Don’t close the door and harden your heart.

When you hear the Word of God, the door is open and you are in the middle of a God-directed opportunity. At that moment you have the opportunity to respond to the truth and draw closer to the Heavenly Father. But when you reject His Word, you begin to close the door and harden your heart - the opportunity begins to fade: "So, as the Holy Spirit says: 'Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart'" (Hebrews 3:7-8).

You have been blessed to live during this time in history. Yes, you face the unrelenting pressures of an over-indulgent, self-consumed society; but you have also been blessed with a wonderful abundance of the Word of God. In most parts of the world you have the freedom to worship with other believers and have full access to truth-filled teaching. But God's Word has become so readily available that many take it for granted.

In the midst of your overflowing blessings, you can becoming self-satisfied and no longer treasure His precious gift. But what would happen if His Word was taken away? What would the world be like if no one was allowed to speak or hear the Word of God? What if you searched for His Word and it could not be found?

The Heavenly Father loves you dearly. He "wants all to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4); and He wants you to believe and be "conformed to the likeness of His Son" (Romans 8:29). The Father continues to call you to know Him with a greater and more intimate love. Make the most of this awesome opportunity by receiving the Word of God, in all its forms, with a hungry anticipation, and then by obediently responding to His call. Shake off ALL forms of Self gratification and rejoice and treasure His precious gifts. Thank Him that you do not yet live during a famine of hearing.