A Clean Slate

Scripture Thought for the Week: Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 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, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:1-3
The following poem was read recently at my cousin, Bennies, funeral. His granddaughter, Kathryn Mason, shared these lovely words with me. With her permission, I have included them in this weeks devotional thought.

When I say that 'I am a Christian', I am not shouting that I am clean living. I'm whispering I was lost, but now I'm found and forgiven. When I say' I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride. Im confessing that I stumble and I need Christ to be my guide. When I say I am a Christian Im not trying to be strong. Im professing I am weak and I need His strength to carry on. When I say I am a Christian Im not bragging of success. Im admitting I have failed and I need God to clean my mess. When I say I am a Christian Im not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it. When I say I am a Christian I feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, but I call upon His name. When I say I am a Christian I am not holier than thou, Im just a simple sinner who received Gods good grace somehow! Author: Benand
A new beginning, a fresh start, a clean slate are descriptive phrases that come to mind when I turn the calendar to a new year. The Lord be praised for the dawning of another year in which we can strive to live a life worthy of His grace and mercy. Currently outside my kitchen window there is snow covering the ground. Its an unbelievable sheet of white that has been unmarred by dirt or grim. It resembles an opportunity laid before

Christians as we contemplate how we will walk through this year and what adventures and possible heartaches will be faced in 2013. But one thing we can rest assured of in our faith; God is ever before us, behind us, above us and walking beside us every step of the way. With that knowledge we can look forward with great expectation to the days that unfold in 2013. May God bless us with an awesome 365 days in which to walk closer to the Lord Jesus Christ. May He strengthen us and sustain our paths in ways never dreamed and may He use our lives to bring others closer to the Cross of Jesus Christ! God bless, my friends!

Thank you, Father, for another opportunity to work and worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! May this year prove to be a life changing journey in which many will come to know Jesus as Savior and the lives of Christians strengthened by the Holy Spirits indwelling. May your name be praised! Amen!