Before I launch into discussing the meat of Living Proof Live and our beings heirs of God, I wanted to post a few pics (now that I have them!) of the Fully Loaded conference, as well as give you a snippet of some things I learned.
I went with Pat Layton and some of her boardmembers/friends to the conference, and it was a joy to meet those friends. Truly, it was as if I’d always known them. From left to right, that’s Sherry, Pat, Linda, Jeanette, and, of course, me!
I got to worship under the leadership and heart of Kelly Minter, author of the No Other Gods study that Beth Moore facilitated this summer on her blog. That study was so pivotal for me, and it was a privilege not only to worship with her (she’s also a worship leader/singer-songwriter), but to also hug her neck and thank her for writing that study.
Margaret Kennedy was the keynote speaker, and it was the first time I’d heard her, although I had heard of her. If you ever have the opportunity to hear her speak, DO IT. She was incredible! If you were at Living Proof Live, you heard Beth talk directly to Margaret on a couple of occasions.
Her topic was “How’s Your Heart?”, which dealt with the scriptures about guarding your heart. Psalm 51:10 makes this plea: “Create in me a pure heart, O God. Renew a steadfast spirit in me.” The word “create” used in this passage means to “cut out, to carve“. Hebrews 4:12 says that the word of God is “sharper than any double-edged sword” and Eph. 6:17 refers to it as the “sword of the spirit“. Literally, the Word of God is meant to change our hearts; to carve out what is damaging to us and create a pure place.
At salvation, God’s part of the equation is to give us a new heart; an exchange of the old and hard, to the new, soft and pliable. Our part is to keep it surrendered to Him, and through His Word, ask Him to continually carve out that which threatens to harden it. Proverbs 4:23 tells us to “above all else, guard our hearts, for they are the wellspring of life.” The word “guard” here means to watch-over, preserve and guard with faithfulness. In order to do our part, we have to be on constant watch for what we allow into our hearts/minds, guarding our heart by living out our faith in a faithful manner, and always asking God’s help to show us where there are places that need some carving.
I loved (and was convicted by) a statement she made regarding 1 Thessalonians 5:23. It says “May God Himself, the God of Peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Margaret talked about our bookshelves being filled with the bible studies we’ve completed. She asked if any of them really changed us. Did we let God point out the things in our hearts that needed change, but then didn’t do the work to let Him truly change it? Did we let Him sanctify us through, but not through-and-through? If so, that’s not really heart change and it’s definitely not heart-healthy!
To sum it up, why should we guard our hearts? For four reasons:
- To see Him and so others see Him in us
- To be a wellspring of life to those around us
- God Himself wants to protect that new heart He put in you
- Cultivating a climate of self/heart-awareness, cultivates a climate of Christ-awareness.
So, I ask you…how’s your heart?
Melinda,
Lots to chew on! I remember the first of May going to Fully Loaded and then the LPM Live event.
Thank you for sharing!
Love ya,
Yolanda
1. I, too, have been convicted recently about letting my study of His Word change me and my heart rather than just becoming head-knowledge.
2. It sounds as though you really had a packed weekend. I’m so “jealous” that you got to speak to Kelly Minter. You spoke for me also as you thanked her. It’s been so good this summer as a NOG.
3. I love, love, love your blog design, colors, theme, everything. Just love it!
~Donna
I love the pictures! Thank you for sharing. I really loved how you shared about letting His word change us. It’s so true, we really have to let Him penetrate our hearts in order to let others see Him through us.
Love you!
Jen
Melinda,
My heart is kind of sad because I didn’t get to personally meet you at the Alamodome 🙁
I looked around for you but there were soooooo many people, as you well know! We didn’t get to stay for the PJ party…had to be back on Saturday night.
Your smile is so engaging and your personality as well, I’m sure.
Thanks for challenging us on your blog.
Hopefully, we will meet someday!
Blessings,
Janet
Great subject, and such a timely one at that. I sure didn’t realize the depths of my own heart as a young woman, but now that I’m officially a senior I sure do. It is worth protecting because He is worth honoring. Besides, I sleep best when my heart surrenders to His ways.
Be blessed,
Kathleen
Ready and willing for the tilling. That’s how my heart is doing. And by golly, my God is certainly busy and willing with the hoe!
peace~elaine
Thanks Melinda,
This is important life changing information. I felt the conviction about doing the bible studies, but not really allowing it to change me! I see that sometimes after a really good sermon at church, then 2 days later I’ve forgotten it. I’ll be sure to keep my heart and mind more in tune with what He wants to do in me!
Thanks,
Sonya
Oh gosh that was good stuff!!! I love all this on the heart. Reminds me of “Wising Up” with Beth M and teaching us on something so similar.
I love ya girl. You are such a blessing. We want to be changed don’t we??
Hugs,
Fran
Melinda, it was nice to meet you at the Fiesta! We didn’t get to “talk” much, but it sure is nice to “hear” your voice while I’m reading your words! Does that make sense?!!
LOVED this post…I was just speaking with my girls this afternoon about guarding our hearts, so this was so encouraging to me.
Blessings!
stephanie
cute “add ons”. You can get “doodlebug designs” to make you a cute email button or your own personal blog button cheap! If you want her info, let me know or click on her link at the bottom of my side bar.
How are you?
peace~elaine