Hearts are moved

Is there something that moves your heart?

For some of us it may be watching a powerful movie or listening to beautiful music.

For others it may be taking some time in nature or finding something remarkable in another person.

Some people will be touched by the actions of an innocent child or left feeling heart-sore by loneliness of an elderly friend.

Whatever the case may be, I believe that we are all created with the ability for our hearts to be moved. God's spirit works in ways that are dynamic and life-giving. And what is more, God doesn't always operate according to our agenda either.

Take opening verses of Ezra as an example:

"In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing:² “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:“‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah.

³ Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them. ....⁵ Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem." - Ezra 1

Do you see how God can move the hearts of even an unbelieving king, as well as the priests and Levites?

How open are you to the move of God's spirit in your heart?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Hard hearted - Lent reflections with Ezekiel

When Ezekiel received his call from God (Ezekiel 2), it was backed up with some clear instruction and very strong advice. God knew that his people had become very rebellious (the term 'rebellion' is mentioned 6 times), and that they were a "stubborn and hard-hearted people", but he still wanted them to hear the message.

I find it interesting that God said to Ezekiel - "You must give them my messages whether they listen or not" (v.7). Despite his deep frustration, God still wanted to give them a chance. It shows me the extent of his love for the people, and ultimately for us. Even if we don't listen to God today, he loves us enough to keep sending messages to us. It is God's longing that we would turn to him and be restored. 

Paul presents a question for us to think about:

"Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?" - Romans 2:4

Prayer focus:
Lord teach me to listen to your voice and not to harden my heart. Thank you for your patience with me - may your kindness change my heart, so that I may glorify you. Amen. 

Living in Grace
D3LM3