Church of the Nazarene

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Fairlawn Church of the Nazarene | 730 Fairlawn Road | Topeka, KS 66606 | 785.272.6322

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Pastor Steve’s e-Devotional

 

September 9, 2009

 

Matthew 5:8

 

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

 

I don’t know anything pure. Nor do I owe anything pure. I once rode a purebred quarter horse (but quarter means they are ¼ parts of something else). So how is that pure? All the gold I might have is not 100% pure. I ate at McDonald’s the other day and they advertise 100% pure Angus beef (I have known some folks that are 100% bull but that is another e-devotional).  But once again how do you prove that one!

 

So, when Jesus tells me that I need to be pure in heart, how do I accomplish something that I have never been, owed or captured with my own eyes.

 

The word here is translated pure means “clean.”

 

katharos

 

kath-ar-os'

 

Of uncertain affinity; clean (literally or figuratively): - clean, clear, pure.

 

Ok, now I can grasp that. Cleaning my clothes, washing my hands, keeping the car clean, it is an action that rids oneself of filth. That I can do! I remember my mother asking me if my hands were clean before meals. She should have known that answer to that…no. Why because I had been outside in the dirt, hay, and whatever else I could get into. But she wanted me to be clean inside that house especially before meals.

 

What I really need to understand is that God offers the ability to be clean but it requires me ridding myself of filth that keeps it clean. Wanting to be clean and being clean can be two different things. I would heed the call of Christ to be pure, clean in my heart and life.

 

Ok, so what are you waiting on…go clean up and get ready for dinner at God’s house!!

 

Life Out Loud,

 

Steve Vaughn

Senior Pastor