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Freshly Washed

"The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them." Luke 3:15-18

One day in prayer, I felt to pray, "God, I don't want to be the chaff." 

All the while, I was thinking, "How could I possibly be the chaff? I am currently at church, praying. I actually work at a church. Plus, I attend church three times a week."

But God was urging me to pray this prayer. So I obeyed. Suddenly, I started to weep, gut wrenching sobs of repentance. I honestly could think of nothing specific that I was repenting for. I just did it anyway. I cried and cried.

Then I felt that clean, washed feeling that I hadn't felt for awhile. I think I will pray that prayer again right now. 

"Thank You, Jesus, that I am given the opportunity to cry tears of repentance again and again. Even when I can't think of anything specific. It feels so wonderful to be freshly washed. How I love You. AMEN."

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