Happy New Year! And This Snow, just wow!!

This morning, my neck of the woods woke up to eight inches of snow. I know it was eight inches because my dear husband literally took a tape measure outback to precisely check for himself!!

We typically only end up with a dusting to a few inches when it snows; so this amount of snow is a rare treasure for us—well maybe not for those who aren’t a fan. I’m loving the beauty of today’s winter wonderland though, it’s the messy roads in the days to come I don’t really favor however!

Beautiful, pure-white snow.

Isaiah’s message of warning to a rebellious nation of Israelites comes on behalf of the Lord in Isaiah 1:18-20 and has this to say:

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

(Bold and italics added by me for the lesson)

Boy if those words don’t sound like we’re just as in need of that warning (today) as Israel and Judah were all those years ago!!!

There are two “ifs” to choose from in that piece of scripture, and depending on the “if” chosen the results are drastically different.

In verse 20b, choosing the second if, consisting of resistance and rebellion, would leave a person in the permanency or stain of deep scarlet-red sin…devoured by the sword.

But by choosing the first if in verse 19, the crimson color that once stood out so boldly from sin, would be entirely replaced with a pure and calm white—the color of snow or wool. Choosing this if requires willingness and obedience but leads to satisfaction or a reward given by the Lord, “you will eat the good things of the land.”

This beautiful, pure in color, dazzling in the sunlight, white snow outside my house windows sets the stage for the reminder that I want to willingly and obediently stand in the presence of God’s desire daily—to “eat the good things of the land,” as quoted.

The message given in Isaiah chapter one—sin cleansed white as snow—was as much for the people of that time as it is for us now. Jesus’ sacrificial blood shed on the cross and his resurrection washed away those crimson colored sin-stains we once carried; and though we’ll continually sin (this side of Heaven) Jesus makes those sins white as snow as we place our faith in Him, seek forgiveness as needed, and remain in unity with Him through a healthy relationship.

Choosing and following Jesus, points us to choose that first “if” in Isaiah 1:19—may we be ever thankful, never taking for granted, but instead praising God for the removal of permanent crimson stain and the washing and cleanness of our sins, white as snow, all because of His magnificent love for us.

Blessings for a Thankful and Healthy 2023!!!

Author: alimw2013

About For His Purpose~ My name is Alicia and I'm a thirty-something year old who loves Jesus. Only through God’s amazing grace and mercy I have been redeemed from past regret and shame. Reading His word has allowed me to look past Satan’s forceful lies, to see myself for who Christ says I am in Him. Through writing I have learned why I made the choices I made in my younger years and I now have a better understanding of why I desire to love God like crazy these days. Despite my daily failures, God remains faithful always. I am reassured of His unconditional love for me by every ink-drop spilled out on paper, each committed prayer as I cry out to Him, and deep understanding reflected through reading His word as truth. Yes keeping a blog will make me vulnerable to others’ opinions- there will be some who don’t understand, some who may criticize or judge, but on the other hand if just one piece expressed through my writing grabs someone’s attention and directs them to God, then pouring out my heart in a blog for the world to read is worth it. I choose to glorify Him alone through words streaming across a glowing screen. And it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t reveal the fact that I’m incredibly quirky; I’m my loving husband’s best friend, my vivacious kids’ craziest cheerleader and spiritual trainer (3 John 1:4). I love anything farmhouse and rustic style. I think cupping a warm coffee mug in the palm of my hands is more satisfying than the contents within. I share a common obsession with my husband for the mountains, but I would (without a doubt) settle for waves crashing against my legs at the Atlantic Ocean just as well, and I almost always have a Yorkie curled up on my lap while writing. *All photos are photographed by forhispurpose.blog and therefore may not be stored or photocopied in any manner.

33 thoughts on “Happy New Year! And This Snow, just wow!!”

      1. Oh my. I’d like to buy an e to finish the word “white” in my last comment.
        Our aspen are not as white as the mountain aspen your way. Swans and snowshoe rabbits in the winter can get really white now that I think of it, but not like snow

        Liked by 1 person

  5. Such beautiful pictures! And thank you for the much needed encouragement. The enemy tries to tell us that we are stained, but we have to remember that Jesus has made us as white as snow. What a loving Lord we serve! 🙌🥰🙏

    Liked by 2 people

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  7. What a difference four hours make. We live a four drive from each other and in my city we only had rain. Question- have you seen any mountain lion tracks in the snow?

    What a blessing that God cleanses us to be white as snow.

    Liked by 2 people

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  8. Gorgeous photos, Lissy. WOW! I love the reflection on the washing as white as snow too – oh to keep short accounts and to walk in loving obedience and stay close to our beloved.
    I hope the fresh snow doesn’t become a hazard in days to come. Happy New Year to you and yours. xx

    Liked by 1 person

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  11. I too love snow–when I don’t have to drive in it. Isn’t it amazing the beauty God creates with nondescript ice crystals? Isaiah 1:18-20 do provide a wonderful metaphor. When God cleanses us from the stains of our sin, we have the potential to be beautiful specimens of his workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)–individually (like snowflakes!) and corporately, like the landscapes you captured in your photos. A beautiful post, Alicia!

    Liked by 1 person

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