Repentance

Take the Garbage Out!

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1 John 3

3 See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. 2 Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. 3 And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.

4 Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. 5 And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. 6 Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is.

7 Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. 8 But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. 9 Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life[a] is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. 10 So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers[b] does not belong to God.

One of my favorite poems by Shel Silverstein tells the story of a little girl who continually refuses to obey her daddy – and take out the trash. Eventually, the pile of rubbish becomes so high that it begins to negatively affect her relationships with others, so Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout finally decides to take the garbage out! Unfortunately, however, because of her constant procrastination, the pile is so high that she is no longer able.

Over the years, Doug and I have witnessed many sons and daughters continually refuse to obey their Daddy- and take out the trash. As a result, their rotten, stinky, filthy sins begin to pile up. When the weight of the pile begins to destroy their marriage, one of them will eventually become exasperated and announce: “I’m done.” In an attempt to clean up the mess, they will relent, as Sarah did, and try to muster up the strength to empty the trash on their own. Sadly, in most cases, they become so overwhelmed with the magnitude of the pile they just ignore it and walk away..…

When I got married I had a dumpster full of trash. As I continued to break God’s law the pile got larger and it too began to negatively affect my relationship with my husband. Several years went by until I finally said “OK, I’ll take the garbage out!” But, just like Sarah, I was overwhelmed and completely unable….

That is, until I realized that…..

1) even if my pile of sins reaches the sky, when I confess, God is always faithful to forgive me.

2) His Spirit will patiently help me remove each and every piece of rotten, stinky, filthy trash from my life through the power of His Word.

3) He will provide others in the Body of Christ to pray for, encourage and hold me accountable to continue to take the garbage out!

1 John 1:5-10

5 This is the message we heard from Jesus[a] and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 6 So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. 7 But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.

Many Parts

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1 Corinthians 12:12-31

12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles,[a] some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.[b]

14 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?

18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”

22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, 24 while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church:

first are apostles,
second are prophets,
third are teachers,
then those who do miracles,
those who have the gift of healing,
those who can help others,
those who have the gift of leadership,
those who speak in unknown languages.

29 Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? 30 Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! 31 So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts.

But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.

I have had the privilege of being a part of several local bodies of Christ since I became a follower. Some bodies functioned very effectively Advancing His Kingdom. Some, unfortunately, decapitated the head and as a result, every other part began to die due to the lack of blood flow.

With these experiences in mind, when Doug and I started a ministry that was designed to support many local churches, I hoped to remain humbly submitted to the head and never say to an eye or a foot “I don’t need you.” Years later, I wish I could emphatically state that that’s always been the case, but I can’t. I am still a sinner, saved by grace…and I am still learning what it means to be a loving part of the body of Christ.

In my very short journey of being a disciple and “ministry leader”, I’ve realized that one of the most difficult aspects of being seen and heard is that hidden parts sometimes mistakenly think that I am more important. Given enough praise and acknowledgement for my function, I may be tempted to think that I can operate the entire body on my own. As that pride seeps further down into my soul, I might even begin to believe (albeit subconsciously) that I am the head and that my gifts, skills and leadership abilities are the sole reason for any advancement. Eventually, though, the less honorable parts will grow tired of my pompous attitude and of being ignored and they will cut themselves off from me- and perhaps even the entire body. As a result of my unexamined sin, serious injuries can occur, and if not dealt with quickly, the body will bleed out…

Fortunately, I’ve also realized that when those self-gratifying thoughts begin to rummage through my mind I can call 911 and the Holy Spirit will rush me to the ER. There, as I lay myself out on a gurney before the Great Physician He is able to show me an x-ray of my heart….and I am moved to repent. Then, as He submerges me in His healing antiseptic grace, I am once again able to know that His Son is the only rightful head of the church and ALL His children are crucial parts of His body.

Leashed

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Hebrews 12:1-12

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.[a] Because of the joy[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;[c] then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. 5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children?[d] He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline,
    and don’t give up when he corrects you. 6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
    and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” 7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. 12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.

