A Heart of Stone, A Heart of Flesh — Part 1

Welcome, 🙂

I’m glad you’re here. This is a two-part devotion that I believe the Lord gave me to share from Ezekiel 36. Trust you will be encouraged.

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes."
— Ezekiel 36:26–27

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
— 2 Corinthians 3:18

Did you know that, according to God's Word, every person begins life with a heart spiritually hardened toward Him? The Bible describes it as a heart of stone—a heart unable to truly know God or respond to Him as He desires. Left to ourselves, our thoughts, attitudes, and actions naturally follow our own desires rather than His. Scripture tells us that apart from Christ we are spiritually dead and in need of new life.

But thanks be to God, the story does not end there.

God desires that every person receive a new heart—a soft, responsive heart capable of knowing Him, receiving His love, and reflecting His character as seen in His Son, Jesus Christ. When we come to Jesus, confess our sin, and place our faith in Him as our Savior, God does what only He can do. He gives us a new heart and places His Holy Spirit within us.

This new heart desires to know God and please Him. How does that happen? As we spend time with our heavenly Father in His Word, speak with Him in prayer, and obey His voice, the Holy Spirit continues His transforming work within us. Little by little, He shapes our hearts to become more like Christ.

What wonderful hope! God does not simply forgive us—He changes us from the inside out.

Quiet Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving me enough to give me a new heart through Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your amazing grace that forgives my sin and makes me Your child. Help me to know You more each day as I read Your Word, spend time with You in prayer, and follow Your leading. May my heart remain soft and responsive to Your voice, bringing honor to You in all I do.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Steeped in God’s love, 🌸

Evelyn