The God of Justice was exasperated with His people. They would not do right. Through the prophets, God promised a time when He would place a new heart in His people. The old one was not working. It was seldom large enough to include God.

Jerusalem was in for a day unlike it had ever experienced—before or after. Not too many days prior, Jesus returned to God. On this day, Apostles were together when God broke into history and made it possible to live within the heart of His creation.

The sound like a tornadic wind and attention-getting fire caused the people of Jerusalem to pour onto the streets. They were unable to ignore God.

Peter explained what had just happened. Three thousand people repented of their sins, gave their lives to God through the symbol of death, burial, and resurrection from the waters of baptism where they received a new heart. God sent the Holy Spirit of Jesus to live in each of His new children.

Scripture teaches that it is the indwelling Holy Spirit that helps me remain faithful. I can’t do it on my own. God so wants me to love Him that He provides me a helper. With His help, I will see the Garden.

How can I not be thankful to God for breaking into history to give a gift only He could give?

It should suffice to reflect on the lack of success experienced repeatedly when attempting to live by my own steam. How often has that worked?

From December 9-15, the second week of Advent, I want to focus on God’s entrance into the hearts of humankind.

God’s historical advent makes it possible for me—and millions of others through time and across the face of the earth—to accept the gift of Holy Indwelling made possible by participation in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

Will you provide two or three focal points that assist you in thanking God for the gift of a new heart?

Stay tuned. – Gary J. Sorrells