"Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God" - 2 Cor 7:1 (NIV).
Impurities have been described as "substances that are present in small quantities in another substance and make it dirty or unacceptable". If one is preparing any food item for consumption it would be a definite desire to remove all the unwanted elements to make it edible. If it is a liquid one can have a seive to help filter the bad stuff and secure that which is fine for drinking.
The Bible talks of us clearing our lives of impurities; as in, "Remove the impurities from silver, and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith" (Proverbs 25:4). According to I Thessalonians 4:7, we are reminded, "For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life."
If one was about to take juice and discovers there are some bad particles most would first find a way to remove all those impure stuff that may even affect the taste. When a drink is removed of impurities it has the proper and enjoyable taste.
And so it is also in our relation with God. There are all sorts of impure stuff that can enter and clog our lives. These could be poisonous thoughts. Sometimes it is harmful indulgences. When we allow impure stuff inside us our lives are denied of proper use, weighed down by impurities. Hence the desire to remove such to be of quality use.
Today, may our object be to remove all forms of impurities in our lives so that we can then offer our "bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship" (Romans 12:1)
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I offer you my life that you may remove it of all impurities, to be acceptable and pleasing to you, this I pray in Jesus's name.
Related upcoming events
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02/05/2024 - 03/05/2024 All day“That is why for Christ’s sake I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 12:10)
We all crave to be blessed in life. But was there a believer who was so blessed beyond any circumstances without experiencing some sort of discomfort, in one way or another! A person may apparently be blessed in every single way yet have one troubling matter that constantly drives him down to his knees.
The one mightily blessed with riches may have a family situation that leaves him ever on edge. Someone who seems to be at the height of his profession may be living with an ailment that keeps him ever on tentacles. The one blessed with abundant health might from time to time be dealing with financial woes.
Why do such troubling situations plague even believers? One explanation could be found in the Apostle Paul’s life. Called into ministry and endowed with many gifts, including amazing revelations from above, yet he had a matter that constantly drove him on his knees. “Therefore in order to keep me from being conceited, I was given a thorn in the flesh, a messenger from Satan, to torment me” (2 Cor 12: 7).
Paul would often cry out to God to free him of this particularly troubling matter. But the Lord came back with, “My grace is sufficient for you. For my power is made perfect in your weakness” (2 Cor 12: 9).
The comfort of this lesson is that God is completely aware of whatever might be ever troubling us. Moreover, it could be purposely there, that we constantly place our faith in Him, other than relying on our strength and resources, especially as He blesses us in other uplifting ways.
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray that whatever matter is constantly troubling me, I know it is for a purpose and you are in total control, to bless me even more, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
