Tag Archives: Jesus

By One Spirit

25 Aug

flames of fire from angel

“And (Christ Jesus) came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” Ephesians 2:17-18

The Bible speaks of many aspects of “spirits” and events related to them. 1 John 4:1-3 tells us to test the “Spirit” to see if the words being spoken to you are of the “Spirit” of God, the “Spirit” of a false prophet or the “Spirit” of the antichrist. Mark 1:23-26 speaks of an unclean “Spirit” (demon) being cast out of a man by Jesus, and “tearing him” as it left. Matt 12:43-44 and Luke 11:24 speak of unclean “Spirits” (demons) being cast out of a person, but if the person does not fill their body, soul, and “Spirit” with the word of God and a clean living, those unclean “Spirits” will return with seven more and take back over the person.

1 Samuel 16:14 speaks of Saul. Saul had turned his back on God and had become very jealous of David (who would be King). Saul tried to destroy David on many occasions, only to fail. This scripture states “But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.” I find this passage to be very unsettling. Can a person be anointed by God to rule a land, or pastor a church, or care for a flock, with the “Spirit” of God leading them, and then fall so deep into deception that God removes His anointing and replaces it with an evil “Spirit?” Based upon this scripture the answer would be “yes.” No man, however powerful he may be, is untouchable by the hand of God. One day a King, the next day a mad man, filled with evil “Spirits.”

But, our hope is in the second chapter of Acts, the day of Pentecost. The day when the “Spirit” of God came down on the 12 disciples, praying all together in one accord, since the day of the crucifixion of Jesus. Acts 2:2-4: “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the “Spirit” gave them utterance.” After that day they became a mighty team, sharing the gospel, praying for the sick, and on that very day of Pentecost, by the powerful words working through them, they received the commitment to the Gospel of 3000 people, baptizing them in the Name of Jesus. Glory!

The group broke away into teams and traveled all over the kingdom to preach the gospel and share the ministry of Jesus. In our Ephesian passage, Paul takes us back to the works of Jesus and the gift we all have through Him. His powerful words give us strength to continue forward, knowing that God has our very interest in His hand.

And (Christ Jesus) came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him (Jesus) we both have access by one Spirit (Holy Spirit) unto the Father (God). Ephesians 2:17-18

No matter how far we have strayed away, He will send someone to find us and show us the way back. If we are near to God but hurting, He will send someone with a word of comfort and strength. If we have allowed evil “Spirits” to enter out life, He will send the Holy “Spirit” to cleanse us and provide a new avenue through prayer, directly to the throne room. And through it all, no matter how far we have fallen away, if we pray, believing, the Holy “Spirit” will deliver our prayers directly to the ear of God.

A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 2, Part 8

Written by Linda J. Humes

6-21-2015

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Now In Christ

23 Aug

Heaven

(11) Wherefore remember, that once ye, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands; (12) that ye were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. (13) But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ.

The first verse of or our text takes me back to my roots. Not to the day of being reborn, but to the days of my childhood. I was living in a small desert town in southern California; no running water, no indoor plumbing, jack rabbits for dinner, popcorn for breakfast. I was a nobody headed for nowhere . . . But God! God saw this skinny little towheaded kid, with a tender heart, and He made a place for me in His Kingdom.

In the days of the Old Testament, only the Jews were God’s Chosen People. He led them and provided shelter and food for them in the most desperate of times. But with the Birth of Christ and the gospel of promise came the understanding of the Great Mystery (1 Corinthians 2:7). No longer was salvation earned through a birthright (those of circumcision of the hands), it was freely given to all who would believe on Jesus and accept Him as the Son of God, our Savior (1 Corinthians 1:24-25) (circumcision of the heart and spirit).

No longer would salvation and eternal life be given to the mechanics of birth, circumcision and living the religious life passed down from Jewish father to Jewish son. Now there had to be more than the yearly “required” trips, bloody animal sacrifices and the “holy” rituals. Now there had to be spiritual covenants, promises of faith, humility and hope in the gospel, brought to draw an entire world to the saving grace of God. Now those without hope can receive the promise of eternal life and continued relationship with God.

