SPRING CLEANING! (If it ever gets to Wisconsin) always gives me a yearning, or needing to do a makeover to a room, a cupboard, a closet, or even for sure me. I’ve tried many temporary ones. Haven’t you? Perhaps you found what I did.

The only makeover plan that will work – or last – is God’s plan. 

Knowing that it takes 21-28 days to create a new habit, you can challenge yourself to get into God’s Word – and, as Phillippians 4:9 says – just do it!

Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

You probably know this was written by the apostle Paul, a follower of Christ, who could humbly encourage others to follow his example.  You may have been told as a child or even directly or indirectly told your own child a similar thing – to do as I do.  Knowing that God has put people like this in our world (especially the examples given you in God’s Word), you are encouraged to take the verses below and well – just do them!

1. Psalm 101: 1, 2 I will sing of lovingkindness and justice, To Thee, O LORD, I will sing praises. I will give heed to the blameless way. . . I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart.

Often the most difficult ones to walk before are in our own house.

2. Isaiah 40: 1, “Comfort, oh comfort my people,” says your God.

3. Look for ways to comfort God’s people (including those in your household)

I Chronicles 16:9 -Sing to him! Play songs for him! Broadcast all his wonders!

4. Psalm 25:7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; According to Thy lovingkindness remember Thou me, For Thy goodness’ sake, O LORD.  God doesn’t look back – neither should you.

5. Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.  Listen to His Word.  Do you see it?  God is instructing you and teaching you personally – in the way that you are ‘bent’ – ‘wired’ – in the way YOU should go.  Treat others that same way – not trying to instruct them in YOUR way but in the way THEY were meant to go.

6. Matthew 19:29 “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, shall receive many times as much, and shall inherit eternal life.  The life of obedience is one of risk, and often even God’s children hold onto things or people that they look to for the security and fulfillment that only God himself can give.

7. Isaiah 1:19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land – Should this be first, or last, or both?  If you are willing, you will hear the instruction.  If you are obedient, you will practice it.

It’s always an intimidating personal challenge for me to rewrite these verses, putting my name in place of you, your or my. It’s like a look in the mirror and not a general command or potential promise. Isaiah is especially forceful. If YOU, Delores, are….YOU, Delores will.

I know it is time for my Spring Cleaning. My time of I will. I hope you will too.