Welcome ladies! I am so glad you have joined us this week for the Bible Study,
“A Makeover of the Heart”
Are you ready for a COMPLETE TRANSFORMATION of your heart? I am THRILLED to be here with you and am so excited to see what God is going to do through this study in each one of our lives.
Prepping for surgery…..
Okay. Are you ready to delve in? Are you willing to be completely honest with yourself and God and take a look at your heart? Are you ready for God to perform this amazing procedure of taking out “your heart of stone” and replacing it with a heart of “life and peace?”
“Lord, get my heart right.”
Do you ever get frustrated with the condition of your heart? Do you ever struggle with heart issues like jealousy, bitterness and unforgiveness, a critical spirit, complaining, or a short temper?
The Bible tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23).
Are you ever disappointed by the WORDS that flow from your mouth?
Unkind words.
Angry words.
Sarcastic words.
Hurtful words.
Jesus said, “Out of the overflow of the HEART, the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45).
So, we know these HEART ISSUES are very important. My heart’s condition directly affects everything else in my life…my attitude, my words, my behavior, my peace, my joy….
My response is to fall on my knees and cry out to You, Lord, “Get my heart right!”
Sweet ladies, please pray with me….
Father God, we praise Your Holy Name! You are awesome, Lord! I thank You for the opportunity to grow with these women participating in this study. I pray that You bless our time together, Lord. I pray that You would open the heart and mind of the woman reading this post.
Sister, I pray that the “eyes of your heart would be enlightened. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know Him better. I pray that out of His glorious riches, He may strengthen you with POWER through His Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love may have power together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
Lord, help each one of us to be open and completely honest with You and with ourselves. Lord, I pray the Holy Spirit would search our hearts and reveal anything Lord, that You want to change. Lord, I pray that You would perform HEART SURGERY in each one of us! Lord, I pray this woman reading would have a total transformation of her heart. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
Please know that we will be continuing to pray for you all along this journey together. If you have any personal prayer needs, please feel free to email any of us. It would be a privilege and an honor to pray with you and for you. I hope you will join us and download the study guide each week, especially week one, which is an introduction to the study. Also, if you have problems watching the videos, they will be posted on YouTube as well. The links are below.
Please ponder the following questions. Take some time to sit quietly before God, praying for Him to search your heart. Ask God to reveal His insight to you. Ask God to give a spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know Him better. Ask Him to help you to be completely honest with yourself and with Him. Then, take some time to answer the questions.
I would love for you to share what God reveals to you, either in comments or on a blog post, linking back here so that we can all read what God is showing you. And, please invite friends to join our Heart Makeover and feel free to grab a button from our sidebar!
1. God’s Word says that “when we delight ourselves in Him, He gives us the desires of our heart.” Have you taken any time to ponder WHAT the desires of your heart are? What are your dreams? Aspirations? Hope against all hope? What are your passions? There is a wonderful song by Michael W. Smith called “Secret Ambition.” When I first heard this song, God awakened a desire in me to bring a woman’s conference to our church for the first time. He then drew me into a speaking ministry as He called ME to be the speaker at the conference. I had no idea that this passion was inside me until God awakened it. Ask God to awaken you to the secret desires of your heart…..the plans He has for you….the dreams He has given you.
2. Make a list of ways you would like to be transformed during this bible study. How do you want God to change you? What are your personal goals with this study? What are your personal expectations? Why are you reading this? What do you hope to accomplish? What are things in your heart that you want God to remove? What are things you want Him to place in your heart? How do you see yourself changed at the end of the six weeks? What drew you to the study in the first place? What does this “Heart Makeover” mean to YOU?
I look forward to hearing from all of you!
Here are all the resources if you couldn’t get them above:
Transformation of the Heart – Week 1 Study Guide
If you are joining along with us through this journey, please add you link below so that we can pray along with you, feel free to add your thoughts along the way as well:
Tracy, your love for others comes through loud and clear in your videos. I watched each one and my heart was desiring to …get naked before the Lord. I desire for Him to transform me and do a makeover of my heart.
I actually had open heart surgery as a child of 7 so the photos of the surgeons operating was nothing new to me. I also worked as a cardiovascular nurse for 25 years in the past, so I am familiar with heart makeovers from that perspective.
However, I’m ready for this different kind of makeover of my heart. Thank you for offering this study along with the printed materials which I downloaded.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Thank you, sweet friend!
