New Hearts

“The day is coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant (agreement) with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant (agreement) will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to My covenant (agreement), so I turned My back (turned away) on them, says the Lord. But this is the new covenant (agreement) I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put My laws (teaching) in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know Me already. And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” Hebrews 8:8-12 (NLT).

This New Testament Scripture passage Hebrews 8:8-12 is a quotation of the Old Testament Scripture passage Jeremiah 31:31-34. The Prophet Jeremiah predicted God would replace the old covenant law between God and Israel with a new and better covenant of grace ─ Jesus’ offer to forgive our sins and reconcile us to God through His sacrificial death on the Cross (see also 2 Corinthians 5:11-21). With His sacrificial death on the Cross, Jesus established this new covenant between God and those who respond in faith.

In the Old Testament, God made a covenant or agreement with Abraham and promised to give Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan (later known as the land of Israel) and to multiply his children greatly (Genesis 15:18; Genesis 17:2-21). God repeated and expanded this covenant at Mount Sinai with the entire people of Israel (Exodus 19:1-8; Exodus 24:7-8; Exodus 34:27-28; Deuteronomy 4:13) and promised to be their God and commanding them to be obedient to Him. However, Israel often broke this covenant with God and they failed to keep the covenant (also called the Law) (see Exodus 32; Numbers 14:1-38; Jeremiah 11:10; Jeremiah 34:18; Malachi 2:8). The old covenant did not to change Israel’s inner weaknesses, inner hearts, or inner attitudes. 

So, God promised through the Old Testament prophets such as Jeremiah and Ezekiel to provide a new covenant. This new covenant would change God’s people from the inside out by writing His covenant (Law) onto people hearts and minds by faith in Jesus through God’s Holy Spirit (see Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:26, 27; Ezekiel 37:1-14; 2 Corinthians 3:1-18).  Thus, this new covenant would be based upon an inner, spiritual change.

Through God’s Holy Spirit, believers now have the power, strength and desire to obey God’s covenant law from within their hearts. The Holy Spirit gives believers of Jesus Christ new motivations and a willing heart to obey God (see Philippians 2:12-13). With new hearts, believers find joy in worshiping and serving God. Even more, the Holy Spirit reminds believers to obey God’s teaching and leads their moralities and desires to obey God with all their heart and mind.

This new covenant not only includes Israel but all people from every nation.  This new covenant is not written on stone tables like the old covenant but on our hearts and in our minds by God’s Holy Spirit. With the new covenant, God’s laws are placed in believer’s minds and on their hearts. Thus, believers have renewed hearts and minds, with God’s covenant as a central, internal motivation. A final feature of the new covenant is that God would forgive people’s sins and wickedness. A believer’s genuine faith in the sacrificial death of Jesus cleanses their hearts of sin and gives them a heart of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:13-15; Hebrews 10:14-18, 22; 1 John 1:7).

Turn Your Hearts To God

The Lord says, "Turn (and keep on coming) to Me now, while there is time. Give Me all your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, mourning (until every hindrance is removed). Let your remorse tear at your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful. He is not easily angered (slow to anger); He is full of kindness (loving-kindness) and anxious not to punish you. Who knows? Perhaps even yet He will decide to let you alone and give you a blessing instead of His terrible curse. Perhaps He will give you so much that you can offer your grain and wine to the Lord as before! Joel 2:12-14 (TLB).

This Scripture passage gives a clear description of repentance, “Turn to Me …. Give Me all your hearts.” God hates sin and evil (Psalm 45:7) because sin breaks His heart. He wants all people to turn to Him and away from their sins. God wants no one to fall into judgment and condemnation (2 Peter. 3:9).

For the Israelites during the time of the Prophet Joel, destruction would soon be upon them if they continued to sin. The Prophet Joel, whose name means “The Lord is God,” called on the people then and today to repent of their sins and turn to God. God is full of mercy, compassion and filled with unfailing love (see also Exodus 34:6-7; Numbers 14:18; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 86:15; Psalm 103:8; Psalm 145:8; Jonah 4:2). He is freely willing to forgive if we turn to Him (Joel 2:13). God wants to love, care, and protect for His people and not punish them.

In the Old Testament, people tore their clothes as an outward sign of sorrow, grief, and mourning (e.g., Genesis 37:34; 2 Samuel 3:31; 2 Kings 19:1). However, this outward sign would be a meaningless and useless ritual, unless the heart is broken in true repentance, remorse and a broken heart over sin. The Prophet Joel told the people then and today that God does not want just an outward display of repentance and remorse for sin without true and wholehearted inward repentance (1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew 23:1-36). God through the Prophet Joel told the people He wanted genuine and wholehearted turning from sin and evil. In Hebrew, the heart is the center of thoughts, faith, and will.

Be sure your attitude towards God is correct, not just your outward actions.  With true and heartfelt turning to God, He will send an outpouring of His forgiveness and blessing. But this blessing and forgiveness would come only if we genuinely give up our sins. Moreover, true repentance leads to the only escape from God’s judgment and wrath. So, no one should be afraid to come to God in honesty and humility because He is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and full of kindness. Moreover, God can bring blessings from the most tragic and traumatic situations (Roman 8:28–30) if we will only turn from our sins and trust Him.

