Barbara Latta shares with us, "I dipped my sponge into a bucket of soapy water, then squeezed the suds onto the bike’s fender.
My husband and I were washing all the dust and grime off his Harley after a long road trip.
Each time I plunged the sponge back into the bucket, it filled up with the cleaning solution and I continued the chore, trying to get “Ol Smokey Gold” clean again.
As I continued to work, the slippery sponge dropped out of my hand onto the ground and dirty water soaked into it.
Now I had to clean it before I could use it again.
As I worked, God brought to my mind how similar we are to a sponge.
We absorb whatever we are exposed to, even it if is not intentional.
If we sit in front of the TV for hours and watch depressing news or movies, we become depressed. If we watch horror shows, we become fearful.
When conversing with others who are critical, jealous, or rude, we can pick up their attitudes and habits.
If all we have in us are ungodly, negative, and fearful characteristics, bad things will come out of us when we are squeezed.
If we have had a bad day and then someone says the wrong thing, or pulls out in front of us in traffic, we might respond with anger and accusation.
Anything that tempts us puts the squeeze on our character. And if our sponge has been dropped in dirty water, that’s all we will produce.
Because we have to live in this world, we will constantly be exposed to things that are opposite the kingdom of God. That’s why we have to fill up every day, and in every circumstance, with the water of His Word.
If that is what we put in us, then when we are squeezed, His sweet water is what will come out. We will be His glorious church, without spot or wrinkle.
Fill your sponge and wash clean."
"That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish." Ephesians 5:26-27
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What's in Your Sponge - Barbara Latta
Barbara Latta is an aspiring writer residing in Meansville, Georgia with her husband and their two dogs.
The Lattas also have two grown sons. She loves gardening, reading, and traveling.
Her desire is to share the love of God to the world through writing articles, stories, and devotions based on the lessons God has revealed to her.
Read Barbara's devotions.
Receive a daily devotion on your Kindle!
Barbara Latta is an aspiring writer residing in Meansville, Georgia with her husband and their two dogs.
The Lattas also have two grown sons. She loves gardening, reading, and traveling.
Her desire is to share the love of God to the world through writing articles, stories, and devotions based on the lessons God has revealed to her.
Read Barbara's devotions.
Receive a daily devotion on your Kindle!
Father, help us to fill up every day with the water of Your Word, then when we are squeezed, Your sweet water is what will come out. We want to do all that we can, to become Your glorious church without spot or wrinkle. We make this our prayer today, in Jesus' Name, amen.
Today's prayer for pastors: "Let the mind of Christ be strong in my pastor. Guard my pastor from mental distractions, doubt, and futile thinking. Enable him/her to take every thought captive to obey Christ." 1 Cor. 2;16; Eph. 4:17; Col. 2:8; 2 Cor. 10:3-5 {Taken from Terry Teykl's Scripture-Based Prayers www.praymag.com }
Today's prayer for pastors: "Let the mind of Christ be strong in my pastor. Guard my pastor from mental distractions, doubt, and futile thinking. Enable him/her to take every thought captive to obey Christ." 1 Cor. 2;16; Eph. 4:17; Col. 2:8; 2 Cor. 10:3-5 {Taken from Terry Teykl's Scripture-Based Prayers www.praymag.com }
Today’s Bible verse: Prov. 18:15 NIV "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out."
Today’s quote: Justus Martin – “As others receive our witness about Jesus, their reaction is the work of the Spirit. What we value will be evident to them as we show our compassion for them.”
Some thoughts today: Do you see where bitterness will take you? Seek God to get free.
- When we read the Bible, there will come times that a Scripture will deeply impress you. It’s called a rhema word.
- We have great examples of faith, both in the Bible, and in real life! Let’s follow them, and see what God will do in and for us today!
Sunday’s post: Discovering God's Will Dr. Charles Stanley
Tuesday's post: #31 Pastoral Indiscretion C. Peter Wagner
Thursday's post: #32 Pastors Need Intercession C. Peter Wagner
A popular post: Ingratitude is Contagious...Don't Be a Carrier Sharon Jaynes shares with us, "Ingratitude laced with grumbling, complaining, and murmuring is an easy trap to fall into."
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