Wow, I didn’t know that about you (having the surgery and then working as a cardiovascular nurse)….you will bring some wonderful insight to the study as we go along I am sure!
I am so glad you are joining us, Debbie. I know God is going to do amazing things!
The past months I’ve had the scripture..the pure in heart shall see GOD.. on my mind.
Have been thinking /working/praying to become pure. When I found this page I knew it will help me. To know there are other people, ladies out there- busy with their hearts as well is an encouragement to me. Maybe a bit of a motivation too, to keep listening and acting when the Holy Spirit is speaking.
Retha, I am so glad God brought you here! He is amazing, isn’t He? I pray God will use this study to encourage you in your heart journey. I can’t wait to hear what God shows you. I know we will be experiencing a total Heart Transformation!
Blessings!
[...] At the Well to read more about the study and start today along with [...]
Looking forward to this study and also frightened about what God will reveal to me. If it’s not from Him I really don’t want it in my heart anyway. Thanks for setting this up, Tracy.
Bless you, sweet Holly. I am so thankful for your courage, dear one! You are so right- you DON’T want it there if it isn’t of God. And, when He removes it, the freedom you experience is glorious!
I can’t wait to see what God reveals to you through the study, Holly. Praying for you.
Tracy, thank you for this! I’ve really enjoyed all 3 videos, and your sweet, soothing voice is so comforting! Looking forward to more of this bible study!
Chelsey, thank you for bringing this to us!
Chrissy,
Thank you! You are so kind!
I can’t wait to hear what God shows you during the study. I’m glad you are on this journey with us.
And, yes, thank you, Chelsey!
This is awesome and exciting. I can’t wait to get started on my transformation!!! Love you Tracy!!
Becky, I am THRILLED you are joining us! I know we are going to be so amazed in this journey.
I love you!
I have started my first lesson. Any one have a tissue?
Actually it felt good to get real. And I hope I am not done yet. Thank you Tracy for being our host. I have a feeling that this is going to be a doozie and I mean in a great way!
I love you all!
I am going to love you better in the future!
Grandma Patty Ann
Grandma,
You may need a BOX of tissues!
Yes, it does feel GREAT to “get real” doesn’t it? We can finally allow God to do the work in us when we are open and honest with Him. And, we build STRONG relationships with one another when we are authentic and honest!
I love you, Grandma Patty Ann!!!! I am just about to burst with excitement! I know He is going to knit us all together through this journey. Blessings, sweet friend!
I was surprised, I thought I knew everything in my heart. Quieting down and listening, really listening, I learned there is so much He desires for me, I had no idea.
I’m looking forward to this study and believing God for a transformation of my heart. Thank you for this!
Julie, that is awesome!!! I love how you said, “really listening.” I think the challenge today is that we are sooooo busy, we struggle with the “quieting and listening” part.
Julie, I am so glad you are joining us for the study and I so look forward to hearing what God reveals to you. Blessings, friend!
Ok. I get Max Lucado’s emails “Everyday’s Blessings” I just opened today’s and this is what was in it!
Matter of the Heart
“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” Psalm 51:10 TLB
Ever blamed your plight on Washington? (If they’d lower the tax rates, my business would work.)
Inculpated your family for your failure? (Mom always liked my sister more.) . . .
Consider the prayer of David: “Create in me a new heart, O God . . .”
Real change is an inside job. You might alter things a day or two with money and systems, but the heart of the matter is and always will be, the matter of the heart.
I DO have God on the Internet talking to me!
I love you all!
Grandma Patty Ann
OH I AM SO GLAD YOU SHARED THIS!!!!! AWESOME!!! I will have to keep this one for my “file”! Yes, God is speaking to us, Grandma Patty Ann!
I am so looking forward to continuing with this Bible study. As a teacher, I KNOW I need to examine my heart, my words, my thoughts all of the time since I am “on” as a Christian role model for my students. I look forward to all that God has to reveal to me about what I am to do and what God has in store for me.
Because of this I am now reading through Proverbs again… so much to gain from common sense and ethical teachings of how to pursue and live as close to a Godly life as is humanly possible.
I am so excited to be joining all of you here at the well!!!!
Sandy, I am THRILLED you are joining us! I look forward to hearing what God is showing you…
Boy, are you so right about being “on” with your students. I always feel the same way with my kids, too- especially Andrew and Ashley. They will call me out when my “walk is not matching my talk”!
