We Are Little Lambs Who Receive Cleansing From The Good Shepherd.

Isaiah 1:16-18

"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow. “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

• Followers of Jesus are called to live a life of repentance. Being honest with God about our faults and failures. When we come to Him with a heart broken over our sin, He IS gracious and kind to show us mercy and forgiveness. But if we choose to continue on in sinful rebellion, we should not be surprised to be 'broken and undone' (Proverbs 29:1).

• God is perfectly well and able to reason with us if we will listen to Him. He does not try to manipulate, mislead or confuse us. He is not the author of confusion but of peace. He does not rebuke us because He enjoys it, but because He is the Good Father, the Good Shepherd who looks out for His little lambs who constantly wander and get lost.

• Learn to repent daily, and to experience His Lovingkindness in mercy and truth. Learn daily to trust in His perfect will and Grand Design, whether in moments of comfort or moments of difficulty. He is always worthy to be trusted at all times.