Keep thyself pure.  1 Timothy 5:22

The Pharisees were not happy men. They had furrowed brows, nervous tension, frustration. They were full of resentments, bitterness, prejudices, and hatreds. Why? Simply because they had lost sight of God’s conception of the pure in heart. They thought that as long as they kept the letter of the law that was enough. But this was not God’s plan. This did not produce purity of heart. This did not bring about happiness of soul. Jesus taught that God looks deeper than the outside actions of an individual. He searches and ponders the heart. God judges not so much the outside as He does the inside. He looks to the motives, thoughts, and intents of your heart. Since Adam and Eve, it’s always been about our relationship with God and the measure of our heart.

Father, give me purity of heart that in true humility I may serve and praise You. I give thanks and praise to you, Father, for your love blessings, mercies and amazing grace. I pray for guidance from your Word and the Holy Spirit for clarity and direction of your will for me today. In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.