Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
In the late 1970’s I was a complete and utter mess. My soul was void of natural affection and full of bitterness. I was an alcoholic living with a young lady in an unfaithful common-law relationship. During the time I lived with this woman I had agreed to two abortions that she wanted to have, and I did not protest our actions or take proper responsibility.
My ethics in business were questionable at best and my illiterate blaspheming mouth often spoke of nonsensical humanistic values that clearly demonstrated my heart was a dumpster full of shameful rubbish. Like many carnal so-called free thinkers in that day, my ignorance had gone to seed and was producing a foul stench in the presence of God and mankind.
We pathetic sinners thought we knew best what was good for our lives, but proved over and over again to be fools. Rom.1:22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. We had become a generation of sloths in mind, heart, and soul. We were producing a standard in life that caused people to believe in nothing of virtue. Prov. 30:11 There is a generation that curses their father, and doth not bless their mother.
My ethics in business were questionable at best and my illiterate blaspheming mouth often spoke of nonsensical humanistic values that clearly demonstrated my heart was a dumpster full of shameful rubbish. Like many carnal so-called free thinkers in that day, my ignorance had gone to seed and was producing a foul stench in the presence of God and mankind.
We pathetic sinners thought we knew best what was good for our lives, but proved over and over again to be fools. Rom.1:22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. We had become a generation of sloths in mind, heart, and soul. We were producing a standard in life that caused people to believe in nothing of virtue. Prov. 30:11 There is a generation that curses their father, and doth not bless their mother.
There I was at the bottom of the human dumpster trying to live a life of sorts and Jesus came along and found me full of my own wretchedness and yet, He loved me. Rom. 5:8 But God demonstrates His love to us, that of us being still sinners, Christ died for us.
Jesus has been dumpster diving before there were dumpsters. He knows where the potential good stuff is so to speak. Even though we see what we see in ourselves, our shortcomings – our character flaws plus all of our evil intent – He sees what is possible in the light of his glory and grace. He sees a person who is washed and renewed in the cleansing power of His blood if we receive it by faith.
He sees a person who is cleansed of their sins and able to live a righteous life with each other and for Jesus Christ. Isa. 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
I saw in myself a covenant breaker and habitual sinner of the worst kind. Jesus saw a faithful husband, father, citizen, friend and worshiper of God for His glory and kingdom. What amazing grace and power of substitutional love. Jesus took my sins and in turn, gave me His righteousness. 2 Cor. 5:21 God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
Jesus has been dumpster diving before there were dumpsters. He knows where the potential good stuff is so to speak. Even though we see what we see in ourselves, our shortcomings – our character flaws plus all of our evil intent – He sees what is possible in the light of his glory and grace. He sees a person who is washed and renewed in the cleansing power of His blood if we receive it by faith.
He sees a person who is cleansed of their sins and able to live a righteous life with each other and for Jesus Christ. Isa. 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
I saw in myself a covenant breaker and habitual sinner of the worst kind. Jesus saw a faithful husband, father, citizen, friend and worshiper of God for His glory and kingdom. What amazing grace and power of substitutional love. Jesus took my sins and in turn, gave me His righteousness. 2 Cor. 5:21 God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
The Lord God saw our day of redemption from the beginning. His plan of restoration and eternal life for our souls has always been in his heart. Eze. 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
How can this be possible, except the Lord Himself redeem us from ourselves and save us according to His merciful sanctification and holy standard. If it was not for the mercy and love of God for each one of us, the world would have imploded centuries ago.
How can this be possible, except the Lord Himself redeem us from ourselves and save us according to His merciful sanctification and holy standard. If it was not for the mercy and love of God for each one of us, the world would have imploded centuries ago.
Years ago, Jesus went dumpster diving. He found me and I venture to say, “Many of you as well.” There we lay, in abject poverty of soul. In myself, I saw a mess of shame, guilt, and fear. Jesus saw a Christ-like man who would be a blessing in this lost world and a holy citizen of heaven.
Only the blood of Jesus and love of our heavenly Father can change a life from garbage to godliness, darkness to light, and eternal loss to eternal life. Isa. 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Today I live in the joy of the Lord. Yes, I have my struggles, but what a different life I have because Jesus found me and I was so happy to be found. Jesus is sufficient to meet all our needs. Our sinful nature could not stop the love of God toward us. Therefore, look up and see Jesus. He is stretching his arms toward you. Let Him lift you out of your mess and He will clean you up. May God’s mercy and love be upon you. May you have the wisdom to accept it. In Jesus name.
Only the blood of Jesus and love of our heavenly Father can change a life from garbage to godliness, darkness to light, and eternal loss to eternal life. Isa. 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Today I live in the joy of the Lord. Yes, I have my struggles, but what a different life I have because Jesus found me and I was so happy to be found. Jesus is sufficient to meet all our needs. Our sinful nature could not stop the love of God toward us. Therefore, look up and see Jesus. He is stretching his arms toward you. Let Him lift you out of your mess and He will clean you up. May God’s mercy and love be upon you. May you have the wisdom to accept it. In Jesus name.
Very vulnerable Norm. Thank you man of God❤️