From the Word:  Protect my heart! (from Matthew 13:10 - 17)
”In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, ‘You will keep on hearing, but will not understand, you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive; for the heart of  this people has become dull …’” (Matthew 13:14-15a NASB)

Lord, why did their hearts become dull?  What caused them to lose their alertness and their ability to see and hear (v13 - “while seeing they do not see; and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.”)?  What is the problem here?  I think the main problem is that they think they are seeing and hearing and understanding, but they are not.

How can I be protected from self-delusion? In v15 You pinpoint the heart as the problem.  So how can I protect my heart from becoming dull?  There is so much in life to be excited about, yet the pressures and demands of (usually minor) issues in my life beat me down and try to keep me from the right focus on You and can dull my heart.

Lord, I trust You with my heart.  You say in v11 - “to you it has been granted …”  How can I be numbered among those whom You choose to grant the knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven?  If there is any part of this that is up to me, I want to know clearly what it is and devote myself to it!  It is my hope that You will grant to me what I need, and that my choices and priorities will result in the understanding that is so crucial for knowing You, walking with You, and being useful in Your service.  I commit myself to that, Lord.  Amen.

Please pray with us:
We are resuming our get togethers with our young professionals group this weekend.  Please pray with us for this year that the times we spend together will be motivational and focused to address the pertinent issues that those in this group are facing in this season of life, and the things that we do this year will result in a deeper walk with Jesus for each of us and a growing commitment to the advancement of the gospel here in southeast PA.   Thanks.

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