We had spent the afternoon at our daughter Lauren’s house, and it had been a good day. We grilled some burgers, played outside and Aunt Amanda jumped on the trampoline with Avery and Haley. They loved it. Avery can do flips now. Papaw doesn’t get on the trampoline ever since he turned that “one and a half” several years ago. Adding a “half” to a flip is okay at the pool, but not so good on a trampoline. But as I said, this day was a good day. As we were saying our goodbyes and giving everybody a hug before we left, Marta commented to our son-in-law Matt, who did a great job on the burgers despite my supervision, “You smell like smoke.” Then she hugged Avery adding, “And girl you smell like you’ve been jumping on the trampoline!” Avery giggled and said, “I guess we all smell like something.” I love that girl.

She’s right, at the end of the day we all smell like something. Everybody was going to need to get cleaned up. That thought reminded of the spiritual truth spoken of in Isaiah 64:6 “For all of us have become like one who is unclean…” Isaiah in that chapter speaks to the fact that all of us have engaged in activities that cause us to be unclean, things that are not just innocent things like cooking burgers or jumping on a trampoline in the hot Texas sun. We have all done things that are outside of the will of God which have left us with the stain and the smell of sin on our hands and our heart. And not one of us should ever look upon himself as being better than anyone else in that regard “For all of us have become like one who is unclean…” Our sin prevents us from having fellowship with God and enjoying the fullness of His blessings for all of eternity.

Because God desires us to have that fellowship with Him, He has provided an answer to our problem through His Son Jesus Christ. Whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. No, the answer to being unclean is not found in any good work that we may do, the answer is found by placing our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. John said it like this in 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Confessing our sin and our need for Christ cleanses us, refreshes us, renews us and revives us. And it sure does feel good to get cleaned up.

I hope you have a blessed weekend. Until next time, stay strong in the faith.