Day 27

No sugar or dairy

Some books you just can’t throw out even when they have endured flooding, sailed on the floorboard of the car, and its cover has worn completely off. I was gifted with Max Lucado’s Grace for The Moment fifteen years ago. It has undeniably stood the test of time and storm! Max shares an inspirational thought on the Radical Reconstruction of the heart from Matthew 5’s Sermon on the Mount. It’s important to have this Scripture fresh in your mind as you hear his explanation.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great . . .   (Matthew 5:3-12)

“What Jesus promises is not a gimmick to give you goose bumps nor a mental attitude that must be pumped up at pep rallies. No, Matthew 5 describes God’s radical reconstruction of the heart.

Observe the sequence. First, we recognize we are in need (we’re poor in spirit). Next, we [acknowledge] our self-sufficiency (we mourn). We quit calling the shots and surrender control to God (we’re [gentle]). So grateful are we for his presence that we yearn for more of him (we hunger and thirst). As we grow closer to him, we become more like him. We forgive others (we’re merciful). We change our outlook (we’re pure in heart). We love others (we’re peacemakers). We endure injustice (we’re persecuted).

It’s no casual shift of attitude. It is a demolition of the old structure and the growing fruit of the new. The more radical the change, the greater the joy. And it’s worth every effort, for this is the joy of God.”

A demolition of the heart takes place and reconstruction is implemented. The more radical the change, the greater the joy. There’s no better construction company then the Triune God’s ever-present presence!

My book as well as my heart could use some reconstruction. How’s your heart beating?