November 22, 2013
Red Lipstick
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God (2 Corinthians 7:1).
Friend to Friend
When my three children were young, it was a challenge to keep track of where they were at all times. My husband and I baby proofed the house as best we could, used gates and did our best. I’ll never forget the day that Preston and Kennedy were accounted for in the playroom, but Hunter had wandered off. I called for him, but got no response.
Curious, I headed for the front staircase and listened for his little two-year-old voice. I checked his bedroom – no Hunter. I checked Preston’s room – no Hunter. I checked Kennedy’s room – no Hunter. By now, my heart was racing and I was growing concerned. As I headed into my bedroom, I began to hear faint noises from the master bathroom. Our bathroom mirror gave me all the information that I needed… Hunter had gotten into my red lipstick.
It. Was. Everywhere!
I wanted to laugh. I wanted to cry! He was unaware of my presence as he continued his creative red-lipstick artwork on my walls and on the linen closet door. I quickly crossed the threshold of the bathroom door and confronted my little chubby-cheeked ‘red lipstick-all-over-his-face’ boy. He immediately hid his scandalous red tool behind his back…thinking I was none the wiser. I asked him what he was doing, to which he replied “Nothing.” In my best trying-not-to-laugh mommy voice, I continued to ask him a series of questions and he continually denied any wrongdoing.
This makes me wonder; how many times have I gone before the Lord in prayer holding a tube of red lipstick behind my back. How many times have I – and do I – think I’m pulling one over on Him? Just as simply as I saw the tangible evidence of Hunter’s red face, God sees our hearts and knows what we’ve been up to. He sees pride, anger, gossip and bitterness. He sees un-forgiveness, un-confessed sins, the habits we cling to, the shows we watch, the private texts and conversations that are happening and the books we read that don’t honor Him. He sees our failures and lovingly longs for us to allow Him to clean up the mess we’ve made.
The Bible calls us to a higher level of living. A higher level of holiness: in Christ. “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
A few years back, after praying about my constant need for restoration and forgiveness, I was inspired to write a song called “Restore.” CLICK here for a moment of reflection as you listen to the song.
Before the messes and secrets in our lives can be cleaned up, our red lipsticks need to be tossed. What is your red lipstick today? We all have them. Are you ready to hand it over to God?
Let’s Pray
Dear God, please forgive me for the things in my life that I’ve kept from You or tried to hide from You. You deserve better from me. Help me eliminate everything in my life and in my heart that “contaminates my body and spirit.” I want my life to be a reflection of Your holiness.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Consider the red lipstick(s) that God may be calling you to toss aside. Seek Him in prayer and toss away! Ask God to strengthen your faith and to purify your heart, then swing by my blog or my Facebook page and say, “I tossed my lipsticks!”
Do you trust that God’s plan for your life is better that your plan for your life?
More from the Girlfriends
I have some exciting news to share with you! Many of you know that I don’t just write devotions, I also write and sing songs. After many months of writing and recording, my new single has just been released! It is called “My Strength, My Song.” Download it from iTunes, or click here to watch the lyric video on my YouTube page.
Seeking God?
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Girlfriends in God
Matthews, NC 28106
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www.girlfriendsingod.com
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