Tag: Purity

Little Truths that can Transform Your Heart

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Proverbs has a lot to say about the heart.  Sometimes the truth is given directly like in Proverbs 24:1-2  “Be not envious of evil men,  nor desire to be with them,  2 for their hearts devise violence,  and their lips talk of trouble” and Proverbs 6:14 describes a wicked man’s heart, “with perverted heart devises evil,  continually sowing discord.”  Very often the proverbs are given with a contrast between the good heart and the bad and seeks to teach or instruct us about our hearts.   Proverbs 28:14  “Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always,  but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity. “  The writer of Proverbs was wise and desired us to know how God views the heart of man and that God would not just be an observer in our lives.  Proverbs 21:2  “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.”  Proverbs 17:3 “The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts.”  

Proverbs also teaches how our hearts can and do show our emotions.  Proverbs 15:13-15 speaks of the cheerful, seeking heart and how a sorrow can crush the spirit of our heart.   “A glad heart makes a cheerful face,  but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. 14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.  15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.”   Proverbs 14:30 speaks of the effects of calm and envy on the heart.   “A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh,   but envy makes the bones rot.” 

In Proverbs 6:16-19 we are given a list of things God hates that really displease Him. “There are six things that the Lord hates,  seven that are an abomination to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
    and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked plans,
    feet that make haste to run to evil,
19 a false witness who breathes out lies,
    and one who sows discord among brothers.”

How do these ‘heart’ proverbs speak to you today?  Is your heart cheerful and calm or do you have times when you feel discord, disharmony or evil?  Because of the root of sin in our hearts, we need to continually submit our hearts to the Lord for His continual transformation.   I love Proverbs 22:11 “He who loves purity of heart,  and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.”  I do want King Jesus as my friend so I need to submit to daily cleansing at His feet in prayer.   Won’t you join me today?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, you know the true nature of my heart.  Root out the evil ways in me and replace them with your love, grace and mercy.  Give me compassion and love for others that comes out of a grateful heart.  Create in me a clean heart that desires to please you.  Amen.

Linda

Words of life, do you have them?

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Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, I have a complete manual for living in God’s Word.  God’s Word has stood firm and resolute since the beginning of time.  His Word, Jesus, came in human form bringing salvation to all who believe.  His Words in the Bible bring life, depth, understanding and guidance to us so that we can live the lives that God intends by following His ways and bringing Him glory.   Here are a few verses affirming the guidance and hope we receive in God’s Word:

Psalm 119:9 “How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.”  Obedience to God’s Word leads one towards purity in all areas of life.

God's WordPsalm 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”  God’s Word internalized helps us not to sin.

Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet  and a light for my path.”  God’s Word provides guidance to my life.

Matthew 4:4 “But Jesus told him (Satan), “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”  God’s Word rebukes Satan and gives spiritual sustenance for living.

Luke 11:28 “Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”  Applying God’s Word to our lives brings blessing.

John 6:63 and 68  “The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”  and “Simon hebrews 4 12Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.”  God’s Words are words of life and spirit and they lead to eternal life in Him.

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”  God’s Word is alive and works on our hearts, minds, souls and desires to align them with His ways.

Jesus plainly said that His Words lead to life.  Thank you Jesus.

words of lifeLinda

Suggestion:  Open His Word today and reread some of the above passages.  Let Him speak to you from His Word and be blessed.

Which attitudes are you ‘Be-ing’?

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blessed2The longest list of blessings for the blessed man/woman is in Matthew.  They are commonly known as the Beatitudes.  Each one points to a blessing from God that will come to the person who lives a life of faith.   Reflect as you read each one and ask yourself- which of these do I see evidences of in my life?  Remember that blessed means-a gift of divine favor, happiness or something that will prevent misfortune.   Matthew 5:3-10

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.   (This refers to being humble- a blessed attitude,  not proud or arrogant)

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (This mourning is over our sins, and we are comforted in our salvation and redemption by Jesus.  Mourning or sadness will also be comforted by God.) 

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. (Here again our meekness is before God, as in humility.)

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. (I know this one to be true in my own life.  Studying God’s Word creates a hunger within me that only He can satisfy.  I pray that others will be blessed with this same hunger and receive the satisfaction only God can give.)

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. (This is promised compassion or mercy when we give or act mercifully.  God’s Kingdom does not operate the same way the world does and in His kingdom showing compassion or mercy will be returned in kind.  This is a wonderful assurance to believers.)

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (Those who have clean hearts and attitudes will be able to see God, know God and walk with Him daily.  David prayed in Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”  God desires us to have an attitude of holiness, purity and cleanness in our hearts so we can see Him clearly.)

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. (This applies to all believers as through Christ we are adopted into God’s family and are His sons and daughters.  Through our redemption, we are made peacemakers as ones who love Jesus and desire others to have His peace too.)

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Because of our faith in Jesus, the world will persecute us.  John 15:20 “Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”  As believers we are encouraged by the conclusion of this verse-ours is the kingdom of heaven. Praise God!)

DBonfofferWhich resonated with you today?  Thank God for His gift of divine favor and presence in your life!

Linda