Corona Devo 1209

I did some cleaning today.  I didn't set out with "cleaning" on my daily docket, but while in the motions of moving from one task into another, I decided to take-the-time to inspect some areas that I normally brush right by.  And boy, it became clear that I have been "brushing by" without stopping to tend and take care for too long.  It was time for a dusting, a cleansing, a wipe-down and a clean-up.  

I'm embarrassed at the amount of dust and gunk that had accumulated over time in some spots.  I keep things clean, but sediment seems to happen anyway and build-up develops, even if we try to be proactive in not allowing it.  

Every once in a while, we just have to stop our normal routine and build-in a deep clean.

~~~  

In the following verses, the prophet Haggai is giving God's people a talking-to.  They needed to take a fresh look at themselves because they have been brushing-by God and taking care of themselves instead of honoring the Lord and taking care of His church and Laws.  

We are not so different, and if we (also) have allowed the dust-to-build-up on our relationship with God or our commitment to following Him, then allow Haggai's words to chisel away at the grime that has built-up and divided our once undivided attention to God.  

Haggai's words are strong, but sometimes we need a good scrub to our souls.

“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: The people are saying, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.’”  

(3) Then the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai: (4) “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? 

(5) This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! (6) You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!  

(7) “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! (8) Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord.   ~Haggai 1:2-8  

Cleanse us today, Lord.  Let's get back to the business of serving You.  Turn our hearts toward deeds and attitudes that bring You pleasure and honor You.  Amen.   

~~~

A friend of mine once told me that she keeps a magic-eraser-sponge in the shower, and each day she "pushes it around" with her foot to give the floor of the tub/shower a once-over.  It's not hard or time-consuming, but her shower looks good!  I have also seen other showers that do not look good.  

The "daily routine" of  keeping it clean, pays dividends.  

Here's a secret: reading the Bible will have the same effect on us.  If we will get into the habit of "opening the pages" of God's Word, it will change our lives.  

This is how I spend my life: obeying your commandments.  (57) Lord, you are mine!  I promise to obey your words!...

(59) I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws.  (60) I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.  

(61) Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions. 

(64) O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees.  (65) You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised.  (66) I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge.  (67) I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.  (68) You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees.

(72) Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.  ~Psalm 119:56-57, 59-61, 64-68. 72

~~~

Do some spiritual cleaning today.  Even if we didn't set out with "cleaning" on our daily docket--decide to take-the-time to inspect some areas of our faith/relationship-with-Jesus/devotion-to-God that we normally brush right on by.  

Is it time for a dusting, cleansing, wipe-down, or clean-up?

We might be embarrassed at the amount of dust and gunk that had accumulated over time in some spots.  We want/hope/try to keep our hearts and spiritual-practices clean, but sediment seems to happen anyway and build-up develops, even if we try to be proactive in not allowing it.  

Every once in a while, we just have to stop our normal routine and build-in a deep spiritual clean.  It's cleaning day!

Let us examine and probe our ways, And let us return to the Lord.  ~Lamentations 3:40

Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?  ~II Corinthians 13:15
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  ~I John 1:9

Blessings, 

sarah

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com

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