I described in Part 1 how 2 Peter 1:3-8 was ever-present in my devotional studies. I studied that scripture in detail to discern its message for me.
My initial research centered on the list of Christ-like traits in that scripture. The relationship of these fascinated me, especially from the different versions and translations of the Bible. But as much as I studied, I couldn’t unravel the message. I took my mentor’s advice and stopped my research busyness. I shredded my incomplete starts. I put my reference books back on the shelf. I stopped reading commentaries. Instead, I recorded that scripture from the Amplified Bible, using first-person pronouns (I, me, my, mine) where appropriate.
As I listened to that recording during a recent trail walk, God revealed two AHAs. I discussed the first—my heart finally heard that God called me—in Part 1. Now let’s look at my second AHA.
Head Over Heart
I detest misinterpreted, misinformed, or misconstrued scripture teachings. When I reference scripture, I always want to “study to shew [my]self approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, King James Version). My goal is hermeneutical accuracy…as much as this layperson can be. I always want to correctly present God’s Word. My head leads the search for truth.
A Heart Message
When my mentor advised me to just sit with the scripture, I gave my head a rest. I let my heart lead. That was hard for me, because I want logic and order and cerebral understanding. However, with my head on pause, God spoke to my heart. Therein lies my second AHA!—God will speak to my heart, as well as my mind.
The realization that God called me was not a flash of brilliance in my head, but a hot ember burned in my heart. Jeremiah 29:13 and 33:3 confirm that sometimes my heart needs to lead. In this instance, my “heart call,” not my “head call,” received God’s message.
Don’t get me wrong…God mostly speaks to me through active research and study; that is just how He made me. But “e’ry now and then,” God reminds me that He also speaks to my heart.
Head with Heart
My spiritual life must be a marriage of heart (emotion and feeling) and head (logic and intellect). I don’t have to choose one over the other. They work together to mature those character traits listed in that scripture. Thus, I become the useful, effective disciple He has called.
Reflection
How has God revealed His message or purpose for you? Seek Him with your heart, soul, and mind to identify His purpose for you. Ask Him to open your eyes to how you can use your gifts for His honor.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for wanting me. For calling me. For using me. Thank You for speaking to me in so many ways as I learn to hear Your voice. I pray I continue to grow in Your word so that I am the useful, productive person You need. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
As a strongly emotional person, Scripture tends to reach my heart first. However, as I study a particular Word I may become curious about its meaning. I will then go to other sources to gain additional understanding. Most times, however, the nourishment to my heart wins out.
I always enjoy discussion – as in Bible study, research, and other forms of enlightenment, such as your posts, Sabrina.
At times my heart just takes over me! I get so emotional that I just have to close my eyes and place my head on a pillow and say, Lord, your will not mine. And I do that the Lord takes over and have me researching for the betterment of my vision as it is His Eyes and Heart is in my body. Thank you Sabrina for always being on my street to help me get to the right place. Keep researching and sharing, because I must understand that the Lords heart and mind is the greatest research EVER!!
At times my heart just takes over me! I get so emotional that I just have to close my eyes and place my head on a pillow and say, Lord, your will not mine. And I do that the Lord takes over and have me researching for the betterment of my vision as it is His Eyes and Heart is in my body. Thank you Sabrina for always being on my street to help me get to the right place. Keep researching and sharing, because I must understand that the Lords heart and mind is the greatest research EVER!!