our hearts be troubled. He says, “You believe in God; believe also in me.” (Mathew 14:1) The condition of our hearts are changed when we encounter the all-consuming love of Jesus. I’m so grateful to him for that today. The disruption of wickedness is not immediately resolved when we place our trust in Him, but our desire to be more like Him is present. He slowly transforms the thoughts and desires of the selfish heart into one that puts others first.
Lord of heaven, you are merciful and mighty. Thank you for the hope expressed so eloquently in Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”