Ash Wednesday kind of snuck up on me. I will be honest I hadn't given it much thought until I read a couple e-mails from other churches and a blog I follow. But God being God has guided the sermons lately with an idea that meshes with it...At the Feet of my Father...1 John 1 spends time talking about light and darkness and how they are incompatible, much like oil and water. If we commit to sit at the Feet of our Father we may have some uncomfortable moments because light reveals the ugliness darkness hides and if we want to maintain true fellowship we must deal with the sin that is being revealed.
I share this because I am trying to practice what I preach...tonight has been one of those experiences of light revealing ugliness...confessing those things that hinder my fellowship with God. As I said it can be uncomfortable or maybe I should say down right painful. The crazy thing was where I felt the conviction. It wasn't just in my head, it wasn't in the pit of my stomach it was litearlly on the left said of my chest. The pain was in my heart. I have had heart burn and let me tell you it doesn't compare to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. But when sin is acknowledged, confessed, released and forgiven it is better than drinking Mylanta...
As Lent starts I encourage all those who attend Providence and for all others who are reading...Take time to rest at the feet of your Father...utilize this time as a time of confession because it is not just about giving up carbonated drinks or secular music, etc...go through the sometimes painful process of discovering things about yourself that may be hindering your fellowship with God...do so with this knowledge, 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness...' through 'Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is THE (meaning God's unique and only solution to sin) atoning sacrifice for our sins and not only for ours but also for the the sins of the whole world (1 John 1:9 and 2:1-2).
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