I love Proverbs, as well. One of my favorite chapters is Proverbs 31. One thing I pray over myself often is “she speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is always on her tongue”. Oh, how I want to be that P31 woman!!
The Proverb I wrote in my planner this year was “Commit your way to the Lord and He will make your plans succeed.” I find myself going back to that over and over! 
I am so excited that you are joining us! Blessings, friend.
I think God sent me to this study today for a reason. (I was clicking around links on various blogs and simply came across it.)
I’ve been struggling with a number of things lately, and I’m desperately trying to find my way back on the right path, the path God wants me on.
I’m looking forward to what is to come.
I just saw this come in and had to say isn’t that the coolest? God is bringing us together for a very good reason! You will love it!
Love to you and yours!
Grandma Patty Ann
BigD,
I am so GLAD you are here! Yes, God brought you here. Isn’t He just so cool?
Please know that I am praying for you, precious one. Keep your eyes on Jesus, friend and you will walk on the right path. I look forward to what God has for you! I can’t wait to hear all about it!
Blessings, friend….
I am sooooo looking forward to this study!! Excited with you & others how He is working everything out around me to come together! Personally I’ve been in prayer trying to figure where He wants me, what He desires for me to do–> focusing deeply on CHANGE and heavily into Quiet Time with Him in prayer & His Word with accountability! Church is beginning to start a study on Isaiah! I look forward to the transformations going on!
Hugs & Prayers, HL
Heather, I am so glad you are joining us. I can’t wait to hear all about your transformation, girl! I sounds exciting!
Wow, I can’t wait for the next study I’m so excited. This is something I’ve been praying about because I am honestly a little stubborn, critical, ect. ect. and I really want to change my heart to be a heart pleasing to God. Thank you so much for this teaching
Thank you so much for this Bible study! I am sorry that my comments are so long. I ask that my sisters in Christ will keep me in prayer.
Personal goals: To have a new outlook on my walk with Jesus. To draw closer to Him. To be as sinless as I can in my mind: thoughts; in my body: healthier food choices; in my soul: be still, be quiet and listen for God’s command. Meditate on His word. Spend more time alone with God. To breath in His Word, to eat His Word and to enjoy the nourishment from His Word.
Personal expectations: To be refreshed and renewed.
Accomplish? To let go and let God have ‘total’ control over my mind, body and soul. Not just read His Word, but be a doer of His Word. To allow Him to examine all motives in my heart, to let Him dissect and expose so that I come away from this Bible study with a new heart! “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.”
Desires of my heart: For God to remove selfishness, ill thoughts and or judgment of others. For God to give me a burning desire to walk His walk and talk His talk in ‘every’ aspect of my life. I want my heart to be consumed with God’s love.
Transformation? *To change my facial expressions from frowning to smiling. Even when I am joyful in the Lord, my face does not show it. *Let my heart always be tender to the needs of others. *My prayer life to be stronger. *For others to see Christ in me. *Mental block removed from my head so that the Scriptures can be retained in my heart. I know there will come a time when our Bibles will be ripped away from us, I want my heart to be Scripture filled in memory so that I can share the Words of God. *To be MORE thankful to God for all He provides and does for me. *Give me a gentle and quiet spirit. *Take away my stony heart so that I can respond to God’s Word. *It is impossible to have true life and to follow God’s ways unless the Holy Spirit indwells in me~~~I want to remain open to the voice and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
My expectations are even greater than I had thought.
Honey never apologize for sharing your heart. I loved your comment and wish I had wrote it myself. You said everything better than I ever could.
I love you!
Grandma Patty Ann
Thank you Grandma Patty Ann for the kind words.
Awesome desires of the heart… expectations, goals and transformation desired!
God is wonderful to show us the fullness of the desires of our hearts! His desires for us, within us He shapes us as we grow closer to Him. Lifting you up to Him for strength – praising Him for wisdom received!
Agreeing with Patty Ann – don’t apologize; we’d not know how to pray if you didn’t share! And your sharing opens doors for others to do the same!
Hugs & Prayers, HL
Thank you Heather for your prayers!!
[...] and new study that started Monday, September 13th! Join me and several other women for a journey to Makeover of the Heart at The Well with Tracy Berta video’s and her study guide that we can download each [...]
