"CIRCUMCISION of the HEART!"

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." (Matthew 5:8)

The man or woman who is in hot pursuit of the things of God will encounter hardship, trouble, trials and tribulation. In short, they will face adversity. It is critical that they be in proper vertical alignment spiritually with God and that their hearts be pure (circumcised) with the Holy Spirit and with fire (adversity).

This circumcision of the heart is performed by the Chief Surgeon in the heavenlies in the person of the Holy Spirit. This entails much more than just memorizing the word of God, knowing the letter of the perfect Law of Liberty and posturing as a "super saint." The superficial hypocrisy of the person who "knows a lot of stuff" but doesn't "know God" is a peril to himself and others he engages. In contrast, the true sons of God have an intimate knowledge of the Spirit that leads and guides all Believers. This man is a force because his will can only be the will of God.

This circumcision (or cutting away the flesh) is necessary for the stony, wicked heart to be exposed to the light and love of the Holy Spirit. Most importantly, it is the "touch" of His grace and mercy that affords us the opportunity to receive a heart of flesh through His acceptance of our repentance, reconciliation and redemption. When this occurs, God now has something to work with!

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." (Proverbs 4:23)

The new heart is carved out of honor, praise and worship for the Lord God. He is not affected by the designs of man for his life; only the designs God has transferred to and through his heart as a child of the Most High (Jeremiah 29:11-14).

At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is that the person whose heart has been circumcised wants to change! This is critical! The man has got to change; more so, he first must have the desire to change. Knowing what to do and actually doing it are two profoundly different things. One reflects the spirit of deception; the latter reflects the spirit of Christ which is manifested through demonstration.