Hi Church, 

Here we are, and we have entered the final quarter of the year. How did that happen? The Mazda TV Advert that says Zoom Zoom is the best description for the way time passes us by.  That’s why it has been so important of late to slow up a bit and consider what is going on in our hearts.  Have we been guarding our heart, and have we been examining our heart, and who has captured our heart? 

Jodie Lindfield shared a great message on Sunday that continued with “Matters of our Heart”. She particularly looked at two main scriptures, the first Luke 4:18 where Jesus described His mission as setting at liberty those who are oppressed. Then she linked it with a practical demonstration that Jesus gave in the parable of the Prodigal son in Luke 15:11-19. 

Here Jodie demonstrated that the prodigal built up many strongholds in his heart and thus received many heart wounds, because he chose to believe lies and give in to the temptations of the Devil. 

The question is what overcomes these wounds? Well, in short, it’s the Love of God. In Hebrew God’s love is an action love that is full of compassion, kindness and is connected to His covenant promise to be with us.  We see this on display through the story of the Prodigal son. The Father doesn’t wait until the son is clean and washed up and contrite before accepting him. He runs to the son before he gets home and then showers gifts on him that speak of His great Love and full restoration into family. He gives him a Ring, a Robe, and Sandals. 

Each one of the gifts have significant meaning. In brief, the Robe restores to the heart full relationship, dignity and purity. The Ring restores authority, identity and acceptance, and heals rejection. The Sandals speak of freedom and empowerment, and family provision and purpose. Each of us carries heart wounds that need the healing of the Father. So come home to the cross, lay your wounds down and let The Father bring His healing love to your heart, His ring, His robe and sandals. 

This week we start a new series about setting our house in order. You can prepare by reading the book of Malachi in the Old Testament. As we go deeper into our surrender before the Lord let our love and voice of praise get louder for Him.

 

Thank you for your generosity, Church. 

In His Love.  

Ps Greg and Amanda