Hello Dear Readers,
I hope you are doing well this week. I hope God is blessing you with a desire for that deeper more intimate relationship with Him. Does it sometimes feel like that desire is going nowhere? That you don’t seem to be getting closer to God? I can understand, and it can be frustrating, especially when He has put that desire in our hearts, and we are not sure what to do with it. I hope you are encouraged by this letter, because when we purify our hearts before God, of any sin in our lives, the Holy Spirit will show you what it is, we are clearing out the obstacles that stand between us and God.
Children of the Most High God, walk each day in this world, but not of this world. If we humble ourselves and walk each day separated to God, we will be taught by the Holy Spirit to purify ourselves of all unrighteousness. But if we remain stubborn in our hearts, we will grieve the Holy Spirit because we are resistant to His work in our hearts. I pray that we all would daily seek God with humble hearts. That we would desire to walk pure in heart before Him, by purifying our hearts according to God’s commands from His Word.
God restored the Israelites to Judah because they had turned to God in their captivity and God restored them to Himself. Many years had passed after returning to Judah, when Ezra who was committed to study, follow, and teach God’s Word, found out that many of the Israelites had not been living for God in following all His commands. Greatly grieved by this, Ezra desperately prayed and pleaded for them before God with sobbing and anguish. Many of the people came and confessed their sin and made a covenant with God to purify themselves, and their families of this sin. Before long, all of Israel made the same commitment before God. The righteousness of Ezra shined brightly before Israel, so they were able to see their sin and repent and reestablish their relationship with God.
The Holy Spirit has been working in my life to purify me and help me see my sin ever since I was born again in July 2003. My first experience I am aware of was a day or so after my conversion. I was driving by myself, when I thought about something that made me stress out instantly, and then I said the “s” word. Right after that I felt a gentle but precise tap on the back of my head. I then realized I had sinned against God and instantly repented to Him. I believe I felt this because I was still young in my faith and not yet in tune to the inner promptings of God’s Holy Spirit as I am now. But as time passed I could sense that some of the other things I once did before receiving Jesus, were no longer acceptable, because they did not honor God. If I continued doing them I would be disregarding the inner prompting I had in my heart to grow in God’s ways, holy and pure before Him and only Him. So as I learned about each thing in my life that needed to change, God gave me the ability and security to make that change in my heart, my daily life, and interactions with others. I remember many occasions of having discussions about controversial issues with someone. At first I believed whatever they told me that they believed. God helped me by providentially using materials He provided me, and having me talk to others who followed God’s Word. I began learning the truth according to God’s Word. This took time to grow in confidence during these types of discussions. During those discussions I could sense the Holy Spirit correcting the wrong things in my heart and helping me see the right things. At first I would be confused and still want to agree with the other way because that was all I had known, but as I continued seeking God’s truth and His will in each issue, my understanding and confidence in God’s truth increased. I also was able to see the lies of the enemy and his purposes for these lies; to enslave God’s creation to self righteousness and self reliance. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
I hope this example is similar to your walk with God as you are letting Him bring His Holy purification into each area of your life that is dishonoring to Him. As I said, this takes time and a great desire to be completely obedient to God and His will and His commands in His Word. I hope this is your desire, for “all the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of His covenant.” Psalm 25:10
“The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous.” Psalm 19:9
“Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the vessels of the Lord. But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” Isaiah 52:11
“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly possessions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:11-14
If you love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, above all else, He will lead you into a life of purity for His will and great purposes.
We are starting the book of Nehemiah; we will be reading this book for three weeks.
Love and Blessings,
Patricia
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