Acts 3:20-21
Then that time will come when the Lord
will give you fresh strength. He will send you Jesus, his chosen
Messiah. But Jesus must stay in heaven until God makes all things new,
just as his holy prophets promised long ago.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There
was a time when I cleaned our house every week…EVERY.WEEK. - from top
to bottom. I dusted furniture, vacuumed floors, scrubbed bathrooms, and
sometimes cleaned windows and did other “deep cleaning” jobs. At one
house we lived in, we had an entry-way that I waxed and buffed to a high
sheen. This wax had to be periodically stripped with ammonia and
re-applied. What was I thinking?!
For starters, I was a good
20+ years younger and had more energy. These days, Greg laughs because I
spend several days talking about cleaning before it ever gets done. I
will say, “Today, I’m going to clean the house.” He smiles and says,
“Yeah…okay.” Now, for the record, he doesn’t care if I clean the house
or not. His take is, “If we’re not having company, why bother?!” And
to some degree – okay, to a LARGE degree! – I’ve become comfortable with
that philosophy!
But there comes a point where I cannot rest
until my “house is in order” – quite literally. I honestly function
better and have a more positive mood when the house is relatively clean
and orderly. And if we are honest, we are this way with our spiritual
relationship, too – or we should be!
We can rock along for a
while and live in disorder. We can let our prayer life and regular
Bible study (notice I didn’t say DAILY Bible study!) slide a bit. We
can skip a few Sundays here and there at church and get involved in
other activities on the weekends. Some of us take this even further and
slide back into a few old, sinful habits. We let our “inner slob” take
over, and I have to tell you…the devil thinks this is a hoot! Satan
LOVES a “dirty house”!
Too many of us have postponed our
“housecleaning” and set Jesus on the shelf. We know He will return for
us someday – or that He will greet us in Heaven. So in the meantime, we
just plug along, doing whatever we feel we can or that time will allow –
or whatever feels best! We take Him for granted. And honestly, we
grow more sluggish…more weary…and more run down, as outside forces work
their way into our lives and vie for our time and attention.
Today,
I am determined to get my house cleaned. More importantly, I am
working on my heart – the “house” where Jesus lives in the form of His
Holy Spirit. As I go about my scrubbing and dusting, I am talking to
Him, reconnecting…letting His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and
wisdom flood over me and refresh me like a Sunday-afternoon nap! I
encourage you to do the same.
Company IS coming…His name is Jesus! Is your “house” in order? Are you rested and ready?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label cleaning house. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cleaning house. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for April 28, 2011
Luke 12:15
Speaking to the people, he went on, "Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Few among us have not heard of the new reality TV shows that feature “hoarders” – people who have some sort of mental or psychological disconnect that causes them to be unable to part with anything… even garbage. Others continually acquire material possessions… or even pets. And recently, a new show has featured people who use discount coupons to save hundreds of dollars on groceries and other items… but many of them become “hoarders” of sorts, accumulating storage rooms filled with items they don’t even want or use, all because they were “free."
I will be the first to admit that I have too much “stuff”. I have far more clothes than I can wear. I tend to stockpile a few staples and paper goods in the pantry. Everyone knows I love antiques and old things… and my laundry room and closets attest to this. I have mundane collections… from books to nativity sets… and like most people, a fair share of “junk” I just can’t seem to part with.
But I have honestly come to a point in my life where I feel my “stuff” does not define me. I could get rid of most of it tomorrow and be just fine. Maybe I’ve cleaned out one too many drawer at my grandmother’s or gone to enough estate auctions to see that it’s just stuff, and you can’t take it all with you! I stood at an estate auction recently and looked at items being sold for pennies on the dollar and thought, “Yesterday, those things were important and valuable to the person who owned them. Today, they are being auctioned off to the highest bidder.”
Greed is caused by a number of things… deep-seated psychological needs, a mental disconnect, something that happened in one’s past, a strong desire for control, and more. But at the very core, I believe that greed is borne out of a spiritual lack. We are trying to fill up an emptiness within us that only God can fill… but many of us don’t know that He is what we really need. Once we learn to focus on God and the things He desires for us… to spend our time serving Him and living in His presence, our wealth and belongings are not nearly as important… or at least they shouldn’t be!
I stood recently at the cemetery and looked at a large brass box that contained my cousin’s ashes. I thought about my own life and how someday I, too, will be reduced to a box like that. What will be my legacy? Will my “stuff” matter then? Will people talk at my funeral about what a nice car I drove or the house in which I lived? Will they say, “She had nice stuff!” Or will they talk about how I lived… who I loved… how I served my LORD? I pray that I would never be defined by what I have. I pray that we would all learn to value relationships and the things of God more than material wealth.
