Out Of Sight

Monday, May 20, 2013
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Listen while you read: "Take The Name Of Jesus With You"1 (Lyrics)

Hebrews 9:14 – How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! (NIV)

I am a short person, a mere five feet from head to heel. Consequently, many things in life challenge me, such as cleaning the tops of refrigerators, cabinets, and ceiling fans. If it is out of sight, it is also out of mind. Since I literally do not see dirt up there, periodically I must remind myself to pull out my step-ladder in order to clean places that would normally be unreachable, such as ceiling lights, tops of book shelves, and shower rods.

Similarly, I do not see the dirt that soils my soul, such as a quick temper, gossip, or procrastination. At my age, life-long failings feel natural and normal, but when I read my Bible, I find that God doesn't accept such behaviours. In fact, God's Word calls them "trespasses" and "sins".

This presents a dilemma. How can a soul be cleansed of such things? Today's passage from Hebrews gives us the answer. The blood of Christ cleanses the dirt inside ourselves, in our souls, when we accept Jesus as our Saviour. The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to live a Christ-like life in order to keep our souls clean — not that we succeed all the time. We often fail, which sends us to our knees in prayer.

    1. We tell our Lord how and when we failed. We confess our sins in detail and ask for forgiveness in Jesus' name.

    2. We ask for strength through the Holy Spirit to live a better life.

    3. We read our Bible daily to let God's Word and way of living soak into our hearts and minds.

    4. We seek the company of other Christians through weekly worship services and Bible studies. As we continuously associate with other Christians, living according to biblical principles becomes easier.

Through this process, we are once again cleansed and strengthened so that we can do our best to serve the living God through serving others.

Prayer: Lord God, we ask forgiveness for the times when we have failed. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we may live according to Your Word and be of service to You by serving others, for we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

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About the author:

Cassandra Wessel <casswessel4319@gmail.com>
Tionesta, Pennsylvania, USA

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    I never think of you as short but as tall in God’ eyes!!!


    Dear Cassandra: Thank you for today’s message from our Lord via you!


    Dear Cass;
    Thank you for the reminder. Amen to your prayer.


    Cassandra, thank you for sharing this. For what you lack in height you have been blessed in others areas. You are a mighty woman of God. Blessings on your week.


    Thanks Cass!
    Take care and enjoy the week ahead.
    Oh…and don’t forget those light bulbs and covers waaaay up on the ceiling!


    Thank you for your word today, Cass. What a clear explanation of how we can live the Christian life.
    It’s so good to hear from you. May the Lord continue to bless us through your writing.


    Cassandra,
    A lovely way to remind us to do our spiritual housekeeping. Your devotion put a smile on my lips.
    Keep writing.
    Blessings.


    Thank you Cass for this thought-provoking message. You made some very strong points. I really like your title because it sums up the problem in a nutshell. All too often we overlook sin in our lives, neglecting to see ourselves in light of God’s Word. I think the solution you outlined is perfect; in particular, number 3 reminded me of James 1: 22-24.
    Thanks again for sharing these helpful insights.
    Blessings.


    Dearest Cass!
    Well said!!! Thanks for writing to us through PresbyCan Daily. Thank you for bringing my attention to Hebrews 9:14 and leading me to meditate on the BLOOD of CHRIST and the work of the Holy Spirit.
    I took a look at John 15 after I read the devotional today. Verse 4 seemed to be the one I wanted to stop think about. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. (NJKV)
    Praise God for the BLOOD of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit that allow us to “Abide”/”be in Christ”. In that blessed position we can look at life with JOY!


    Cassandra:
    Your devotional today really spoke to me.
    Thank you for taking the time to write it.
    God bless.


    Wonderful reminder Cass. I am currently leading a Bible Study called The Quest and we are on a series of chapters dealing with the Holy Spirit and his work in the lives of mankind.
    Bless you in your sharing.


    Dear Cassandra.
    Thankful for a blessed and blessing devotional of forgiveness because of Jesus sacrifice — and for your very practical points to live out our faith.
    Two ladies came to my house yesterday to help with house cleaning — something I can’t do for myself right now. This just fit with your devotional.
    Thanks.

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