Jesus speaking

Paving the Path

April 28, 2014 by cynda cottrill

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! Matthew 5:10 AMP

Today, many of us living in the United States feel we have never been truly persecuted for our beliefs…for doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord. Oh, we may have been called into question for our actions or harshly criticized for our beliefs but persecuted? Probably not. Yet persecution has many forms and comes in varying degrees – from insults, harassment, and ostracism to imprisonment, torture, and even death. As representatives of Christ, the fact that we are a Christian will bother some people Our desire to live for Christ, our non-conformity to this world will bring persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12 assures us of this. “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

As Greg Laurie states: “If you live a godly life, you will be persecuted. It is not a matter of if; it is a matter of when and how much.”

Why the persecution?

If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection and would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world [no longer one with it], but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you. John 15:19

The world cannot [be expected to] hate you, but it does hate Me because I denounce it for its wicked works and reveal that its doings are evil. John 7:7

For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. John 3:20

Persecution is a result of righteous living. Most of us have never experienced the harshest extremes of persecution. Many of us never will. But we will experience persecution in some form. How we react to persecution, in any form, is what matters. What happens when we are taken out of our comfort zone? Are we steadfast, consistent, unwavering in the face of challenges? Or do we run from confrontation and actively try to avoid persecution? There comes a point in our lives where we must decide if we will stand for our Lord, no matter the cost. It takes courage to stand for our faith. The stand we take paves the way for others to follow.

He who heeds instruction and correction is [not only himself] in the way of life [but also] is a way of life for others. And he who neglects or refuses reproof [not only himself] goes astray [but also] causes to err and is a path toward ruin for others. Proverbs 10:17

Which path are we paving?

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Lord, help us to stand our ground and defend our faith no matter what the challenge. With Your strength we can remain steadfast and unwavering in any situation. You were willing to die on the Cross for me. Let me be willing to stand firm in doing what is right in Your eyes. In Jesus’ name, amen…so be it.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: 2 Timothy 3:12, Beatitudes, cynda cottrill, daily devotions, GCH, Girlfriends Coffee Hour, Greg Laurie, Jesus speaking, john 15:19, Matthew 5:10, persecuted, persecution, Seeking Him devotional

Persecuted for Righteousness

April 27, 2014 by Tonya Ellison

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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I pray that we do not have to suffer the persecution that Christ suffered! It would be nice to think that religious persecution is over and that we have grown enough to look past religious differences. But daily there are news stories of those who are being sought and harmed due to their religion, due to their faith. Daily we are asked to pray for those who are hurting and suffering simply for leading others to salvation.

per•se•cute

to pursue with harassing or oppressive treatment, especially because of religion, race, or beliefs; harass persistently. to annoy or trouble persistently.

Persecution isn’t always what we see on TV—it isn’t always the acts of bodily harm or imprisonment. And there are times when persecution is the whispers when we are seen reading the bible; it is eyes rolled when we share those words we read. We can see it when our children are encouraged and, at times, forced to hide their beliefs in school. Persecution is an attempt by satan to discourage Christians from sharing what we know to be true. Despite this persecution we are given instructions to continue to spread the love of God.

Mark 16:15-16

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Go into the world, without fear of persecution, because as He said “blessed are those who have been persecuted….” This is a promise that whatever we may encounter on this journey, He has promised us and has assured us of what awaits.

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Let’s Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for courage and strength to push through the persecution we may face, whether extreme or more subtle. Thank You for Your continued promises of Your reassurance of what is to come. I pray for those who are experiencing this extreme persecution! I pray for their strength and I know that Your hand is on their lives daily. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: Beatitudes, Jesus speaking, mark 16:15-16, Matthew 5:10, persecuted, Tonya Ellison

Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace

April 26, 2014 by coleen hayden

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Matthew 5:9

Make me a channel of Your peace
Where there is hatred let me bring Your love
Where there is injury Your pardon, Lord
And where there’s doubt true faith in You

Make me a channel of Your peace
Where there’s despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there’s sadness, ever joy

Oh, Master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul

Make me a channel of Your peace
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
In giving to all men that we receive
And in dying that we’re born to eternal life

Oh, Master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul

Make me a channel of Your peace
Where there’s despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there’s sadness, ever joy

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: Beatitudes, coleen hayden, Girlfriends Coffee Hour, Jesus speaking, Matthew 5:9, seeking Him

The Task of a PeaceMaker

April 25, 2014 by Tonya Ellison

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Matthew 5:9

I have a piece of art on the wall in my children’s bathroom with a verse which reads “Happy are those who seek peace, God will call them His children.”

