Staying Pure in an Impure World
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People in America spend millions of dollars annually for purified water. Would to God that purity of soul and mind would be more important to people. Purity of soul is a determining factor in our spiritual health, power, and place with God. A few years ago I had a terrifying dream of black, filthy, and ferocious looking ducks climbing out of the sewer in the basement of homes. They ascended up a sliding-board into the rooms of the homes. I was busy swatting and chasing them out of the rooms, back down the sliding-board, and back into the sewer. |
I awoke in anguish of soul. The Holy Spirit seemed to say that this is what is happening to the homes and minds of believers in America. Floods of unclean spirits are being released from the sewers of hell into the homes of many Christians.
David understood from personal experience that we not only battle external foes but also a war in our thought life. David wrote the longest chapter in the Bible teaching us through God’s Word how a person can stay pure and clean. You can live in freedom. Consider some of the keys that are revealed in Psalm 119.
First – PURIFICATION is available. “I will walk in freedom for I have devoted myself to your commandments” (Psalm 119:45). “How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word and following its rules” (Psalm 119:9 NLT).
The Word of is a cleansing, purging agent. To cleanse our way is to wash away the groove or rut that can etch itself in our mind. Jesus prayed, “Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth” (John 17:17). Read and study Psalm 119:140, John 15:2, I John 1:9, and Romans 12:1-2.
Second – DETERMINATION is necessary. “I am determined to keep your principles . . . even to the very end” (Psalm 119:12). If you are not determined to keep your home, heart, and mind clean, you will not. Ermine have pure white fur. They would literally die than get their coat dirty and filthy. That’s why they are easily trapped. But are you that determined to stay pure and clean? Read and study Psalm 119:10, II Corinthians 10:4-5, James 1:8; 4:8, Deuteronomy 4:9, and Job 31:37.
Third – FORTIFICATION gives you the power to stay clean. The Word of God will fortify you as you feast upon it, memorize it (Psalm 119:11), personalize it, pray it, meditate on it, verbalize it (Psalm 119:13-14), and even sing it.
Fourth – VITALIZATION will keep you revived and satisfied in Christ. The Word of God will enable you to live in abundant life, joyful health, and in praise to your redeemer. (Psalm 119:1, 23, 93)
Fifth – INTERNALIZATION of the Word will transform and renew you. David meditated day and night on God’s Word. Do you take in more of the Word than of the world? (Psalm 119:15, 97, 105)
Through God’s Word you can stay pure and clean and live in freedom. There is a cleansing stream in the blood of Jesus and His living Word. Let it daily wash over you.
by: Cliff Sanders