Washing Laundry

Titus 3:5 – He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit. (NASB)

The other morning I was sorting the laundry into piles of cottons, polyesters, darks, whites, and heavily soiled clothes. My usual, mundane ritual of sorting and throwing the various piles of clothing into the washing machine turned into an adventure of teaching!

We, like the laundry, are continually being cleansed by the Holy Spirit, if we allow Him. Sometimes He has to "rub" a heavily soiled spot or stain (sin) over and over until we repent of this sin. As bleach is added to the water to brighten and remove unwanted stains, so too, the Holy Spirit will refresh and renew us as we diligently study God's word and apply His teaching to our lives.

Sometimes, He allows circumstances to arise in our lives for our growth, just like throwing articles into the clothes dryer. As articles of clothing emerge smooth and wrinkle-free from the dryer, so we too, are smoothed and wrinkles are removed daily by applying God's word to our hearts.

Prayer: Father in heaven, do not take Your Holy Spirit from us. Rather, empower us, refresh us, and create a clean heart in us so that we may serve You fully and to Your glory. Amen.