An interesting phrase is found in the Scripture reading for today. Paul says, “Our heart is wide open.” (I Cor.6:11)  After talking about all he had gone through, he tells the Corinthians “he spoke freely and his heart was wide open.”

That sort of enhances what Tripp says:

It is a wonder of transforming grace that the heart of a self-focused human being can abandon the pursuit of his own little kingdom and give itself to serve the purpose of the kingdom of another.

Isaiah says “that God’s thoughts are higher than my thoughts and his ways higher than my ways.” There is no greater effort, no greater act, than the act of serving Jesus, even though I may not understand all that is taking place and will take place. I spent close to 3 hours with someone (name omitted) last night and that was part of our conversation. He wants to live and die well, but his heart desires to see his family come to Jesus. In his case, he wants to live but he’s willing to surrender to see his children know Jesus. He has his 2nd ugly round of chemo today. He doesn’t want to go through it, but he will for them. It is as Tripp says, “His obedience celebrates grace even in moments when he isn’t continuously celebrating it himself.”

“Father, I don’t pretend-I can’t pretend-to know your ways or plan. All I know is it is ultimately good. Help me to have a heart that is wide open to you, to your will, your plan, your grace. Help me to lay aside my little kingdom to pursue you and your greater kingdom.”