Our family recently adopted a 4 year old chocolate lab named Maggie. She is the sweetest thing; loving, gentle and obedient- well…..most of the time! On our first outing with her, we quickly realized that she had not been trained to walk on a leash. There was no need, since her previous owners (who are good friends of ours) lived on a nice sized lot with a lake, so Maggie was content to stay within their property lines. Unfortunately, she has been adopted by city dwellers, so in order to venture out, she is going to have to learn to be leashed.

Yesterday, as the Bullard Pack endured a 3 mile walk with Maggie on a trail in Sanford, Doug and I chuckled as we discussed the similarities between our dog trying to walk us and how we often try to walk God.

When God reveals a glimpse of one of His promises for my future I often times become impatient for them to be made realized. In my attempt to reach the goal in record time, I sometimes tug at the leash urging Him to run a little faster. Then there are times when I have NO idea where He’s leading me and my “instinct” (fear) kicks in, once again compelling me to lunge forward and pull as hard as I can on the leash to make Him go where I want.

Both instances leave me with collar burns, sore muscles and my tongue panting in frustration. Yet, my Master is patient with me and lets me continue to wear myself out until finally, I stop, drop my tail between my legs, walk back to Him and sit down. Then, when He moves forward, I follow, knowing that He is in control -and He will lead me where I need to go.

After much training and discipline, Maggie is still learning how to surrender to her master and willingly submit to being leashed……and so am I.

Not Enough Rocks

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John 8:1-11

Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, 2 but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. 3 As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.

4 “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”

6 They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.

9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”

11 “No, Lord,” she said.

And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

There’s a scene in the motion picture, “Forrest Gump” where Forrest and Jenny, after being reunited again are walking down the lane toward Jenny’s childhood home. As Jenny stops in front of the abandoned house, all the years of running and reckless living fade away as her suppressed emotions from the loss of her mother and abuse from her father overwhelms her. Desperate for relief from the rage, bitterness and grief, Jenny begins hurling rocks at the dilapidated structure until finally, she collapses in exhaustion. Forrest, with his childlike wisdom narrates, “sometimes….there just aren’t enough rocks.”

I’ve felt and acted like Jenny. I’ve endured the sting of pain inflicted by others whose sin has affected me. I’ve run from reality and suppressed my emotions because it was just too hard to deal with in the moment. Eventually, though, I realized that the running just caused more pain and so I chose to face the demons of my past. The thing is, when I tried to do that in my own strength, I picked up handfuls of rocks and began throwing them at the people who hurt me instead of first examining my Pharisaical heart.

“Let the one who has never sinned cast the first stone….”

There will never be enough rocks to stone the people who have hurt us. But there is an unlimited supply of forgiveness that can cover every one of the wounds that have been inflicted. All we have to do is throw ourselves down before the Savior of the world and ask for His forgiveness first. Only then are we free to go…..and sin no more.

Empty

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Romans 5:3-5

3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Recently, Doug opened the cover on our hot tub to do some routine maintenance and found that it was almost completely empty! Perplexed, he began checking everything in and around the tub to determine what may have caused it to drain on its own. After a thorough investigation, he refilled it.

The next day when he went back out to check the status, it was empty again!

This time, both of us became detectives; tightening knobs, changing the settings and searching for evidence of a leak. After we surveyed almost every inch of the hot tub we refilled it…again.

The next day, when I went out to check the status, it was empty….again!!!!

Disappointed?

Yes.

The weather had just begun to approach the freezing mark– the perfect dichotomy of extreme temperatures to enjoy lounging in the hot tub.

After much frustration and troubleshooting, I did what any self-righteous Christian woman would do: I threw a hissy fit. Recalling all the problems and trials we’ve had with that electric water box just further infuriated me. Eventually, however, I came to my senses and began praying. Then my daughter and I went to work…determined to find the problem— and fix it!

