In what ways can we ensure our hearts are open to God's message? The Warning in Luke 19:44 “They will level you to the ground—you and the children within you. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time when God came to you.” (Luke 19:44) • Jerusalem’s tragedy flowed from a closed heart—missing God’s moment of visitation. • Openness to God is not optional; it is the hinge on which blessing or judgment turns. Cultivating Attentive Awareness • Stay alert to the Spirit’s promptings (Galatians 5:25). • Practice “spiritual listening”—expect God to speak when reading, driving, working. • Keep short accounts with God; regular confession clears the static that dulls discernment (1 John 1:9). Removing Heart-Barriers • Pride: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) • Unbelief: Nazareth saw few miracles “because of their unbelief.” (Matthew 13:58) • Busyness: Martha’s distraction kept her from “the one thing” Mary chose (Luke 10:41-42). Anchoring in Scripture Daily • The Word softens soil: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:15) • Memorize and meditate; Scripture internalized becomes a plow breaking up fallow ground (Jeremiah 4:3). • Read with expectation—ask, “Lord, what are You saying to me right now?” Responding in Immediate Obedience • Revelation without response breeds callousness (James 1:22). • The disciples “left their nets at once and followed Him.” (Mark 1:18) Quick obedience keeps the heart tender. Staying Sensitive through Prayer and Worship • Prayer tunes the heart to God’s frequency (Colossians 4:2). • Worship shifts focus from self to the Savior, melting resistance (Psalm 95:6-8). • Fasting quiets competing appetites so the soul can hear (Matthew 6:16-18). Living in Community for Accountability • “Encourage one another daily…so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13) • Honest fellowship exposes blind spots; isolation lets crust form over the heart. • Submit to shepherds who “keep watch over your souls.” (Hebrews 13:17) Embracing the Day of Visitation • God still visits—often in ordinary moments. • An open heart recognizes, welcomes, and acts on His presence. • When we do, the stones of ruin are replaced with living stones of a vibrant, obedient life (1 Peter 2:5). |
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