How can we ensure our hearts align with God's will as described here? Living Under the Promise Ezekiel 11:20: “that they may follow My statutes and keep My ordinances and practice them. Then they will be My people, and I will be their God.” God speaks literally and unfailingly: new hearts produce obedient lives, and obedience confirms relationship. The verse is the hinge of an unbreakable covenant—God acts first, then calls us to walk in step with Him. God’s Gift: A New Heart and Spirit • Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26-27 • Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10 The Lord removes the “heart of stone” and implants a living, responsive heart. He also places His Spirit within, enabling what He commands. Our Response: Aligning the Heart 1. Receive the New Birth • John 3:3-6—no heart can align with God until it is born of the Spirit. • Titus 3:5—regeneration is a washing God performs, not a self-upgrade. 2. Yield to the Spirit Daily • Galatians 5:16—“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Romans 8:14—the Spirit leads God’s children; we follow. 3. Saturate the Mind with Scripture • Psalm 119:11—word hidden in the heart guards against sin. • Romans 12:2—renewing the mind discerns God’s will. 4. Obey Promptly and Completely • John 14:15—love proves itself in obedience. • James 1:22—hearing without doing deceives. 5. Cultivate Reverent Love for God • Deuteronomy 10:12—fear, love, and serve Him with all the heart. • 1 John 5:3—His commands are not burdensome when love drives obedience. 6. Remain in Covenant Community • Hebrews 10:24-25—mutual encouragement spurs love and good works. • Acts 2:42—teaching, fellowship, and prayer strengthen aligned hearts. Guardrails That Keep the Heart on Course • Confession and Repentance—1 John 1:9 keeps consciences clear. • Accountability—Proverbs 27:17 sharpens and protects. • Worship—Psalm 95:6 re-centers affection on God alone. • Gratitude—1 Thessalonians 5:18 prevents hardness of heart. Living Evidence of Alignment • Joyful obedience even when costly (Acts 5:29-32). • Growing Christ-likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). • Consistent love for God’s people (John 13:34-35). • Peaceful assurance: “They will be My people, and I will be their God.” |
    |