Clean Heart

Developing Passion For The Lord (part 4)

There are hindrances to intimacy with the Lord and I have identified seven in my book, Unshackled. When we are feeling “disconnected” we can check ourselves to see where the problem may lie. They are:

1. Not knowing how we were designed and what our unique gifts are
2. Not taking authority over ungodly or tormenting thoughts
3. Taking offense
4. Holding unforgiveness
5. Not being careful of the words we speak
6. Unhealthy dependence on friends
7. Not surrendering our burdens.

These offer an easy way to help us discern where the blockage may be.

It is so satisfying when we are connected to our Savior as we come to Him each day in our prayer time. It is well worth the time to take note of the hindrances so we can break through to His presence in a way we can discern.

Of course He does not leave us once we have accepted Him as Lord and Savior, but the dry times should motivate us to look carefully to see if there is a blockage.

A Pure Heart

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.

T.W. Hunt’s workbook, The Mind of Christ, helped me to better understand Matthew 5:3-12 know as the beatitudes. Number 8 is
the one that is the most inviting to me.

When we are pure in heart we are unblemished, unstained, and wholesome spiritually. This can only be achieved by allowing the Holy Spirit to cleanse us of the contamination that is an ever present threat to those of us seeking to follow God.

Some of the impurities that seek to take hold of us present as taking offense with others, unforgiveness, harsh judgments and not controlling the words that come out of our mouths. If we are honest with ourselves each of us is usually well aware of our own challenges.

It is very motivating to let the Lord strip us of the things that keep us from a greater revelation of Him when we really face the fact that He has promised that we will “see” Him when we are pure in heart.

It is a challenge to let go of the issues keeping His face hidden from us but well worth any struggle we may encounter in order to know Him better.