Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
One Step
I get a knot in my stomach when I think about how far I must climb.
All I can see right now is the hardship of getting there.
It seems daunting…
…and I know there will be sweat and exhaustion involved
…and there will be times when I fall down
…and there will be times when I feel like giving up
…and there will be times when I think it’s not worth it
But then You remind me…
…those thoughts are coming from the one who wants me to fail
…and You promise me, I don’t have to do this alone
…You will be there every step of the way
…and others will help me
…to pull me up
…and to climb to the top, beside me
I don’t have to take it all at once…
…and there will be times of rest.
…and there will be times when I can stop
….and enjoy the view out the windows
…which will get better and better the higher I go.
And I don’t have to jump to the top all at once…
…all I have to do is take
…one
…step
…at
…a
…time
Genuine Fenton art glass, blown by Chuck Boux of Sigma Glass, St. Petersburg, FL
Mold My Heart – Female Vocal
Mold My Heart – Male Vocal
Devotional: “The Heart of Glass”
Scripture “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” — Ezekiel 36:26
Reflection This poem beautifully captures the human desire to protect and perfect our hearts. We search for strength and resilience in many forms—like glass, clay, and granite—seeking a heart that can endure life’s trials without breaking. Yet, time and experience teach us an important truth: it’s not the hardness or durability of our hearts that matters most but their openness to love, vulnerability, and God’s shaping hand.
A heart of glass, though fragile, reflects beauty and light in a way that no stone can. When we attempt to make our hearts impenetrable, like granite, we may succeed in avoiding hurt, but we also close ourselves off from love and connection. A cold, hard heart isolates us, leaving us lonely and distant from others. On the other hand, a heart too brittle—like one made of clay—may crumble under pressure, leaving us feeling useless or defeated.
The lesson here is not about finding the perfect material for our hearts but about trusting the right Artist. The Master Craftsman, our Creator, forms each of us with love, care, and purpose. He knows the balance between beauty and strength, between fragility and endurance. He shapes our hearts not to be invulnerable but to reflect His character—tender, compassionate, and full of grace.
A glass heart, though it may seem fragile, carries a unique kind of strength. It requires humility to handle it carefully, acknowledging that we cannot protect it alone. When we entrust our hearts to God, we don’t have to fear breaking. Even if our hearts do shatter under life’s pressures, God, in His mercy, gathers the pieces and creates something even more beautiful. His closeness to the brokenhearted ensures that no wound is beyond His ability to heal.
This devotional reminds us that our hearts are best shared with humility, not pride. They are not meant to be displayed as trophies for all the world to see but to be vessels of love and light, handled with care and offered to God and others. When we allow God to shape and guide our hearts, we find the balance between vulnerability and resilience, discovering a beauty that comes only from Him.
Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank You for being the Master Craftsman of my heart. You know its every detail, its strengths, its weaknesses, and its capacity for love. Forgive me when I try to harden my heart to protect myself or when I let my pride display it carelessly, leaving it vulnerable to harm.
Teach me to trust You fully with my heart, knowing that even in its fragility, Your strength is sufficient. Help me to handle my heart with humility, recognizing that it is a reflection of Your love and grace. May I share it with others in ways that glorify You, shining Your light through its transparency. And when life’s pressures cause my heart to break, remind me that You are near, ready to restore and renew me with Your loving hands.
Shape me into the person You’ve called me to be, Lord. May my heart always reflect Your beauty, compassion, and purpose. Amen.
Writing
The glassblower formed the molten glow His skill refined and keen With the care of an artist creating perfection It was the prettiest heart I’d ever seen
I took my heart and showed it with pride For all the world to see But it was too fragile, this heart of glass And a broken heart’s of no use to me
I searched far and wide for the best potter To make a heart that was stronger It wasn’t as pretty, this heart of clay But I knew it would last longer
I took my heart and showed it with pride For all the world to see It too was fragile and it crumbled And a broken heart’s of no use to me
To the best sculptor money could buy I found my heart of granite It was heavy and hard, not very pretty This strongest heart on the planet
I took my heart and showed it with pride For all the world to see It didn’t break, but it was too cold And all those around left me
The glassblower formed the molten glow His skill refined and keen With the care of an artist creating perfection It was the prettiest heart I’d ever seen
I took my heart, handling it with care For some of the world to see This heart of glass, fragile in its beauty Is best shared with humility
Verse 1 Open my heart, Lord, shape it anew, Fill it with love that flows from You. Teach me to see through others’ pain, And show me how to love again.
