How can I know if my Heart is pure?

Hebrews 4:12
The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

What a fine path we walk while searching the heart. Luckily we have the best tool in the Sword of the Spirit. Today I started thinking about when and how I use my own words to explain the Bible? When do I use others? When do I just use Bible verses?

I think I use my own words when I am studying through a point of Theology or Doctrine and am working on my own understanding or on how to articulate something.

I most often use others words when I have satisfied my own quest for understanding of what the Bible is saying and think that they can explain the point better than me, so just refer people to them.

And then of course Bible verses. It is the source. The root of the truth. I have come to realize though that anytime I am quoting it, in some ways those are my words. Because I am taking a part of the Bible and using it to promote the view that I believe to be True. With this though, I realize that I must do so ever so carefully and sincerely. If I use a verse to promote my own pet idea that would be the sin of Rev 22:18,19

I think sometimes I fall into the comfort zone of quoting others instead of gaining my own way of articulating as 1 Peter 3:15 compels us to do. Other times I probably get a bit haughty and think my words are better than anyone elses.

Lord Jesus, help me learn how to apply your Sword of the Spirit to myself so that I can have a pure heart. Thank you for being with me and having a piercing gaze that shines light into the core of my being. May what you illuminate become pure and holy. Amen.

Freedom of religion?

I get a newsletter from Gospel for Asia. They just sent me an email about a new law in some states (Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh) in India called the "Freedom of religion" law. Which prohibits people from converting to another religion. And gives jail time to evangelists. And it specifically targets Christians. http://www.gfa.org/newsupdate080906

The irony reminds me of our "Freedom of speach" implementations and the activities of the ACLU.

I am reminded of a qoute by C.S. Lewis "The only thing that evil needs to win is for righteous people to do nothing." or something like that.

Signs of the times I suppose, But I am not going to let the evil come without a fight. I of course am encouraged knowing that Jesus will have the final victory, but I am saddened that it has to come after tribulation. And also for the reason there has to be a tribulation period. Because of the sin and rebellion of man.

Jesus, please forgive my sins and be my Lord. Amen

Today I am thankful for the Bible!

The verse/concept that I noticed today.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Psalm 119:99
I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation.

The Bible truly is an awesome gift. It gives us more than we need to learn how to live and how to help others live.

Thank you Jesus for providing me the means to gain your wisdom. Fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I can learn what you are teaching me. Amen.