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I Want A Heart Like That - Encouragement Café - September 28, 2017

I Want A Heart Like That
By Ramona Davis

Thursday, September 28, 2017

“The LORD does not look at the things people looks at. People looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b NIV

“…Mary, you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:30b NIV

Obviously, God had bestowed a special honor on Mary. She was a special recipient of His grace, but I wonder at what God saw in the heart of Mary that caused Him to trust her with the Son of God.

Favor (Charis), in the original Greek language means “the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life”. Mary was obedient to the divine influence on her heart. Her life reflected her relationship with God.

Mary had a listening heart. She listened as Gabriel delivered the awesome message.

Have you ever met anyone who talked non-stop? Always asking questions but not giving time to listen to the answers? Frustrating and annoying isn’t it?

Do I have a listening heart when it comes to prayer? Do I take time to be still and listen to God? Do I slow down long enough to really seek His voice? Am I spending quality time with Him daily in His Word and in prayer to get to know Him and learn His voice?

Mary asked, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

Gabriel answered her then said, “…For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Mary responded, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” Mary had plenty to worry about if she chose to do so.

What would Joseph think? What would her parents think? What would other people think when she began to show the new life growing in her?

Mary willingly and obediently submitted to God and His plan. She had a “Yes” heart. She didn’t understand the plan but she willingly offered herself for God’s purposes, immediately. So much at stake – but she bowed her heart and said, “Yes, Lord.”

Are you facing a seemingly impossible situation, a problem that has you backed against a wall with no apparent way out. It doesn’t matter what problem, crisis, or challenge you are facing – God is able to do the impossible!

God can do absolutely anything! Anything beyond our understanding. Anything beyond our wildest dreams; Anything beyond our expectations; Anything beyond what we can ask for.

Ask yourself this question: “Is my heart a “Yes Lord” heart?”

Father, I want to be obedient and submissive to You. Take my heart and mold it until I have a “Yes” heart for You. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

© 2017 by Ramona Davis. All rights reserved.

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