September 5

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

As we read the beatitudes, it might be possible for us to imagine that we could stir up the characteristics that would receive God’s blessing.  We might say, “Yes, I know what it is to be poor in spirit, to mourn, to be gentle, and to hunger for righteousness.”  But we would be stopped ‘cold’ by the suggestion that we stir up a pure heart.  No, Lord, I certainly cannot find a pure heart within this body inherited from Adam.  Nor can any man or woman in this world.

So what is going on here?  Well, wouldn’t you know, if we were to have a pure heart it is to be provided by God.  As He talked to the children of Israel He exclaimed, “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”  (Ezekiel 36:26).  And of course it is also true of all who believe in Jesus—we indeed are a new creation.

Heavenly Father, we are continually amazed at the grace You extend to us.  Every requirement, every goal, and every power needed to fulfill the goals for Your creation has already been provided in Jesus.  Remove from me today any stubborn insistence upon my way of looking at life.  Replace my views with those that flow from a pure heart—the heart that is really Yours.  I thank You in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

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