Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
May 3, 2022
Read Jeremiah 4:14-18
14 Cleanse your heart of evil, Jerusalem, that you may be saved. How long will you entertain your destructive ideas? 15 A voice declares from Dan; someone proclaims disaster from the highlands of Ephraim. 16 Warn the nations, proclaim it to Jerusalem! Armies are approaching from a far-away country, raising their war cries against the towns of Judah. 17 They hem her in like those guarding a field because she has rebelled against me, declares the LORD. 18 Your own conduct, your own deeds have done this to you. This is your payment and how bitter it is, piercing into the depths of your heart.
Good Morning, Open your heart to Jesus!
When I was growing up, each Spring, my family would begin the ritual of spring cleaning. We would clean closets, get rid of clothing that no longer fit, clean behind the furniture, and wash windows. Washing windows was never my favorite. My mom’s solution of vinegar and water was stinky and cleaning out the debris left by bugs over the past year was “gross”. What I do remember of that dreaded task, was how great the windows sparkled after the cleaning was completed.
Over the years, I have become less motivated to complete the spring cleaning rituals of my youth. As a teacher, spring is a busy time of year and it’s easy to think, “I’ll do that cleaning this summer when school is out.” It’s funny, but those highly anticipated days of summer with all that time to clean and make the windows sparkle seem to slip away so quickly, and before you know it, a new season has begun with the work we planned to do unfinished.
In Jeremiah, we read about the need to clean our hearts. We need to purge ourselves of all the hate and evil that we harbor in our hearts and minds. Just like the cluttered closets waiting to be cleaned, our hearts and minds are full of contempt, dislike, judgment, and jealousy. All of this clutter is leaving no room for the things upon which we are called to focus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8
The time has come to clean ourselves and make room for the love, peace, and joy that Jesus provides to those who follow him.
Loving and Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. We promise to love you and thank you, but we forget to give up our earthly ways. Help us clean our hearts. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: What do I need to clean out of my heart to make more room for God?
Purge those things that stand between you and Jesus! Pastor Liz
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