Transformation Series Episode 15

Transformation Series Episode 15

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Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Hello, my walking friend! Isn’t it great that the Lord has given us another day to live…but not just live for ourselves, but to live for him? If we were physically walking together, I would want to give you a hug and just say, Way to go, friend! You are taking steps, physically and spiritually, to live for Jesus! 

Today is the 15^th episode in the transformation series and our verse to meditate on is Psalm 51:10:

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

You might be thinking, what does this verse have to do with transformation? How can this help me transform my body or my mind or my bank account or my relationships? But you see, my friend, God talks a lot about the condition of our heart and how that impacts all areas of our lives. 

First of all, you wouldn’t be seeking transformation if you have been doing everything right in your life to begin with, right? I mean, if I had been exercising regularly and eating healthy foods all along, I wouldn’t need to transform my body. If I were careful about how I used my money, I wouldn’t need a transformation in my bank account. So what was it that caused me to make choices that led me away from God’s best for me? The condition of my heart. But not just mine – all of us. 

The Bible says, the good person, out of the good treasure of his heart, produces good. And out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. And keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. 

If, in our hearts, we desire to do the will of God in every area of our lives, we will be transformed! If, in our hearts, we know that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, then we will want to honor the Lord with how we take care of our bodies. If, in our hearts, we know that our words can impact those around us, for good or for evil, then we will be careful about what we say. If, in our hearts, we really want to live for the Lord, then we will seek him and his counsel in all areas of our lives. It starts with having a pure heart, a heart motivated by love for the Lord. Jesus said, love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. 

But you and I both know how hard, maybe impossible? It is for us to do this on our own. That is why we need Jesus. That is why we ask him to create in us a pure heart – a heart that evaluates our decisions in light of God’s principles and love. Because out of that pure heart perspective will come Godly choices which will transform all areas of our lives! And the second part of that verse reveals to us that this is not an easy thing to do all the time. We need Jesus to renew in us a steadfast spirit – a spirit of endurance, patience, yes, even with ourselves, and a determination to keep asking and allowing the Lord to refine us and give us a pure heart. 

Listen to the words of this hymn written by Scottish pastor, W.C. Smith:

One thing I of the Lord desire,

For all my path hath miry been:

Be it by water or by fire,

Oh, make me clean, oh, make me clean!

So wash me, Thou, without, within,

Or purge with fire, if that must be:

No matter how, if only sin

Die out in me, die out in me.

I watch to shun the miry way,

And staunch the springs of guilty thought;

But, watch and struggle as I may,

Pure I am not, pure I am not.

If clearer vision Thou impart,

Grateful and glad my soul shall be,

But yet to have a purer heart

Is more to me, is more to me.

Yea, only as this heart is clean

May larger vision yet be mine,

For mirrored in the depths are seen

The things divine, the things divine.

Now let’s take a little time to meditate on today’s verse, Psalm 51:10:

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

The second half of our walk is an opportunity for reflection, meditation, and prayer. For many of us, myself included, this might feel challenging. But the spiritual rewards, and transformation, that come from developing this discipline is great and so is the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. So let’s start with some questions that will guide you in the process of reflection. 

Are you struggling with any negative emotions, like bitterness or envy or fear, that might be creating in you an impure heart? Take some time to examine the condition of your heart at this moment.

Now that you have taken a little time to examine your heart, ask Jesus to search you and see if there is an area of your heart that he wants to transform. 

The connection between the heart and mind is almost imperceptible. Take a little time to allow your mind to speak God’s truth to your heart  – that Jesus wants to transform you. That Jesus loves you. That Jesus can cleanse you of all unrighteousness. 

Now let’s listen to today’s verse one last time:

Psalm 51:10:

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Anything going on in your life? Remember he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to him now.

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Jesus, 

We do love you with all our hearts, all our minds, all our souls, and all our strengths. Create pure hearts in each one of us so that we can live to bring you glory. When we are tested and go through trials, renew our strength and perspective so that in the midst of it all our hearts will remain true to you. Remind us, Jesus, that a transformation of our hearts will mean transformation in our lives. Amen.

Well, my walking friend, you did it! Another 10 minutes of walking and another opportunity to build the spiritual discipline of prayer and quiet time with Jesus, the one with the power to create a pure heart in each of us. I’m grateful for you and I’m grateful you took the time to walk with me today. 

For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkWithJesusDevotional.com. You will find the URL for the show notes for this podcast in the episode description.

 I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend, as we continue our process of transformation. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.