Good afternoon! If you have cupboards in your kitchen how often do you take everything out and clean, getting things reorganized? This morning that is what I spent my time doing. It wasn't that I woke with the plan to do this, it just came about. Cleaning wasn't on my agenda today, but, you know it feels really good to be on the finished side of the project. You might be wondering where I am going with this? Of course, knowing me, I see a life application again.
Think back to the time you met Christ. Got it? Well, before you came to Him did you ever try to do good works? Maybe, it never entered your mind. Both versions whether one tries to look good thinking he will impress God and the one who doesn't even know Him are empty and vain. We have voids in our life that only Jesus can fill. I was one, growing up in church, who tried to be good but always had to repent over and over again. I didn't know who I was in the family of God and I didn't hear about His grace. Sadly, the condemnation would grow and more sin would be pushed back into the dark spaces so I thought I could get by. Empty and vain.
My cupboards needing cleaning, yes, but there is only one way to do this...just do it! The hard part was getting down on these old knees to reach the things forgotten at the back of the deep cupboards. It got me to thinking. Is there anything I need to bring out into the light today in my personal life?
I was reminded of Romans 3:23..."For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." I thought back to yesterday, my weariness from doing laundry, mending and watching granddaughters. By the time dinner came I got a bit sharp edged. They noticed and so did I. My heart felt weighted. Time for a makeover! Clean space so I could worship. There my knees don't feel so bad.
Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates How own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Praise the Lord! There is a way out of the dark!
Titus 3:5,(Amplified version)..."He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but because of His own pity and mercy, by [the] cleansing [bath] of the new birth (regeneration) and renewing of the Holy Spirit which He poured out [so] richly upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior." There is nothing like a clean heart to make the day brighter. Whether the circumstances change or not, we become free from guilt and shame. The prayer for the lost, personally or otherwise is not lost.
You may be thinking by now, "Oh, I know this." So, it is time for a refresher! His Words are Living water to our souls and Jesus offers you fresh life now as you humble yourself before Him. Hebrews 10:10 tells us that we have been sanctified through the offering of Jesus, once for all. He only had to shed His blood on the cross once but, we are to come often into His presence. When we sense the Holy Spirit convicting us of sin whether large or small we must come back. Welcome back!
In the book of Acts 17:30-31, Paul preached..."Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everwhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead." Jesus Christ our risen Lord! Is it time to quiet your heart and mind long enough to be washed in His presence?
Last one...John14:6 says, "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me." Who is your master today? Is it many deities or little gods hidden in the dark places of your heart? Not long ago, I found one in my own life. My constant worry. We are commanded not to worry. It is sin. When I chose to let go I did struggle but, then day by day it has gotten easier for me to recognize this thing for what it is and surrender it to the light of Jesus. Now, I am really able to take the day that the Lord has made and rejoice in the steps He has chosen for me to walk. True freedom!
I hope this refresher has helped you take the time, asking the Lord to show you what may be hidden and repent. Then turning away from that finding your fellowship with the Lord is restored again. Father, please help us to know that we belong to You and that You have a good plan for each one of us. Thank You for shining Your light on every part, washing us clean and able to lift our hands up without heaviness. We love You and trust You in Jesus Mighty name, amen.
Abundance is...clean cupboards, clean heart!