God lives and works today.
His greatest miracle is what he does to
the hearts of men.
Is that not the deepest longing of us
all, that our hearts be changed?
Today's meditation, A Changed Heart, by Basilio Schlenk,
will share how we can do this.
How does the word repentance sound to you?
Do you register it in a positive or
a negative way?
Repentance is a gift of grace.
This grace not only opens our eyes for
love, but it also prepares us for the
fellowship of Jesus' sufferings.
Peter has proven this.
Peter says to the resurrected Lord, Thou knowest
all things, Thou knowest that I love Thee.
What a powerful statement Peter could say with
his whole heart.
Thou, who searchest all things, who knowest what
is happening in the whole universe, who knowest
my very heart and what is in it,
Thou knowest that my heart is consumed with
love for Thee, Lord Jesus.
Yes, Peter could say that in spite of
the fact that he had denied Jesus.
His great sin of denial brought him tears
of repentance.
These tears of repentance washed his eyes so
that he could see Jesus as he is,
as the man of sorrows, filled with ceaseless
love, who can still lovingly behold those who
tortured him.
Because this happened to Peter, his heart was
gripped with such a love that he had
to confess, I love Thee, I cannot do
other than love Thee.
My heart and my whole being, everything that
I am and have, all I can do
is give it to Thee.
And Peter verified his love indeed.
Love to you, our love we proffer, such
as we no other offer.
Love for all, your love outpoured.
The sign of those who have this great
love which is born out of repentance is
they want to be with Jesus, he whom
they love, no matter what it costs.
They even want to tread his path of
sufferings with him.
They never want to forsake him.
Have you got this love for Jesus?
Is it yours through tears of repentance?
If we wish to attain and nourish this
love, our decisive plea must be this.
Show me ever anew that I am only
a sinner before God and man.
Grant me ever anew a contrite heart, Lord,
a heart that can cry over its sin
and guilt.
Don't let me shy away from the pain
which it costs to recognize and confess my
sins ever anew.
Jesus hears such pleas, and he'll answer them.
Sweet Lord of life, I will now strive
no more to grieve you and burden your
loving heart, sorrow laden.
Repentant tears, my Savior, cheers, followed by praise
and rejoicing, love and my gratitude voicing.
North 40th Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85028-4099 That's
God Lives and Works Today, 9849 North 40th
Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85028-4099 God bless you.