In this devotional series, you will learn how to encounter God’s presence by having a pure heart. There are several things that you can do to ensure that your heart is pure and free from the clutter of this world.
Phases-Encounter God’s presence:
Oneness/intimacy- Knowing Him intimately( Part 1)
True Worship- Awareness ( Part 1)
The 3 essentials: God’s Truth, Identity, Abide in Him ( Part 2)
Rest ( Part 3)
Purity( Part 4)
Die already! ( Dying to self). The great transition
Having a pure heart means that your heart is free from a chaotic and tainted soul. So, how does a heart get tainted or chaotic?
It happens when you let your mind think on things that are contrary to the nature of God’s heart. The bible talks about thinking of heavenly things because in heaven all things are lovely, beautiful, good, and noble. But in hell, things are doubtful, lonely, and the very absence of God.
Drawing near to God, will cause you to see more of God in your waking life. Walk with Him in everything you do and your eyes will be able to see the deep hidden things of God, that only a pure and OPEN heart will be able to see.
Take time to cultivate a pure mindset through prayer journaling, reading the bible, and spending time with like-minded friends.
Encounter God’s presence: Guard your heart with the Word of God
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
I don’t know about you but I love the scene in Wonder Woman when she marches on the battle field and yields her shield to protect herself from flying bullets. She knew that the there was a risk in being shot but her shield protected her. She became impenetrable.
This is how it is with our hearts. We are to protect it by hiding the word of God in our hearts so that when the enemy of our soul comes to attack us, we are ready to shield ourselves from the arrows of destruction.
Put to death deadly Sins
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Put to death things that will lead you on a path of destruction. The new life in Christ is all about dying to your old self. The old Adam was disobedient in the garden of Eden and had impure and evil thoughts. You are now called to live a life free from anger, rage ( road rage anyone?), self-hatred, profanity, “dirty” talk” and lying.
The new life in Christ means that God is enough for you. He will give you deep revelation in your soul. You do not have to seek for new knowledge or to seek information from mediums. Such things are false truths and false hopes.
Think on heavenly things
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
Think on heavenly things that are good, pure, and holy for God is all of these things. What does it benefit your soul to to think that you are not good, pure, and holy? God says that you are all of these things. It is also important to know that as you think and meditate on these great qualities that you begin to thank God for your spiritual identity in Him.
Stop the cycle of double-mindedness
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
When you lean closer to God through reading his word or spending time to hear his voice, you will be able to stand firm in his Truth. Don’t be tossed back and forth with the circumstances of life.
Imagine for a minute, a sunny day with birds chirping, and a wonderful man that you have been dating proposes marriage to you. You immediately respond with a yes that you will marry this person. Then suddenly you change your mind when you notice gray clouds in the sky. The birds are no longer chirping. Someone comes up to you and and gives you a negative opinion about this person. You also can’t seem to find the perfect wedding dress. The list of problems are ramping up and you begin to believe that maybe you were wrong in saying yes so hastily.
God on the other hand is very constant. His love for us does not change. He is the bridegroom that gives us his engagement ring ( the Holy Spirit), to dwell in us forever. God is calling his believers to come encounter Him even when the birds are not chirping or when the clouds are gray.
As the song You are My Sunshine goes, I can hear God’s most intimate lovers saying:
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine you make me happy when skies are gray you’ll never know dear, how much I love you, please don’t take my sunshine away.
His sunshine will never fade away. Draw near, run to Him with excitement and drink in the Sunshine of your soul!
Renounce ungodliness
Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
Titus 2:12
Renounce or walk away from a sinful lifestyle. As a new creation, God is calling you to be bold in your stance to live a life that is both pleasing and godly.
This new life in Him requires self- control in how you react to different situations or people.
It is allowing the Holy Spirit to take full reign of your life so that He can live through you and touch the lives of others.
Continue the Encounter God’s Presence series by Encountering God’s Authority:
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