Having an Undivided Heart in a Polarized World
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How is your heart doing?
These last few years have sure given humanity, ample opportunities to reflect on what we value/ don’t value, what beliefs support those values and how that impacts our actions in life. Most of us are experiencing great heartache for what is transpiring all around. Through adversity- we can become stronger. And yet… many are left more confused , empty or disillusioned. How is your heart doing? Is it numb? Apathetic? Angry? Confused? Discouraged? Or are you full of a faith as in the Biblical definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
I don’t know about you, but I am grateful I have an anchor to keep this ship, this momma, this sister in faith afloat. My anchor allows me to stand amidst the chaos. His name is Jesus.
“⚓️We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure…”
The waves were getting pretty high if you know what I mean. The divisions in communities, families, even our own hearts. Many are in shock. But God isn’t. He knows our hearts, He knows the state of the world. He is calling us to have an “Undivided Heart in a Polarized World.”
Anxiety, depression, and various mental health challenges have been on the rise no doubt. Grateful for those in the social service sector to do what they can to serve and lessen the burden and assist where able. We were created to thrive though, and not just survive. We are made up of spirit, soul and body. As a Christ follower, I know the Church can do better. I can do better. And yet, we are not left unto ourselves to figure this whole mess out. God has a plan .
Time for a Heart Check?
Some verses to reflect on regarding your heart:
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. (Proverbs 4:23)
“As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.” (Proverbs 27:19)
“But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” (Jeremiah 17:10)
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23-24)
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
An “Undivided Heart” Course
I’ve been developing a course to address this topic at the brand new Anchor House, School of the Bible on the Island of Kauai. Their first students begin their one year program on September 9th, 2022 and my course will be offered one of the 31 weeks of the school year. Below is the description:
“How can we live Undivided in our devotion to God when there is often so much division in our world, our communities? The Bible says in Proverbs to “Guard our heart for it is the wellspring of life”. So how do we practically do that in this world with so many opinions and arguments? Which mirror are we looking at for answers to what our soul aches for? Social Media? Government? Religions of this world? Or do we look to the Word of God, Jesus Himself and the empowering presence of God’s Holy Spirit?
To keep our heart undivided in this ongoing chaos, we look to the “founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2) as believers in Jesus. He IS the Word of God. One who doesn’t swing to the far left or the far right and camp there. No, the King of Kings is pro-justice, pro-life, pro- truth, and pro- grace. Jesus is gentle at heart and he is also the commander of heaven’s armies who will return to make war against his enemies. From Genesis to Revelation, the word of God leads us to the heart of Jesus. He is not surprised by the divisions among us. He is not asking us to choose between righteousness or justice as HE IS BOTH. “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” (Psalm 89:14). To have an Undivided Heart in a Polarized World, we need to be about the work of the Kingdom of God, as the “Kingdoms of this world” will crumble if their foundation is built on the lies of the enemy himself. (Matthew 4:1-11). As we seek to build our lives on the Foundation Stone (Jesus), His love and faithfulness will lead us in being more effective “ministers of reconciliation”( 2 Corinthians 5:18).”
Once my curriculum is finished, I’ll share some of the highlights here in the coming months. Here’s a sneak peak at the topics covered in this course (subject to change as it’s a work in progress):
Introduction: “Having an Undivided Heart in a Polarized World”
“A Polarized World: Clashing of Kingdoms” (Understanding some of the roots of our polarized world)
“Hearts Longing for Steadfast Love”
“Lament: A Gift for the Soul”
“Justice Matters: Being Spiritually Awake- not just woke”
“God’s Judgment (vs. Ours - to judge or not to judge?)”
“His Righteousness, Our Armour”
“Ministry of Reconciliation”
Wrap Up Session “Shalom From His Throne”
Pumped that the name of the school ‘Anchor House” refers to Hebrews 6:19 of having an anchor for our soul.. the verse goes on to say in 19-20: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever,…”
The Inner sanctuary-”The Holy of Holies” as the Tabernacle of Moses refers it (and the many tabernacle/ temples created by God’s design right up to the present day which is now our hearts. The Tabernacle pointed to Jesus. I’ll blog more on that soon as I am thrilled that Canada has it’s very first life size Moses Tabernacle Display near me in Rosthern SK! https://www.mosestabernacle.com/
God is looking for a people who’s hearts are devoted to Him. Not devoted to Fox News, CNN, the CBC, MSN, Washington Post, CTV, etc- Right Wing, Left Wing Politics as our god- No, we can have an anchor for our soul 24/7, no matter the issue of the hour. That anchor is Jesus.
If you are looking for a space to pull away from life and recenter your heart- reflect on your own worldview (Values, belief systems), I highly suggest you listen to the promptings of your heart and find something that will work for you and your family. There are fabulous Bible Colleges/ Seminaries that offer in person or online experiences- or full on Gap year programs like the Anchor House in Kauai. The school has space available for more to register this inaugural year. If you (or know of someone) are looking for something like this now (or in the future)- don’t hesitate to reach out to the team @anchorhousekauai (808) 742-9396, info@anchorhousekauai.com www.anchorhousekauai.com Click here to read more about Anchor House as I blogged about the school earlier this spring https://www.jodikozan.com/blog/anchor-house-school-of-the-bible
To read a blog from the Director of Anchor House: https://anchorhousekauai.com/2022/04/21/when-strong-winds-blow-a-word-from-the-director/
“Our goal is to impart Biblical knowledge and an understanding of how the indwelling Christ lives His life through you that will equip you to navigate whatever is in store for you ahead in life.”