What about you? What is valuable to you? Are you greedy… a hoarder… defined by your “stuff?” Or are you focused on what really matters? Ask God to help you de-clutter your life and focus on serving Him. Call on Him to give you the wisdom and courage to “clean out the closets” of your life and lay down the baggage. Learn to really live… free and unencumbered. Fill up on God – not things… and see how blessed your life can truly be.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Speaking to the people, he went on, "Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Few among us have not heard of the new reality TV shows that feature “hoarders” – people who have some sort of mental or psychological disconnect that causes them to be unable to part with anything… even garbage. Others continually acquire material possessions… or even pets. And recently, a new show has featured people who use discount coupons to save hundreds of dollars on groceries and other items… but many of them become “hoarders” of sorts, accumulating storage rooms filled with items they don’t even want or use, all because they were “free."
I will be the first to admit that I have too much “stuff”. I have far more clothes than I can wear. I tend to stockpile a few staples and paper goods in the pantry. Everyone knows I love antiques and old things… and my laundry room and closets attest to this. I have mundane collections… from books to nativity sets… and like most people, a fair share of “junk” I just can’t seem to part with.
But I have honestly come to a point in my life where I feel my “stuff” does not define me. I could get rid of most of it tomorrow and be just fine. Maybe I’ve cleaned out one too many drawer at my grandmother’s or gone to enough estate auctions to see that it’s just stuff, and you can’t take it all with you! I stood at an estate auction recently and looked at items being sold for pennies on the dollar and thought, “Yesterday, those things were important and valuable to the person who owned them. Today, they are being auctioned off to the highest bidder.”
Greed is caused by a number of things… deep-seated psychological needs, a mental disconnect, something that happened in one’s past, a strong desire for control, and more. But at the very core, I believe that greed is borne out of a spiritual lack. We are trying to fill up an emptiness within us that only God can fill… but many of us don’t know that He is what we really need. Once we learn to focus on God and the things He desires for us… to spend our time serving Him and living in His presence, our wealth and belongings are not nearly as important… or at least they shouldn’t be!
I stood recently at the cemetery and looked at a large brass box that contained my cousin’s ashes. I thought about my own life and how someday I, too, will be reduced to a box like that. What will be my legacy? Will my “stuff” matter then? Will people talk at my funeral about what a nice car I drove or the house in which I lived? Will they say, “She had nice stuff!” Or will they talk about how I lived… who I loved… how I served my LORD? I pray that I would never be defined by what I have. I pray that we would all learn to value relationships and the things of God more than material wealth.
What about you? What is valuable to you? Are you greedy… a hoarder… defined by your “stuff?” Or are you focused on what really matters? Ask God to help you de-clutter your life and focus on serving Him. Call on Him to give you the wisdom and courage to “clean out the closets” of your life and lay down the baggage. Learn to really live… free and unencumbered. Fill up on God – not things… and see how blessed your life can truly be.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 6, 2011
Psalm 102:25-27
In the beginning, LORD, you laid the earth's foundation and created the heavens. They will all disappear and wear out like clothes. You change them, as you would a coat, but you last forever. You are always the same. Years cannot change you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I gave my closet what I considered a “good cleaning.” I have items of clothing that are more than a decade old… and some jackets that are even older. I know that a few people are probably saying, “I believe it… no wonder you look so outdated!” But I do not like to get rid of things. And honestly, some of these items are still in style – or they have come back into style – and they have a lot of good “wear” left in them!
Some of my shoes are really well-made and appear to be headed toward lasting forever. Others… like my favorite pair of more-than-10-year-old fake leather boots… recently started to “flake” apart. I had to admit that they were worn out and needed to go. And on closer inspection, a lot of the items I thought I couldn’t live without had seen better days or no longer were right for me. So I sacked and sorted and donated and threw away. And I have to admit… I’m really happy with my “new” closet. Even though there are fewer items there, it seems more orderly and spacious… and what is left seems to make more sense.
This is a good time of year for us to clean our “Spiritual” closet, too. It’s time to let go of some old, outdated – or misinformed – concepts we have and seek a sleeker, cleaner, more organized relationship with God. Because you see, His truths are not going anywhere! The love, grace, mercy, and indisputable word of God will never change. But our level of faith… our attitudes and study habits… our level of communication and connection with God… seems to fluctuate. We appear to change our relationship with God often - like we change our wardrobe!
Wouldn’t it feel good to “clean out the closet” once and for all… to get rid of the old, worn-out habits and ideas that stymie your faith and your walk with God? Wouldn’t it be great to have a “Spiritual closet” filled with the “timeless classics” of a solid relationship with Almighty God and His Holy Spirit? Set aside some time to search your heart… to talk to God about what needs to stay, what is missing… and what needs to go. Then give your heart the “Spiritual cleaning” of a lifetime. This time, vow to keep things in order. With God’s help, we can do this… and our Spiritual life will always be in style.
