Me: Are you eating?
Prodigal: Yep, I am eating good food so it is a good day!
Me: While you eat then I will share with you from what I am reading.
This comes from the book You Can Change by Tim Chester
He is quoting Ed Welch.
“In our hearts we are always actively worshipping, trusting, desiring, following, loving, or serving something or somebody. When scripture speaks of the heart, it typically is emphasizing that we live before God, in all things and at all times. We respond to him either by trusting in him or trusting in our self-serving idols.
These spiritual allegiance of the heart are sometimes hidden, but like the quality of fruit on a tree, the heart will eventually reveal itself in word and deed (Luke 6:43-45). Any violation of God’s law is an expression of the heart, as is faith and obedience. Our emotions are also, more often than not, animated by the orientation of our hearts. When our worship is true, we experience joy, peace, love , and hope, even in difficult situations. When our worship is false, and things we desire are unattainable or impotent, we can be grieved, bitter, depressed, angry, or fearful. Our emotions usually mean something, and it is wise to ask, “What are my emotions saying?” What are they pointing to?”
So Tim concludes with
–trust God instead of believing lies=faith.
–worship God instead of worshipping idols=repentance
1 Peter 5:5-14
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder, Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothes with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourself therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him by glory and dominion for ever and every. Amen. By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand. The church that is at Babylon elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son. Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincousnseling.org