I am very encouraged by your comments, and I want to share this as I hope you are encouraged also. I sat with question #1 and the typical desires were coming to mind, to have a healthy & happy family, to always be provided for, etc. Then from God came “what are the desires of God’s heart for me?”….and so I sat with that for a bit….as if He is saying, “Go deeper my child”. So I am pondering what God’s desires are for me. The next day my daily devotional said, “This is my desire for you: that you be in my presence.” Wow! God is so awesome!! Keep looking and listening for God’s voice. Love and prayers to you all.
Here’s the Air1 verse of the day which excites me! What are you up to God? =)
…For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.
~ Habakkuk 1:5, NLT
Desires of my heart:
To serve people through health care.
Intimacy and Oneness with God and husband.
Oneness of mind and heart and spirit.
Ways I want to be transformed:
Teachable, not stubborn or controlling;
Humble, not prideful;
Loving, no critical spirit or blaming;
Gracious, not judging
Generous blessing, not stingey;
To be the aroma of Christ.
I’m expecting God to work in spite of me.
You ladies are amazing! I saw a crocus blooming two days ago which is miraculous as it’s not early spring. It was like it was there just to bring me joy and let me know God is there and he cares.
May God bring you just exactly what you need today!
Love,
Holly
God has been doing amazing things in our lives! My husband was out of work for 7 months and he just got a new job in WV in July. Our house has been on the market since July 29th and has not sold yet. I am in Western New York holding down the fort.
Of course…the hardest thing is to wait on the Lord. I know He is working. If you go to my blog and read “My Walkabout” you will understand where I am.
I joined this study for two reasons: I need the fellowship and I felt God lead me to it. I have been following Thirsty for Him since I moved to WNY, five years ago. Some of the things you say I couldn’t say better.
My hearts desire has been to continue to teach God’s word. But I feel now that He is moving us, God may have a different direction for me. I want to be sure my heart is in the right place through this all.
I do need prayer for my husband as he drives from WV to NY every weekend, the sale of our house and my heart to be right during all of this.
I want people to see Christ in me during all this uncertainity. I want to stand strong when I feel weak.
Sorry this is so long but I want you all to know my circumstances to understand where I am.
Hi Tracy. Oh my goodness, I;ve had a bad cold this past week so I am behind on my post, but I wrote one today. I want to say thank you for your words and guidance. as I wrote on my post, I am a control-maniac so truthfully answering your homework was hard but so rewarding. I am so glad God put me in this path with you and all the other lovely ladies. I think great thnigs are in store for all of us. Angie
and so sorry because apparently I have dislexia and cannot write
I didn’t really get the link to your study until Thursday i think so I didn’t really get a chance to do a post on this until tonight. I have it up and am super excited to see what God is gonna do through this study. I know that there are a lot of things he will work on clearing out and making new. Thank you for this opportunity.
Thank you for this study! I have had the chance during this past year (my first year of marriage) to see glimpses of what is really in my heart. I so want God to perform a makeover of my heart so that it reflects him…
[...] is a new study starting today over At The Well, called Makeover of The Heart; Unlocking the Potential of a Heart Transformed. The study is being [...]
I am a week behind so I am going to post here the answers to week one. God has given me the desire to be a better mother, wife, friend, and servant of Him. One desire of my heart is to teach my children more diligently about Him and His Love for them. I also have a desire for our church and the ministries there that I am involved in. I am really excited about this study and I NEED a transformation of my heart. Too often, I find myself a stagnant Christian and I want God to transform my heart and give me a deeper desire for Him and to focus on my inner beauty more than the outward. Excited to see what God is going to do!!
Hi honey! It felt so good when your email popped into my box. I am running behind too. When I agreed to do this I did not realize my life was really going to change.
I am leaving the home twice a week where I am not really used to going any where except shopping once or twice a month.
Maybe we can catch up together. I only have one question done from week two!
Love to you & thank you!
Grandma Patty Ann
Tracy,
I am coming to your study late in time. I have had much personal tragedy in the past month and asked God to direct me to something that would help me heal. Through Debbie (the first one to comment on your study) I found this wonderful study that has to do with, of all the things I needed, the heart.
I am also a cardiovascular nurse. I have an RN for 22 years, 20 of them being in the ICU taking care of open heart patients. How wonderful now to learn about the spiritual transformation of our hearts.
thank you so much for taking the time to do this for us (me). I am looking forward to “catching up” and learning what God has in store.
In Grace,
Marie
I am starting this study over a year late it seems.LOL! But I am definitely glad i discovered it. It is going to help me along this quest of total surrender that the Lord has me on. Thanks again for this study and thanks for leaving it up.
In HIS peace,
Semone