I think as parents we have a peacemaking role ingrained in our hearts and minds. I know I’m constantly trying to patch up spats between our three children, or teaching them how to mend relationships at school. It seems that some nights I soak in the peace and quiet that bedtime brings. Peace is a word that is often used in life today. It seems every day that there is another opportunity to spread peace—in the workplace, at home, even at church. But do we confuse quiet and a lack of fighting with true peace?

I don’t think I fully understood the meaning of peacemaker. It’s more than mending fences and encouraging “getting along.” We are tasked with spreading the Word of God and spreading His love to others. Peacemaking is part of this. He is the ultimate Peacemaker, and true peace can only be found in a relationship with our Heavenly Father. So the part of peacemaking that I need to add is to spread His love through examples of His peace…to model His character. This morning I read this… “God’s children reflect His character as they carry Jesus’ peacemaking mission to the world”… and began to think about how many times I have been a peaceTaker as opposed to a peaceMaker…? And wondered about how many times have I actually spread the words of God’s power and His ability to repair any situation, as opposed to simply offering nice words. Thankfully, He has given us a set of instructions, a “how-to” in regards to peace, along with an example of our task to reflect His character for those around us.

Romans 12:17-21
Repay no one evil for evil.
Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath;
for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Let’s pray: Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes peace feels so far away, and the task of being a peacemaker seems difficult. But, You have shown us how. True peace can only come from You. Lord, please touch our hearts to model Your character, to be peacemakers and spread the word of Your love and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: Beatitudes, daily devotions, GCH, Girlfriends Coffee Hour, Jesus speaking, Matthew 5:9, peacemaker, Romans 12:17-21, Seeking Him devotional, Tonya Ellison

Enter the Peacemakers

April 24, 2014 by Tina Marin

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Matthew 5:9

Peacemakers:

a person, group, or nation that tries to make peace, especially by reconciling parties who disagree, quarrel, or fight

Do you know a peacemaker? Are you a peacemaker? All of my life it seems I have been a peacemaker. I usually try to smooth ruffled egos, or try to sooth the person who feels that he/she is not respected enough. Sometimes this is a tiring task. It can take a toll on you and on how you help others if you are not careful. Paul tell us in Galatians 6:9-10 (ASV)

And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.

Why do you suppose God wants to bless the peacemakers? I like to think it is because of them that treaties are made, pacts are adhered to, and wars are stopped. Some of these agreements may be for economic reasons but the peacemakers have a unique gift of diplomacy. These people have a way of studying the opponent by learning the culture and other customs. For instance…did you know that in Middle Eastern culture, when in negotiations, you are not to speak first? It is a sign of weakness. Silence is not the enemy and we should not be afraid to use it.

Today, look at your words and actions, do they glorify the Lord? Do your words honor God as well as lift up and exhort the person to whom you are speaking? Growing up, did you hear the words, “If it isn’t nice, don’t say it.” How many times have I spoken and then replayed the scene in my mind of how I have failed to build someone up. This is not meant to condemn but rather to reassure you that you, too, can become a peacemaker—a person who builds up. To do this we need only to be silent, when we want to speak words that are not kind. Especially when we use sarcasm to disguise words that would be intended to hurt and wound.

God wants to use us in all of our ways. We may not feel adequate but be assured that God will use you where you are and give you the tools you need to start fresh. Begin you day with “God, help me to learn something about the person who tests me every day. Show me his/her heart and give me the peace that You are in control. Let me look at him/her through Your eyes.”

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: Beatitudes, daily devotional, galatians 6:9-10, GCH, Girlfriends Coffee Hour, Jesus speaking, Matthew 5:9, peacemaker, Seeking Him devotional, Tina Marin

I Can Only Imagine

April 19, 2014 by coleen hayden

We have now entered the season of Lent. For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words. ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes. Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.” To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’ Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are! Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us. We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection! ✞ ♥

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

Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
Psalms 24:3-4

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
Hebrews 12:14

As Tonya shared with us earlier this week:

These three verses help to define what a pure heart should look like: single-minded, loyal, peaceful. These are all traits that are attainable, and they are traits we can display. God never gives us impossible tasks. He never asks more of us than He knows we can give. And He KNOWS we can give Him a pure heart. One day we will see His face, one day the act of possessing a pure heart will have rewards beyond measure.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: Beatitudes, coleen hayden, daily devotions, Hebrews 12:14, I can only imagine, Jesus speaking, matthew 5:8, MercyMe, psalms 24:3-4, pure in heart, pure in heart will see God, Seeking Him devotional, Tonya Ellison

Pure Like Children Again

April 18, 2014 by laurapattillo

We have now entered the season of Lent. For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words. ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes. Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.” To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’ Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are! Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us. We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection! ✞ ♥

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Matthew 5:8

Purity is “the condition or quality of being free from anything that debases, contaminates, pollutes,” etc. That is why childhood is called the “age of innocence.” Nothing has come into children’s hearts to make them impure. They do not know the evils of this world unless it has touched them in some way. They have no worries unless they just happen to have seen or felt evil at a young age. I see this looking at my two young children every day—especially yesterday.

