Preparing for the Charge
Hardened Hearts – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Jeremiah4:1-4

Key Verse: Jeremiah 4:3

This is what the Lord says to the men of Judah and to Jerusalem: “Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns.

Yesterday’s devotional described a heart condition that we all want to avoid—a hard heart.  Sometimes over summer breaks we can allow our spiritual lives to take a back seat to worldly things.  We need to learn to enjoy our vacation times without allowing the devil a foothold.  Whenever life circumstances change our routine, we must work harder to keep our relationship with Christ up to date.

            Prayer time is normally an area that gets hit when our routine changes.  We never want to or need to get legalistic about our methods of prayer, but we must find some time each day to quiet ourselves before God.  Too many days without any communication with God will begin the process of hardening our hearts to God’s voice.  In the summertime we can take walks with God or sit outside and enjoy a quiet time with Him.  It is OK to be creative in our prayer time, just don’t be neglectful!

            Reading your Bible is another critical area that can take a hit when routines get changed.  Like our prayer time, don’t hesitate to change your methods of reading, but do find time to do some reading.  The evil one looks for any opening to get into our minds and distract us.  His desire is to cool off our passion for Christ!  Let’s determine to recharge and keep our love hot for God!

Father, if my heart has grown colder in relation to you, help me to rekindle that love.  Grant me your strength and wisdom today.  In Jesus’ name, amen.