Every now and then, we get a good wake-up call that reminds us of exactly where we are – and how far we have yet to travel on the path of spiritual maturity.  Whether it’s an issue of true forgiveness (not just that lip-service stuff), letting go of a habit we’ve been convicted of – multiple times (yes, change requires a converted heart), or just downright being obedient to the voice of the Lord (the first time), let’s balance the books and settle some things once and for all.  By dragging things out over time, we impede our own progress.  Resolutely determine that today will be a new start.  Put off the old man (Colossians 3:9) and be renewed in the spirit of your mind (Ephesians 4:22-24).

Let us take an accurate personal inventory and give the Holy Spirit free reign to ensure that we’re clean through and through – not just in the places where others can see.  There’s no need for hypocrisy (double standard, insincerity, pretense, two-facedness), for God sees it all, especially the hidden man of the heart (I Peter 3:4).

Father, help us to silence the tumultuous turmoil that bombards our minds, and toss out the accumulation of useless mental clutter that’s collecting dust and slowing our growth in Your Word.  We desire to hear Your voice clearly without interference, distraction, or distortion.  Wash us clean, Lord – from the inside out!  This is the cry of Your children’s hearts today…so we can remain in constant, unbroken, uninterrupted fellowship with You.  Amen.

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 

Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.”

(Matthew 23:25-26)

 © Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart