Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- December 15, 2010
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8
Purity comes by the perpetual cleansing of Christ. It begins at conversion and continues through consecration. And there is joy that results from a right relationship with Jesus. Guilt is gone, fear flees, peace rules and hope encourages the heart. Purity in its profound simplicity places us at the feet of Jesus for forgiveness, love and direction. Pureness applies to pure thoughts, pure motives, pure conversations and pure behaviors.
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool” (Isaiah 1:18).
Our Savior Jesus scrubs our soul like a holy body wash that leaves us smelling sweet and attractive to a soiled and smelly society. We stay clean, so we can offer a pure alternative to those stuck in the muck and mire of self-centered living. Purity of heart places you on the solid rock of Christ’s righteousness with the ability to lift others up to a secure place.
“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand” (Psalm 40:2).
The Lord lifts us up, so we can lift up others—and this is a happy place. Helping others brings happiness. The happiness of heaven comes to earth when pure hearted followers of Jesus see people as God sees them—lost, needy, poor, hurting, deceived and dying. Moral purity and a single-minded spirit give us a clear vision of God and His interests.
You see God in the glory of His holiness. You see the Lord high and lifted up and you worship Him. You see the love and compassion of Christ. You see the Almighty ever ready to intervene as an advocate on your behalf. You see your heavenly Father full of wisdom and grace. You see your Savior dying and coming alive for you. You see Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and you bow in humble submission and service to Him.
Holiness and happiness go together like romance and love—true holiness woos happiness into its presence. It’s pure hands and a clean heart that we lift to the Lord in our joyful worship. He cleanses us from the filthy lucre of covetousness to be generous. He washes our dirty deeds, so we are free to serve others unselfishly. Purity expunges the pollutants of pride, lust and lying. Pureness allows you to see Jesus, enjoy Jesus and be like Jesus.
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22).
Are our motives and actions pure before God? Am I free from guilt and happy in the Lord?
Related Readings: Psalm 24:4-5; Acts 15:9; Hebrews 12:14; 1Timothy 1:5; 1John 1:7
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Hello,
I just wanted to thank you for your daily devotions. They are always full of wisdom and hope. Exactly what I need for the day. Thanks again.