December 2________________________________________
When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened.
– Matthew 13:14-15 (NLT)
HARDENED HEARTS HINDER GROWTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
People who live in un-forgiveness and offense
They are very vulnerable and lose their defense
This opens door for them not to hear what God says
It keeps them blind and waylaid to another easy way.
A hardened heart makes us unable to have joy
One becomes mistrusting and always on guard
Hardened hearts hinder growth and relations
It brings about chaos, conflict and isolation.
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There were many years of my life spent in un-forgiveness and offense. I thank the Lord that he has released me from a hardened heart. It was shocking to discover that even though I thought I was a forgiving person. It took me many years to uncover that it was “me” that I never forgave. I didn’t realize that I blamed myself for allowing abuse to permeate my life. I couldn’t understand how God allowed bad things to happen to me. I wasn’t aware that even bad events can be used by God for good. One of the hindrances to a person’s spiritual growth is a hardened heart. Try to teach someone who is un-forgiving and he only hears his pain and being victimized. Let go of the hardness of your heart so you can grow spiritually.
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PRAYER
Lord, forgive me when I succumb to pride.
REFLECTION
How is pride usually the source of a hardened heart?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com