Just gross……..

We got this picture from our boys as we were hours away from home on a day trip. She (Holly) was so proud of herself, standing at the window waiting to come inside with her “catch.” Our boys watched knowing what she “caught” wasn’t allowed in this house…. She couldn’t fathom leaving this behind in order to come inside with her family. Furthermore, our boys knew she needed it removed from her mouth too! They understood, although they wouldn’t let her inside, for her own health she couldn’t keep this thing in her mouth.
(We were very proud of both our boys for handling this while we were away.)

How many times do I say, Lord, look at what I’ve done or what I have, aren’t you proud of me? I’m ready to come inside and be close to you. God graciously and patiently says, that’s not allowed in here. You can’t hold onto that and come spend time with me too.

In Paul’s letter’s he wrote to the Galatians in Chapter 3, rid yourself of relying on the law, on works of the law, you have been saved by faith and are an heir with Christ. Chapter 4 says do not become enslaved to the meaningless traditions.

Paul to the Ephesians in chapter 4 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

To the Philippians he says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” In chapter 3 Paul tells the Philippians to put no confidence in what they can do themselves.

To the Colossians Paul says “now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self.”

Then again John wrote in the letters to the churches in Revelation a list of what “catch” they need to be removing from their mouths.
They lost their first love.
They became sexually immoral.
Turned back to false religions, even becoming spiritually dead.
They became lukewarm, not good for any work of the Lord, completely apathetic.
Although salvation is free,  a pardon, is irrevocable, our continued “catch,” or sin can keep us from having a close relationship with the Lord.
Great communion with Him.

These things are very clear throughout the Bible, communion with the Lord in the way He intended and the way He desires cannot happen if we are carrying around our own “catches,” unwilling to lay them down as we stand wanting to have relationship with Him.

By my own admission I haven’t “arrived” or haven’t given allll of these over to Him. This is a constant lifestyle of walking and cleaning, trying to carry what I shouldn’t and repenting, and laying it down before Him. Where in the past, I would have believed once I have done this, I am good to go…. Forever. If John was writing to the churches in Revelation, and this is a concept throughout the New Testament, I should take notice…..

For some reason there are a multitude of squirrels in this world, you might be surprised, this was not the only squirrel our sweet Holly dog has found. Much like her, I will continue to find a “catch,” pick it up and carry it. The more I am willing to lay it down, the easier I am able to commune with my heavenly Father. I cannot carry the things or feelings of this earthly world and also live kingdom mindset and heart with Him.