The Pure In Heart

Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."

So, in studying this verse out it took me to Psalm 15:2, which describes even further what it means to be pure of heart; it is more than good thoughts and generosity.
To be pure of heart is to walk uprightly and work righteousness, to live a moral life and use the powers we are given to bless people whenever we can, not use our powers against others. Whether the power we wield is social, economical, or political we are to use it to be a blessing not a curse.
This verse took me Genesis 17:1 where God tells Abraham that in order to walk With God, Abraham must back up his faith in God with obedience to God. And the righteous? They who honor God by placing Him first in every aspect and decision of their lives, which means they follow His will.
The pure in heart speak truth in their heart and truth is spoken through them. They don't lie to themselves, nor anyone else for that matter. So, how do I read this with understanding?

Blessed is the one who is pure in heart: who uses his blessings to bless others, who wields justice and mercy with compassion and not regard. Blessed is the one who puts God first in every way, and consults Him first in decision-making. Blessed is the one who backs up his faith in God with actions that align with his faith.

Seeing God fact to face is our reward for living a pure and holy life. God sees us always, but Hebrews 12:14 says that someday we will see God just as clearly as He sees us. Now, that's something to look forward to!

We Are Called

We Are Called

Hebrews 9:15

"And for this cause He is the Mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."

By Whom are we called?

Called by Christ.......

in righteousness --- Isaiah 42:6 " I the Lord have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand, and will keep you, and will give you for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles."

by His Name --- Jeremiah 15:16 "Your words were found, and I did eat them; and Your word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by Your Name, O Lord God of hosts"

He knows our names --- Isaiah 43:1 "But now, thus saith the Lord that created you, O Jacob, and He that formed you, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name, you are mine."

Where did He call us from?

Called from sin.........

out of darkness --- 1 Peter 2:9 "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;that you should show forth the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."

out of the night --- 1 Samuel 3:3, 4 "And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep: that the Lord called Samuel, and he answered, Here am I."

out of Egypt (bondage) --- Matthew 2:15 ".........out of Egypt have I called my son..." {though this verse refers to Christ and his earthly parents, we understand that Egypt also represents sin and the bonds of sin, so I used it here}

Why are we called?

Called into His service.........

to Peace --- 1 Corinthians 7:15 "....but God has called us to peace..."

to Glory & Virtue --- "According as His divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue...."

to Friendship --- John 15:15 "From here on I call you not servants; for the servant knows not what his lord does: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you."

to Witness --- Isaiah 43:10 "You are My witnesses, says the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me."

Why should we answer God's call?

Called to Salvation...........

Come and See --- John 4:29 "Come, see a man, which told me all the things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?"

Come and Dine --- John 21:12 "Jesus said unto them, Come and dine. And none of them dared ask Him, Who are you? knowing that it was the Lord."

Come and Live --- Revelation 22:17 "And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let him that hears say, Come. And let him that is thirsty come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

I heard God call my name and I answered Him.