Skip to main content

Create in Me A Clean Heart, O God

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

On my recent trip to Israel, one of the very poignant experiences was my baptism in the Jordan River. This was the third time I have been baptized. The first was as an infant. The second was in the old sanctuary (now Evangel) when I was born again and wanted to make a public declaration of what God had done for me. The third time was in the Jordan River. As I came up out of the water my prayer and deepest longing was that God would once again create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. I recall that phrase spinning through my mind as I walked to get changed.

All Christians, by placing saving faith in Him, have been spiritually immersed into the person of Christ, united and identified in Him. In baptism, Jesus’ death and burial become ours. We are united with Him in His resurrection. There is a new quality and character to our lives. I recall the fresh feeling as the water dripped away. I was once again reminded that through Christ I am recreated. That my old life with sin and my unredeemed humanness had been rendered powerless and regenerated into something new. This recalibration had set a new default which hungers for righteousness.

Prayer Focus: Lord, I pray today that I would apprehend the great truth that I am a new creature, that the old things are truly passed and that all things have become new. I, like David, ask not for a fixed heart but a new heart baptized in the Spirit and asking that the Spirit of God continue to work in my life and have His way with me. Today, once again I choose to be an instrument for righteousness and spiritual purity.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Storyteller

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.” Acts 1:8-9 These are the last words Jesus speaks to his Apostles just before ascending into heaven. Not what they were expecting. They were wondering when Jesus was going to set up His Kingdom on earth. As He was ascending into heaven He reveals we are the ones to accomplish the task. Jesus’ departure is not desertion; it is a commission to be the storytellers of truth to the rest of the world. Frequently, we look at this scripture in relationship to our life. We perceive Jerusalem as our own community, Judea as our city, Samaria as our country and the ends of the earth as the world. Christ informed the apostles they will have the power of the Holy Spirit to reach these people. Notice the word “and...” Jesus didn’t say...
1 comment
Read more

Generosity Draws

“And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 4:33-37 I had the opportunity recently to offer something of value to some friends. It was passes to a golf tournament. I only had two, so I started checking with them one at a time. The first several were not able to take advantage of them, but something struck me. In declining, each of them expressed appreciation. Generosity had touched them. Joseph from Cyprus was a generous person. It was shown in two ways. He was generous with his possessions. He sold some property he owned to provide for needy people. And he was so gen...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Baptism that Divides

“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” Luke 12:49-51 Jesus was feeling the weight of His passion, the baptism of His death. What that baptism was going to release is anything but peace. There is and will be great division between people because of Christ. Rejection by family and friends, within families, deep divisions of world views. The fire of the purging of sin in our lives and the establishment of the righteousness He desires to release is evident. And it will continue until the end of time. We often think of the meekness and gentleness of Jesus. But never forget that He is also holy, righteous and just. And one day everyone, by faith or by force, will acknowledge Him as Lord. Prayer Focus: Jesus, thank You for carrying the weight of justice for each of us. Thank You for...
Post a Comment
Read more