Wherever you are at this point in your life, you need to know that it’s time to go deeper in God. Deeper than you’ve ever gone before. It’s time to press in and get closer to the Lord. Jesus is coming back soon…pay attention to the signs. So with that being said, I have a question for you. Are you waiting on God to do some amazing things in your life prior to Jesus’ return? If so, then it’s time to grow closer to the Lord more now than ever…it’s time to prepare yourself to be that worthy vessel that God can use.
And here’s how to do it…
Purify yourself. Go before the Lord and ask Him, “Lord, is there anything in me that is not like you? Is there anything in me that is stopping me or can stop me from reaching your purpose for my life?” And after you ask, wait for Him to answer or reveal it to you. The reason that you must do this is because in order for God to use you mightily in this last hour, you are going to have to be a pure vessel that He can flow through.
That means that you can’t hide anything from Him. You’re going to have to empty yourself before Him and be honest where you are…with everything. He is God. He actually already knows everything about you anyway. But that’s neither here nor there. You have to come clean before Him yourself…today.
The Bible tells us to examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). Do you know that there are many people walking around here on earth on the wide road without even knowing it? Yes ma’am! And it’s because of iniquity.
Second Timothy 2:19 says, “...And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” Iniquity is hidden sin and wickedness. Some people think that wickedness is only for sinners, but that’s not so. Wickedness is performed by actual Christians who proclaim to know Christ, yet still choose to do the same evil things that the world does and acts like nothing is wrong with it. And that’s dangerous, because we are supposed to be set apart from the world. Romans 12:2 warns us, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” (KJV)
So if you are a Christian (no matter how long you’ve been saved), you have to empty yourself of iniquity or you will not be a worthy vessel that God can use or even make it into heaven. Listen. Don’t take my word for it. Jesus tells us this in Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (KJV)
Did you get that? Don’t let iniquity stop you at the gate! Do what God is calling you to do, but don’t work iniquity at the same time. Prepare yourself now to develop a pure heart that pleases the Lord.
I know this might be a newsflash for some, but for others it may be a heart check. Whatever it is, I have to tell you this today. Again, Jesus is coming back soon, and we have to be lights on this earth. But if you’re still playing with darkness, then how do you think others will see the light? It’s time to go deeper sis. It’s time to prepare yourself to go to another level in God. But in order to go to that next level in Him, you’re going to have to let to go of the things that could hinder you from becoming a worthy vessel that God can use for His glory.
Second Timothy 2:21 says, “If any man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” Meaning purge yourself of iniquity and all wickedness. You and I have to purge (i.e. cleanse, get rid of impurities, guilt, sin) ourselves from anything that is not like the Lord within us as we work towards doing what He has called us to do. If not, it will hinder our effectiveness.
Now, let me tell you. Purging is a process. It doesn’t happen every day (but it can happen overnight). So when God beckons you to get something right with Him, you need to go to Him without procrastination and get purified. This is very serious. The reason being is because we don’t want Jesus to say to either of us on Judgment Day, “Depart from me, you who work iniquity.” Instead, we want to hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” So in order to hear those beautiful words, we have to purify ourselves now.
Listen sis. There’s no getting around it. You have to pour yourself out to God and examine your heart before Him on a continual basis. It’s not a one-time deal. If you’re honest, there are some things you already know about, but there might also be some other things that may be setting you back from accomplishing God’s will that you’re unaware of. So I encourage you to humble yourself and go to Him to see if there’s anything hidden within your heart that needs to be cleansed and purified today. He wants to make you a worthy vessel that He can use. But you’ll first need to keep the lines of communication open with Him.
Personally, I have to do this too. I have talks with the Lord. *It’s about a relationship. When I feel yucky in my spirit, I go and talk to the Lord. And when I go to Him, He reveals to me where I may have gone wrong or where I have gone against His word. But once I admit or confess where I am and repent, then I experience His freedom. I can then go on to do what He has called me to do with a clean and pure heart…and with a clear conscience. That’s how He can use you. But you have to first empty yourself of anything that’s not like Him. You have to rid yourself of the unforgiveness, hatred, jealousy, backbiting, lustful thoughts, sexual immorality, disobedience, pride, etc. Whatever it is, you have to come clean.
If you have any questions about any of what I’m saying today in this post or just need some clarity on some things, feel free to write me at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. I’m open. Because I really want you to get what God is saying in this last hour, prior to His Son’s return. You’ve got work to do. You’ve got to be a light to a dying world. You’ve got to fulfill God’s purpose in your life. But you can’t do it full. Full of things that you know in your heart that are displeasing to the Lord.
You have to empty yourself of anything that’s not like Him or that could hinder you from being effective for the Kingdom and becoming a worthy vessel. This is real talk, real life, and real faith sis. It’s time!
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
*Recommended book, “Becoming a Vessel God Can Use” by Donna Partow. It’s a ten-week devotional and it’s awesome! Get it!
~Courtnaye
*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened from this post. Feel absolutely free to leave a comment or for questions you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com, and I will respond promptly. Also, if this post and ministry has blessed your life, please consider making a donation of any amount today to help further the gospel here @ http://www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org/.
*And don’t forget to tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts, “Like” my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye), follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/InOutwCourtnaye. Also, share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you!
Hi,my name is Gwen and I read your article and it really is a blessing and I have even prayed that God would bless me to become that worthy vessel that he can use so keep me in your prayers please I’ll be praying for your ministry as well as you and your family thank you bless you and your family in Jesus name……
Beautifully written Courtnaye, thank you for truthfully calling us to a deeper relationship with Jesus.
This article is an answer to my long time question of how to purify myself. Thank you for putting it up. I am setting to work tonight.