This past weekend we finished up all of our "Christmas Time" with family. When we left Sanford, there was still snow on the ground from our Christmas weekend snow storm but when we returned it was all gone. Part of me was glad to see it gone, but part would have liked it to hang around a little longer. I love looking out first thing in the morning after a good snow. Everything is peaceful and so "clean" looking. It does not take long however between the traffic and all of the people out playing to remove that fresh look. It reminds me of the life of a Christian. When we get saved, Jesus cleanses us as white as snow. (Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.) All our sins are washed away. Do you know what ruins that cleansing? The same thing that ruins the fresh look of the new snow fall, man. As man gets out and about on his daily activities, the fresh look of the fallen snow becomes worn. The same is true for the Christian, though we get up from the altar, our sins white as snow, it does not take long back in the hustle and bustle of the world to have that newness marred. We have a sin nature and it will not take long before the battle between good and evil begins in that new Christian. I hate to say it, but no matter how hard we try evil will win sometimes and that fresh white cleansing will give way once again to the filth of sin. The good news, is it does not have to stay that way. God in His infinite wisdom provided a way that we could once again regain that fresh cleansing. The answer is found in 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We do not have to look long to realize we are continually sinning, the question is are we continually confessing. I am not trying to provide an excuse to sin, Paul covers that in Romans 6. What I am trying to show is that even though we have to wait for another winter storm to see the newness of a cleansing snow outside, we can have the newness of God's cleansing inside anytime we are willing to confess our sins and call upon His name. Why not accept the path God has given you to Himself and make all things new? Until next time may God bless you as you seek and serve Him.
