Passage of the Day:
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,[f] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need, Hebrews 4:12-16.
Reflection:
Self-doubt is one of the greatest obstacles to keeping an open heart. If you’ve had a bad experience at a church or with other Christians, your mind will shut out people of faith who try to earn back your trust. The author of Hebrews refers to Jesus as an Old Testament high priest. Rather than offer up animal sacrifices on behalf of sinners, Jesus offered up his life to save that which was lost. May the hope of Jesus open your heart to the possibilities of God doing a miracle in your life.
Prayerful Action:
When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked. 21 Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer,” Matthew 21:20-22.
Restoring Your Heart:
According to one of his disciples, John 21:25, Jesus performed thousands of miracles not mentioned in the Bible. Despite being eyewitnesses to many of these miracles, these 12 men didn’t appear to have an open heart. Rather doubt in their minds limited God’s ability to perform miracles in their own lives. While it’s hard to set your heart up for disappointment, the power of prayer often comes down to belief. May the words of Jesus open your heart to the power of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4.
Song of the Day:
I stumbled upon the God of Miracles during the Coronavirus pandemic. While it’s depressing to consider all who passed away worldwide, the lyrics of Miracles opened by heart to the power of God. Although many prayers lifted up to God may not be answered, keep wrestling with God like the persistent widow so that open hearts will result in future miracles.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 