January 2010

“Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey You. “ Psalm 51:2, 10, 13

Beyond the fence at the rear of our property we have a slope that extends approximately 40 feet and empties into a cement culvert. This area, I’m ashamed to report, was in dire need of attention. Weeds had sprung up everywhere, and dead, scrubby vegetation now occupied most of the landscape, choking the ice plant that had once thrived there. Due to our neglect, the land was now an eyesore, aching for some tender loving care. We decided to contact our friendly gardener and arrange for the necessary work to be done. One man, alone and determined, within 3 hours, efficiently had everything cleaned, cut, disposed of, and in order. I was amazed! We then asked him to periodically check this area and keep it free from further neglect.

As I surveyed the now tidy landscape, I thought about how often our heart can drift into the same neglected condition. Old habits, nagging sins, and unruly thoughts can gradually sneak inside and begin to choke the precious new spirit of Jesus that dwells within our heart. As the scripture states, we also need to seek the Lord, confess our sins, and ask Him to make us clean and whole once again. As this New Year begins, let’s start with a clean and pure heart, rejoicing in the precious salvation that Jesus has so freely given to us, and with a determination to live in obedience to Him.

Ready For A Clean Start,

Carl & Bonnie Friedrich