Oceans in the Desert

By Kathi Pelton

In the Book of Mark (chapter 7) we find Jesus talking to those who are following the law regarding the eating (or abstaining) from particular foods. He says to them that it does not matter what goes into the stomach (because it will be eliminated) but to be always be mindful about what goes into your heart.

God has been very intentional and deliberate in purifying hearts in this season. I rarely have a day go by where I do not feel that there is a beautiful purifying fire and cleansing water being applied to even the very small crevices of my heart. As I talk to many in the body of Christ, they confirm that the same is true for them. It’s not heavy or burdensome— it is beautiful and freeing because light is coming to hidden places and sight to areas of blindness.

I am also aware that this intentionality of the “purification of our hearts” is intensified at this particular time because God is preparing his people for something that must be coming very soon— or may already be being birthed on earth now. The need for purity in our hearts seems to be a key factor in our preparation. Of course, God has always wanted a pure and spotless bride— and His blood has made us clean. But this is a washing of the earthly things that have come into our hearts. It is a deep purging for the sake of preparation and for trusting us with so much more than we have known before.

The thorns in our hearts, even tiny thorns, can create strongholds that manifest as harsh judgements, pride, sharp words, reactions (triggers), isolation, selfish ambitions and even divisive behaviors. Basically, they are not rooted and grounded in love.

We are in a time that we must partner with God’s intentional and persistent desire to give us pure hearts which results in having his character come forth in all that we do and say. I have begun inviting the Spirit each day to wash me, refine me and to protect me from letting anything come into my heart that will defile it. I find myself praying, “Lead me not into temptation but deliver me from every evil that comes my way.”

“Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.” Psalm 51:6-13

Do you see the beautiful fruit at the end of this passage of scripture?

“Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.”

We must be clean before we can truly teach and lead the lost to Christ. Purity (a clean heart and steadfast spirit) creates a pathway to salvation and discipleship.

We are being prepared for the harvest of souls—

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