Today we can all be Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Whether born in Israel or in the back alley of a dead end street in the worse part of town; we all have the opportunity to become part of the Body of Christ. We are all born to a mighty and loving God that wishes that all would receive His Word, brought through the life of His Son, Jesus Christ, and freely given to all who would ask. Eternal life in a mansion with streets paved in gold. Everyone. Even that skinny little towheaded kid, raised in poverty, with no hope for tomorrow, one day to become a pastor and bring the love of Christ to a hurting people. Even you!

For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Romans 11:29 (KJV)

** A Journey Through Ephesians: Chapter 2 – Part 6:

By Linda J. Humes

2-1-2015

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Exceeding Riches

19 Aug

Homeless

“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”   Ephesians 2:5-7 (KJV)

I suspect we all have met people who continually live on the edge of disaster.  They take chances we would never even dream of.  They live without concern of where they will sleep or where their next meal will come from.  They wander through life looking for adventure and excitement and for that feeling of completeness.

I am amazed at their dis-concern for their surroundings and potential plight.  In their place, I would be completely out of sorts.  When I asked one young man whether he was worried about what he may face with his lifestyle, he said “No, God takes care of me.”  When I asked about any formal “church” upbringing, there wasn’t any.  Clearly drugs and alcohol had taken a toll on his physical health.  Breaking the law made the way of keeping him with the addictive substance he desired.

It’s hard to understand why he felt so content in his relationship with God.  I wonder if it was just something he said to steer off curious onlookers, like myself.  I wonder if his life expectations were so low that what he experienced in his life exceeded his hopes and he gave God the glory for it.  I wonder if he prayed, and even in his sin laden life, God kept a hedge of protection around him, knowing that one day he would turn himself around and follow the call placed on his life (Luke 9:23).

I wonder if he met God in a deep dark place and had that wonderful intimate relationship that made him feel blessed, no matter where he was or what he was doing (Acts 17:27).  Had he recognized God’s “Exceeding Riches” in his day to day, moment my moment existence, and even in his poverty and life of poor choices, feeling the great value of that relationship.  Even though he has not pulled himself back to a “normal” lifestyle, did he know that God still loved and watched over and cared for him?  I don’t know, he said he did.

I do know that God will meet us where we are at, in our filthiest rags and disgusting attitudes, a life filled with sin and a heart filled with darkness, and He will love us and call to us and stay by our side until we are ready to hear His voice (Isaiah 64:6).  I do know that the joy of receiving Him is far greater than any other joy on this earth, and to call it “Exceeding Riches” is far less than it truly is.  I do know that He has prepared a place for us, rich or poor, male or female, whatever race, whatever creed, brilliant or challenged, evil or kind, and He is waiting for us to accept that gift by accepting His Son (John 14:2-3).  I do know that He has made a way, through the sacrifice of His Son, for us to sit in Heavenly places (Ephesians 1:20; 2:6).

That’s grace (John 1:14).  That’s love (John 3:16).  That is the gift of “Exceeding Riches” so great that we may never comprehend it until the moment we stand before Him (Romans 14:10).

*A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 2, Part 3

Written by Linda J. Humes

11-23-2014

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Dead Through Trespasses

15 Aug

Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil

“And you did he make alive, when ye were dead through your trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:1 (ASV)

I was one of those kids who never got into trouble, not because I was born from a different cut of cloth than others, but because of the great fear of what the consequences would be at home if I did.  I remember as a young teen, my mom telling me that if I was ever picked up by the police, not to waste the time calling home, no one would come.

The fear of making a mistake followed me from childhood into adulthood and captured my every thought.  I even entertained the fear of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and being blamed for someone else’s behavior; so I isolated myself.

When I gave my heart to Jesus and heard about the consequences of sin, and that the Bible says that we all sin, I struggled with it.  I had always done my best not to do anything illegal or immoral. These verses brought me great confusion.  I didn’t understand that what the world considered to be sin and what God considered to be sin were 2 very different things, and in all my careful years of watching my behavior, I had let God down.  Even my refusing to believe that I was sinning in some area of my life was a sin in the eyes of God (1 John 1:8).

