A pair of jeans comes off the shelf and into an individual's closet. The jeans get worn a bit, washed a few times and maybe even a rip forms in one knee. One day, the size of the jeans is a smidgen too small. Guess what? Due to the use and length of ownership, consignment shops or individuals would pass on any price greater than a fourth of original price.
When purchasing a car, the minute it drives off the lot, value decreases. The buyer not only just went into debt on a vehicle, but is also losing money each time the wheels turn and the odometer clicks. The buyer works hard every day to try and pay the debt off. One day, an accident occurs and the car is mangled (the owner is fine). Guess what? The value of the car just dropped to nothing. Next stop for the vehicle - the junkyard, where a few spare parts MAY be used in the future.
"One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them." (Romans 14:2-3)
"God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith." (Acts 15:8-9)
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace " (Ephesians 1:7)
If you look closely at the three items listed in the beginning, there is value. The tear in the book can be taped, the food wiped off clean and the notes written might even help the next owner in their study or reading. The book will look like new again. The jeans will fit nicely on another person, washing numerous times eliminates the stiff feel of 'new' jeans and nowadays rips in jeans are 'cool'. The jeans will bless a new owner. The vehicle is treasure to a repairman. Pieces of the vehicle may be used to brighten up another one or possibly be restored to new. Insurance will pay the debt and the owner can move forward to begin anew.
We may feel like an old book, used jeans or a destroyed car. Our past may look torn, stained, used, unworthy, invaluable or beyond repair. Guess what? God looks at the heart, accepts all who call upon and believe in Him, washes away all sin, forgives and restores. You need not try and work for redemption. The debt has been paid by His only Son through death. His light will shine through you and make you new again. He will use your stories to bless others and further His Kingdom. Through Him, you are remade. You are His child and you are valuable. There is a plan and purpose for your life, no matter where you have been. Choose Him today, accept Him into your life and begin anew!
God, thank you for another day to serve You. Thank You for taking this torn, used, stained and destroyed girl and restoring life. I thank You for loving me and purifying my heart and soul to follow You and fulfill the plan for my life. Shine through me and send Your Holy Spirit to provide guidance. I love You.
Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig
No comments:
Post a Comment