Dear Brethren,
We seriously consider this morning the message “With a Pure Heart We Begin 2018”. It is based from our Lord Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, and one of the beatitudes as recorded in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God.” As we press on and continue to fulfill God’s plan and purpose for us individually and as a Church, God really wants us to have a pure heart that is focused and fixed on Him. David in Psalm 57:7 says, “My heart is fixed, O Gd, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.” Likewise in Psalm 112:7 it affirms, “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.” God indeed can bless a person who is completely focused, and fixed upon Him, and totally yielded to Him.
My dear brethren, for us to develop a pure heart, we need then to always keep our heart right with God. We are to surrender our hear to Him as David in Psalm 139:23-24 prays, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” We need t hen also to safeguard our heart as Proverbs 4:23 exhorts, “Keep thy hear with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
Having then a pure heart would bring us to a clear vision of God. We would see in this New Year 2018 the manifestation once again of God’s power, God’s hand, God’s provision, God’s blessings, and God’s miracles in our lives, in our families, and in our Church. It is about revival, something that only God can do! It will never happen until our hearts are right with God. There is really no greater joy in life than seeing God works. What a blessing to see people saved and baptized, and added to the Church every week. What a blessing to see lives changed and dedicated for God’s cause. We could then be one with the Psalmist as he gladly declares in Psalm 118:23, “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” But it all begins with a pure heart!
Let us then begin 2018, and “Continue”, my dear brethren, with a pure heart sincerely focused and fixed on God!
All By God’s Grace and For God’s Glory!
Pastor Gerry Nable