Verse 2 Break down my pride, Lord, soften my soul, Help me to see where love makes whole. Guide me to serve, to give, to share, And show Your kindness everywhere.
Chorus Mold my heart, O Lord, to follow Your way, Shape me with love, teach me how to obey. Help me to love, forgive, and believe, To offer Your hope to those in need. Strengthen my steps, make my purpose clear, Let me reflect that You are near.
Verse 3 Fill me with grace, Lord, let it shine, A heart that beats with love divine. Lead me to those who need Your care, And teach me compassion everywhere.
Bridge Tear down my walls, Lord, set me free, Make me the person You want me to be. Fill me with grace, Your Spirit within, Transform my heart, let Your work begin. Restore the hurting, lift up the weak, Through every moment, Your will I seek.
Verse 4 Plant seeds of love within my heart, Help me to live and do my part. Let every act and every word, Reflect Your truth, let it be heard.
Chorus Mold my heart, O Lord, to follow Your way, Shape me with love, teach me how to obey. Help me to love, forgive, and believe, To offer Your hope to those in need. Strengthen my steps, make my purpose clear, Let me reflect that You are near.
Outro Mold my heart, Lord, refine it still, Align my life with Your perfect will. Let love flow out in all that I do, A living reflection of only You. In every word, in every song, Let my heart declare where I belong.
Scripture: “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” — Deuteronomy 30:19
There are moments in life when we realize we’ve built a false sanctuary—a place where we have learned to survive but not truly live. Maybe it’s a mindset we’ve adopted, a habit we’ve clung to, or a defense mechanism we’ve crafted over time. Like the swamp in this reflection, it becomes familiar, even comfortable, but at its core, it is a trap.
God never intended for us to stay in places of spiritual stagnation. He created us to thrive, to walk in His light, to be renewed and transformed. But we must make the choice. We can remain in the toxic environments—whether external or internal—that we’ve adapted to, or we can step into the fullness of life that Christ offers.
The decision is ours. Do we cling to the shadows of what is familiar, or do we trust God to lead us into a land of promise, even if it means vulnerability, growth, and change?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I recognize that I have built walls, adapted to struggles, and settled in places You never intended for me to stay. Give me the courage to step out of my swamp, to leave behind what keeps me trapped, and to walk boldly into the abundant life You have for me. Lead me, Lord, and renew my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Writing:
THIS is my swamp…
My skin is thick and tough… … so that I no longer have to be vulnerable to the pain that surrounds me.
My fighting skills are honed and advanced… … so that I can aggressively and fiercely shred any foe that attacks me.
I can submerge and hide for long periods of time… … to avoid uncomfortable confrontation.
I can adapt to my surroundings here in my swamp… …so that I can be… …unaffected …unmoved …unshaken …un-convicted
…of what might otherwise appear to be a… …murky …dirty …polluted environment.
This is MY swamp…
It is my sanctuary. It is my cocoon.
It is… …my death trap.
I did not always live in my swamp. In fact, I was not made to be able to survive in my swamp.
I had to become… …to adapt …to adjust …to evolve
…into what I have become in order to survive the toxic conditions that exist in my swamp.
This is my SWAMP…
And only I can make the decision to continue dying here… …or to choose life outside of my swamp.
“Whoever dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'”
Devotional: The Whisper of Grace
As we grow older and reflect on our past, introspection often leads us to confront our inner turmoil. We may find ourselves burdened by shame and regret, feeling weighed down by a past that seems inescapable. The words we hear echo a profound truth: there are moments when we feel trapped in our own mess, struggling to find our way through the fog of despair. Yet amidst that chaos, the quiet, reassuring voice of our God whispers to us, urging us to turn from our confusion and walk toward His Truth.
