![\"Flood](\"https:\/\/fullmeasureofjoy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Flood-2.jpg\")
<\/a>We had to draw water from the river to wash the mud-filled items to \u201cclean\u201d the items that were found in the debris. There was already a workstation put together. Marilyn and I just picked up where the last crew stopped.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
I found this to be quite interesting. Each item required a different method for getting the mud off. Some were easiest cleaned if we took them to the river and allowed the raging waters to remove the mud. Others required a good scrubbing with a brush or sponge. While still others were cleaned best when a paint brush was used with a gen <\/p>\n I have found that it\u2019s been like this with my life. When I am in tune with Jesus, at gentle touch is all I need to know that I\u2019ve missed the target and there needs to be some clean up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sometimes it\u2019s taken a bit more for me to see the sin in my life and for it to be removed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n But then there have been times when I needed to be taken to the river and dunked to allow the raging waters to get my attention. It\u2019s during these times that I\u2019ve been so stubborn and selfish. When I\u2019ve wanted to hold on to what made me happy. When I\u2019ve turned my back on God and his precepts.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n God calls it \u201cstiff-necked.\u201d And there are nineteen such references in Scripture.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In Deuteronomy 10:16 (NIV), God asked Israel to \u201cCircumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.\u201d <\/i>This sounds like a New Testament verse, doesn\u2019t it? Jesus taught that sin begins in the heart. God planted the seed from the beginning. Mankind didn\u2019t listen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Other actions mentioned in Scripture in relation to being stiff-necked are: wickedness, rebellious, didn\u2019t trust, not submissive, disobedient, stubbornness, turned their backs, refused to listen, not responsive to discipline, and resist the Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Wow. No wonder a good washing at the river is needed when we are in seasons of such disobedience. There\u2019s a lot to be washed away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n But the good news is that God has no desire for any of us to perish. He is standing on the side of the river holding on tightly to you (and me). He will make sure that the river doesn\u2019t pull you under. And when you come up from this good washing, your heart will indeed be clean and circumcised.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Discipline isn\u2019t fun. But there are times in our lives when that\u2019s exactly what we need. When we are submissive to God\u2019s discipline, we are able to understand the full extent of His love for us. Our relationship with God will be healed. Our relationship with God will be better than before. And our relationship with God will be restored.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There is still much work to be done here in Colorado. The flood clean-up will be on-going for months to come. Just because my life has returned to normal, it doesn\u2019t mean that everyone\u2019s has.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n So please keep our efforts in your prayers. Pray for our strength. Pray that we will not grow weary (Galatians 6:9). Pray that the workers will continue to show up each day (regardless of the weather). Pray for financial support to continue. Pray for the safety of the teams that head out each day. Thank you!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grace and peace be yours in abundance,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Donna<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/a>tle touch.<\/p>\n