Unloading the Junk
Psalms 147:3
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation. Romans 1:16
As the beautiful spring flowers begin to blossom, I’m captivated by the seasonal cycles that testify to the concepts of re-creation and new life. Yet with all this beauty I look upon my yard and see all the fallen branches and left-overs from last year’s vegetable garden that need to be taken to the dump.
In our region the dump sites are high-tech recycling centers that cost nothing. Consequently, we often clean out our garages and yards unloading the junk and trash from our properties. There is a special feeling of cleansing and newness one gets once the trailer is empty and you are on the way home from the dump.
In a similar manner every time we pray and ask for God’s forgiveness we feel a sense of peace and comfort. Knowing that Christ shed His blood on Calvary’s Cross for our sins allows us to approach God Almighty with a newness. The power of the Cross gives us an appreciation for His love, mercy, and grace that cleanses our souls.
The Apostle Paul tells us, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” Philippians 2:13. It is our focus on Jesus, the power of the enabling Holy Spirit, the accountability with Christian friends, and our obedience to His word that allows us to establish new beginnings.
Active faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to really change people and deliver us from our evil ways, from Satan, from judgment, from death, and ultimately from hell. Acts 4:12 says, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” And that name is Jesus Christ.
God’s word can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. We are sinful and unable to remedy our condition, but from God comes the incredible, limitless power that can transform our lives. The junk in our personal trunks can be dumped at the foot of the Cross. We are free to allow the Holy Spirit to transform our lives for His glory.
The entire Christian message is about change. It is the resurrected power of God’s spirit within us that allows us new beginnings every time we pray for forgiveness. It was the death of Jesus on the cross and His subsequent resurrection that gives us hope for new beginnings.
New starts give us an opportunity to build a deeper and healthier relationship with our Heavenly Father. Let’s agree to appreciate and embrace the new starts we get every morning when we wake up and confess our sins before our loving Lord. Don’t grieve God’s spirit by focusing upon the sins of your past. God has already forgotten your transgressions and sees within you the potential for growth and success.
Personal Application:
What is the junk in your personal trunk that needs to be placed at the foot of the Cross?
Have you appropriated the healing power of the sacrifices Christ made for you?
What is your prayer life like? Are you meditating upon the promises of His word?
What does Exodus 15:26 say to you?
Jim Grassi, D. Min.