It's Here!!!

Down town Attalla as the snow begins to cover everything.
Very unusual to have two events of snow here so close together, that produced a measurable amount.

It is beautiful and quiet.
I stood on my porch last night watching it and listening to the wind, all the while thanking God that our power stayed on.

Funny part is that underneath that snow, I know what lies there.

In front of my house is a ditch full of leaves, but you can't see it because of the snow.

There is a rough place on our street that the city is going to fix, but you can't see it because of the snow.

Out back is the grand kids sand box, but you can't see it because of the snow.

Near the back of our lot is a stump from a pine tree I had cut down, but you won't be able to see it.

It's covered up by the snow.
The snow makes everything beautiful and hidden.
Sometimes we do the same thing with our hearts.

We cover up our defects and sins and behaviors with a "religious" snow.

We are, as Jesus said, like white washed tombs.

Reading in Leviticus 1 this morning.
Right off the bat, we are dealing with the appropriate way to bring a burnt offering to the Tabernacle.

The burnt offering was given as you stepped into the outer court of the Tabernacle.

It was an offering that dealt with sin and this had to be done before you came into God's presence.

Verse 3 reads: If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to offer a male without defect.

Symbolic of Jesus being offered as a sacrifice for our sins.

Jesus was hauled from one court to another in order to convict him but no charge could be brought.

He was without moral defect or blemish.

The offering was cut open and cut apart.
Every piece of the offering was dealt with in a specific way.

Our relationship with Jesus (if you have been saved) is about the "inside".

The motive behind what we do.
The thought behind what we say.
The heart and what comes forth from it in word and deed.
Somehow we believe our right standing with God is about the outside behavior.

Hebrew 4:12-13

The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirits, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

The human heart has the ability to self-deceive.
Don't allow it to convince you that you are covered with snow.

All beautiful and white and pristine.

Let the word of God uncover what we try to keep hidden.

There in the uncovering, you will find grace and mercy.
Love and compassion.
Forgiveness.

Be made new today!

God on you...

mb