THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS


DAILY DEVOTIONS

HI!

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

The environmental scientist was asked privately, "Do you really believe global warming is the result of man's pollution?"

He said, "No. But it sells research papers and gets government grants."

**********************************************************************************

Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
KJV

**********************************************************************************

Think of purity as being unmixed, or without pollution. And then realize that in this world there is no such thing. Everything has some impurities. Even water, coming out of a mountain spring, has some impurities. Gold can be melted and refined, then melted and refined; but it will always have some impurities.

Now, ask yourself this question, "Is there any such thing as a pure heart?" Obviously not, for the motives of man are always mixed with the pollutants of sin. (See Romans 3:23, Isaiah 53:6) As with the refiner of gold, we should seek to be without those pollutants of sin. However, the Bible is clear on the point that on this side of heaven, we shall never reach that goal.

Then, what did Jesus mean when He spoke of a pure heart?

Let us think of purity as having singular allegiance; being centrally focused upon one Master. "Pure in heart" reflects focus upon loyalty to Christ. It is to put Christ in the center of our lives, and to plan all we do around Him. We may not be totally "pure" from unchaste desires and thoughts, but we can have a genuine allegiance to Christ as LORD.

Note that Jesus says the result of having this allegiance and focus is to "see God." The reward of Christian faith in action is to SEE God in every part of life, and then finally to SEE God eternally in heaven.

Those who put Christ in the CENTER of their lives and plan all the rest around Him have a pure sense of His beauty. Then their actions, language and decisions will reflect Jesus in all they do.

Look around in your life. Do you SEE Jesus?

Love ya,
Bruce