So to avoid having to touch them, I use one of these little gems:
Unfortunately though, it still doesn't work on everything as well as I would like. Take for example, this one set of measuring spoons I have. They're smaller on the bottom for 1/2 the amount and then get wider at the top for the full amount...leaving a little ledge that has to be cleaned by hand.
As I was washing it out yesterday, this thought came to mind...Depending on what I last used it for (Peanut butter vs. salt for example), a simple quick rinse in cold water from the faucet may not be good enough to clean the spoon properly...much in the same way that a quick rinse in God's living water may not be enough to clean our hearts either.
Have you ever sat down at a restaurant and opened the napkin to find a dirty piece of silverware? Do you overlook the dried on, crusty piece of food attached to your spoon/fork and continue to use it, or do you give it back to the waiter and ask for a clean one? Ya, we both know what the answer to that one is! ;)
We are utensils in God's hands. He cannot overlook the sin or bad habits that have attached themselves to our lives and continue to use us for His kingdom work! He loves us and wants to use us...but first, we need a good washing!
Depending on the issue that's at hand, sometimes God has to turn on the hot water, and allow us to soak a while. When the time is right, He'll roll up his sleeves and get up close and personal with us while He really scrubs us deep down in order to remove all the baked on, putrid, rotten, smelly sin out of our hearts until it finally lets loose and comes to the suface.
When you feel like you're about to drown in problems that are swirling about, or you feel swamped in a life that isn't exactly as easy or comfortable as you would like...perhaps you're stuck in a job where you desperately want out-don't jump up and run away. Seek God's will in the matter first. Maybe you need to soak a while in order for God to soften some hardened areas...things you may not even be aware of. Ask Him-He'll show you...and eventually, you'll be able to see His reflection in your life.
"Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin?" Proverbs 20:9
"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:22
"Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." Psalm 51:2
"But now, this is what the LORD says..."Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..." Isaiah 43:1-3
1 comment:
I love this. I think I need some soaking and scrubbing. It is a good thing that the Lord knows how much pressure to use and when not to use so much. He is so wonderful. Thanks for sharing. Good word. Hugs
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