“One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul,” Act 16:14 ESV. By all accounts, Lydia was a very fine person, a successful businesswoman and a “worshipper of God”. But she still needed God to “open her heart” to hear in a new way. Each of us has areas of stubbornness in our soul that keep us from hearing things we need to hear. The Holy Spirit, the Word of God and a divinely chosen moment combined with the right messenger broke through a spiritual wall in Lydia’s heart and changed her life forever. I too, need God to break through my spiritual dullness continually. While I’m not always thrilled with His choices of messengers at first, I am eternally grateful that God does what is necessary for me to know Him better. LORD, have my heart, my whole heart.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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