Hearts Softened to the Light of Christ

Summer sunshine warming through the depths of me. The brightness shining down upon my waking face. Oh how I love to bask in the light. What a glorious God we have to show us just a glimpse of His unfathomable depths within the tangible created things of this world. Our Creator whose fire is too much to look upon. The light of Christ reaching down to bring this world out of darkness. The warmth and power of His Spirit fully present in our hearts.

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2Corinthians 4:6

The fire, the light, and the warming energy of the sun. Three in one. I don't propose to belittle our God by wrapping Him up in the small package of our world's sunshine. But I LOVE that God uses the created things of this world to help us understand Him just a little better. So that when my eyes take in His truth...

But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go. Exodus 10:27

and I ponder how that can be so, for my God is a God of love and grace. He shows me through these pictures; these parables; these real and concrete things that I can see and feel in this physical life, that there is no discrepancy in His Word. My God of Love does indeed harden hearts, just as the sunlight hardens clay. And He softens hearts just as the fire melts my candle's wax. He simply shines his light upon us, and allows the heat to produce the natural outcome of the substance that is exposed to Him. What is the substance of our hearts?

But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him. Daniel 5:20

What makes the candle melt? Is it not the oil?

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. 1Samuel 16:13

God's Spirit softens. Let us not deny His Spirit. Even this...

The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD. Psalm 97:5a

Lord, how I want to melt like wax in your presence. To be left with nothing but the oil of your Spirit within me.

And He replies...

If you then, though you are sinful, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13

Have you asked Him friends?

(Originally shared at  Encourage365 )

Shared from my heart ~ Stacy
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And may I suggest a little weekend reading? ....

 My Friend David   Because I love her words... "my friend David, taught me that it's okay to be human."

He Is   Because I love her words... " I find myself asking the Spirit to fill my deflated lungs with who "He Is.""

 I Am Still... Stacey Wilson   Because I love her words... " I know who I am in Christ."!