You're listening to Encounter, a simple daily podcast of sacred and mindful meditations

to help you encounter the divine presence of God all throughout your day.

If you want to have free access to the entire library of 500 meditations, I encourage

you to download the Encountering Peace app where all the meditations are free as they should be.

Someone asked me recently what I thought the single message was that knit the Bible together

with a scarlet thread. Well many words came to mind. Love, forgiveness, hope,

reconciliation. But at that moment I pondered the word transformation from new to old to new again.

As it says in Romans chapter 12, do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal

of your mind. And in 2 Corinthians chapter 5, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old

has passed away. Behold, the new has come. Well, what of you is old and in need of restoration?

As old as I am, that can be a long list. But the jurors include a new heart. And not only a

stronger physical heart, but the gift of a stronger spiritual heart. Well this meditation from Ezekiel

chapter 36 is a reflection on transformation. Receiving the gift of a heart transformed

from self-willed stone to God-willed tenderness. So to begin, whether resting in morning light

or evening shade, surrender your will to this transforming time of renewal in the presence of

Father, Son, and Spirit. Allow your eyes to move from open to now closed.

And begin to concede your stubborn heart, feeling transformed from headstrong to obedient.

Continuing this time of transformation by listening and then responding to this passage from

Psalm chapter 51, and as I lead us, respond simply, Lord God grant me the gift of a new heart.

May God bless the reading and hearing of His Word.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right and steadfast spirit within me.

And Lord God grant me the gift of a new heart.

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