GET YOUR CONSCIENCE CLEAN

"How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences  from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God." Hebrews 9:14 

You know when you have been sick and you take a shower, you feel a little better, at least for a little while? You're still sick, though, because you need to heal from the inside out. 

Christ's death on the cross deals with sin from the inside out. The author of Hebrews is hammering home the message that offerings before Christ were not complete and only a hint of what was to come in Christ. Under the law the offering of a goat or bull would deal with sin outwardly, never able to reach the heart. The sacrifice of Christ deals with sin from the inner man out. 

The point is that Christ's sacrifice changes our hearts to desire to serve God, not sin.  Sin wants to keep us captive under guilt, Christ has freed us with grace. We sinned, yes, but he died in our place. His blood covers our sins eternally in the Most Holy place in heaven. Christ's continuing work cleanses our consciences that we may serve him! That is good news! That is the gospel!

Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ for cleansing our consciences that we may serve you! Praise be to you in us today! 

HOW HAS THE WORD CUT YOU?

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

The context of this passage is the middle of a call to obedience rather than disobedience, faith instead of unbelief and the supremacy of Christ as our Great High Priest. 

I worked under a few people about six out of the last eight years. One finally moved to another location and the other retired. They did some things and treated people in ways that are completely opposed to just about everything I believe. It is very hard to not speak about either of them without feeling some disgust and anger and maybe a bit of bitterness. 

For a while now when I speak about them I sense the Spirit of God convicting me to not let my anger motivate how I paint them verbally to whomever I am talking with. It's tough. Mostly, it boils down to me trusting God to work out all things for my good.

How has the Spirit of God used the Word of God in your life to lead and guide you? 

Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on us. Speak to our hearts and help us to act in obedience by faith. Praise be to you in us today!