My New Addiction

I have a new addiction...pressure washing! First, I washed the stone facade of our house, followed by the walkway, then the siding, the porch, the car and, finally, the driveway.

Time and the elements deposited dirt and grime that could only be removed by a focused and powerful stream of water, and a will to work for days to remove it.

I believe our hearts, minds and souls, without the baptism and ongoing conviction of the Holy Spirit that we receive when we are born again, are similarly soiled. We are not able to remove our "dirt" on our own, because we cannot and do not want to see it, nor would we even know where to begin. I had no idea how much dirt I had accumulated in my life and how much it was hurting me, those around me, and my Lord!

We need to be purified and cleansed in the blood of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. We need to experience His divine power, grace and love. We need to know that He knows everything about us, yet still loves us. We need to make a moment-by-moment decision to turn our life over to Him. We need to let Him "pressure wash" us from the inside-out. It is a difficult and painful process, but also the most beautiful and liberating experience of a lifetime. Let go and let God.

I love you.

-Daddy

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right." -1 Peter 4:12-19 NASB