The scriptures clearly state that we are not to be involved in “quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfishness, backstabbing, gossip, conceit, and disorderly behavior” (Galatians 5:19) – busted!  These behaviors seem to be inborn in us, and we must grow past these practices as teens and young adults.  I had no idea that God considered these “temper tantrum behaviors” to be sins.  I heard a pastor speak about these behaviors, stating that when we listen to gossip, or people backstabbing, or witness outbursts of anger or disorderly conduct, and do nothing to stop it, we are guilty of participating.  If we don’t walk away and refuse to be a part of the conversation, we are guilty of supporting them by our simply being there.  I was guilty of doing nothing.  I was guilty of being party to damaging someone else’s reputation.  I was guilty of sin.

I am so thankful that our loving God gives us a way to restore ourselves (2 Corinthians 12:21).  He gives us the opportunity to repent and ask for forgiveness from the offended party, freeing us from the penalty of sin.  God also gives us the choice not to repent, not to walk in humility and correct our wrongful ways, even though it grieves Him to see us in that condition; under the curse of sin.  And through that curse, we will live our lives without the blessing of inheriting the Kingdom of God and all of the eternal gifts that wait for us there (Galatians 5:21).  By remaining in sin we sign our own death warrant, in the eternal lake of fire (Proverbs 11:19).

I am thankful that God loves us so much that He is willing to remove all of our sins from His memory and allow us to become pure in his sight (Psalms 103:12).  I am thankful that He loves us so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus, as a sacrifice for our sins, and that by Jesus’ blood we are cleansed (Revelation 1:5).  I am thankful that this is a free gift from God the Father, without unreachable goals or impossible tasks (Romans 6:23).  I am so thankful that He not only saved me from my own sinful nature, made a way for me to overcome the very faults that were born within me, and gave me the opportunity to stand above all that I ever thought I could be, righteous and healed (1 Peter 2:24).

I am thankful that He trusted me enough to not only lift me up, but to teach me His ways so that I can teach others the truths of the scriptures that they may never have heard.  I am thankful that He makes a way to share all I have learned to all who will listen with a humble and open heart.  I am thankful.

*A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 2, Part 1

Written by Linda J. Humes

11-1-2014

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At The Right Hand Of The Father

4 Aug

blessing hands

(the strength of His might) . . . “which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:” Ephesians 1:20-21 (ASV)

There are very few people, that I have met, who don’t appreciate being recognized for their accomplishments or for doing a great job at their daily duties.  A word of recognition or a note of thanks can turn a dark day completely around, and negative words can take a person to a whole different level of dismay and depression.  I wonder what thoughts went through Jesus’ mind as He suffered and died on the cross that day.  He had been betrayed by the very people He loved and spent years teaching and mentoring.  He was abandoned and faced that horrible circumstance alone, except for the Father who watched from afar.  I wonder if Jesus had thoughts of abandonment.  I wonder if He felt betrayed, even for a moment.  I wonder if He contemplated the work that He had done on earth and if it was good enough.  I wonder if He rose above all of that, knowing the facets of human nature and the fear, shame and pain, that those He loved must have been feeling.  I wonder.

God used His strength and might to raise Jesus from the dead.  His spoken word broke off the tomb of death and called His son to His very arms.  Did God hold Jesus like a mother or father holding an injured child, loving away the pain and the memory of the event that caused it?  Did He speak life and strength back into His son, knowing that Jesus’ journey on earth was far from over?  Or, did Jesus just know?

After Jesus’ work on earth was complete He joined the Father, sitting at the Father’s right hand.  Scripture has many references to the right hand and the blessing that the right hand brings (Matthew 22:44).  It also speaks of the power of God that comes through the right hand (Exodus 15:6).  When children were blessed by the head of the family, giving them inheritance and power in the lands the family owned, and sometimes those blessed were not the children expected to receive the blessing, as in Genesis 48.  And in those times when people called on God for protection and comfort, He reached down His right hand to take care of them (Isaiah 41:13).  I find it very comforting to know that in my time of need, I can call on God and not only can He reach out with His right hand to send His blessing, but at His right hand rests His very son, Jesus Christ, making intercession for my every need (1 John 2:1).

But our reference doesn’t stop with the right hand, the blessings, the protection, the intercessions, or the care and love Jesus has for each of us.  The reference goes on to say who this man named Jesus is and what God has bestowed upon Him for the wonderful work He accomplished while on this earth.  After the sacrifice of the cross and Jesus’ time on earth with the apostles and disciples, God took Jesus to His right hand – above all rule, authority, power, dominion and any other word to describe that thought.  God took Jesus above every name that is named, not just on earth, but in all physical and spiritual locations unknown to man.  He took Jesus above all things known and all thing that are to come that we cannot even fathom.

This should bring us all great comfort, it does me.  For in the heart of Jesus, and on the palm of God, is your name and mine (Isaiah 49:16).  Their love for us is far beyond any rule, authority, power or dominion in worlds we understand, and in worlds we cannot fathom.  We are there, safely held in the arms of a precious and powerful savior, at the right hand of God.

*A Journey Through Ephesians:  Ephesians 1 – Part 12

Written By Linda J. Humes

10-19-14

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The Mystery

2 Aug

Hands with Light Shining - Mystery

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: Ephesians 1:9 (ASV)

Back when I was growing up there wasn’t anything better than a good Mystery to fill a Saturday night. I didn’t have TV until I was almost 10, and there were very few shows; reading filled my spare time and sharing it with Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys was delightful.

The wonderful thing about a mystery is that you are given little bits of information in a venue of intrigue, and through those bits of information, added to as the story unfolds, you can understand an event that took place, or a great truth that is not easily understood, and it all comes to perfect clarity. The “Mystery” of the New Testament is very much the same.

Although the Mystery was in God from the beginning of time it was revealed in a time when the church of Jesus Christ was being birthed and Christians were being persecuted and killed for their faith. Disciples were reaching out to new areas, sharing the word of the Gospel to all who would hear and being imprisoned and tortured for their determination. It was an extremely difficult and exciting time for all involved. New hope was being shared and lives were being changed by the words of those who were willing to place their lives in danger to bring the truth. They brought the secret to the Mystery (Rom 16:25-17).

This Mystery, shared within the precious Gospel, was a truth undiscoverable, except by revelation (Mark 4:11). A truth shared by Jesus to his Disciples and sent into all the world (Mark 16:15). A truth rejected by the Jews of the time, the chosen people of God, not willing to believe that there would be any other people that could ever be as precious to God as they were. A truth revealed that the gentile, the non-Jew, were as precious and loved by God as the Jewish people that He brought into existence and walked daily with, bringing them out of Egyptian slavery, across the wilderness and where He provided for their every need, both on the slave side – wilderness side – and promised side of their lives.

This Mystery, held in secret until a group of people were prepared to place their lives at odds to share it, had been in the heart of God from the beginning of time (Eph 3:9, Eph 6:19-20). A Mystery that says we are ALL precious in His sight (John 3:15-16). A Mystery that says that no matter where you have been, no matter what you have done, God stands waiting for you (Acts 3:19). Anyone, who is willing is welcome to receive the gift of the Mystery – any age, race, creed, conviction, or historical behaviors – all are welcomed into the gift of the Mystery and can become the Children of God. This is, by far, the greatest Mystery of the Bible.

There are other Mysteries in the Bible: The Bride of Christ (Eph 5:30-32), the Wedding Supper of the Lamb (Rev 29:9), the Seven Stars and the Seven Candlesticks (Rev 1:20), and the Woman Clothed in Scarlet (Rev 17:1-7). But of all of the Mysteries, knowing that I am fully accepted and loved by God, born a gentile and of low esteem, is an amazing feeling. Yet, going further, Ephesians 1:9 doesn’t just mention the Mystery, it also mentions that He revealed the Mystery of “His Will” according to “His Good Pleasure” which He has “Purposed in Himself”. He made me a part of His Mystery for His joy, not just for mine.

Thank you Lord for the unraveling of Your Mystery. Thank You for making me fully Yours. Help me to share the revelation of Your gift so that all can receive the love You have been wanting to show them. Glory!

** A Journey Through Ephesians –  Chapter 1, Part 5

Written by Linda J. Humes

8-3-14

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Through The Will of God

2 Aug

Paul on Damascus Road

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints that are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ:” Ephesians 1:1-3 ASV

Wait. Stop! What? “Paul, an Apostle, of Jesus Christ, Through the Will of God!” Paul?

Let’s step back a little bit in time. There was a man named Saul, of Tarsus, a Pharisee, who “knew” the Torah and Old Testament, being “zealous toward God” (Acts 22:4), believing that these followers of Jesus, these Christians, were an eminent threat to the Jews. Saul, who killed, imprisoned and persecuted the men and women of Christ, without mercy (Acts 7:58), because of his misunderstood faith. Saul who, one day, was on a mission to capture Christians to bring them to punishment when he met Jesus on the Damascus road. Jesus called his name (Acts 22:6), filled him with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17), changed his entire life (Acts 9:15), and created the most persuasive disciple to the Jews, Romans and Greeks. “Paul – – – through the will of God.”

Do you remember the day that Jesus called your name? I will never forget the night I cried out “here am I Lord, please come into my heart.” That night I became one of the “Faithful in Christ Jesus” with little to give, but zealous to learn and grow. I wasn’t called to change nations like Paul was, I was called to touch the wounded and hurting that crossed my path . . . through the will of God.

When God puts His Spirit inside of us, when He puts a call in our heart, whether big or small, it is purposed, it is specific, for our time. We don’t know where the finances will come from, we don’t know if there will be others to help, we don’t even know whether we will be wise enough to make the decisions and speak the words to impact the people God has called us to minister to. But, we do know that the burning is so deep inside to complete the call of God, with the “Grace and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph 1:2) that we cannot stop.

We lean on Ephesians 1:3, knowing that God has blessed us with EVERY Spiritual blessing to accomplish our task. “Every Spiritual blessing in Heavenly places in Christ,” not just financial blessings, not just wisdom, not just the minimum amount of blessing needed, but with “Every Spiritual Blessing.”

Lord, please help us to run the race you have set before us in full confidence that you run beside us and have given us all we need to finish the call, not matter how large or small, or the mistakes we have made in the past . . . . through Your will.

*A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 1, Part 1

Written by Linda J. Humes

7-3-14

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You Covered Me

28 Jul

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV

God, this season has been the most difficult season of my life, But You covered me.

When scripture verses made no sense and chapters were just blurred words on a page, You reminded me that they never change, are never returned void, are always “Yes” and “Amen.”

When I searched for answers, only to find confusion and frustration, You sent me the right words through the voice of another.

When the weakness and fatigue overwhelmed me and all I could do was sleep or rest in my chair, I felt Your strong arms as You held me.

When loneliness started to creep in and I wondered what I had done to cause You to abandon me, You showed me that You were right there with me, every moment of every day.

When the illness made me doubt my faith, and all I know to be true, You wiped my tears and held me closer.

As I get stronger I can see the many miracles you provided along this journey, I am so grateful.

How do I thank a mighty God who holds a universe in His hands and knows the needs of every falling sparrow? By being an instrument of Your love. Knowing that You will always be there, Covering Me.

—

Written by Linda J. Humes

5-16-18

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THE GADSDEN

27 Jul

“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4 -KJV

We recently made a trip to Douglas, Arizona to visit my son. Motel choices in that little town are few and our experience during our last trip was more than unpleasant. We did not want to revisit the same motel and the huge black bugs that came under our door in droves and up into our beds.

There were three motel choices, two of them appearing quite unhealthy, one was $20 more per night. We were on a shoestring budget but decided to eat cheaper and spend the money for a nicer room at the Gadsden Hotel.

The Gadsden Hotel is a colorful hotel with wonderful history and lots of character. Being built in 1907 will give you a clue to the character; being in a poor border town will give you another. The strong walls and structure will stand forever, but the amenities leave much to be desired. The rooms are functional and fairly clean, but the walls and ceiling are cracking and what could be an amazing stay in historical elegance was just a room in an old hotel that was once elite.