©2010 Debbie Robus
In the beginning, LORD, you laid the earth's foundation and created the heavens. They will all disappear and wear out like clothes. You change them, as you would a coat, but you last forever. You are always the same. Years cannot change you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I gave my closet what I considered a “good cleaning.” I have items of clothing that are more than a decade old… and some jackets that are even older. I know that a few people are probably saying, “I believe it… no wonder you look so outdated!” But I do not like to get rid of things. And honestly, some of these items are still in style – or they have come back into style – and they have a lot of good “wear” left in them!
Some of my shoes are really well-made and appear to be headed toward lasting forever. Others… like my favorite pair of more-than-10-year-old fake leather boots… recently started to “flake” apart. I had to admit that they were worn out and needed to go. And on closer inspection, a lot of the items I thought I couldn’t live without had seen better days or no longer were right for me. So I sacked and sorted and donated and threw away. And I have to admit… I’m really happy with my “new” closet. Even though there are fewer items there, it seems more orderly and spacious… and what is left seems to make more sense.
This is a good time of year for us to clean our “Spiritual” closet, too. It’s time to let go of some old, outdated – or misinformed – concepts we have and seek a sleeker, cleaner, more organized relationship with God. Because you see, His truths are not going anywhere! The love, grace, mercy, and indisputable word of God will never change. But our level of faith… our attitudes and study habits… our level of communication and connection with God… seems to fluctuate. We appear to change our relationship with God often - like we change our wardrobe!
Wouldn’t it feel good to “clean out the closet” once and for all… to get rid of the old, worn-out habits and ideas that stymie your faith and your walk with God? Wouldn’t it be great to have a “Spiritual closet” filled with the “timeless classics” of a solid relationship with Almighty God and His Holy Spirit? Set aside some time to search your heart… to talk to God about what needs to stay, what is missing… and what needs to go. Then give your heart the “Spiritual cleaning” of a lifetime. This time, vow to keep things in order. With God’s help, we can do this… and our Spiritual life will always be in style.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 28, 2010
Acts 7:49
"Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? In what place will I rest?”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have watched television or read a newspaper – or even gone online – in the last few days, you know that “after-Christmas sales” are everywhere. Let’s be honest… the storekeepers would rather sell their wares to us at dirt-cheap prices than keep them around to be inventoried. And… they hope they can at least get a little more money out of them, rather than store them for next year.
More than one person will take some time this week to clean out a closet and/or a few drawers. “Out with the old – in with the new,” we’ll say! As we look toward a new year, many of us will clear out some clutter and make room for the new things we got for Christmas – or purchased afterward.
This is a good time for us to clear out the “Spiritual clutter,” as well. If you are like me, there are a few old thought processes and habits that need to be tossed, making room for a renewed faith and more Godly characteristics. For me, the “clutter” in my life is a penchant for whining and complaining about things I should be handing over to God. I know I cannot fix them… and I know WHO can! So why waste a minute of my time – or the ear of those who have to listen to me – when The One who can truly do something is waiting to hear from me?!
My challenge to each of us this week is to spend a few hours clearing out some clutter – cleaning up our house (literally and spiritually) – and getting things in order. We will function better in a house that is neat and organized… and we owe it to God to create a “Spiritual house” for Him that is clutter-free and full of room for Him to dwell. What kind of “house” have you prepared? Can the Holy Spirit truly rest there? Do what you have to do to get things in order. Tie up the loose ends, clear out the junk, and make room for the new things He has in store for you! Start the New Year with a fresh attitude and clean spaces!
©2010 Debbie Robus
"Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? In what place will I rest?”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have watched television or read a newspaper – or even gone online – in the last few days, you know that “after-Christmas sales” are everywhere. Let’s be honest… the storekeepers would rather sell their wares to us at dirt-cheap prices than keep them around to be inventoried. And… they hope they can at least get a little more money out of them, rather than store them for next year.
More than one person will take some time this week to clean out a closet and/or a few drawers. “Out with the old – in with the new,” we’ll say! As we look toward a new year, many of us will clear out some clutter and make room for the new things we got for Christmas – or purchased afterward.
This is a good time for us to clear out the “Spiritual clutter,” as well. If you are like me, there are a few old thought processes and habits that need to be tossed, making room for a renewed faith and more Godly characteristics. For me, the “clutter” in my life is a penchant for whining and complaining about things I should be handing over to God. I know I cannot fix them… and I know WHO can! So why waste a minute of my time – or the ear of those who have to listen to me – when The One who can truly do something is waiting to hear from me?!
My challenge to each of us this week is to spend a few hours clearing out some clutter – cleaning up our house (literally and spiritually) – and getting things in order. We will function better in a house that is neat and organized… and we owe it to God to create a “Spiritual house” for Him that is clutter-free and full of room for Him to dwell. What kind of “house” have you prepared? Can the Holy Spirit truly rest there? Do what you have to do to get things in order. Tie up the loose ends, clear out the junk, and make room for the new things He has in store for you! Start the New Year with a fresh attitude and clean spaces!
©2010 Debbie Robus
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