How can we have holy hearts while living in this world? We can stay in the Word (Jn. Jesus calls us to be salt and light in the real world. The Monastic movement had benefits but it made two classes of Christians: those who lived in monastery and those who lived in the real world. Some would live alone as a hermit in the desert or in caves. Throughout history there have been those who would give their wealth to the poor and go live in a monastery. The Pharisees burdened people with legalistic interpretations and man-made laws. They will receive blessing from the Lord” (Ps. “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. Those with a holy heart are the ones who receive blessing. The problem with the human heart is that it is sinful (Gen. In Proverbs we read, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Pr. Daniel 1:8 says, “Daniel purposed in his heart….” When you put this all together, the human heart refers to the innermost being. Finally, the word heart can also refer to the will. Proverbs 23:7 says, “As he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Hebrews 4:12 talks about the thoughts and intents of the heart. Jesus said in John 14:1, “Let not your heart be troubled.” This means we don’t need to worry or freak out! The word heart can also refer to the intellect. The Bible uses the word heart to refer to the emotions. As we examine passages of Scripture where “heart” is mentioned, we will understand further what it means to be pure in heart. When the Bible talks about the heart, it is not talking about the muscular organ in your chest that pumps blood through your arteries and veins. It is a longing that will carry us through any challenges or obstacles, to the new consciousness that Jesus names "the kingdom of heaven.As Jesus is giving His famous sermon on the mount, He says is, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Mt. The possibility of re-establishing Oneness is a hunger and thirst that cannot be relieved by human measures. Any sense of separation from our spiritual Source causes a great sense of loss and mourning. If we are to fully release and express the Christ energy that seeks to flow through us, we must want that sense of Oneness with God more than anything else in life. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." And "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Our spiritual journey cannot arise from idle curiosity or half-hearted willingness. This beautiful statement reminds me of two of the Beatitudes from Jesus’ great Sermon on the Mount. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God" (NRSV). Psalm 42:1-2: "As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. With "a clean heart" and a "right" and "willing" spirit, we can leave old mistakes behind and move confidently forward. It speaks to me of the kind of spiritual ownership that Jesus calls us to recognize and express. There is a willingness to face consequences, learn lessons, make new choices and move forward. There is no groveling, no fear that God may inflict further punishment. It speaks of a powerful and creative relationship with the Power of God. He realizes his error, and the Psalm begins "Have mercy on me, O God." But what strikes me about it is the confidence it expresses. This is a beautiful daily prayer! Psalm 51 is presented as a psalm written by David when the prophet Nathan castigated him for his affair with Bathsheba (Chapters 11 and 12 of 2 Samuel). Psalm 51:10-12 and Psalm 42:1-2 have been my daily prayers for years, and I am new to Unity and metaphysical interpretations and am really wondering … Comment: Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit" (NRSV). Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Psalm 51:10-12: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
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