In 2008, I went with a group from our church in North Carolina to spend a little more than a week near Port Arthur, Texas cleaning up from Hurricanes Katrina and Ike. Our job consisted of tearing out mold-infested and water-damaged flooring and sheet rock. We knew that if the mold or the rotting wood was not removed, the houses would continue to deteriorate and eventually fall apart completely.
Of the four homeowners that received help that week, one could not stop thanking us enough. It was obvious that she was glad we intervened in her life situation.
These houses were in desperate need of restoration, but aren’t we very much in need of similar intervention?
We can give praise, because God made a way through His son Jesus for us to be restored and made new. That slow deterioration that comes from the sin of our bad choices can be purified and cleansed from us forever! Jesus is the only one who can forgive sin. When we allow Christ to renovate our “house,” He makes it new, alive and healthy. And when we invite Jesus in, He makes a commitment to stay until the “house” is finished, completely restored.
And I am certain that God, Who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
Therefore we boldly can sing:
I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene
and wonder how He could love me a sinner condemned unclean.
He took my sin and my sorrows and made them His very own.
He bore the burden to Calvary and suffered and died alone.
How marvelous! How wonderful
And my song shall ever be!
How marvelous! How wonderful
Is my Savior’s love for me!
How great is God’s love for us!
PS. You did know Jesus was a carpenter right?
Because of Your Love
I Stand Amazed
How Deep The Father’s Love for Us
Purify (Love Divine)