the desires of the heart
"I have come to light a fire on the earth. How I wish the blaze were ignited!" —Luke 12:49
Jesus wants to light a fire on the earth. He wants to save and purify us by giving us a new nature. He wants to be Lord of our lives, baptize us in the Spirit, and lead us to the Father. These are the desires of Jesus' heart.
What are the desires of your heart? Do you want what Jesus wants? Even if you have Jesus' desires and priorities, how much do you want His will to be done and His kingdom to come? Do you feel anguish until all are saved? (Lk 12:50) Is your heart moved with pity at the sight of humanity? (Mt 9:36) Will you do anything to win to Jesus as many as possible? (1 Cor 9:19) Do you have a daily tension, an anxiety for all the churches? (2 Cor 11:28) Is your heart broken for the same reason as was Jesus' heart? Is your prayer the same as His? Do you want what He wants as much as He wants it?
If you receive the desires of your heart, this will be a curse rather than a blessing unless the desires of your heart are the desires of Jesus' heart.
Prayer: Jesus, may I love You so much that my desires become like Yours.
Promise: "To Him Whose power now at work in us can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine — to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations, world without end. Amen." —Eph 3:20-21
Praise: Margaret so desires that her children be saved that she prays for them daily and with them as often as possible.
Reference: (Our Discipleship Retreat, Gospel of Life, will be held Nov. 10-11, 2006. For information or to register, call 937-205-0128 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 6, 2006
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