This voice is ever-present—a gentle yet persistent reminder that we are not alone. I hear Your voice, Lord. Just the whisper of Your voice, pleading with me to turn away from that mess. The choice to turn back to You does not demand grand gestures—it begins with the simple act of turning. And so, I did turn. I took one step, just one step…and then another. Each step is a testament to faith, a testament to hope found in Your grace.
You call out to me in my weariness, saying, “Give me your burden, and I will take care of you.” It is a promise laden with comfort, though I wrestle with the weight of it. After so many years of distancing myself from hope, the question arises: How do I trust after all these years of hardness? My shame feels great, my faith is weak, and honestly, I am just tired.
But in my vulnerability, I hear Your gentle invitation again: “Come to Me, and I will give you rest.” This eternal rest is the deep peace my soul craves—a peace that washes over me and quiets the storms within. There is indeed Hell on Earth—and it’s called separation from You. When disconnected from Your love, my spirit wanders in a wilderness of doubt and despair, searching for solace in all the wrong places. Each lie I held onto felt like a step deeper into darkness.
Yet, there exists Heaven on Earth—and it is called Your grace. This grace shines through my shattered pieces, beckoning me back home. It holds the power to restore, heal, and mend what seems irreparable. Just as the hymn beautifully proclaims, “Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all my sin!” It is this divine grace that invites me back into a loving embrace, where shame can no longer hold anything over me.
In a world that offers distractions all too frequently, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of temporary relief. We may seek escape and numbing in substances, worldly wisdom, or fleeting pleasures to mask our pain, only to find ourselves sinking deeper into confusion. But as I turn my attention toward You, I realize that true fulfillment comes not from the outside but from the inside—from knowing I am loved by the Creator of the universe.
The journey back to You may not happen instantaneously. It may come with struggles and setbacks. However, with each step, I am reminded that I am journeying toward healing. Allow me to embrace the truth that our mistakes do not dictate our future. Your grace is big enough to cover my shortcomings, and it is through that grace I can finally let go.
We are invited to bring our burdens before You, Lord, seeking solace and strength. In doing so, we allow Your love to fill the spaces where shame once resided. The trust I seek may feel impossible, yet in this sacred relationship, I find that hope grows stronger, one step at a time.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come before You today weary and overwhelmed, battling the weight of shame and doubt that weighs so heavily on my heart. I long for Your rest, for that eternal peace that only You can provide. Help me hear Your gentle whisper, calling me to turn away from chaos and walk toward Your truth. Teach me to trust in Your unwavering grace, strengthening my faith so that I may embrace the love and forgiveness You so endlessly offer. I surrender my burdens to You today, seeking the confidence that You will take care of me. Thank You for the rest I find in Your presence and the grace that gathers me into Your arms. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Closing Thought
As we reflect on our struggles with shame and the pursuit of truth, remember to listen for the gentle whisper of God’s voice inviting you back to Him. With each step you take toward His grace, you open the door to healing and restoration. Seek the eternal rest that accompanies His presence, and trust that His love is far greater than any burden you carry. You are a beloved child of God, and His grace offers you a way back into meaningful connection. Embrace that truth today.
A Writing
What can wash away my shame Or will I forever in its grip remain Squeezing all life out of my soul Leaving me to rot in the grave, in this hole
Have I walked too far beyond the boundary of grace Looking inward and seeing nothing of value to embrace Leaving me to fend for myself in this muck and mire Slipping faster and faster to my death of desire
I didn’t think this was supposed to happen this way Have you turned your back on me, anxious to betray Or maybe you are powerless to do anything Or you simply won’t touch the sins that I bring
Chronos…time marches on…But then what?
