Smears, Smudges, and Streaks!

Cleaning windows is #1 on my “Do NOT Do” list! I enjoy clean windows, but I do not enjoy the process. If I could, I would just move when the windows got dirty . . . but that will only happen when pigs fly! So, in the meantime I hire my favorite window washer, Ken.

Just as windows in our houses need cleaning more than once, the windows of our soul . . . our thoughts, our will, and our emotions . . . need continuous cleaning.

Want smear-proof and streak-free souls?

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform us into a new person by changing the way we think.” Romans 12:2

Live in the Light . . . our soul smudges are revealed and cleansed!

“ . . . God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness. We are not living in the truth. But if we are living in the light of God’s presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from every sin.” 1 John 1:5b-7 NLT

The Word of God . . . Prayer . . . and the Holy Spirit . . . the best soul cleaners around!

Mirror . . . Mirror . . .

Mirror mirror on the wall . . .
stop reflecting all my flaws!!!

Whether I like it or not . . .
the mirror does not lie.

So I attempt to improve my appearance . . .
Comb my hair
Cover my facial imperfections with makeup
Wear clothes that “hide” whatever.

But there is a better mirror to look into . . .
the Word of God.

The Word reflects who God says I am.
I may not see it yet in the natural realm,
but it is still true.

Keep looking steadily into God’s perfect law of liberty . . .
and to be doers of the Word . . .

“So make every effort to apply the benefits
of these promises to your life.
Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence.
A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better.
Knowing God leads to self-control.
Self-control leads to patient endurance,
and patient endurance leads to godliness.
Godliness leads to love for other Christians,
and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone.”
2 Peter 1:5-7 (NLT)

The looking and the doing is up to me.

Choosing to just read the Word
and not do what it says
is like looking into a mirror
and doing nothing to improve my appearance!

I am changed into His image
As I read and act on His Word.

The eyes are the windows
to my soul,
to my heart.
Want to know what is in my heart?

Mirror mirror on the wall
My eyes and face reflect it all
Into which mirror I gaze!

“Just as water mirrors your face,
so your face mirrors your heart.”
Proverbs 27:19 (Message Bible)

Outside a game park west of Mombasa, Kenya, February 2011

OUTBURSTS ! ! !

When you read or hear the word, “outburst," what mental picture forms?

Outburst of anger?
Outburst of violence?
Outburst of tears?

The word “outburst” in and of itself carries a negative connotation. It screams out LOUD and angry! It's like the sound of a balloon popping in a quiet room!

Consider outbursts of love and good deeds . . .

Hebrews 10:24 (NLT) reads, “Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds.”

What do OUTBURSTS of love look like? OUTBURSTS of good deeds?

Now there’s a challenge!