The Lord has been working through some "stuff" in my heart. Sure, He's always working on something, but sometimes He leaves sufficient clues so that even a knucklehead like me can begin to take notice of the renovation that's taking place.
Once we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we may not outwardly appear to be any different than our pre-salvation days. However, the work steadily occurring within our hearts is real. Sometimes, the changes are so subtle that one would be hard-pressed to isolate and measure them on any given day. But stepping back from this myopic perspective reveals a life that's been course-corrected, softened, or cleansed, little by little. Perhaps we decline that last drink, opt out of a toxic relationship, or ask for forgiveness for something we've done in the past. Maybe we tell our children we love them one last time before bed, spend time with our neglected spouse, or help a friend in need, instead of parking in front of the television.
True and lasting change in our mind, body and spirit begins on the inside, not the outside.
Matthew 23:25-26 (Amplified Bible)
25Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but within they are full of extortion (prey, spoil, plunder) and grasping self-indulgence. 26You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and of the plate, so that the outside may be clean also.
"Lord Jesus, please consume us from the inside out. Please heal our pain, mend our wounds and lift us up to fulfill the purposes you've designed for our lives. We can't do it alone; we absolutely need you. Amen"
Good night
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