Make Room

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.   2 Corinthians 7:1 NLT

Lately I have been marveling at the masterpiece of design and makeup of our human bodies.  For example, the ingenuity of getting oxygen, new life, to every cell in our physical bodies by the heart pumping oxygenated blood to them, then sending that same blood, now contaminated with carbon dioxide, around our lungs where the toxins are removed and replaced with fresh, life-giving oxygen.

In the verse above, we are asked to remember the amazing, good promises we have been given, and asked, that, if we believe them, to get rid of what may prevent them from coming into fruition.  In the same way that our bodies need to be rid of toxins, and given new life, our souls and spirits need to be emptied of contaminates and given fresh spiritual and emotional life. The Holy Spirit wants to teach us how.

Little children hate to be told to brush their teeth and take a bath, but as they mature, they begin to appreciate the importance of those simple acts of cleanliness.  In the same way, as we mature in our faith, we gradually come to acknowledge that God is good, and wants to give us good gifts, and, in order to receive them, we must learn to cleanse ourselves of all that contaminates us, filling us with darkness.

As you come to God asking him for the good things he has planned for 2020, have you made room for them? Could there be anything that may prevent God from releasing them to you? God has great things planned for 2020!  Let’s commit, right now, to come to the Lord Jesus with clean and empty hands, so that he may fill them with all that he has purposed and promised for this new year.

Pray with me: Father God, thank you that you love me and call me your child.  Send your Spirit now to show me what needs to be cleansed in me, so that I may honor and glorify you by enjoying the good gifts that you make available to me through Jesus, my Lord. 

I kneel before Jesus now, and release to him, all that defiles me, body, soul and spirit. (Wait for him to show you. Then release them. Feel them leave.)  Thank you, Jesus, for taking all of my sin, unforgiveness, fears, all the lies that harm me and others, and every other unclean thing.  Now fill me with new life.  I breathe in that new life now, in Jesus’ name.  I receive all that you have promised.  Thank you, Lord!  In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

Dear friend, be blessed as you learn daily to allow God to cleanse and restore you.  May 2020 be filled with joy as you daily pursue more of Jesus and allow him to bring his Kingdom to earth through you.  Amen.
Mary Sumner
January 3, 2020