Hello ,

The picture that I've included in today's e-Devotional is a current photo of our front door. NO matter how you look at it, cleanup is going to take some time.

That little angular peak off to the right?  That's our doghouse.

Where do I even begin? 

Clean-up won't happen unless someone picks up a shovel.

Have you ever felt like your spiritual life resembled this picture; so covered in past mistakes that you don't even know where to begin in attempting to clean it all up?

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."  

1 John 1:9

Think of 1 John 1:9 as "picking up the shovel." 

Taking a journey with Jesus isn't a "one and done" proposition. It's a moment-by-moment walk with One Who is very clear about our past mistakes, but chooses to travel with us anyway.

Claiming His forgiveness is all about laying our hands on the shovel, and allowing Him to give us the strength to get to the work of real change in our lives; a new direction. 

Clean-up after a storm can be messy, but it's the only thing that can move us forward. Jesus won't make us "shovel" alone.

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word