It’s Always the Heart
by
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Chapter 1- A Haughty Heart
Narcissism, self-importance, money-loving and general haughtiness are only three of the un-Godly traits that plague the super-successful Mr. Important in this chapter that well illustrates that "certain someone"with whom every reader can identify. Dr. Constantine relies upon medical, pastoral, and scriptural knowledge to help guide the seemingly ungrateful patient into the spiritual and physical realities of dealing with not only his physical, but also spiritual heart problems.
Chapter 2 - A Joyful Heart
A genuinly heart-warming story about "everyone's mother or grandmother" who - although deserving of only the best a life of faithfulness has to offer- is burdened with the trials and tribualtions of a heart attack that leaves her wrestling with fear, doubt and self-pity. A unique characterization of the "when bad things happen to good people" scenario that breathes renewed hope into anyone facing a hopeless situation.
Chapter 3 - Addiction
Just when we as Christians find ourselves eager to look down our pious noses at society's "unacceptable" addictions (drugs, alcohol, etc), Dr. Constantine persents us with a tale of two Jacobs that serves as a larger than life mirror in which we find the reflection of society's "acceptable" addictions (overeating, smoking, etc) aren't so "acceptable" in God's eyes. Deceit and denial dominatethe lives of these reluctant Christ followers until they are intriduced to - and encouraged to focus upon - Dr. Constantine's unique brand of "heart therapy".
Chapter 4 - Searching
Much like the character in this chapter, Joanne, many of us find ourselves searching for things in life that will give us peace - even though nothing we do settles our anxious heart even when we find that which we think is the "destination" for our life. Faced with a life-threatening heart attack, Joanne's story reminds us that it is the treasures of heaven we should be searching for...instead of material treasures the world tells us we "need".
Chapter 5 - Commitment
Patient Jim Oliver paints a powerful picture of "will power" as his own heart problems led to a renewed understanding of what it means to truly commit to a healthier lifestyle. For readers who procrastinate about their pursuit of a healthy spiritual and physical heart, Commitment is a meaningful and encouraging roadmap to success.
Chapter 6- Faith Unaware
How many times have we heard "ignorance of the law is no excuse"? Well, in like manner, our choosing to ignore God's law -especially when His Words are so easily and readily available - is no excuse for our disobedience. Moreover, the consequence of heart problems is - as Dr. Constantine points out - often the direct result of our ignoring the obstacles in our lives that prevent us from knowing and following Him and His law.
Chapter 7 - Teaching Us To Trust
In a story that proves that no one is immune to heart disease, not even God's messengers, Dr. Constantine uses a life-or-death moment in the ministry of a beloved Pastor Jeremiah to drive home the point that worldly power and influence do not shield us from life's trials. Pastor Jeremiah's road to recovery also sheds important light on our too-often falling back on our "too" excuses for not focusing on a heart-healthy lifestyle...too busy, too tired, too early, too late...
Chapter 8 - Living In Denial
Dr. Constantine suggests early in this chapter that "we are all only inches away from crossing over the threshold from life to death, all-day/every day." Yet few of us spend time thinking about that inescapable fact. Is it a statement of our complete confidence in our salvation; or is it simply our denial of the inevitable that veils our fears? Through the story of the patient Jean Watson - who found herself perilously close to the threshold of death from a heart attack, - we are taught why it is important to cultivate a healthy heart for not only life on earth...but more importantly, life everlasting.
Chapter 9 - Living In Fear Of Dying
Almost everyone is guilty at one time or another of - even if only for a day or two- allowing fear to rule, if not ruin, their hearts and minds. When the main character in this story, Jim, was gripped with fear and convinced by the devil that his "heart problem" was a hopeless situation, he felt as though the presence and purpose of Christ was nowhere to be found. Fortunately, with Dr. Constantine's insight and relevant scriptural teachings, we are shown the pathway to shake off fear when we sometimes find ourselves in its grasp.
Chapter 10 - When Is It Over
Most of us avoid thnking or talking about death at all costs, yet it is something we will all face - some sooner than others. In this closing chapter, we examine the root of this avoidance - whether fear of our earthly absence, God's judgement upon our lives, or our natural instincts to procrastinate about having to face the reality of death. However, Dr. Constantine encourages us - amidst our understandable fear and doubt - to embrace God's promise that He is always our Comforter - even when we are alone during death.
Closing Chapter - Instruction On "How To"
Ok, by now we all get the realtity that life is not certain and there are no guarantees with the exception that God is always in control and loves us and wants a daily relationship with us through our hearts. In this chapter, Dr. Constantine gives us an example on how he has used this insight in his own life to have a physically and spiritually healthy heart, concluding with a weekly sample diet, exercise and fellowship regimen to receive the blessings of a long, healthy physical life on earth and life everlasting in Heaven.
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About the Book
It happens hundreds of thousands of times every day in clinics and hospitals the world over. In author Dr. Arthur Constantine's office alone, it occurs thousands of times a year. Men and women between thirty and ninety, representing all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, religions, and occupations, await the doctor's entrance to investigate the cause of their symptoms. Some have risk factors for heart disease; some have experienced prior heart problems; and others have few or no reasons to worry about heart problems. In a surprising majority, the physical heart isn't the cause of trouble. As a cardiologist, Dr. Constantine was trained to help patients navigate the treatment of the physical heart. Even so, early in his career, God revealed an insight not taught in any medical school or cardiology textbook that changed his approach to treating patients. He revealed there is an inseparable intertwining of the physical and spiritual bindings of our hearts. Whether or not it is the physical heart causing the symptoms, the spiritual heart must be addressed before complete healing can occur. With equal measures of diet and exercise information and Bible-based inspiration, It's Always the Heart offers valuable, life-changing insights into the prevention of and recovery from heart disease from the clinical and spiritual points of view. Through a compilation of patient stories, Dr. Constantine provides meaningful ideas on how we can change our hearts to receive the physical and spiritual hearts and the life God wants us to have.
About the Author
Arthur E. Constantine, MD, earned a medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and did a cardiology fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia. He is a cardiologist practicing at the Heart Group/St. Thomas Heart at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.