Monday, April 4, 2011

Isaiah, Homeschool Convention & the heart - the connection

What does Isaiah, Cincinnati's Homeschool Convention and the heart all have in common?  Well they are all in my thoughts this morning.  Before leaving for the convention I began another study in the book of Isaiah.  Another because it is one of my favorite books and it is quite heavy for me.  I went back to the first chapter just so I could start fresh after a long weekend at Cincinnati's homeschool convention.  There are so many things swirling around in my head it will take weeks to think them all through.  But what theme we heard over and over was how God judges the heart and behavior is just a manifestation of what is in our heart.  Heart is where we change for good or bad.  Heart is what helps us think through parenting and correction.  If we choose to stop and think about it.  I will admit I often deal with behavior and not the heart and punish according to what the behavior brought about.  My heart is heavy and hurt this morning.  I have a son who is just like me.  I have a son that I deal with his outward behavior instead of his heart.  That is hard for me.  I want to be right.  He wants to be right.  These are both wrong!  My need to be right and heard is a sin!  I can not help him until I get help.  So as I read Isaiah 1 today what stood out to me last week isn't what stood out to me today. 

Isaiah 1:5-6(ESV)
The whole head is sick,
and the whole heart faint.
From the sole of the foot even to the head,
there is no soundness in it,
but bruises and sores
and raw wounds;
they are not pressed out or bound up
or softened with oil.

I have a lot of pressing out, bounding up and softening with oil to do around here!

Father your eyes search for who's hearts belong to you to support them, I need your support.

2 comments:

Lori said...

This is so true! Angela, I find that I am questioning my discipline of my kids on a daily basis. I CAN feel my heart softening, even though I am still human, selfish, and I make mistakes. I love the amazing softness of God when He draws near and gently convicts me that my response is sin and is only meant to curb a "behavior." Living, dynamic relationship. I desperately love my God!

Sarah H. said...

God loves tender hearts...hearts that break before Him and His words. Thank you for your example.....our kids will learn from watching us deal with our weaknesses & sin in a Godly way. May God be glorified in our brokenness.