Corona Devo 597

Jesus Jack-o-lanterns

Do you ever feel gross inside when you hurt someone's feelings?  Like something just isn't right?

All the bad things we do and all of the mean and grumpy things we say are rotten and slimy just like the "guts" on the inside of an uncarved pumpkin.  That's called sin.  It's what happens when we let our pride, our selfishness, and our own wants/desires/comforts take over, instead of trying to live for Jesus. 

Like a pumpkin getting ready to be carved, we need our "junk" scooped out.  

If we ask Him to, God takes away our sins and forgives us.  It's a process, and getting rid of our "junk"/sin can sting and scrape sometimes, but God is purifying us and making us more like Him.  

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  ~John 1:9

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The reason sin "feels" wrong inside is because we were made in the image of God, and we are His children.  Doing/saying/planning "wrong" feels wrong because God made us for good.  For his good.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. ~Genesis 1:27

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Sometimes we think we can "clean up" by ourselves, but that just isn't true. It only happens when we enter into relationship with Jesus.  It's not about "trying-harder" or "doing the right things"--it's about asking Jesus to scoop out our junk and make us more like Him.  We can't do it on our own, but the moment we ask Him into our heart, things are different.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!  ~2 Corinthians 5:17

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Eyes: We want to see everything, but there are things that God warns us not to see, and to guard our hearts and minds against.  

Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.  ~Psalm 119:37

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  ~Philippians 4:8

Jesus also wants us to use our eyes to see others as He does.  The difficult people.  Those that believe differently than us.  Jesus sees them and loves them.  If we are to be like Jesus, we will "see" them too.  

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Lid: To give God room to work in our lives, we must have an open mind to Him/to His Word (the Bible)/and to learning about Him.  

Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.  ~Colossians 3:2  

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Mouth: Everything about us was made with special purpose to serve God, and our mouths can tell the story of His faithfulness, His forgiveness and His hope.  We can also be a voice of encouragement to someone who needs a lift.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...  ~1 Peter 3:15

We are here to help others, and we can do that by sharing our story and God's story with them.  If we know Jesus, then the Lord will show us ways to tell others about His hope and love.

How can others know about Jesus and the great plan He has for them if we do not use our mouths and share with them?  Who can we tell about Jesus?

 I will proclaim what the Lord has done.  ~Psalm 118: 17

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Ears:  What are we listening to?  What music?  What friends?  What social-media influences?  

Are we taking time to listen to God?  

Lots of times we are listening to what we want to hear.  But God wants us to listen to Him and His Word and ways for our lives.  He has a good plan for us (For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  ~Jeremiah 29:11), but we have to be listening to hear it!  

Give ear and come to me; hear me that your soul may live.  ~Isaiah 55:3 

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Light a candle in your jack-o’-lantern:

Look how brightly the light shines out of the pumpkin, especially in the dark of night! The light stands for the Holy Spirit that lives in us as Jesus-followers. When we start connecting with God and letting Him clean out our junk and sin, He can shine through us so others will see Jesus, and it feels good to be clean on the inside!  

You are the light of the world…Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven.  ~Matthew 5:14, 16

Gracious Lord, we are yours.  The jack-o-lantern comparison might be silly, but it fits.  Scoop out our sin, Lord.  Scrape away bad habits and sinful tendencies.  Cleanse us, Lord.  Give us an open mind to seek You in a world where most people are not.  Open our eyes to how special we are to You and make Your plans for us clear.  Lord, give us greater vision in seeing those that need a friend, and let us be that friend.  Close our mouth to gossip or hurting others, but open our lips to praise You and to share your story with others.  Make us bold in sharing Your love.  And let us shine, Father.  Let us enjoy the gifts that You have given us and may we shine for You through them.  Relationship with You is an adventure, Jesus, and today we say, "Yes!".  Lord, help us let your light shine in all that we say and do.  Amen.

Blessings, 

sarah     

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com