CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART

One of my favorite scriptures in the bible is Psalms 51. It’s the prayer of repentance that King David offered up to God after he was confronted by the prophet Nathan about his adultery with Bathsheba and his arranging Uriah’s death on the battlefield. Nathan was a prophet and advisor to King David. God sent Nathan to confront and correct David for his sins.2 Samuel 7:2 and 1 Chronicles 17:1. Once confronted, Kind David realized the magnitude of his sins and confessed and repented for his blatant sins against God and his loyal subjects. Nathan told King David that the sword would never leave his house, meaning that there would be direct consequences for his sinful actions. I encourage you to read the powerful story in 2 Samuel. There are always consequences of sins. If that sounds too harsh, then there is an equal and opposite reaction for every action, because we have a wonderful and merciful God King David eventually recovered from his sins, and so can you. Try David’s prayer **Psalms 51 (KJV)**

1. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

2. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

3. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

4. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

5. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

 6. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part, thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

7. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

9. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

10. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

11. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

 12. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

13. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

14. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

15. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.

16. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

17. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

18. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

19. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar. 

We find in life that there are so many things designed by the evil one to make us dirty such as; the temptation of sin, the act of sin, and the guilt of sin. These are the virtues that guide our sinful actions. The Seven Deadly Sins are a classification of vices in Christian teachings that are believed to lead to further immoral behavior. Here’s a list with definitions for each:

 1. **Pride**: An excessive belief in one’s own abilities or attractiveness, often considered the root of all other sins. It involves putting one’s self above others and can lead to a sense of entitlement.

2. **Envy**: A feeling of discontent or resentment aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck. Envy can lead to malicious feelings towards others and a desire to deprive them of their advantages.

3. **Wrath**: Intense anger and hatred that can lead to violence, revenge, or harm against others. Wrath often manifests as an uncontrolled emotional response and can result in destructive actions.

4. **Sloth**: Laziness or a reluctance to act, work, or engage with life. In a spiritual context, it represents a failure to utilize one’s talents and gifts, leading to stagnation and apathy.

5. **Greed**: An insatiable desire for material wealth or gain, often at the expense of others. Greed can lead to unethical behavior, hoarding, and exploitation.

6. **Gluttony**: Overindulgence in food, drink, or other pleasures, often to the point of waste. It reflects a lack of moderation and self-control, resulting in harmful consequences.

7. **Lust**: An intense desire or craving for sexual pleasures, often devoid of emotional connection. Lust can lead to objectification of others and a focus on physical gratification over meaningful relationships.

These sins are often discussed in moral and religious contexts as behaviors to avoid in order to achieve a virtuous life. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Satan can make you dirty but only God through Jesus Christ can make you Clean. It’s time to get clean.

Peace and Love,

—Pastor Dwayne