Prayer Changes Things!

1 About that time King Herod Agrippa (the son of Aristobulus and grandson of Herod the Great) began to persecute some believers in the church. … 3 he also arrested Peter. … 4 Then he imprisoned him (Peter), placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. 5 But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly (fervently) for him. 6 The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. 7 Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. … 9 So Peter left the cell, following the angel. … 11 Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent His angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!” 12 When he realized this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer. 13 He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, “Peter is standing at the door!” … 17 He motioned for them to quiet down and told them how the Lord had led him out of prison. Acts 12:1-19 (NLT).

This Scripture passage proves that prayer changes things! King Herod Agrippa began persecuting the church. This Herod was the son of Aristobulus, nephew of Herod Antipas and grandson of Herod the Great.  Herod's planned to kill Peter. While imprisoned, Herod had Peter guarded by four squads of soldiers, thus making Peter’s escape humanly impossible. In Roman military procedure, four soldiers comprised a quaternion or squad. Thus, Herod had Peter under the charge of sixteen soldiers throughout the night.

The imprisonment of Peter did not discourage the church assembly. The believers prayed very earnestly and intensely for Peter's safety (see James 5:16). God answered the prayers of these believers, even as they prayed. God sent His holy angel to rescue Peter from jail. While sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two sturdy chains, guards standing just outside the door, God led Peter out of jail and reunited him with his praying friends.

However, when Peter arrived to tell his friends the good news, his friends did not believe. Rhoda was so surprised when Peter arrived at the door that she left him standing outside at the closed door. Peter’s fellow believers were amazed by God’s answered to their prayers (Acts 12:5). Evidently the believers did not believe God could answer in this miraculous way or so fast.

This escape was indeed a miracle of God because of the prayers of righteous saints (James 5:16). The earnest prayer of the church significantly affected the outcome of these events. In fact, Jesus taught us to always pray, even if our faith is weak. So pray often, pray persistently and pray with confidence to God! God is always in control. God answers the earnest prayers of His people (see Matthew 7:7-11; Luke 11:1-13; Luke 18:1-8; John 15:7; Acts 12:6-17; Philippians 4:6-7; James 5:16; 1 John 3:22). Remember that nothing is too hard for God (see also Acts 4:27-31; Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37; Luke 18:27). God answers the prayers of those who diligently seek and do His will.

Faith and Forgiveness

Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for (absolutely) anything (and everything, ranging from small to large), and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge (anger) against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins (transgressions, wrongdoing, trespasses), too.” Mark 11:22-25 (NLT).

Here, Jesus gives two additional teachings on prayer:  faith and forgiveness. First, Jesus tells us that we will receive what we ask for (see Matthew 7:7) if we pray with the complete faith in God. The second condition for answered prayer is forgiveness. Even though prayer is a most powerful resource, our prayers become ineffective and powerless when we hold a grudge, bitterness or hatred toward others (Matthew 6:13-14; Matthew 7:7; Matthew 17:20; Matthew 18:19; Luke 11:9; Luke 17:6). We must love and forgive (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-32; 1 Corinthians 13). Jesus teaches us that only when we genuinely and unconditionally forgive others can our most important prayer, that God forgive us, be answered (Matthew 5:23-24; Matthew 6:12, 14-15; Luke 6:37; Luke 7:41-43, 47; Luke 11:4; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13). Jesus teaches that if we refuse to forgive others, God will not forgive our sins and trespasses (see Matthews 6:15).

Even more, Jesus teaches that God in His omnipotence can do anything! All things are possible if you have wholehearted faith in God (Mark 9:23). God answer our prayers because of our complete faith, dependence and trust in Him as God and not positive mental thinking or attitude. Regardless of an enormous mountain, everything yields before the simple faith of God’s people. Other conditions to prayer must be met too for answered prayer: (1) you must also be a believer of Jesus Christ to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 20:19-21) and (2) praying for God’s will, purposes and desires and not our selfish, evil desires and interests (Mark 14:36).

Choose Joy, Prayer, and Thanksgiving!

Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy (rejoice). Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind (gentle spirit, gracious). The Lord is coming soon (is near). Do not worry (be anxious, fret) about anything, but pray and ask (definite requests, petition) God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep (guard) your hearts and minds (as you live) in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 (NCV).

When the Apostle Paul wrote the Book of Philippians, he was in prison. The Book of Philippians is classified as the fourth of Paul’s Prison Letters. Yet, Paul wrote to the Philippian church members to tell them to always rejoice in the Lord. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and is the result of peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1–2; see also Psalm 37).

Paul knew our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our unpleasant outward conditions. He knew that no matter what happened in life; Jesus Christ’s Spirit is always living with and within believers to help and comfort (John 14). Jesus Christ’s Spirit brings lasting joy and peace within us. He is always near to those who faithfully and wholeheartedly love Him as their Lord and Savior. 

