head vs heart
we could give a lot of encouragements like say, "you do your best and God will do the rest", or how about a familiar one - "God has plans to prosper you, not to harm you".
sometimes they have been used so many times that as you hear them, you feel nothing. its essence has simply been sucked out dry.

a recent exchange with a friend, who's non-christian, telling me about this phrase "you do your best and God will do the rest", has also made me realise that such "catchphrases" has reduced christianity to mere head knowledge. i mean, come on, even my non-christian friend knows how to use this phrase!

it dawned on me that my faith has been a lot of head knowledge. i may know many "politically right" christian catchphrases to advise or teach others but if i have no heart, all these are empty talk. and trust me, people can feel if it's just idle christian banter or sincere advice.

once again, i'm reminded to be conscious about treating my faith with my heart and not my head. faith that involves the heart requires constant connection with God and most important, experiencing first-hand His love and providence, knowing for sure that God is real and convicted that He is not just a mystical figure nor a picture hanging in front of the pew.

through the heart, our faith in God becomes alive.

Lord, i pray for a renewed heart.