How can we prepare our hearts to receive Jesus as in Mark 6:53? Crossing Over to Readiness “ When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore.” – Mark 6:53 • The disciples moved from the stormy lake to solid ground; preparing our hearts starts with a deliberate crossing from distraction into devotion. • Choose daily to “set your minds on things above” (Colossians 3:2) instead of drifting with the currents of culture. Anchoring the Heart • They “moored” the boat; we anchor by establishing consistent habits: – Unhurried Scripture reading (Psalm 119:105). – Quiet reflection, allowing truth to sink in (Psalm 46:10). – Regular fellowship that keeps us from spiritual drift (Hebrews 10:24-25). Recognizing His Presence “As soon as they got out of the boat, the people recognized Jesus.” – Mark 6:54 • Sensitivity grows where Scripture fills the mind (John 10:27). • Ask the Spirit to open your eyes (Ephesians 1:18). • Clear away sin’s fog through confession: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands… purify your hearts” (James 4:8). Removing the Obstacles • Like clearing the shoreline for the boat, remove barriers: – Unforgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15). – Secret sins (Psalm 32:3-5). – Divided loyalties (Matthew 6:24). • Pray Psalm 139:23-24 and act promptly on what He shows. Cultivating Expectant Faith “They ran through that whole region and began to carry the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was” (Mark 6:55). • Expectation moves us to action: – Sow righteousness: “Break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD” (Hosea 10:12). – Guard against unbelief: “Encourage one another daily… so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13). • Keep a record of answered prayer to fuel fresh hope (Psalm 77:11-12). Extending the Welcome to Others “Wherever He entered… they laid the sick in the marketplaces” (Mark 6:56). • A prepared heart overflows in hospitality: – Share the good news (Romans 1:16). – Intercede for loved ones, carrying them to Jesus in prayer (1 Timothy 2:1). – Serve practically, opening your “shoreline” so others can meet Him (1 Peter 4:9-10). Maintaining a Prepared Heart • Daily cultivate good soil: “The seed on good ground… holds it fast in a noble and good heart” (Luke 8:15). • Keep short accounts with God and people (Acts 24:16). • Stay watchful: “Prepare your minds for action; be sober-minded” (1 Peter 1:13). With hearts crossed over, anchored, and expectant, we stand ready on our own shorelines for Jesus to step in and work mightily. |
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