Hebrews 10:22Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
I love that first cup of coffee in the morning.
The steaming liquid with its rich aroma. Sipping. Savoring.
Feeling the fog lift slowly from my sleep-smothered brain.
By the time I drain my second cup, I am fully awake. Blissfully aware.
But, not refreshed . . .
It's not until I hop into the shower, hot and steamy like the coffee, that my body feels renewed. Ready for the day ahead.
Hair washed. Body lathered. Face scrubbed.
Clean!
On the outside . . .
But, what about the inside?
What about my heart? Have I sprinkled it with pure thoughts? Is it cleansed from guilt? Evil inclinations?
Or, like forgetting to scrub behind my ears or that hard-to-reach part of my back, is there a blemish there? Someone I have not forgiven? A person I neglected to pray for?
Thoughts which hinder me from loving my neighbor? From sincerely and fully loving the Lord?
Time to come clean. Time to "fess up". To pray to God to "create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me". (Psalm 51:10)
~
Are you ready today to come clean with God?
Will you pray with me?
(From The Book of Common Prayer, The Holy Eucharist: Rite Two)
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Readings
Psalms 40, 54 or 51
Genesis 17:15-27
Hebrews 10:11-25
John 6:1-15
We all need to be clean,no doubt about it..but as you rightly asked Martha..what about our hearts and souls..What God wants most from you is relationship - friendship. He wants to be involved in the big and small moments of your life. Open your life, let the light of God's presence shine into every part, and you'll have no need for a yearly spiritual cleaning. Instead experience daily, moment to moment refreshing of your spirit.Spiritual cleansing requires deep cleaning -- it is housekeeping that goes beyond what others see and hear. It's a cleansing from within -- inside and out.
ReplyDeleteEasier said than done..but if one makes an effort..anything is possible.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Alpana, and leaving such a thoughtful comment!
DeleteYes, it is all about relationship with Him in every moment of our lives. It's spring cleaning time each and every day!
Easier said than done is right, but in our efforts, God will reach out to us and pull us toward Him. Always!
Blessings to you!
Just enjoying my coffee and enjoying your thoughts - good morning to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Sarah-Jane!
DeleteGlad you are enjoying today's post and your coffee. I'm about to get some more. :)
Good morning and blessings!
Point to ponder....clean, good and positive thoughts will take us near HIM. If we believe in God and have enough faith, the cleaning takes place without us really striving for it. This is what I feel. Nice post.
ReplyDeleteHi, Janu, thanks for stopping by and so glad you liked today's post.
Delete"Clean, good and positive thoughts" - yes, it is so easy to slip into an unkind or negative thought sometimes. Focusing on what is good and pure and true about the love of God will cleanse our hearts.
Blessings to you!
Good Morning Martha! More coffee? LOL!! I'm on my third cup already... zing!
ReplyDeleteAs I walk through this life with God on the inside of me I am very aware of my attitudes and short comings, as He also is. We walk together. He keeps me clean, moment by moment. I can't fix me, the world, my kids, sometimes not even my hair, but I trust God with these things and what a blessed relief it is.
Sending love!
Leah
Hi, Leah, and thanks for stopping by today!
DeleteCoffee! Yes!!!
Isn't it just the best feeling when we finally resign ourselves to His will, His ways, not ours? He knows all our shortcomings and can heal us of all when we completely trust in Him.
It is, indeed, a blessed relief!
Blessings to you!
When I wake up in the morning... I like to pause... before stepping out of bed... For me looking at the sky and nature centers me.... Here in goa I am lucky to see dawn every morning from my bedroom!
ReplyDeleteHi, Savira! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteUnfortunately, I can't see out the window of my bedroom without getting up first. Like you, though, I love to go out on my deck with my coffee to let the natural world sink in.
And, yes, lucky you with a view of the dawn every morning! Hope you are having a super time in Goa!
Blessings!
Sometimes, if I'm working at home, I don't get to my shower till bedtime. But, I strive to begin each day by coming clean with God! Good reminder! XOXO
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping in, Linda!
DeleteGlad you liked the post today. Yes, no matter what time of the day we shower, we need to start each one in coming clean with Him. :)
Blessings!
In JESUS Name... AMEN!!! Good word!!! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by today! Good to see a new name and hope to see you here often. Glad to know you enjoyed today's post.
DeleteBlessings!
You have such a talent (touch) for carrying a message, without judgement or bossiness ... very kind, thoughtful and loving. I always look forward to visiting your blog; I really needed to read this today...especially today!
ReplyDeleteHi, Amy, thanks for stopping by and glad to know this met a need in you today.
DeleteThanks, too, for your compliment. It really means so much. I want my daily devotions to encourage, not point fingers or preach. We have all sinned and we all fall short of the glory of God.
Blessings!
I love that your lessons are short, direct and filled with wisdom. :) You are a blessing.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Rachel, for stopping by and for your kind compliment. I so appreciate it! Glad my posts encourage you!
DeleteBlessings!
Oooo I wish telling the truth is easy ~ I've been in this mode for a bit of a time and it's kind of weary to see blemishes all over my character. I do not wish to be perfect but I wish I could be more loving. I know God is holding our hearts and molding it ~ and I pray with you....May we have the courage to face God ~ opening our hearts to His loving presence knowing that only He could wash us away from our stains.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melissa, for stopping by and leaving your wonderful comment here.
DeleteNo, none of us can even hope to be perfect, but we can be better when we let God take charge. He is the only One who can truly cleanse us.
Blessings!