New Life For Today: 2014

Originally published August 18, 2012
www.greekgospel2me.blogspot.com

The English spelling is kardia
It is pronounced kar-dee'-ah
Definition - Prolonged from a primary κάρ kar (Latin cor, “heart”); the heart, that is, (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle: - (+ broken-) heart (-ed).
As I was researching this word and it's origin, I found that our word "cardiac" which means "related to the heart" came from this Greek word καρδιά, kardia, for "heart".

I also found that the human embryo in it's first days following conception will begin to grow muscle tissue that will eventually become the heart. This tissue begins in the form of two tubes called endocardial tubes forming on the sides of the embryo. The two endocardial tubes are pushed into the thoracic cavity, begin to fuse together, and complete the fusing process at approximately 22 days.

This is when the heart actually begins to beat. Interestingly enough, it starts beating at the same rate of the mother(approx. 70 to 80 beats per minute)BPM.

Over the next month the BPM will speed up to an addition of 100 BPM faster than the mother's heartbeat. Then over the next five weeks it will slow back down to a rate of 145 BPM. What is pretty cool is that the unborn child's heart can continue at this pace allowing for the availability of the nutrients needed to grow and develop so quickly.

Update 7/22/2014 - "My Heart Experience"
"Almost a year after originally writing this post in another blog called "Greek Gospel to Me", on August 1, 2013 the mother of my children and the woman that I was married to for 19 years suddenly passed away in her sleep. Her heart muscles had become weak and damaged. My children and I went through the most difficult time of our lives and yet the Lord sustained us. Many days we felt most definite that our hearts would give out and we would surely die as we went without sleep and food over this time of grief. But I can testify to you wholeheartedly today that our Lord was giving us the exact numbers of heart beats and care that was needed to survive this life changing event and He still continues daily in my family's life. No one else will ever be able to do what God has done in His infinite wisdom and love."

Is it possible that Jesus had this in mind when the Greek word for "heart" was chosen in the following passage. Do you think that he knew how we get when allot of things and changes are happening in our lives and we get agitated, troubled or afraid? Our heart rate increases and we get ready to take action sometimes before we even have time to think things through.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to you. Don't let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Remember that He offers us a peace that is greater than any that the world around us can offer. He can offer more than all those vacation commercials or week long cruises can ever offer. His peace is there for you anytime and anywhere if you believe in him.

As I thought about the unborn child's heart rate speeding up over the first month after the heart begins to beat for the very first time, I couldn't help but think about the new believer who knows for the first time that his heart is made whole.

Allot of challenges and trials can come during the strength building days following the experience of new birth in Christ. The battle is on for the very heart, mind and soul of the believer. They may feel their hearts beating like a race horse in the battle for their new life. I'd like to encourage you, if your heart has been made new in Christ and you or even someone you know is going through these changes, be strong and take peace in the promises of Jesus.

Don't let fear take control or cause you to become discouraged. Because just as the unborn child gains their strength while their heart is racing away and then slows down, your heart also will gradually become secure in the peace of God's presence and your heart will become conditioned to slow down . A new believer's strength is going to increase in those trying times as he/she learns to depend on the great Comforter which Jesus promises to all who believe in verse twenty-six.

The Greek word "parakletos" which translates "Comforter" means consoler, intercessor and advocate. Our great "parakletos" is the Holy (sacred) Spirit of God! Calm down, take comfort in the peace of God's Spirit with you.

But the Comforter (parakletos), which is the Holy Ghost, who the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you. John 14:26

παράκλητος
paraklētos
par-ak'-lay-tos
An intercessor, consoler: - advocate, comforter.

Shalom. Peace.

Fathering the Heart means
Imparting a Practical Education

Practical education moves beyond theoretical.

"My Son" appears 23 times in Proverbs.
Only sons are mentioned because the son
received formal education at the time, but these principles apply to girls and boys alike.

Proverbs 1:8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

A few more examples to consider;

(Prov 1:10) My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
(Prov 1:15) My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
(Prov 2:1) My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
(Prov 2:5) Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
(Prov 3:1) My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
(Prov 3:11) My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
(Prov 3:21) My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

What an impressive manual for not just moral wisdom but for snake lessons of practical wisdom. For example:

~ Don't talk too much. Prov. 10:19
~ Think before speaking. Prov. 13:3
~ Be careful of your company. Prov. 13:20
~ Use gentle words, rather than harsh. Prov. 15:1
~ Try to understand others before asking them to understand you. Prov. 18:13
~ Be fair & honest in your work. Prov. 11:1
~ Be big enough to "let the small stuff go". Prov. 12:16
~ Don't co-sign for someone else's debts. Prov. 11:15

A good suggestion to help us father our children's hearts with a practical education. For the next month, read one Proverb a day to your children and discuss it's message. Then give them an illustration of how it applies- either from your life or a story you've heard.

New Life For Today

Monday, September 8, 2014

"911 LOVE PROJECT VIDEO"

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

UPDATE "MY KARDIA EXPERIENCE"

Fathering the Heart - Practical Lessons