Clean Feet

It is not easy to trick a person who stands on principles. The person who lives for pleasure is easily drawn away.

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers." - Psalm 1:1-3 ESV

"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self... lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." - 2 Timothy 3:1-2a, 4b-5 ESV

I want this to be a good week. I don't want to be taken for a ride this week. So, I'll focus on the 'good and perfect' gifts that come from God.

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." - James 1:12-18 ESV

God gives true acceptance. God gives hope for the future. God has given us a cleansing provision that keeps us clean because it continually washes us as we walk in a sometimes dusty world.

"Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, 'Lord, do you wash my feet?' Jesus answered him, 'What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.' Peter said to him, 'You shall never wash my feet.' Jesus answered him, 'If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.' " - John 13:3-8 ESV

We must let Him serve us. We can be kept experientially clean by grace. If we live by principles then we will not be easily drawn away by passions.

Thank you God for another week. Thank you for new opportunities. Give us creativity. Let us see temptation a mile away and help us to flee it's grip. You have made us 'the head' and not 'the tail' and we are believing that you will give us power to in your purity this week. Thank you God.

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