"Soul Bath?"

Ahhhhh - pumpkin spice coffee a-brewing - smooth jazz playing in the house - morning stretching done... I'm telling you all .... taking the time it SO worth it - and a long exhale with Jesus on the couch....

PERFECT beginning to my day.

Now, on to the "meat" that's on my heart.

The other night I was at a ladies' bible study (precious)... and someone said, "You wouldn't think about not taking a bath or shower to wash off the physical dirt of the day, but why is that we forsake so easily the equally important soul bath?"

Oh -- did that ever get my mind to pondering.

"Soul bath"

I like that expression A LOT!

Why is it that the soul bath is too easily forsaken on a daily basis?

I do believe that such forsaking becomes highly evident to those around us.

We sort of begin to .... well... smell... bad.

I can only imagine what we begin to smell like to God!

The necessity to repent has never diminished, though it rarely is discussed in Christian circles these days.

God's love is certainly talked about.

God's mercy is certainly talked about.

God's grace is certainly talked about.

But God's holiness and the absolute necessity to repent of our daily sins .... now that's where we begin to exercise "selective hearing".

And oh boy... does selective hearing ratchet up even further when God's judgement is discussed.

But selective hearing or not.... nothing changes God's character, and one cannot separate God's components that comfort us from God's components that confront us.  (Read that again...carefully.)

We all must take the time to take daily "soul baths".... staying in right relationship with our Creator.... and that absolutely demands we repent as much as we give thanks.

Let the Lord's words speak....

"Come let us discuss this,"

says the Lord.

"Though your sins are like scarlet,

they will be as white as snow;

though they are as red as crimson,

they will be like wool.

IF you are willing and obedient,

you will eat the good things of the land.

BUT if you refuse and rebel,

you WILL  be devoured by the sword."

For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

Isaiah 1: 18-21

Did He get your attention? Talk about a severe contrast of two VERY different outcomes based on the presence or absence of two regular actions from those who call Him Lord: repentance and obedience.

The Cross did NOT and does NOT nullify God's holiness, rather it confirmed it.  He remains forever holy...unblemished... and calls you and I to such a place.  That call REQUIRES daily soul baths in His presence...giving thanks...BUT also contrite repentance. 

Make sure you take your bath today....

and tomorrow....

and the day after that....

♡Godspeed♡