So let’s say the answers aren’t found in the liquor store Or the drag I inhale is just a drag and nothing more Or maybe there’s nothing to the line on the table Or the prick of a needle is nothing but a harmless fable
What if there is nothing to anything What if it doesn’t matter and there’s nothing after this worthless fling
What if the glass isn’t half full What if it’s not half empty either What if it does not even exist
Chronos…time marches on…But then what?
From the pain comes ambiguity Which brings more confusion Only to result in obfuscation Which turns to apathy And finally oblivion And then the numbing begins Until I’ve arrived at my destination… …Unconscious immorality …A total lack of caring
I haven’t lost anything Because I have nothing to lose
Chronos…time marches on…But then what?
So if there are no answers This should bring me peace and contentment Right?
Then how come when sobriety returns… I’m not in my happy place? Why do I long for something more? When I don’t even know what that something is?
How come if there are no answers… I keep seeking for them? As if through my journey I will find the answers? As if there really is something greater than me?
Looking around I think I’ve discovered it
I think I’ve found it!!
I get it now!! This…this place…this time in history is what the world calls enlightenment!!
I read it in the blogs I see and hear it in the vlogs It screams at me through Facebook and Twitter
Really? That’s it? That’s the face of Truth? Are you sure?
How am I supposed to act and behave? Am I supposed to bow down to the beholders of such enlightenment? The ones who think they know it all and think they are the most tolerant The ones who walk the red carpet Or the ones who lead the protests…no, the ones who fund the protests This is it, the epicenter of knowledge and wisdom …as a society we have arrived, haven’t we?
Kairos…in His time…But then what?
It is in that place You whisper to me, that I am created in Your image You called us sons and daughters of the most High God You clothed us with Your mercy on the cross And I drop to my knees before You, in the shadow of Your grace
And then You stop this whirlwind of confusion I don’t move in any direction I bow down And the roar of the world is gone for a moment And I listen
And I hear Your voice Just the whisper of Your voice Pleading with me to turn away from that mess To simply turn around and walk toward Your Truth
And so I did turn I took one step, just one step…and then another… I heard You say, “Give me your burden And I will take care of you”
How do I trust after all these years of hardness For my shame is great, my faith is weak, and I’m tired I heard You say, “Come to Me And I will give you rest”
Eternal rest. THAT is what I want. THAT is what I need.
There is Hell on Earth…and it’s called separation from You. There is Heaven on Earth…and it’s called Your Grace.
Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all my sin!
Your grace has lifted me from shame, Restoring hope, erasing blame. Your mercy shines, my heart is new, Forever, Lord, I’ll worship you.
Chorus
Grace, grace, God’s grace, Lifting the burden, the weight erased. Grace, grace, unending grace, Love that restores and fills this place. Oh, Your grace, grace, God’s grace, Stronger than sin, forever the same
Verse 2
You bore my burden, healed my pain, Your sacrifice has broken chains. Through every storm, Your love remains, I lift my voice in endless praise.
Bridge
In the shadow of grace, I find my rest, Your whisper calms the chaos, the test. “Come to Me,” You softly say, “I’ll take your burden; I’ll lead the way.”
Chorus
Grace, grace, God’s grace, Lifting the burden, the weight erased. Grace, grace, unending grace, Love that restores and fills this place. Oh, Your grace, grace, God’s grace, Stronger than sin, forever the same
Verse 3
Your grace, a light that leads my way, It fills my soul with joy each day. No greater gift could there ever be, Than grace that flows eternally.
Verse 4
Oh, Lord, You’ve written my name above, Clothed me in mercy, wrapped in love. With every breath, my song will rise, Your grace, my anthem, never dies.
Chorus
Grace, grace, God’s grace, Lifting the burden, the weight erased. Grace, grace, unending grace, Love that restores and fills this place. Oh, Your grace, grace, God’s grace, Stronger than sin, forever the same
Outro
There’s hell on Earth in separation, But Heaven comes in Your salvation. Grace that pardons, grace that frees, Grace that’s calling, even me. Grace, grace, God’s grace, Greater than all my sin and disgrace. I’m alive in Your name. Your grace, my anthem, never dies.
