During a recent message at Faith Center Rockford, Apostle Don Lyon referred to Luke 1:28. In this scripture an angel appeared to Mary and told her she was highly favored and blessed among women. I was again reminded of God (El Roi) having the ability to see into our hearts. God did not select Mary because of her outward appearance or her cultural status. I believe He looked into her heart and saw purity, humility, and a willingness to obey. Even though her life was about to drastically change, her heart was filled with praise for God. In Luke 1:46-49 Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! 48 For He took notice of His lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. 49 For the Mighty One is holy, and He has done great things for me.”
What a beautiful response to what in the natural must have appeared impossible. She chose to believe Luke 1:37, “For with God nothing will be impossible.” She was blessed because of her lack of unbelief.
We too, are given choices. Deuteronomy 30:19 states, “ I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live”.
Jeremiah 17:9 tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly perverse and corrupt and severely, mortally sick! Who can know it [perceive, understand, be acquainted with his own heart and mind]?”
Because we do not know our own heart, El Roi reveals to us areas that need to be surrendered to Him. We have a choice of obeying God and submitting to Him or continuing to live a life of self rule.
What a loving Father God is!
Isaiah 48:17 This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.”
Father, we thank You for loving us so much that You examine our hearts so we may draw closer to You. We declare Your Word over us this day. Ezekiel 36:26: I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
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