Even more, Paul teaches believers to be gentle, unselfish and kind to everyone, even people that hurt us deeply. This mean we are not to seek revenge nor retaliate against those who mistreat and hurt us.  Paul's counsel is to turn our worries, anxiety and mistreatment into prayers to God. God is in control and He will judge all wrongs, abuse, and injustice (Romans 8:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)!  Our God loves His people and cares about their needs. Therefore, God instructs His people to pray continually about everything and have faith in Him always (see Matthew 6:25-34; Matthew 7:9-11; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Peter 5:7). Tell God your needs, and do not forget to thank Him for His answers. God will never fail you (see also Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27; Colossians 3:15). So, give God ALL your worries!

Give (cast) all your worries (anxiety) and cares to God, for He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) (see also Psalm 55:22).

Our Weapons of Godly Warfare

Be strong (strengthened by your union) in the Lord and in His mighty (great, vast) power. Put on all of God’s (full) armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies (schemes, strategies, tactics, tricks) of the devil. For we are not fighting (struggling, wrestle) against flesh-and-blood enemies (people on earth), but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places (realms). Therefore, put on every piece of God’s (full) armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle (you have finished the whole fight) you will still be standing firm (stand your ground). Stand (strong) your ground (firm), putting on the belt of truth (buckled or tied around your waist) and the body armor (breastplate) of God’s righteousness (right living, integrity and morality on your chest). For shoes (your feet), put on (wear) the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared (stand strong). In addition to all of these (in every situation), hold (take) up the shield of faith to stop (extinguish, quench) the fiery (flaming, burning) arrows of the devil. Put on (accept God’s) salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (God’s Word). Pray in the Spirit at all times (always) and on every occasion (with all kinds of prayers, supplications, petitions and requests asking for everything you need). Stay alert and (always) be persistent (with all perseverance, intercession and never give up) in your prayers for all believers (God’s people, saints) everywhere. Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT).

In our daily lives, we all face struggles and attacks from evil (see 1 Peter 5:8). God tells us the only way to fight back against evil is through faithfully depending on His strength, weapons, and power as our Commander in Chief. The Apostle Paul assures us that God's mighty weapons — constant prayer, faith (trust), truth, hope, love, God's Word, the Holy Spirit — are powerful and effective to defeat evil (see 2 Corinthians 10:1-6; Ephesians 6:13-18)! 

Our God is strong and mighty. Our strength comes from wholehearted union with God (Father, Son – Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit) (read John 14, 15 and 16). God is the source of spiritual power. So use every piece of God’s weapons to resist and fight evil. God's Word is an essential weapon and the only offensive weapon. God blesses His Word found in the Holy Bible (Isaiah 55:8–11). Jesus Christ used this God’s Word in the wilderness to defeat evil attacks (see Matthew 4:4–10, Luke 4:1-13). God’s Word is living, powerful, effective, and instructive (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

In the same way, constant and daily prayer is necessary in this ongoing warfare (see 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Without prayer, God’s armor cannot achieve victory. Prayer keeps the lines of communication open with God, our Commander in Chief (see Joshua 5:13–15; Hebrews 2:10). As believers, we must keep in constant communication with God for directions and encouragement. Believers are to make prayer a way of life for themselves and for all believers everywhere. The Apostle Paul teaches that we are not to pray not just for ourselves but also for all saints (believers of Jesus Christ) because spiritual combat with evil is both an individual and corporate matter (James 5:16).

ASK (Ask, Seek, Knock) God First!

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking (searching), and you will find. Keep on knocking (reverently), and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks (searches), finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not!  So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your (perfect) heavenly Father (certainly) give good gifts to those who ask Him. (So in everything) do to others (treat others) whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all (sums up, meaning, teaching) that is taught in the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:7-12 (NLT) see parallel reference at Luke 11:9-13.

Prayer is essential for a healthy and successful life, like the air we breathe. By its nature, prayer is talking with God.  God promises to answer all our genuine prayer needs (Matthew 7:8); including everything we need for spiritual success for His glory. But prayer is more than just asking; prayer also includes confession, love, thanksgiving, and fellowship with God.

With prayer, do not bargain with God but be direct and ask Him for what you need. Jesus Christ emphasized the importance of persistent prayer to God (see also Luke 18:1). The three words “ask,” “seek,” and “knock” suggest persistent, continually and frequent prayer. People often give up after a few halfhearted prayers and conclude that God cannot be found. But knowing God and His perfect will takes faith and persistence.  The term faith reflects at least two ideas: trust (reliance upon God) and belief (confirmation of God’s truths).

Do not give up on God or your prayers.  Continue to seek and ask God for your needs and His perfect will.  As this Scripture passage teaches, God gives His people good things that they need. God is not selfish or tightfisted, but loving, caring and understanding.  God is full of goodness, mercy and love every day (2 Chronicles 20:20-21).

ASK (Ask, Seek, Knock) God First!