‘God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.’ Matthew 5:8(NLT)
‘“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.’ Ezekiel 36:25-27(NLT)
‘For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. ‘ Ephesians 5:25-27(NLT)
‘Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. ‘ Hebrews 9:14(NLT)
‘So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.” For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake. Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.’ 1 Peter 1:13-21(NLT)
‘We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. ‘ 2 Corinthians 10:5(NLT)
‘Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.’ Proverbs 4:23(NLT)
‘Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. ‘ James 4:8(NLT)
QUIET MOMENT
What does it mean to have a pure heart? And what an amazing blessing to be able to see God! God met face to face with Moses. Do you want that same intimate relationship with God?
What does the Bible say is the way to a pure heart (Ezekiel 36:25-27)?
GOING DEEPER
Pure, absolutely pure. A heart that is not divided or double-minded. A heart that is seeking after God’s heart. One of the qualities of holiness is purity. God is absolutely pure and holy. Read through the following Scriptures. What does the Lord say about holiness and/or purity?
Ephesians 5:25-27
Hebrews 9:14
1 Peter 1:13-21
A pure heart produces pure thoughts. We can be standing in the shower and a judgmental thought will come to mind. We get agitated. We put up a wall, knowing that it isn’t right. Then we push the thought down and try to ignore it. But the next time we are in the shower, the thought will return. “She is…” or, “They are…” or, “He is so…!” We must be aware of thoughts that are seemingly inconsequential. Instead of pushing the thought away, speak the truth of God’s Word at it. And if you tend to dwell on a thought, confess that you are tempted to believe it. What are we instructed to do in 2 Corinthians 10:5?
We want our hearts to want Him, His purity, His focus, His thoughts, and His desires. We can ask with full assurance for Him to give us that desire. He has given you permission to ask and free access to His power and His cleansing.
REFLECTION AND PRAYER
We must watch over our hearts (Proverbs 4:23). If you want to have an abundant, awe-inspiring relationship with God, you have to ask: What is lingering in the chambers of my heart? Read James 4:8. Ask the Lord to search your heart. Is there anything holding you back? If He reveals anything to you, repent. Ask Him to help you see your heart daily and how it responds.
TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART AND BRINGING IT TO LIFE
Choose one truth from today and apply it to your heart. Take it with you throughout the day.
from Jesus, I Need You Part 7