I was just reading my Bible and "happened across" something very interesting and very good. Of course I don't believe in coincidences so I know the Holy Spirit wanted me to read this at this time.

Oh God has scourged me a number of times! It is not pleasant by any means but necessary in order to move closer to Him. I have been reduced to the point many times that I have cried out to Him to clean me up no matter the cost. When that happens and God chooses to scourge me I am reduced to tears and can no more than utter the words of the publican in Luke 18:

God, be merciful to me a sinner! When He should have scolded me He comforted me. When I should have died He gave me life and hope. Then here is what I "happened across" a little bit ago:

Oh my word! Cleanse thou me from secret faults! Wow! How many of us have such "secret faults' in our lives? Do we have things hiding in dark corners of us that we think others do not know about? Do we have things lurking within us that perhaps we are even bold enough to think God does not know about them? What do I have in my life that may remain to be cleaned up? Is there any more in me that God needs to rip out of me like one rips a splinter out of their hand?

Cleanse thou me from secret faults; God, clean me up! Clean me up that I may be more effective for you and therefore for others that may come into contact with me. Make me a servant Lord.

In Christ,
George

Amen! I can identify with being reduced to tears while under conviction. Though the chastening is not pleasant, those moments of raw repentance are the Lord drawing us closer to Himself.