[Verse 1] I’ve been running, I’ve been hiding, Worn out from the fight. Tangled up in chains I fastened, Lost inside the night.
[Pre-Chorus] But You call my name, You take the weight, You step right into my mistake. You tear the veil, You light the way, I won’t go back, I won’t be the same!
[Chorus] Oh, in the shadow of Your grace, Every fear begins to fade. Where mercy meets me face to face, I am free, I’m not the same!
[Verse 2] I’ve been restless, wide-eyed, sleepless, Haunted by my past. But Your blood is still my ransom, And Your love is built to last.
[Pre-Chorus] You call my name, You take the weight, You step right into my mistake. You tear the veil, You light the way, I won’t go back, I won’t be the same!
[Chorus] Oh, in the shadow of Your grace, Every fear begins to fade. Where mercy meets me face to face, I am free, I’m not the same!
[Bridge] No more hiding, no more grave, Hell is shaking, heaven stays! Chains are falling, fear erased, I am free in Jesus’ name!
[Tag] I won’t bow down, I won’t break, Darkness runs when I say His name! I won’t bow down, I won’t break, I’m alive in Jesus’ name!
[Final Chorus] Oh, in the shadow of Your grace, Every fear begins to fade. Where mercy meets me face to face, I am free, I’m not the same!
The light of the Sun shines down upon me I see the colors of the rainbow all around The warmth fills my soul and I am happy I can’t get enough of this great feeling So I stare at the Sun with eyes wide open Until I am blinded and I can see no more
Heaven shine your light down on me Shine your light that I may see
The coolness of the rain refreshes my soul I dance like a child enjoying its miracle I can’t get enough of the claps of lightning and rolls of thunder I climb to the mountain top to experience its fullness From its peak I reach high with arms spread wide I am struck by lightning and burned to the core
Heaven shine your light down on me Shine your light that I may see
The ocean waves crash with power to the shore Sand between my toes, I step in the water pushed to and fro I know if I can get out there beyond the shore, I will experience their greatest might So I grab my dinghy, raising its sails high Leaving the safety of the harbor to be surrounded by waves of beauty The perfect storm engulfs me in its power and I am no more
Heaven shine your light down on me Shine your light that I may see
From the base of the mountain I see the flames of fire shooting high As if calling me to come closer to study its spectacle Camera in hand I capture picture after picture of its evolving creation Of a mountain being created from the core of the earth Not heeding the warnings of its pending eruption I am buried by the ashes, frozen in time by the cooling lava
Heaven shine your light down on me Shine your light that I may see
For in all the power and beauty contained in this Earth There is a delicate balance to be understood and respected For life out of balance is an act of destruction Learning this balance is what our journey is about To sprout forth new life from the disaster we have created And allow His Holy Spirit to restore us to healing
Heaven shine your light down on me Shine your light so that I will be free
Verse 1 The morning sun breaks through the night, Colors dance in golden light. Your love is warm upon my face, A whisper of Your boundless grace.
Chorus Oh, heaven, shine Your light on me, Open my eyes, help me to see. Through every storm, through every trial, Lead me in love, Lord, all the while.
Verse 2 The rain pours down, my soul is new, A river runs where dust once blew. I lift my hands, the thunder cries, Your mercy echoes through the skies.
Chorus Oh, heaven, shine Your light on me, Open my eyes, help me to see. Through every storm, through every trial, Lead me in love, Lord, all the while.
Verse 3 The ocean waves crash at my feet, Your voice is strong, yet soft and sweet. You calm the tide, You still the sea, You speak, and fear must bow to Thee.
Chorus Oh, heaven, shine Your light on me, Open my eyes, help me to see. Through every storm, through every trial, Lead me in love, Lord, all the while.
Bridge Through every fire, through every rain, Through every sorrow, through every pain, You are my refuge, You are my peace, Forever faithful, never release
Final Chorus Oh, heaven, shine Your light on me, Open my eyes, help me to see. Through every storm, through every trial, Lead me in love, Lord, all the while.
Outro Shine Your light, oh, shine on me… Let Your love be all I need…
