“Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”1 -James 4:5-7

Purity in today’s culture is something of a lost art form. Yet the truth of the matter is, there is power in purity. There is anointing in purity. It has become a word that when we heard said from the pulpit we give it no regard, or we shudder. We live in a visual society where everywhere we turn is impurity, which only makes it that much more special. Scriptures all throughout the Old Testament, and the New Testament, encourage us to live a holy lifestyle, to be sanctified, and to follow after God’s ways, not our own.

A pure heart in worship begets a pure presence. The less of our flesh and filth that is dragged into our worship services, the more room there is for God to fill and to move. Ernest Holmes made the statement “I live in the faith that there is a Presence and Power greater than I am that nurtures and supports me in ways I could not even imagine. I know that this Presence is All knowing and All Power and is Always right where I am.”2

The proclamation of His pure presence is what ushers in the greatest praise and worship. When we see the chains over our flesh broken in worship, then God can break the chains over our spirit, and only then can we step into the true manifested glory of God. In the Old Testament, His presence was said to have been so thick that priests could not even stand to minister. (2 Chronicles 5) What has happened to this? Well, it can still be experienced, but only through purity of heart and mind, and a true relentless pursuit after the ways and wills of God.

It is more about the adoration and exaltation of God than it is about that of us. Again, this is a lost art form, to NOT focus on ourselves, but rather on Jesus. This passage sums up these things rather perfectly, it is found in Philippians 4:8 “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”3

So as we begin this series on worship, let us first reflect on our hearts, and the things that are holding us back from being pure. Let’s address them, and bind them up, casting them out of our lives, only to leave more room for the will and Spirit of God. Reflect on those scriptures stated in this post as we move on throughout this series.

Be blessed.