Salt Of Earth Light Of World

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:12-17

He hardened his heart.


But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said. Exodus 8:15


There are several examples in the Old Testament where God had hardened the hearts of men to accomplish his will and demonstrate his power. I’m sure we all know some in our lives who’s hearts are hardened. Have you ever stopped to consider that their hardness might be for God’s will to be fulfilled in you? So many times I have looked at the other person and seen obvious reasons why their hearts have been hardened. I was confused as to why they would stay that way, in hindsight I guess I was judging them. Until now, I never looked at them with hope and faith that someday God’s will would be fulfilled in them. While dealing with someone with a hard heart, we tend to get inpatient, unloving, and uncaring, which results in our own hearts hardening. If God has the power to Harden hearts, does He not have the power to unharden them?

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I guess what you are saying is right..but it is not always easy to understand when you are actually in the situation...i've never thought of it this way, and i have to say that now, when i think about it from this perspective i feel much better. i feel like there is hope

SeaSpray said...

I also never thought of God as using the person to accomplish his will.

Interesting post. :)

God's Girl said...

Thank you for your insight and encouragement! May the Lord continue to bless all that you do!

All for Jesus,
Julie

From the Heart said...

I noticed that you signed up as one of my followers but did not make any comments so I came to visit and let you know you are welcome anytime and I would love any encouragement you might have. I like the way you write to make yourself accountable to God. I was raised in church but never really got to know my Savior on a personal basis until much later in life and I'm still learning. I'm to that point in my life that I'm listening for the sound of the trumpet. I long to see my Heavenly Father and thank Him for all He has done for me and my family. One of my posts "Reach Out and Touch" tells about some health issues I've dealt with and how God has been with me through it all.

You mentioned in your profile that you like to make your own cards. My blog is made up of cards that I put together for a card ministry through our church and other things God lays on my heart. I'm not an eloquent writer like you and a lot of others but God always sent me something to put cards together. I did this for about six years, but had to quit after surgery last year.
Blessings and welcome to my blog,
AliceE.

santoshi said...

hi you are a very spiritual person. I like your post. There is no doubt that God has power to harden and unharden hearts.

Sharon said...

Yes he does, But we have to remember he is in control, and we should never judge others, it's in his hands, his battle!!
Looking forward to visiting again!
Be Blessed my friend
Sharon

Shanita Waters said...

Hi Mikey... I'm happy to meet you. Thanks for stopping by and following my blog. I see that you are a Child of the King. I am too so I guess that means we're sisters now. Look forward to hearing from me again real soon.

I just love the purpose of your blog. How humble is that? Continue to make others thirst for the Living Water.

Blessings!
Shanita

Anne Lang Bundy said...

Hi MikeyAnn!

What a lovely blog! Your photos are beautiful. I'll never have time to make my blog as visually attractive, so I hope it will feed your soul to make up for that!

How funny. I just completed today's post, clicked over here, and see that you used the same passage three months ago.

Thanks for being my follower. I pray for those who read my blog to be refreshed and challenged and encouraged by it.

Your sister in Christ,
Anne

God's Girl said...

Great post! Thanks for sharing! God can unharded the hardest heart and it reminds me to never stop praying.

LAUREN at Faith Fuel said...

Very interesting. A good question is sometimes better than an easy answer!

Victoria said...

This met me just where I'm at...both in life and scripture. I'm glad you found me so that I could find you!

Keep letting the Son shine,
Victoria

santoshi said...

wish you and your family a Happy and Peacefull Happy New Year.

Debra said...

I have read this several times, because it really, really spoke to me. I am at this point right now with a neighbor who has been very difficult. As I look back in my life, I can see so many people who I was judging for their heart, while God was using them to show me MINE.
You have an awesome blog. I wish you would post again soon.
~Debra

Sharon said...

Hope you had a wonderful holiday, I have been checking your site, and have noticed you haven't posted anything lately. I pray that you are ok, and look forward to reading more of your writings soon.
God Bless you my sister in Christ
Sharon

Sherri Watt said...

Great insight... Gave me something to think about. Thanks.

I found your site on the Encouragement for the Heart blog.

I will be following. I love finding new blogs.

God Bless!

Joyfulsister said...

Hi Mickey
I remember how my heart was once hardened, filled with anger, unforgiveness, hurt, and pain. I found out it easier to hold on to them especially if you have unresolved issues. But God can can soften the most hardened and callous heart, I know because he did it for me* Smiles*. There is hope for any heart that surrenders to the Lord.

Hugz Lorie