The Sixth Sense: Developing a Heart for God
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- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
- How sensitive are we to God? Do we have godly desires? David was commended as as being a man after God’s own heart. David cries: I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
Think of the heart of God: the compassion of Jesus… he beheld the city, and wept over it. When he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them. Do we care about never-dying souls?
Will we be such a people that gladden the heart of God? Hebrews 3:12-13 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief... Sin has a hardening effect on the heart and the conscience. Our heart can get hardened.
I would urge you: Don’t follow your heart! Follow His heart! Are we sensitive to the Holy Spirit? Do we care to please God? Have we lost that sense of the will of God? How can we regain a sensitivity to God’s leading? 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Where is the sense of holy resolve, of denying ourselves? Luke 9:23 ...If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Humanly we have an inclination to choose comfort - and not a cross. An inclination for recreation and self will, rather than a resolve to do our duty, to labour. An inclination to ease, rather than work. An inclination to selfishness, rather than selflessness. An inclination in churches, to steer towards entertainment and stage managing, rather than what is holy and sanctified, and true worship. An inclination not to prioritise the place of service, not to place a priority on the soul, on faithfulness, on fellowship. An inclination to sleep - and not to labour, or to pray. And inclination to choose the path of ease, rather than the path of conviction. We have to take up our cross.
We have a need of a renewed sense of obedience to the will of God. As Saul: Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Can we endeavour for a renewed sense of what would be pleasing unto our Master?
Will we make decisions based on: How can we be more useful to our Lord? ...a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
We need a sensitivity towards God - it's crucial for a thriving spiritual life. Have we a heart to respond, as Isaiah: Here am I; send me. As Samuel: Speak; for thy servant heareth. As Mary, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.
Elijah recognised and responded to God’s still, small voice. God can speak in stillness and quiet. We can know a sensitivity towards God, as we seek Him. Even in the every day moments of our life.
Ananias and Sapphira were insensitive to the Holy Spirit… God calls us to live our lives with integrity and truth. Samson was given great strength by God. Yet he was insensitive to God’s calling. Samson lost his vision when he started losing sensitivity towards God. It’s the same for us, if we are insensitive to God’s purpose, it can bring failure and loss. Rather, may we depend on our Lord, and be sensitive to His guidance.
Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he refused to listen. A hardened heart leads to judgment.
I would urge you - to a sensitivity towards God. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Seek to discern God’s voice amidst the noise of daily life. Reduce the static. Nurture a receptivity to the Lord. Surround yourself with others who are spiritually mature. Be open to God’s correction, whether through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, or other believers.
Keep your spirit attune to God’s voice and foster a deeper connection with Him. Strive to be sensitive to God's leading. Let His Spirit guide. Be consistent in worship. Worship helps align our hearts with God’s heart.
We can become more receptive to our Lord and His will and leading. Go to the Word of God - meditate on Scripture. Allow the Word to dwell richly in you, shaping your attitudes, and actions. Psalms 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. There’s a blessedness there.
Be tender hearted towards His leadings. Wait on the Lord. Be still. Be willing to follow the promptings of God’s Spirit, even if they lead you out of your comfort zone.
Sensitivity to God is an ongoing journey. It calls for intentional effort, and a heart inclined towards Him. Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Cultivate a sensitive spirit. Srive to be attentive and responsive to God's voice, with a humble heart.
Ask God for a renewed sense of eternity. Are we building sand castles on the beachside - or will we have treasures in heaven? We can discern His guidance and prioritise His will in our daily decisions.
Surrender your personal ambitions to God’s will. Be teachable, and receptive. Let go of personal agendas, and trust God’s plans.