What's Involved in Receiving a Clean Heart?

 Rare is the person who has perfectly lived up to their moral and spiritual values. Samuel, God’s judge, was outstanding in serving God faithfully from childhood but was imperfect. Saul, whom Samuel anointed king, failed to live up to God’s expectations, and this cost him God’s blessing.

This is similar to a son or daughter today whose defiance makes it impossible to live in peace with them. Saul demonstrated similar behavior. In 1 Samuel 15 he admits failure and asks for forgiveness, but only for selfish reasons.

Listen closely to Saul’s appeal to Samuel: “I have sinned against you and God. Please forgive me and come back with me to worship God. Please honor me in front of my army and the people.” He could have asked God to create in him a clean heart, to redeem him and restore their sacred fellowship – just as King David did later. 

God will create in you a clean heart so you can be restored to his presence.                      

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Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence and do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.  

~Psalm 51:10-12 New American Standard Bible

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Expectations: Change for Success

We have experiences in life designed to encourage change. A crisis or a simple warning sign could elicit a promise from us to take immediate action to change. There are times when a specific course adjustment in life is required if we’re to remain spiritually healthy. For Jacob, that time came as he was running for his life.

Are your expectations in accordance with God’s expectations? Hear God’s word: “The Lord has declared that you are his people, his treasured possession, so honor all his commands. He will set you up for praise and honor high above all he has made. You will be a people holy to the Lord your God as he promised.”

What is required of us to persevere in our pledge to God? We must fight every distraction to remain focused on the object of our promise, which is the Lord Jesus Christ. Then there must be dedication and commitment of our time and energy to keep us from forgetting our promises to God. Believe that God empowers you to love him completely.