After locating the drain plug (hidden behind the stairs, pressed against the upper deck) we laid down on our bellies straining to reach it. After a few turns, we realized it was loose! Wet boards (hidden by autumn leaves and fallen pine straw) further confirmed our suspicion- the water had, in fact been leaking out of the drain.

After re-tightening the plug, refilling it … again, and waiting a day for the water to reach 102 degrees, Doug and I were finally able to enjoy using the hot tub for its intended purpose; to relax and enjoy one another’s company after a long, hard day.

A week later, after re-hashing the problems with God, He showed me yet another life lesson:

Just like that electric water box, I was designed with a purpose. In order to fulfill that purpose, I must be filled with His living water. But occasionally, unbeknownst to me, my drain plug becomes loose and His water begins to slowly seep out- leaving me feeling drained. If I remain empty for too long, my motor will over heat and destroy my circuit board. In an attempt to save myself, I may panic and shut the breaker off, leaving myself without power…..

Fortunately, unlike our water box, I can rejoice when I face problems and trials of any kind. For I know that God loves me and I am free to ask Him at any time, during any season of life, to show me any leaks that are hidden. After I acknowledge my faults and ask for His forgiveness, He refills my water box….again, and through His power, I can fulfill my intended purpose.

Jeremiah 2:13

13 “For my people have done two evil things:
They have abandoned me—
the fountain of living water.
And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns
that can hold no water at all!

John 7:38

38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”

White as Snow

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Isaiah 1:18

New Living Translation (NLT)

“Come now, let’s settle this,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
I will make them as white as snow.
Though they are red like crimson,
I will make them as white as wool….

There is nothing more majestic than freshly fallen snow blanketing the ground. It covers every flaw, every imperfection of our landscape and the sight of it reminds me of my youth; when I would play for hours on end, throwing snow balls, making snow angels and sledding down the steepest of hills.

The same expression of joy invades my heart when I remember the day I chose to submit my life to the One who created me. He covered my sins- every flaw, every imperfection with the blood of His son, Jesus Christ. In that moment I was made pure, clean, white as freshly fallen snow.

Fortunately, unlike rare winter storms that occasionally bring snow to our area, Gods forgiveness is available to me at any time, during any season. When I finally surrender trying to fix all the “issues” in the landscape of my life, He sends a fresh blanket of white to envelope my soul… and once again my sins that were like scarlet are made white as snow.

Ephesians 3:14-21

New King James Version (NKJV)

14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Obey

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Ephesians 6

Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”

When I was a child, my parents had verse 1 of Ephesians 6 framed and hung in a place where my sister and I were FORCED to read it regularly. It infuriated me! I was what some might call; a “strong willed child” and I didn’t want to obey ANYONE- including my parents.

Earlier this week, as I erased the same verse off our school dry erase board, I chuckled as now, decades later, I am the one trying to teach our children why this Truth is so important- and why they should learn to submit to it while they are still young…..

During a recent conversation with another mommy, we discussed the same passage of scripture. As we talked about specific circumstances with our children the revelation of why came out of my mouth before my brain even had time to comprehend its impact: If we love God, we are to obey Him.

John 14:15

“If you love me, obey my commandments….”

In training our children to obey (which often times requires repeated discipline in order to help them submit), we are not only teaching them to love and respect their parents, we are showing them how to love and submit to their Heavenly Father- even when they don’t feel like it.

As an adult, when I finally repented and submitted my strong will to the Father, He lavished His unfailing love on this prodigal daughter and gave me a childlike faith to pursue Him- and obey His commands. Now, as I fight the battle of obedience with several strong willed children of my own, (thanks dad, for praying I’d have those!) I am able to enforce “the laws” of our home, and when necessary, administer discipline, in love (well, most of the time….sometimes I still lose it). For I know that God did not send the law to punish us, but to teach us how to live a long life… in FREEDOM!

Romans 7:21-25

21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.

PS. Thanks Mom & Dad for continuing to sew the Word into my heart- even though it took a looooong time to take root.