December 3
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 7
1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God
Thoughts:
Sometimes we think if someone gives us the promise of something that everything is then up to them. We don’t see it as having any demand on us at all. After all, they are the ones who decided to give us something. We don’t want any requirements or responsibilities resulting from their decision to give us something. Even if we want it. Even if we need it. We don’t want to owe anyone anything.
But even if nothing is asked in return, there is still a sense of what is appropriate in our response. Certainly, gratefulness, but perhaps there is something of a message of worthiness. We were deemed worthy of something of value, and maybe we are moved to live up to it, and to take a new look at the one who has favored us so much. It is more a matter of taking a new look at ourselves. Starting with a clean slate to write a new story of who we are.
In our scripture for today there is, spelled out for us, Paul’s consideration that after viewing how many, how rich, and how extensive are God’s promises to us that it is obvious that we would have commensurate response towards Him. Not wasting the life and gifts, we are encouraged to preserve these gifts in clean containers.
We contain our gifts. It is up to us to keep ourselves fit. Had you thought of that? It can be physical or it can be spiritual, but fitness is keeping everything in good working order. What contaminates, or makes your life diseased and unfit for the future? Is your heart and mind prepared to carry the gospel to the nations? To bring healing to the broken? Or are you staying broken yourself?
Allow God to bring those promises to pass inside your life.
The promises are of healing, of wholeness, and of peace. Have you received these gifts from God and believed his promises? Let’s think of preparing ourselves to make the best of all God has given us, to be thankful and to act according to his love for us, by loving Him as well. We all love clean, fresh water. Let’s have clean communications with each other, right attitudes, and loving acts, even more as we approach our celebration of the gift of Christ to us.
Ornament is a small pitcher. Reminder to cleanse ourselves daily with the Word of God applied to our heart and mind.
Carol:
