Prayer-Soldier Newbie
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Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2016 8:02 pm Post subject: Will We Open Our Hearts to His Word? |
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Will We Open Our Hearts to His Word?
Scripture:
And the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying: Ask you a sign of the Lord your God, either unto the depth of hell, or unto the height above. And Ahaz said: I will not ask, and I will not tempt the Lord. And he said: Hear, therefore, O house of David: Is it a small thing for you to be grievous to men, that you are grievous to my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign. Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son and his name shall be called Emmanuel. (Isaiah 7:10-4)
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God. Which he had promised before, by his prophets, in the holy scriptures, concerning his Son, who was made to him of the seed of David, according to the flesh, who was predestined the Son of God in power, according to the spirit of sanctification, by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith, in all nations, for his name: Among whom are you also the called of Jesus Christ: To all that are at Rome, the beloved of God, called to be saints. Grace to you and peace, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:1-7)
Now the generation of Christ was in this wise. When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child, of the Holy Spirit. Whereupon Joseph, her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things, behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a son: and you shall call his name Jesus. For he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took unto him his wife. (Matthew 1:18-24)
Reflection:
How often do we fail to observe the many ways God works in our lives? Do we refuse to see? Do we refuse to listen? Perhaps we should ask ourselves, what stands in our way? Why do we fear to see the presence of God? What tempts us to close our eyes? What causes us to stop up our ears?
If we look back, we will see the many times where God has tried to lead us. We will see where He has brought others into our path to help steer us away from the darkness and lead us to the blessings of faith. He sends His angels. He sends His prophets. He inspired the writing of His Word. He raises up those who preach the gospel. He sent His only begotten Son. If we choose to see, we will see His works. If we choose to hear, we will receive the blessings of how He seeks to guide us. If we open our hearts, He will guide us so we, too, may help spread the blessings of His Word, not only by what we speak, but also by what we do.
Perhaps we do not see because we do not see as He sees. Perhaps we do not listen because of the noise of the world. He sees across all which is in heaven and earth. He sees across all the generations. His works are not just for the moment, but for the blessings of generations to come. If our focus is only on ourselves, then, we will not look beyond ourselves. If our concerns are only for our trials, we will not see the trials we may cause others. When we look beyond ourselves, when we look beyond the moment; perhaps our perspectives may change.
Some have seen His angels. Some have heard His prophets. Some have received His visions. Still, even though the Heavenly Father sent His only begotten Son to walk among and teach the children of His creation, many refuse to see. Many refuse to hear. Perhaps some are deceived by the evil one. Perhaps some are swayed by political discussion. Perhaps others are more concerned about their social position or possessions. The reason is different for each person for their beliefs and actions. No matter the cause, no matter the reason for what we do and fail to do; from upon the cross, Jesus prayed for our forgiveness. (Luke 23:34)
Let us, then, look back. Let us reflect upon what the generations before us have seen. Let us seek to open our ears to His Word and see the blessings we may receive by following His ways. Jesus taught love, but received violence. Still, He comes to us and seeks that we open our hearts and turn to Him. Just as He came to Paul to turn him from persecuting those who believe in the Son of God (Acts 9:1-6), so does Jesus seek to reach and turn our hearts away from all which separates us from God. He seeks that we hear His Word and use it to guide how we lead our lives.
Blessed are we that the prophecies were fulfilled. Blessed are we that the Holy Spirit came upon Mary. Blessed are we that Mary and Joseph heeded the angels which God sent to them. Blessed are we they did not close their eyes. Blessed are we that they did not stop up their ears. Blessed are we for their courage, knowing they would face the wagging tongues and judgment of those who did not understand the will of God. Blessed are we that Mary and Joseph said yes to God and received the blessing of the holy Son of God.
The question before us, then, is what will we do with our eyes? What will we do with our ears? Will we look to see? Will we listen for His Word? What will we allow within our heart? Will we observe the many ways He seeks to reach out to us? Will we reach back to Him?
Questions for further reflection:
In what ways do we close our hearts to God?
In what ways do we see how God works in our lives?
In what ways may we open our hearts to Him?
May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier
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