All around the hotel were little ghost icons. I asked our waitress, with a “cute” little ghost icon on her apron, whether she had ever seen the “ghost”.

“No,” she said in an eerie voice, “but I know they are all around us!” I told her that I had read an article which said that the Gadsden “ghost” was most seen in the basement.

“Yes,” she said, “I hate to go down there, it’s creepy.”

Not wanting to go into a religious teaching on spirits versus ghosts, I stifled a chuckle and headed for my room. The thought crossed my mind – I wonder what they would do if I decided to head to the basement for a little demon casting – bet I’d be ushered out of town on a rail, all tarred and feathered.

This hotel was using a “ghost” as a marketing tool, clinging to their “ghost” and creating an exciting atmosphere for the supernaturally curious. Sad.

How many of us not only cling to the “ghosts” of our past, but thrive on retelling our “ghost stories” for attention? Do we create cute little “ghosts” or bigger than life horrific “ghosts”? Can’t we see that with these stories, repeated over and over again, that we give the demons of our past strongholds to grow larger and stronger? Don’t we realize that we give life to the words we speak; good or evil, love or hate, truth or lie?

Lord, always help me to recognize when I cling to a demon of the past I resurrect it bigger than life. Remind me not to “bury” the ghosts of the past, only to exhume them so I can “one up” another tale of misfortune. Instead, let me bury the hurts of my past for good. Help me to always speak life and leave the buried past under the Blood of Jesus.

By Linda J. Humes

Written 7-1-11

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True Purity

20 Mar

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:17

In this world of sexual explosions and the pressures of looking sexy instead of wholesome, it’s tough. Nearly every television program promotes casual sex and nearly ever TV commercial tries to convince you that purchasing their product will guarantee absolute “sexiness”.  Movies not only indicate that casual sex is acceptable, but that “everyone” does it, AND they show you how it’s done – in living explicit color. Secular music not only encourages sexiness and casual sex, but violence to go with it.  In this culture of 2010, purity takes on a whole new meaning, if you follow the cultural mores. But, being bombarded with cultural “rights and wrongs” isn’t the hardest part of purity.

Purity is a state of mind. Purity is recognizing what is Biblically acceptable and building up from there. Purity not only involves the sexual area of our lives, but the mental and spiritual areas of our lives. Purity is how we perceive everything.

I believe thoughts are the most difficult area of our live to draw into purity. We watch the impoverished and judge . . . “if they would only” . . . they wouldn’t be in that mess. We see the rich . . . “if they would only” . . . other people could have a chance. Race prejudice, wealth/poverty prejudice, religious prejudice, regional prejudice, birth defect prejudice, hair color prejudice – prejudice for prejudice sake. Impure thoughts toward a person or group of people we don’t even know, yet we judge them and call it righteous.

Then there are the spiritual impurities. We feel it is okay for us to judge, banish, and ridicule those who have faith in areas that are not the same as ours. We feel that it’s okay to judge people with our same faith and beliefs, but who aren’t part of “our” church, so they must be less spiritual, less valuable, and perhaps they aren’t “saved” because they aren’t “US”, AND they are making the same comments about us and our church.

How do we get to the point that Mother Theresa was at, where she saw Jesus in the eyes of every person; no matter that the state of their life was? How do we get to the point that Billy Graham was at when he went into the prison and hugged Jim Bakker, when the entire world was condemning him for using God’s people to build his own kingdom? I think of the pictures of soldiers in Iraq who are rocking dead children covered in blood. How do we see past the “enemy” to the child God made; past the outside that is filthy and drug ridden; past the hooker walking the streets, aged well past their years. How do we step into their lives, for just a moment, and see the pain in their lives that caused them to make the choices they have. How do we see past the outside? Purity.

Purity allows us to see through the eyes of Jesus.

Purity allows us to love for the sake of the broken.

Purity allows us to give people chance after chance, even after they have failed many, many times.

Purity is HOPE.

Purity is LOVE.

Purity is Jesus inside of us.

I pray daily for Purity.

Written by Linda J Humes

Written on 3-19-2010

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