Let Your Heart Grow
A Devotional Guide
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The Bible was written long ago in a foreign land and to a people without the Internet! Their culture was different. Their language was different. Even their daily living was different, too. How can the Bible be relevant to me now? The truths we find in the Bible transcend time, but if we put them in the language and situations of today, they’re more understandable to 21st century people. You can use these biblical truths to identify who you are and who God wants you to be. Then allow God to grow your heart.
Enjoy reading the contemporary stories that give insight into ageless truths. Each devotional in Let Your Heart Grow focuses on Godly truths that will help you explore how to live a Christ-centered life.
The devotions are terrific for individuals, small groups, youth groups, and family devotional times. They encourage pondering, praying, and practicing.
Start becoming a better you with Let Your Heart Grow! Enjoy the following example.
#28 Jesus is the Bread of Life
John 6:35 and Philippians 4:11-12
“Oh, Lord, I really need a convertible sports car, because that will solve my problems and make me content. That smooth ride will fill the emptiness I have within me; and Lord, red would be nice. Of course, whatever color is in your will is ok with me. In Jesus’ name, I pray amen.”
The author of this prayer has acknowledged that emptiness exists within. It must be a substantial ache, because it was significant enough to go to God with the request or demand. But will the fancy ride soothe the pain and yield contentment? It’s unlikely. Often times we rely on worldly food to satisfy hunger pangs, but worldly food is neither substantial nor lasting. But if we seek God’s will in all matters of the heart and stomach, not just in God’s choice of color, we will be filled with the eternal Bread of Life and not the fleeting life of bread.
Pray: Dear Bread of Life, fill me. My stomach rumbles, and I need to fill it. Help me to choose You instead of the material things of life which will never fill me. In my Bread’s name, I pray amen.
Question to Ponder and Discuss
Why do we need bread for our bodies? When our bodies are in need of food or water, how can we tell? How often does our body need to eat and drink? What would happen if we ate too much food? What would happen if we didn’t eat any food or water? Sometimes when we have hurts or yearnings, we try to stop the pains or the desires by acquiring a material possession. Describe a time when you have done this. Did it give you a pain-free life? Did it lessen your desires? What would have satisfied you?
Why does Jesus say that he is the Bread of Life? What kind of need is he filling? The author of the prayer makes a specific request and gives the Lord a choice of colors. Do you trust God to provide for you completely or only partially? Is it ok to make a specific request to God? Is it ok for the Lord to say no or wait until later?
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About the Book
The Bible was written long ago in a land we would call foreign and for a people without the Internet! Their culture was different. Their language was different. Their day-to-day living was different, too. How could the Bible be relevant to us now?
The truths we find in the Bible transcend time, but if we put them in the language and situations of today, they may be more understandable to twenty-first century people. We can use these biblical truths to identify who we are and who God wants us to be. Then we allow God to grow our heart.
Enjoy reading these contemporary stories that can give you an insight into ageless truths. Each devotional in Let Your Heart Grow focuses on Godly truths that will help you explore how to live a Christ-centered life.
The devotions are terrific as an individual study, but they can also be shared and discussed in a small-group setting, whether it is a family dinner, a youth group gathering, or a friends’ get-together. They encourage pondering, praying, and practicing.
Start becoming a better you with Let Your Heart Grow!
About the Author
Mary Lee is a Ruling Elder and Certified Christian Educator in the Presbyterian Church. She has served several churches in the Houston area including Memorial Drive Presbyterian and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian. She’s written devotionals, curriculum for all ages, camp programs, and preschool chapel. She authored elementary curriculum published by the denomination. Mary Lee has taught preschoolers, elementary, youth, and adults. Currently, she co-teaches Bible Study Discussion at Memorial Drive Presbyterian where her lectures and slide shows are available on the church’s website.
Married for 42 years, Mary Lee and Walter live in Houston. They have incredible twin sons (John and Bill), awesome daughters-in-law (Shannon and Penni), and five perfect grandchildren (Jack, Henry, Sidney, Daniel, and Carter).