“A Heart Curved Inward” is an autobiographical testimony of God’s providence, mercy, and redeeming grace. It is not written to magnify sin, but to magnify the Savior who came to seek and save the lost.
“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.”
— Psalm 77:11
Content
Why this story has been written, and why every page is meant to magnify the faithfulness of God rather than the life of its author.
From my birth and childhood to the shaping of my early years, tracing the unseen hand of God’s providence long before I recognized His presence.
How a heart made for its Creator slowly learned to suppress the truth, pursue independence, and live as though God were unnecessary.
The pursuit of self-rule, the deceitfulness of sin, and the empty promises of a life lived for one’s own glory.
What appeared to be freedom proved to be bondage, revealing that every heart serves a master.
Broken friendships, visible decay, and the relentless pursuit of new refuges that could never satisfy a thirsty soul.
Marriage, fatherhood, and growing responsibilities revealed that changing circumstances cannot change a heart still ruled by self.
The Lord began exposing false hopes and stirring conviction, preparing a blind heart to see the true gospel.
October 31, 2020—the night the Lord interrupted years of rebellion, granted repentance and faith, and made a rebel His son.
The first fruits of a new heart – old sins lose their grip as a growing hunger for Christ, His Word, and holiness begins to shape a new life.
The Lord graciously led us to a faithful local church, where sound doctrine, biblical fellowship, and Christ-centered shepherding became means of His continued grace.
The Christian life proved to be less about extraordinary moments and more about the steady, ordinary means by which Christ sanctifies His people.
The Lord taught me to shepherd my home through family worship, leading my wife and children with His Word while learning humility, patience, and repentance myself.
A growing love for truth led me into public writing and theological debate, where the Lord began exposing how easily sincere zeal can outrun humility, wisdom, and love.
Through patient pastoral correction, the Lord exposed pride beneath my zeal and taught me that truth must be handled with humility, grace, and love.
A foolish decision concerning work exposed deeper failures in wisdom and humility, teaching me that everything entrusted to me belongs to God and must be faithfully stewarded.
Through repentance, restored employment, changing circumstances, and the birth of Joy, the Lord taught me to trust His providence rather than my own plans.
Looking back over years of grace, I began to see sanctification as the Lord continually turning a heart once ruled by self toward Christ, His people, and faithful service.
A personal appeal to those still searching, reflecting on the greatest need of every human heart and the only lasting hope.
A final reflection on God’s faithfulness, the ordinary work of sanctification, and the desire that every remaining chapter of life would magnify Christ alone.
May every page remind us not of the greatness of man, but of the greatness of Christ, who is mighty to save.
Soli Deo Gloria
Quill & Cross 