Father, Open Up my Heart and Mind that I Might Understand

by Avis Ward
GeoVi's Home for Pregnant Teens

Before reading the Holy Scriptures, I whisper a prayer that asks the Lord to open up my heart and mind that I might understand as I read His word. Over the years, I have come to realize I retain more when I seek understanding than seek to memorize.

Hard as I try to memorize a bible verse, I will not quite get it. When I am given a practical application of the verse; when my heart and mind are open to receive the message to learn something from it, I will grasp the verse and several others without fanfare. I love when that happens!

When the word tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, it is not telling us we must be the personification of perfection. (Romans 12:2) Far too many of us are professing to be followers of Jesus Christ but are not trusting Him to do what He said.

I recall one minister saying, if he were going to believe any part of the bible, why choose to believe the bad parts? Why stop at hell and damnation? Why not believe we can call things that are not as though they were? (Romans 4:17) Why not believe faith with work can literally and metaphorically move the mountains in our lives? The bible tells us without faith, it is impossible to please God. He rewards those who diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6) Showing him we have faith is seeking him.

We'll say, " but. " And that " but " is what makes it impossible for us to believe wholeheartedly, without a hint of doubt. If we remember how He has come through for us in the past, we would realize no matter what, or how dire the circumstances, we live by not what we see but what we have faith to believe we will see. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)

We begin to move confidently in the direction of what we are believing and things begin to happen for us. The confidence is the Holy Spirit guiding us, moving us out of our comfort zone into the promises that are waiting to be seized by us.

We cannot fool Him so even if we are fearful, He has forgiven us for that fear and will reward us because although afraid, we are in action. Don't forget to give thanks before you've seen anything manifested.

When the bible tells us that life and death are in the tongue, believe it. (Proverbs 18:21) What we speak is what we bring into existence. Think of The Creation. " And God said... " (Genesis 1:3-29) Whatever was said was manifested! " I don't have enough money to pay my bills. " Well guess what, you won't have enough money to pay your bills. " I'm so tired, I must be coming down with something. " In a couple of days, you'll have something.

Broad is the way that leads to destruction. Narrow is the way that leads to eternal life. (Matthew 7:13) You can think this is rocket science, too hard, or impossible, then to you, it is. But, others around you don't and they're the ones who are eating out, taking vacations, buying the new patio furniture, and living it up. They said they were going on vacation, buying the furniture and eating out and they did. Don't be jealous, upset or envious of them.

I believe the key to all of this involves giving. (Luke 6:38) When we give to others, we are being obedient and what we speak out in faith is granted because unselfishness sets it in motion. Unselfishishness is love. God is love.

I listen to many of the teleevangelists. I am blessed by their messages. I do not write a check to all of them. I may order products here and there. What I have been led to do is above my tithes and offerings to my church, is send a donation to the television station that is hosting the teleevangelists. I am indirectly seeding into their ministries. The stations can keep their rates low because support is coming from viewers.

I'm a believer in random acts of kindness. It's a way of life for me. I have lived from paycheck-to-paycheck before which was sad. When I declared Christ as my Source, I choose to live faith-to-faith and I am rich!

All of my needs sufficient for each day are met. There is peace and joy. The Fruit of the Spirit is a constant reminder that there will be longsuffering. I will need patience. I trust His timing and even when I interfere, I'm especially careful to give thanks and wait on the Lord.

Reality is what we see but He is unseen, just as faith is. If I can believe in Him whom I have not seen, I can have faith for what I do not see.

Remember, we are co-laborers with Christ. The lack is in us. There is no lack in God. The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want (lack) Psalm 23:1.

I'm thankful the Lord opens my heart, mind and understanding that I might understand the scriptures. Things do not always go the way I want but I learn each day to trust Him. So should you!

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Article submitted Friday, July 10, 2009 & read 448 times.

Leave your comments through On Such Things:

» left by Susan Thom (2 years 313 days ago.)

hi avis,

 

there is one thing only that has brought me through Hell and back, and that is my Faith in God, and what He will do for the meek at heart. lawyers, courthouses, feeble minded selfish people, no money, no car, no heat, and we made it.

 

all on the faith of our heavenly Father.

 

thanks for sharing these words of wisdom,

 

my best to you,

 

sue

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» left by Avis of SC (2 years 312 days ago.)

Sue, thank you for your comments and reading this rather lengthy article. I'm not happy for your unfortunate circumstances but Sue, I am so happy you have come to know His love for you and power to deliver you, even through the valley and shadow of death.

Warm regards,

Avis

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» left by Steve Radford (2 years 312 days ago.)

Thanks for writing this Avis. A prayer I pray frequently is "Lord, please renew my mind". I pray it when I realize my thoughts are turning negative or un-Christlike. I like your prayer too. I'll remember it and use it. Steve

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» left by Avis Ward (2 years 312 days ago.)

You're welcome, Steve and thank you for reading it, along with your comments. I'm sure you're like me, you pray so many little prayers throughout the day. I will ask for Him to renew my mind, too. Another one is create in me a clean heart. And finally, the verse that says, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord my strength and my Redeemer." I'll say, "Lord I thank you that the words of my mouth etc..." I say that more than all the others combined. The devil is busy and people can be very trying. *grin* I'm included in that 'people.' lol

I'm smiling knowing you'll remember to use the one in this article. It has helped me tremendously. I know it'll do the same for you, Steve. —Avis

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