paid – KARLA LEES @hopenHispresenz

I’ve wiped the slate of all your wrongdoings. There’s nothing left of your sins.Come back to Me, come back. I’ve redeemed you. Isaiah 44:22 MSG

You know that list you have been keeping in secret? That running tab of all the wrongs you have done? All the things you failed at, failed to do or failed to stop yourself from doing?

It’s time to let Him wipe your tab clean.

Whereas we may keep a running total, God doesn’t work that way.

When Jesus went to the cross, ALL your sin was wiped out in the avalanche of loving grace and holy blood that was shed for our wrongdoings. All of them. Ever.

We can allow that list we are keeping—which has already been marked fully paid—to hold us back from drawing close to Him.

God reminds us in this verse that He wants nothing to keep us from Him. So much so, He cleared the way home for our return.

Run home, friend.

Allow your Father to fully embrace you and clothe you in the pure garments He has waiting for you when you trade in your list for His loving grace.

#ReturnHomeProdigals

This devotion first appeared at: Remade Community.

I am an avid tea drinker.

Oh, don’t get me wrong. I love a good Americano, a perfectly balanced dark cup of coffee with a hint of cocoa & cherries, and I make a mean latte as a former barista.

But tea is my thing.

Whatever is in your cup in the morning will be customized by you, I can tell you with absolute confidence. You will add what you like, fix your cuppa just right before you sip from it. And if its perfect, you will consider that an added bonus to your day. If not, it will leave a twinge of a bad taste in your mouth. Literally too.

We are designed to be holders of more than coffee or tea, Beloved.

We were meant to carry His Presence with us.

As His vessels (for the same of argument, a coffee mug or tea cup) we are meant to be filled with Him anew each day, and then overflow onto those around us.

Uhuh.

Unlike coffee or tea, which when spilled stains, irks or causes pain, sharing His Presence leads to increased peace, greater joy, and a sense of being unlike anything else. Even better than the perfect cuppa coffee or tea.

There are a few keys to keeping your cup (yourself) filled with Him.

1. Read the Word.

Let it steep within you, flavouring everything you are with His truth.

2. Spend time with Him.

Worship Him, let His intoxicating aroma surround you as He draws near.

3. Invite Him in.

Without water, tea leaves and coffee beans cannot be released to become as intended. Without Living Water, we do not unfurl into who He desires for us to be. Ask Him to soak you as only He can.

4. Follow the Leader.

The best coffee masters and tea sommeliers know that without a skilled instructor who can both show you & offer their wealth of experience, your effort may be in vain as you attempt to put into practice what is only head knowledge. Learning anything new requires depending upon your teacher. Holy Spirit dwells within us to teach & guide us. Learning to follow Him as He leads us on will help us keep our cups topped up.

5. Stop for frequent top ups & refills.

Taking the time to recharge & refilled. Don’t allow yourself to become drained. Allow Him to remind you when you need to pause and become topped up. We are always free to drop by, for God is open 24/7 for all eternity, and the cost has been prepaid.

Today, take a moment and ask Him to fill you. Invite Him to use you to spread blessing into the lives of those around you.

Caffeine has nothing on His Presence, Beloved. Ask Him to prove it!

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what’s in your cup?