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WEEKLY ENCOURAGEMENT
Updated: Tuesday, June 17, 2008
This last week, I was trying to do some house cleaning. The winter had been very busy and it seemed I never had time for any more cleaning than just what was absolutely necessary. So needless to say, I was in for a surprise. My door and window facings and the front door it's self, are all white. They didn't look bad to me, no major smears or splotches. Then I decided to just wipe the bottom of the door as I was mopping the floor in front of it. Suddenly, the even layer of film that had so slowly and unnoticed build up through the winter was startlingly clear to see! As I began to wipe farther, it was shocking to see how really white the door and facings really were. Then the sun came shining in through the window and it was clear my work was cut out for me. Ever have this happen to you? Or, the furniture doesn't look dusty at all on those cloudy days. Then when the bright sun begins to shine in, the dust becomes very clear!
As I was washing my door and facings, I began to realize what a great object lesson this was. We get busy doing all the things that go with being a Christian: attending church, reading some scripture or a devotion book, praying our prayer list, etc. etc. There appears to be no "great" sin in our lives. We look pretty good to those around us and we feel rather satisfied with our life.
Then God brings something into our life that gets our attention! It could be a need or crisis. It could be a powerful sermon or moving service. Whatever it is, we suddenly see, our lives are not as "clean" as we thought they were. As we begin to do serious business with our Lord in bible study and soul searching prayer, the Holy Spirit starts washing our soul and revealing the "dirt" Without realizing it, we have become lukewarm in our hearts. We may have begun to compromise, just a little here and there. We just aren't as committed as we once were, and easily find excuses why we can't do any more for Him. We don't bother handing out tracts, or inviting folks to church with us. We spend a lot of our time considering and working on our own plans, and goals. We are just drifting - the wrong direction!
Oh what a wonderful change takes place when we spend time in the Word and in the presence of the Son! He will not only reveal the "dirt" but will cleanse us and make us clean. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9. Our Christian walk with have a new sparkle and a new joy will be in our hearts!!! May this simple thought cause you to do some "summer cleaning", and may this summer be one of fruitful fellowship and service for the Lord.
THOUGHT TO PONDER:Do I want God to do some "house cleaning" in my life? If not, why not?
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- Sandy Hastings June 17, 2008 |
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