Sunday Morning, July 20, 2008, 

What a blessing we received this morning in the meeting! The saints testified of the good things that God is doing for us and for our loved ones! He is working in ways that only He can work! Our loved ones are being saved and God is really moving in their lives. Sis Tracy was in attendance after having a head-on collision last Saturday, which is another miracle. We stand amazed at the goodness of God.

We had more in attendance this morning then we usually do as saints gathered in from various places. It was a beautiful atmosphere to be in and the sweet Holy Spirit was real in our midst.

Bro Dillow brought a lesson about the Blessing of the Pure in Heart. Sometimes when my children unload the dishwasher, they will find a cup that has not come completely clean on the inside.  Their reaction?  “Disgusting!” they say.  Who wants to drink out of such a cup??  The inside is contaminated and the thought of drinking from it, to them, is just gross! The Bible says to first wash the inside of the cup and then the outside will come clean.  Is Jesus referring to literal drinking glasses here?  Not at all.  He’s referring to our heart. 

This morning we talked about “blessed are the pure in heart.”  To be pure means to be free from contaminants or sinful motives – genuine and honest in all we do.  When our heart becomes cleansed from a sinful state, then a process starts which will clean up the “outside” of us, just like a cup.  Once we change who we are, we will change what we do.  Perhaps quickly, perhaps not, but a change will occur and the results will soon be evident.  As one author put it, we will be like a flower that begins to unfold until we reach the greatest potential God designed for us. 

Too many times we put emphasize on the sinful state of doing (the outside of a person) instead of the sinful state of being (the inside of our heart).  Only God can clean a person’s heart and He is responsible for that. God will take care of his property.  You just make sure you keep YOURSELF following God’s voice and doing what He tells you.  Then when you are walking in His holiness, people will recognize this and be drawn to Him.

How about your heart, is it right with God?
That’s the thing that counts today.
Is it black with sin, is it pure within?
Could you ask Christ in to stay? 

People often see you, as you are outside,
Jesus really knows you, for He sees inside.
How about your heart, is it right with God?
That’s the thing that counts today. 

Friend how would you feel, if your heart were made.
With a window on each side?
So that all could see, not just outward charm,
But detect if inward harm.