Enlightened Hearts

If you've ever used any kind of two-way communication (aka walkie-talkie), you know know important it is that each radio be on the same channel. It saddens me to consider how much I have missed from God because of a dull heart toward Him. In his letter to fellow-Believers at Ephesus, Paul speaks of his prayer that the eyes of their hearts "may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints." (Ephesians 1:18, NASB). The Greek word "enlightened" refers to illumination - a coming to light or evidence, spiritual knowledge and understanding. A root placed in the best soil, climate, sun, air and rain is not certain to grow; in the same way, it is not simply the heart of high ambition to which God reveals Himself. Jesus said seek Me and My righteousness first (Matthew 6:33) and God assures us when we seek Him with the whole heart, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). How frustrating to find out when the two radios haven't been on the same channel - communication is rendered useless, ineffective. As children of the Living God, let us be challenged in this new year to faithfully pray for enlightenment, wisdom and understanding as we focus on knowing God through a very personal relationship with His Son, Jesus. May we live out of ... enlightened hearts.