H.E.A.R.T. Chapter 1

 

H.E.A.R.T. by Rachel Carman 

H: Have a Heart for the Things of God                                                     

Last week I shared my thoughts on the intro to this book and this week I’ll be sharing on Chapter 1.  As you’ll soon see each chapter will be a part of the acronym H.E.A.R.T. So this week is H: Have a Heart for the Things of God.

A few things she stresses are the importance of intentional parenting. We shouldn’t react, but instead we need to respond. This means instead of panicking over big or little things, try praying. Instead of giving a sermon when you catch your child exhibiting un-Christ like characteristics/behaviors, share scripture and let the Lord penetrate that heart with His Word (it’s stronger than a two edged sword and will do more than any words you could put together on your own).

Another point she makes is to show our children what it looks like (in everyday life) to put God first. Let them see what a strong faith is. Be a living testimony in your home. Learn to truly worship Him because that’s where His glory is revealed.

As we walk with Him and grow in our knowledge of Him we begin to desire to worship Him. This is described on pages 54-56. She points out that God gave us our emotions but we are to rule over them—keeping them under control (this would include ALL of them). In the book she didn’t focus on this point but it spoke clearly to me. I’ve become more emotional as I’ve gotten older and I need to remember to “stay in control.” I am responsible for my actions and my emotions are not a scapegoat for me to use when I lose control.

She ends this chapter with the following piece of advice:

“Memorize His word all you want, but without the heart change, without true worship, it’s empty.”

Head on over to The Pelsers for the Chapter 1 links.