This Year, Live by the Beatitudes (6)
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Mt 5:8 NKJV
Make your heart “a controlled environment,” because what happens there determines how you respond to life. When it comes to people, pastimes and pursuits, don’t open yourself to anything that has the potential to take you captive, or to make you cynical and cold-hearted. If you do, you’ll shut yourself off from God’s blessing. In his book Next Door Savior, Max Lucado writes: “The countryside was flat and predictable, that’s why the refinery stood out like a science-fiction city. The function of that maze of machinery is defined by its name. A refinery takes whatever comes in and purifies it, so that it’s ready to go out. It does for petroleum what your heart should do for you—remove the bad and utilize the good. Jesus said, ‘The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart’ (Lk 6:45 NIV). So here are some questions you need to ask yourself: ‘When I’m criticized or ignored do I bite back, or bite my tongue? When I’m on overload do I blow my top, or stay cool? When I hear gossip do I entertain it, silence it or spread it? When somebody offends me do I harbor a grudge, or choose to forgive?’ It all depends on the condition of your heart.” When your heart has been purified you’ll begin to “see God” in people and situations you never noticed Him at work in before. Knowing first-hand the dangers of spiritual heart disease, the Psalmist wrote, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Ps 51:10). If you need a spiritual catharsis, spend time in the presence of God.
January 6, 2013 | Permalink14 Responses to This Year, Live by the Beatitudes (6)
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Susan Gachomo says:
I am blessed by this message, i will learn to make my heart a controlled enviroment
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Patricia Brown says:
I’m EXCITED about the fast! I’m believing God to do great and mighty things. The devotiona is so on point. The closer I draw nigh to this perfect God, I realize how imperfect I am. I’m rejoicing because He foreknew me, and yet was mindful of me as He endured the cross.
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Paulette Lee says:
Jesus guide my life according to your will for 2013.
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A Sarmiento says:
Lord Jesus please help us to overcome this world and set our minds on you and the truth of Your Word. Help us to clean our minds and hearts so we become all what you have called us to be.
Praise and Glory be to God! -
cindy moore says:
I am so excited about the fast, God help me to see You in all things. Help me to keep moving ahead even when I am fearful at times. Remind me always of your presence. Help me to accept change with it comes. Create in me Lord as You see fit too. Have Your way Lord in Jesus Name.
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Hannah says:
This is so true…In this year 2013 I need to change all my ways change the way I view and examine things in my heart and in my mind. I know I can not do it by myself but with the grace of God and the help of the Holy Spirit I will be able to do the impossible.
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Leda says:
I am excited about the fast and looking forward to it. Lord God during this fast make yourself known tom me. I pray that you teach me to glorify your name more.
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Alicia Johnson says:
Create in me a clean heart oh God! My heart needs to be a controlled environment, controlled by your Spirit and your word.
Thank you Lord! -
Heather says:
Beautiful message. Praying I will reflect Him more and more in my everyday life. I have so far to go and praying during this time I will be closer than ever to His presence.
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ccfrias says:
The beginning of the fast is here! I thank God for this opportunity that He has given me and my husband, to fast for Him. Thank you Lord for this inspiring message, one that I have personally searched to ask You. Be blessed in this year of 2013!
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Patti Walker says:
I am also praying for our nation and the nation of Israel to unity closer and closer to Our Father God and that the body of Christ as a whole will learn the true meaning of loving one another. I am looking for devine complete healing in my boby,soul and Spirit. This is a fast that I am titling Unity for the Body Of Christ. I want to show Him just how much I love and appreciate all that He has and is doing in my life.No more beating up each other but instead feeding on His Holy Living Word
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Inde Godwin says:
Such an awesom GOD!the hidden me has been broken through dis fast.Thank you all.
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Reveda L. Merritt says:
I will ask Him to make my heart His Home. A controlled environment
Me and my daughters have been preparing for the fast and that day is now here! Praise God for engineering our lives as we are lead daily by His Spirit!