Mark 4:23
If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.
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Let all the ‘free-will’ in the world do all it can with all its strength; it will never give rise to a single instance of ability to avoid being hardened if God does not give the Spirit, or of meriting mercy if it is left to its own strength. …. Martin Luther
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As important as it is for preachers and teachers to prepare well and clearly communicate, no amount of excellent preparation can unstop the ears of those whose hearts are like stone.
That is why in times of true revival, people don’t rave about the preacher’s charisma; they stand in awe of the Spirit’s power.
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Pray for ears that God unplugs.
Bright, blinding lights and cracking, jarring thunderclaps may arrest the attention for a moment, but it is the Spirit’s gentle whispers that carve everlasting impressions upon hard hearts (ie Saul).
It is so with any way God chooses to transmit His Word: ultimately, the vehicle is inconsequential; it is not important. The message is.
Spirit, awaken our hearts this day to receive Your Word, to feel Your presence, to trust Your power, and to serve You thereby with revived devotion!