How’s Your Heart?

Well now, as that sun comes ‘a-crawlin’ up over the horizon like it stayed up too late ‘a-watchin’ reruns, may your heart grab hold of God’s truth the way a June bug grabs a front‑porch light. His love’s warmer than a cast‑iron skillet left on the stove, and His Word will guide your steps better than your Uncle Earl’s flashlight, which, bless him, ain’t worked right since ’92, but he keeps swearin’ it “just needs a jiggle.”

But Jesus said, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Matthew 15:8). Makes you wonder: just how far is your heart from your head? ’Cause for some folks, that distance is longer than the line at Cracker Barrel on a Sunday.

I’ve known people who can quote Scripture faster than a hound dog can sniff out a ham bone. They’ve got verses taped to the fridge, the dashboard, the bathroom mirror, and probably the dog if he’d hold still long enough. They know theology, church history, and every hymn number by memory. But hand ’em a moment of surrender, and suddenly they’re tighter than a pickle jar nobody in the family can open.

Truth is, a whole lotta people are gonna miss heaven by about 12 inches, the distance between your noggin and your heart. You can know Jesus died, rose again, walked on water, and fed a crowd with what amounts to a lunchbox special. But knowing about Him ain’t the same as letting’ Him move in and rearrange the furniture of your soul. And trust me, He’s not afraid to scoot a recliner or toss out a spiritual knickknack or two.

Take Nicodemus, religious expert, spiritual big shot, probably had more scrolls than sense. Jesus told him, “You must be born again” (John 3:7). Translation: “Nic, buddy, your head’s full, but your heart’s still ‘a-sittin’ in neutral.”

That 12‑inch journey? It’s the most important road you’ll ever travel. It’s the difference between religion and relationship, between tipping your hat at God and actually walking with Him.

Lord Jesus, You see my heart clearer than I do. I don’t want a porch‑sittin’, halfway faith. Teach me to trust You deep, love You fully, and walk with You daily. Take all of me and make my heart truly Yours. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Now go on, friend, step into this brand‑new day with joy, courage, a little song, and a heart swung wide open to Him!

With joy,

Gwen