I got a free day off from work yesterday due to a threat on campus. I was two minutes away from daycare when I got the call that the university was closed. I turned around, and my daughter and I went home. I spent the morning with her (even thought I slept for about 30 minutes of it). (Hey…I was not about to let an opportunity for a nap slip by when I was sleepy.) Later that afternoon, she took a nap while I was cleaning her room and her brother’s room. I checked in on her, and I watched her sleep. I wondered where the time had gone and where my ‘age of innocence’ had gone. Due to the innocence she has, she is not contaminated yet, except by sin. She is too young to realize what the true meaning of Easter is…though she can now tell you that Jesus died on the Cross.

When we do not know God, we are impure. When we reach the age where we can understand who Jesus is and what He did for us, we have become contaminated by the world. We are being taught its ideals through peers and the outside world. Yet, we reach a level of purity again when we decide to accept God’s gift of eternal life. When we accept Jesus, we feel His Presence in our hearts, and we see His daily works in our lives. We become blessed to be pure through the Blood of Jesus Christ again, and we can see Him every day by looking for His signs through nature and the blessings that He gives us when we need them.

God loves us. We are His creation. We are His children, and He is our Father. We see God every day when we observe what He does and spend time with Him. Our hearts and spirit become less polluted by the world and cleaner by the spirit working inside of our hearts. We become more like children of God and less like children of the world.

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Dear God, thank You for cleaning our hearts and making us pure in the spirit. The pollution of this world is great, but Your love for us is greater and infinite. You are our Father, and we are Your children. You clean our spirits and make us whole. In Jesus name, Amen.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: Beatitudes, children are pure, daily devotions, GCH, Girlfriends Coffee Hour, God's children, Jesus speaking, laura pattillo, matthew 5:8, pure in heart, Seeking Him devotional

A Single-Minded Loyalty

April 17, 2014 by Tonya Ellison

We have now entered the season of Lent. For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words. ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes. Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.” To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’ Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are! Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us. We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection! ✞ ♥

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Matthew 5:8

I think I’ve mentioned this before but, just in case I haven’t, I want to reiterate that I love my Study Bible. I’ve always liked studying, and love to learn, but when it comes to the Bible, I seem to grasp ideas better when they are outlined for me, when I can see the meaning of words, and when other Scriptures are listed as additional references.

When I was studying this week’s Beatitude, a sentence stood out to me— “single-minded loyalty to God.” Typically when one sees the term “pure” the words “innocent, unsullied, good, and perfect” may come to mind. So to be honest, when these words were not used in the description of this particular Beatitude, I was surprised. This verse was a reminder that God doesn’t ask for or require perfection to ensure that we will one day bask in His glory, and He doesn’t ask that we have an impeccable life record. No, He asks that we focus on Him…that we live each day for Him…that we display a single-minded loyalty to Him.

Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
Psalms 24:3-4

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
Hebrews 12:14

These three verses help to define what a pure heart should look like: single-minded, loyal, peaceful. These are all traits that are attainable, and they are traits we can display. God never gives us impossible tasks. He never asks more of us than He knows we can give. And He KNOWS we can give Him a pure heart. One day we will see His face. One day the act of possessing a pure heart will have rewards beyond measure.

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Let’s Pray: Lord, create in us a pure heart. Lord, to see Your face, that is our goal, to bask in Your holiness, to be in Your presence. I pray that each and every one of us focus on having single-minded loyalty to You in all we do, in all we say, and in every action we take. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: Beatitudes, daily devotions, GCH, Girlfriends Coffee Hour, Hebrews 12:14, Jesus speaking, matthew 5:8, psalms 24:3-4, pure hearts, pursue peace, Seeking Him devotional, Tonya Ellison

Joy

April 16, 2014 by Tina Marin

We have now entered the season of Lent. For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words. ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes. Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.” To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’ Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are! Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us. We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection! ✞ ♥

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

One summer our family travelled by Greyhound bus from Walnut, MS to Fresno, CA to spend a few days with my mom’s newly-found family. It was a three day (and night) trip there and back…while spending three or four days in California.

