“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Jesus is concerned with our heart—It is not enough to simply clean up our act on the outside. The aim of Jesus Christ is not to reform the manners of society, but to truly change the hearts of all people like you and me.
The heart is what you are, in the secrecy of your thoughts and feelings, when nobody knows but God. And what you are at the invisible root matters as much to God as what you are at the visible branch. “People look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7)—From the heart stems all the issues of life.
The heart is utterly crucial to Jesus. What we are in the deep, private recesses of our lives is what he cares about most. Jesus did not come into the world simply because we have some bad habits that need to be broken. He came into the world because we have hearts that need to be purified. When we experience this heart shift, our behaviors, actions and external lives will also change as a result of it.
Jesus wants our hearts to genuinely desire things that are pleasing to Him – then, our lives will reflect and produce fruits that are pleasing to Him. Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as Rev. Fred Mast continues an 8-week sermon series on the Beatitudes in a message entitled “Living Heart Healthy”.
Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 a.m. featuring meaningful times of prayer, joyous music, and life messages that will help move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Immediately following worship, you are encouraged and invited to stay after worship and join us in our Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time anywhere. This week we will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with our fabulous “Baked Potato Luncheon” featuring lots of great toppings and delicious, sweet treats.
Sedona UMC is offering a six-week Lenten study entitled “Witness at the Cross” by Amy-Jill Levine Tuesday’s 3/8-4/12 at 10:00am in our Fellowship Hall. Come and join us as we are introduced to those at the Cross of Jesus and the distinctive role each played in the life of Jesus Christ. All are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
We offer so many great missions, ministries, and fellowship opportunities at Sedona UMC—Visit our website at us on www.sedonaumc.org and “Like” us on Facebook. We would love to pray for you! Prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling us at 928-282-1780. We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—Come and grow with us!
