NEW! I wanted to let you know that the “This is My Life” Basic Planner is now available in print! The other versions of planners will be available in print soon. Also, the digital version of the All-In-One Bundle is still on sale. You can read more about my planners here.

A Time to Clean: Day 17

You can read the rest of the posts in this series here. 

My house is 65 years old and nowhere near air tight. I’m not really sure how they get in, but all I know is I have to frequently dust the cobwebs from the ceiling and all of the corners. I have a long duster for reaching the corners and ceilings around the house and I usually assign my youngest daughter to dust the tabletops and bookcases. It’s an easy enough task and she seems to enjoy using the lemon scented polish.

Sometimes I’m embarrassed when I look up and see a cobweb dangling from the ceiling and it’s really noticeable… and I wonder how I didn’t see that before. How does that happen without me noticing?

But it does happen. Dust and cobweb creep in before I know it and just like the rest of my cluttered life, I find myself womdering how I can be so blind to what is probably so obvious to others.

Once your spaces are free of excess clutter, it’s time to start cleaning. No doubt the clutter has left behind some dust, dirt, and grime. If you’re not sure how to get started cleaning, you can read my basic step-by-step guides on how to clean your house. You can even print them out!

A Time to Dust Off Your Bible

Sometimes when our lives are so cluttered and we fail to create margin, it’s easy to set the Bible aside – however faithfully we try to live each day – and not really read or study the Scriptures.

As we make real changes for the better and ask God to give us a clean heart and make time for prayer and devotion, it’s also time to set aside time each week for deeper, more meaningful Bible study. Reading a verse or even a chapter each morning as part of our devotion is wonderful – we need to stay connected to God and starting off the day with the life giving Manna is a vital, necessary part of that. But it’s also vital that we delve deep into God’s Word and study truth and theology just like the Bereans did.

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11

Theology and doctrine are so important! These days Christians often set aside doctrine believing that it isn’t necessary or pertinent to the average Christian life. In this post modern age where people believe that there is no absolute truth – that what works for me might not work for you and vice versa – doctrine has fallen by the wayside.

But the Bible says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

[Tweet “The idea that doctrine is only for theologians or scholars could be very dangerous. “]

The idea that doctrine is only for theologians or scholars is very misguided – and could be very dangerous. We should search the Scriptures seeking after truth so that we may not be deceived.

“For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.” Matthew 24:24 NLT.

Hopefully you’ve found a place in your home for your personal worship and you’re learning to spend dedicated time each day in prayer. Now, it’s time to add Bible study to your new habit!

Today’s Goal

• Make a point the begin delving deeper into the word of God. If you’re not sure how to study the Bible, you can read my tips here. Sabbath afternoon would be a good time to set aside… or any other time that works for you!
• Pray about making hard decisions – about what things you should keep, preserve, or let go.
• Pick up a journal and write down your thoughts about what He has shown you or print my free prayer journal.
• Choose an area in your home you want to tackle. I’ll be working in upstairs today.
• Fill at least one bag or box full of stuff to give away. You can donate to our Appalachian Community Center if you’d like.
• Take a picture of your bag. Share it on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram – use hashtag #atimetoclean {optional}
• Leave a comment below about what you chose to get rid of and anything else God has laid on your heart.
• Do your best to wake up early tomorrow and spend time in prayer. Use your prayer journal. I’ll be waking up around 6:00 am.

My Progress

I got a lot done last week before Thanksgiving. I still have several areas of my home that need decluttering – but I’m getting there! Here’s a look at some of what we hauled away this past week:

How was your week? Did you get rid of some clutter?