Is it time for a change of heart?

If we pray every day for a discerning spirit and for an extra portion of grace then this will help us to discern what is happening in the supernatural. This is important so that we don't blunder through situations in the natural that are not a true reflection of what is actually happening.

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When we are going through the storms of life does our attitude towards other people and God change? I am sure that most of us would reply ‘I don't think so, I would hope not; my love for God and His people remains steadfast and secure’. The reality however is often very different. Outwardly we may appear to be exactly the same but inwardly we are in such turmoil. Our change of attitude starts with small but very subtle things; ‘I won't bother ringing or texting that person this week, they have lots of friends’, ‘I don't need to give that person a lift to church, someone else can’; ‘that coffee we have arranged to go for can be postponed’ and so on….. As we can see; we can find lots of reasons to break fellowship and friendship, if we are not careful. Proverbs 29:25 ‘Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe’.

With God, it is slightly different. It is us that decide that we don't need to get up early today or indeed any day to pray and to read the Word before our day unfolds. We say to ourselves; ‘maybe I'll read the bible tomorrow or even next week!! I don't need to include God in all my plans just the ones I think are important’. Sometimes we even convince ourselves that we are taking the moral high ground in a given situation, however, have we asked the Author and Perfecter of our faith if our opinions/ thoughts or proposed actions are right/true? He is the only one who can judge. Psalm 62:7 ‘My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge’. I have been a Christian for 35 years and have come to the conclusion that if we pray every day for a discerning spirit and for an extra portion of grace then this will help us to discern what is happening in the supernatural. This is important so that we don't blunder through situations in the natural that are not a true reflection of what is actually happening. Psalm 91:1-2 ‘Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’.

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A great example of this for me can be found in the book of Esther, when Haman set up a pole 50 cubits high (Esther 5:14) by his house to impale Mordecai, but despite all of his boasting Haman ended up being impaled on it himself (Esther 7:10). As if that wasn't punishment enough the King gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman and she appointed Mordecai over it! Haman wanted to put to death all of Mordecai's people (the Jews) throughout the whole kingdom of King Xerxes but all he achieved was his own early demise and the loss of his inheritance for his family. What we must remember is that when we encounter people who irritate us (Christian or non-Christian) God does not love them any less or any more than us. When we are lovely to the unlovely God credits it to us as righteousness and I am sure this is because He realises exactly how difficult this can be for us as human beings. So, next time somebody behaves badly towards you, try to approach the situation in the opposite spirit, the spirit of kindness and gentleness, and see what peace floods your soul instead of frustration or bitterness. Psalm 37:5-6 ‘Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun’.

I am certain that if we make ourselves accountable to God and in addition; to one or two people of Godly counsel then this will help us to stay on that narrow path. Jeremiah 17:9 tells us not trust in our own heart as it can be deceptive; ‘The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?’ and in Proverbs 3:5-6 ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight’. I pray that each person reading this blog will allow the Holy Spirit to come into their hearts in such a powerful way that all the things which are troubling will become insignificant. I pray that we remember that absolutely nothing is a surprise to God, it is us in our humanity that gets side swiped and clobbered. 1 John 2:28 ‘And now dear children, continue in Him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at His coming’.

I also pray that each one of us is transformed into the likeness of Jesus more and more every day. God's peace and blessing. Amen.

Author: Lyn Hunt

May God bless and enrich your life

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