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Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Purify my heart, O LORD...

"God simply won’t make Himself at home in an unholy place”

I read that statement in a book called “Holiness - the Heart God Purifies” by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

I don’t have to tell you that when I read that simple statement, it really caused me stop and think. Stop and really ponder. It really stopped me in my tracks.
Is my life a place that God can make Himself at home in? Would my life be considered a Holy place? Is it an acceptable abiding place for His Spirit?

The truth?? Sometimes. Maybe even most of the time. But certainly not all of the time. I try very hard to keep myself deep in God’s Word. Seeking, searching, and finding more of Him. But would I consider my life a Holy place? Hmm.. That is a very sobering thought.

I desperately want to keep myself right with God. I aim to keep Him first.To keep my thoughts pure. To keep my actions right. Keep my heart repentant. I desire to live a life that pleases Him. A life that brings Him the glory and honor that He deserves.

But am I succeeding? What about those times that I am most unholy. When I am angry or jealous or irritated. When I am being selfish and unloving. When I am cranky. Can He dwell in me then?

I concede that there are many instances when I don’t exemplify Christ. When I don’t shine for Jesus. Times that my actions don’t always back up my words. Times that my thoughts don’t line up with Him.

Just facing that reality makes me sad. It causes my heart to mourn for all of the “could haves” and “should haves” of my life.

This coming year, I resolve to do some major, heart-changing, life-altering, God-centered business in my spiritual walk.

I am going to do my best to pursue holiness and sanctification in my life.

I plan on spending more time in prayer and more time focusing on allowing Him to show me His holiness. Allowing Him to reveal my sinfulness.

Searching hard after righteousness.

Striving to be Holy as He is Holy.

Making a Holy place of my life so God will abide there.

"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's"
(1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

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Precious Father, I lay all things unholy in my life at your feet tonight. I confess all things unrighteous in my life to you. Cleanse my heart. Purify my thoughts. Help me to create a dwelling place in my life that is worthy of your presence. Help me to keep seeking after You. Searching for more. Help me to strive higher and dig deeper. My hearts desire is to bring nothing but glory to your name. I love You from the depths of my soul. I praise You with all that I am. Thank you for the awesome and matchless gift of Salvation through your Son. In the mighty and saving name of Jesus, Amen.

Joyfully His,
Beth

14 comments:

Andrea said...

There are many times when sadly I fail HIM, too. I strive to do better each day. Thank you for this reminder!!
Hugs, andrea

Farmgirl Cyn said...

Beth...this is a most awesome post. VERY thought provoking.
Thank you.

Cindy

Yolanda said...

Beth,

Our God amazes me! Your writing last night from the depth of your being, to my writing this morning from the depth of my being. Lord, this is not a coincidence, this is a GOD moment and You alone deserve all the GLORY! Lord, may we see the glory of God! Change us and mold us.

Lovingly,
Yolanda

Thena said...

Awesome post as always. It scares me at times to think I wouldn't be found worthy. We make it so much harder to draw close to Him than I believe He ever intended it to be.

TRUTH SHARER said...

I love this post on the purity of heart - and so does God!! Bless you for reminding us to keep our hearts pure before the Father!

Hugs, Stephanie

Jackie said...

Beth....what a wonderful posting!

Thank you for the reminder to keep my heart and life pure, fully focused and engaged upon pleasing the Lord.

Heart2Heart said...

Beth,

Oh how I wish I could say I walk in the Spirit at all times and my life is that living temple God would love, but then again, I know I live in a sin-filled world with a body that subject to those sins. The only thing I can do is like you to stay as close to God as I can, pray often and ask for daily forgiveness.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Nana Jul said...

Beth,

The Lord is so amazing! And I thank Him for helping us see when we miss it. The more we seek, search, walk and run into His loving, forgiving arms, the quicker we do a turn around! But God, But God, But God! He turns our messes into a message!
Love you friend!
Julie

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Her study, "Seeking Him" was a benchmark moment for me. Have you done it? It's all about holiness and the activities/work she had us do was very helpful.

Joining you on the road toward holiness, friend.

peace~elaine

Anonymous said...

Amen! I will be striving and searching with you this year!

Dontmissyoursunsetlady said...

It amazes me how God brings me to you blog and leads me to read at just the moment. Oh how I need to purified. It has been a crazy week and I have fallen so short of seeking Holiness! Thanks Beth!

Laurie said...

Hi Beth,
I miss your thought provoking and CONVICTING, God-seeking posts! I have pondered the same things... maybe not the same quote, but God's holiness, my shortcomings, God's endless mercy and grace. Sounds like you have many wonderful grandbabies! Love and miss you, Laurie

nancygrayce said...

We have been talking about that a lot lately......examining our hearts. Sometimes when I do that I am so ashamed! We must constantly strive!

Anonymous said...

Thank you of such amazing word of which God use you to bring a blessing to me. After reading the Word of God on a purify heart.I look up your writing it has been blessing to me. thanks again . John.