October 13, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Keeping Clean Is A Challenge and A Goal For All Believers   (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

I John 1:9

But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. (NLT)

Thoughts

It would not work. The safety seemed broken. That is not good on any firearm or other weapon that uses a system to safe the weapon.

Why wouldn't it work? It was time to go to the gunsmith to get it fixed.

I was embarrassed and surprised to hear the smith ask me, "How long has it been since you cleaned this weapon?" As he presented it to me, deep inside the shotgun, above the trigger mechanism was a lot of chaff, weed seed, and other debris from time afield.

Embarrassed, I responded to him, "Obviously too long."

(Jack M)

Action Point
Keeping clean is a challenge and a goal for all believers. We can easily allow the "dirt" and "trash" of sin to pile up in our lives and to keep us from functioning spiritually. This condition is not safe for us.

Sin in our lives separates us from God. Unconfessed sin keeps us from enjoying our relationship with Him and from joining Him in His work here in this world.

We have the challenge and the option to keep our lives pure and clean. God says repeatedly that we are to be holy because He is a holy God. He would not command what we are unable to do.

Some think happiness is what life is about. God wants us to be holy, not happy!

So keep your life clean. Take heed to the Word of God. Listen to the voice of His Spirit as you read the Word and pray. Confess your sin immediately, and trust Christ to clean up all that you cannot recognize as sin. But, "fess up" on the stuff you know is sin.

God is faithful. He will clean you up and forgive you when you confess to Him. Then you can function correctly, live as you should, and enjoy the blessings of holiness that He has promised and that He will give.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Invest in easy-to-use cleaning equipment for your weapons. Use it regularly and correctly to maintain a weapon that is safe and functional. To have a functional, clean, and safe weapon will make hunting and shooting more enjoyable. It could save your life. Another advantage is accuracy. Most weapons shoot with more consistency and accuracy when cleaned regularly.