It was such an adventure. Mom who was allergic to anything that bites had a reaction to red ants; my brother, Terry, got so blistered from the sun that he had ‘bubbles’ on his back…and Dad and I didn’t have anything go wrong.

There was this one thing that has stuck with me though—Aunt Ramona recanted a dream. She says she was dreaming and in it she was weeping for joy because she was about to touch the feet of Jesus. Her husband, being concerned, woke her up because she was crying out in her sleep. She says she fussed at him because she was that close.

I can only imagine what that dream must have felt like—the joy, the excitement, the pure worship that was in her heart! What a precious gift she received. I want to have dreams like that so, one day, when I stand before my Savior, I can say, ‘I practiced this in my dreams.’ Although this still would not prepare me for the awesome experience of being among all that is Holy and Pure.

The Pure

The Greek word for “pure” is katharos (used 27 times in the New Testament). Fundamentally, it signifies that which is clean, or free from contaminating substance (cf. Danker et al., Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, 489). Or as William Barclay contended “that with a spiritual import, ‘pure’ may describe the heart that is free of unadulterated “motives” (Commentary on Matthew, I.101). (https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/610-who-are-the-pure-in-heart)

I feel that this “being pure” should be the goal of every Christian. To clear our minds of what others may feel or perceive except from the Holy Spirit. When we listen to the ungodly and go to them for advice we are most usually led astray because they speak from a world view. But when we seek Godly counsel from those who dwell daily in God’s presence we should be able to quickly discern what is evil and different from what counsel we would have gotten from our worldly friends.

As we seek to have pure hearts, it would follow that our thoughts would have to follow as well. What does it look like to have pure thoughts? To me it would mean guarding what I read, what I watch, and what I participate in. I guess you would call me a God Nerd. Not a Bible Thumper, but a God Nerd. Now that does not mean that I do not have my weaknesses. I still do, but I do my best to not participate or indulge in them.

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Father, as we learn to trust You and know Your Word more, I say ‘Thank You’ for your love, acceptance, and encouragement that is present each day. Help me give away what you have given to me. I want to learn to serve you more and to serve your people with joy in my heart! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: Beatitude, daily devotions, Jesus speaking, matthew 5:8, Pure, pure in heart, Seeking Him devotional, Tina Marin

Create In Me a Pure Heart

April 15, 2014 by Ahmee Bronaugh

We have now entered the season of Lent. For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words. ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes. Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.” To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’ Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are! Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us. We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection! ✞ ♥

God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
Matthew 5:8

You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
Matthew 5:8 MSG

Create in me a clean (pure) heart, O God.
Renew a loyal spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10

I remember when I found this gem of a verse. For months afterward, I prayed Psalms 51:10-12 over myself. As a result I witnessed godly change in myself and my life. Was I perfect during this time? Ha! Far from it, but daily I turned my eyes to God and asked Him to create a pure heart in me. I don’t think I’ve ever been closer to God in my life.

A pure heart is a focused, undivided, unburdened heart. There is no way for you to dwell in the Presence of God daily, hourly, minute-by-minute and hold on to lust, hate, bitterness, unforgiveness, guilt, condemnation, or any sin forever. God’s Presence is Holy and if you seek Him, He will shed His Light on your life and show you what He does not find pleasing…and then you will experience conviction. Not condemnation, but conviction.

I know that I’m not the only one who can say that they have tried to run from conviction before—which eventually is running from God. AlthoughI did manage to run from God for twenty-two years, He eventually caught me. Needless to say, running from God can be difficult.

I struggled with figuring out what to write this devotional about until the Lord reminded me of Psalm 51:10 and my own personal experience with the verse. And then He asked me why I had stopped pursing a pure heart wholeheartedly. (To which I, of course, had no answer.)

Knowing where I’ve come from and where I am now, I thank the Lord for all He has done for me and how He has transformed me to be more like Him. But He’s not done and I should never stop seeking to have a pure heart. Plus, if pure-heartedness is what helps me see God this side of heaven, I most definitely want to strive after it.

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Lord, a pure heart—this is what I ask. You alone can transform my heart. Show me that which is unpleasing to You, and give me a steadfast spirit to sustain me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: ahmee bronaugh, Beatitudes, daily devotions, GCH, Girlfriends Coffee Hour, Jesus speaking, matthew 5:8, Psalm 51:10, pure heart, Seeking Him devotional