A Layer of Ice

For the first time this season, the ponds froze over this weekend.

They are absolutely beautiful when they're like this - just a sheet of glass over them to sparkle in the sunshine.

In a few weeks, the ice will be so thick you could easily walk from one side to the other without that terrible cracking sound under your feet. But right now, even a leaf falling on it would probably break through that thin layer of ice.

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 2:12-13

Our hearts work just like that layer of ice on the pond. A few thoughtless words said by someone in haste forces us to put a thin layer of hardness over our heart. We think we're protecting ourselves, but we're actually doing more harm than good.

Missing a few days of Bible study will thicken that layer of cold ice, too. So will not helping someone in need because we're too busy. Or not forgiving, giving up your prayer life or even not doing good when the opportunity arises.

If you want to walk to the other side of the pond, a hard layer of ice is a very good thing. But if you want to walk from one end of your life to the other, you'll want a warm, soft, loving heart that will be the perfect vessel for the Lord's use.

So break through that layer on your heart today. Then keep a close watch around the edges so you can break through again if you see your heart beginning to harden.

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