Blessed are the Pure in Heart

 

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 What a message for our time! In fact, I wonder if people can even understand what it means, to be pure in heart? Instead of running TOWARD every sinful thing, we should be running AWAY from it. Purity doesn't happen by accident. God is looking for people who are willing and eager to make the right kind of choices. In the Bible, God tells us: Be holy, because I am holy. God warns his people not to defile themselves with the ways of the world. But we're also told that outward appearances are not enough. True purity goes even deeper than our actions: For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart. I Samuel 16:7 David the shepherd boy had many older brothers who were all very handsome, intelligent and accomplished. And yet, God was not impressed with any of them and rejected them. It wasn't until David was brought before the prophet Samuel that God said, "This is the one. He is the one Chosen to be the next King." All our fine deeds and accomplishments mean nothing when displayed before God. God is looking for those who are pure in heart.

 

Astronauts Return Home!

 

Astronauts Return Home! After a nine-month space mission instead of the planned eight days, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are finally home. When asked in an interview about the key life lesson from his extended time in space, Butch said this: "My feeling on all of this goes back to my faith. It's bound in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is working out His plan and His purposes for His glory throughout all of humanity. And how that plays into our lives is significant and important. And however that plays out, I am content because I understand that. I understand that He's at work in all things. Some things are for the good. Go to Hebrews Chapter 11. Some things look to us to be, not so good, but it's all working out for his good, for those that will believe and that's the answer."