Holy Housekeeping 4 - Keep Pests Out

Do you not know that your body is a house of God where the Holy Spirit lives? God gave you His Holy Spirit. Now you belong to God. You do not belong to yourselves.  God bought you with a great price. So honor God with your body. You belong to Him. -- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLV

Exterminators will affirm that the best way to keep mice, roaches, ants, mites, and termites out of our homes is to prevent them from entering in the first place. Just as prudent people seal cracks and openings in order to keep these destructive pests out, we, as Christians, ought to regularly check ourselves for gaps where sin can enter. As we discover are own vulnerabilities, it becomes imperative to quickly seal them, lest full blown sin enter. Weaknesses for drugs, alcohol, or sex are fairly easy to identify.  But, other pests are more subtle. An unhealthy desire for wealth, status, pleasure, or popularity, can infiltrate any aspect of our beings. A seemingly innocent emotion such as worry or a strong desire for comfort can be spiritually destructive. Regularly fellowshipping with other Christians, self-examination, along with daily prayer, and study of God’s Word will help to prevent sin from entering and taking root. 

But when an infestation does occur, simply vacuuming up the crumbs and washing the linens may not be enough. Sometimes, we have to call in the professionals. A caring Christian pastor or counselor may be needed to lead us back to the Lord. 

Yet, the Book of Psalms explains the best way to deal with anything that can corrupt our souls.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalms 139: 23-24 NIV).

Holy Housekeeping 3 - Check the Foundation

In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.--Ephesians 2:22 ESV

A tragic event in June of 2021 brought to mind the importance of a dwelling’s foundation. On that day, a beachfront condominium building in a suburb of Miami collapsed, killing 98 people. It is believed that the foundation was at fault. Foundation problems can arise due to a variety of issues such as faulty concrete mix, unrepaired cracks, water/drainage problems, temperature changes, tree roots, or the quantity of rebar. If structural conditions at Surfside were addressed long ago, the lives of so many might have been spared.

Jesus explained the importance of a solid foundation. "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash" (Matthew 7:24-27 NIV).
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As Christians, the Lord lives within us. Jesus has established our foundation. How do we keep this incredible dwelling place strong and secure? It is vital that each of us studies God’s Word daily and becomes part of a solid church family, not resting on faulty ideas, but instead, strengthening the foundation continually with spiritual rebar. Believers must remain alert for the trickle of doubts and temptations that can erode the foundation. Finally, it is essential to keep the warmth of love active throughout the day, lest frozen insensitivity cause cracks in the base.  

Holy Housekeeping 2 - Leave Your Shoes at the Door

Do you not know that your body is a house of God where the Holy Spirit lives? God gave you His Holy Spirit. Now you belong to God. You do not belong to yourselves. God bought you with a great price. So honor God with your body. You belong to Him. -- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLV

According to a University of Arizona study, after two weeks, a new pair of shoes has collected 421,000 units of bacteria on the bottoms. The bacteria includes E. coli and other organisms that can cause meningitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and a number of other maladies. For this reason, in many parts of the world, it is standard practice to leave shoes at the door.

As we “walk” through the day, each of us tracks into our hearts a multitude of impurities that will negatively impact us mentally, physically, and spiritually. Through the people we encounter, and all that we see, hear, and experience, both intentionally and inadvertently, we carry in contaminants that will corrupt us in body, soul, and mind.  

How do we prevent our bodies and minds from being infected? The Lord gave us the answer. "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it" (Proverbs 4:23 NIV). How exactly do we guard our hearts?  Paul explains, "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 NIV).  We ought to fill our minds with pure thoughts, leaving bitterness, resentment, jealousy, and worry at the door.

Holy Housekeeping 1 - Keep It Clean

Do you not know that your body is a house of God where the Holy Spirit lives? God gave you His Holy Spirit. Now you belong to God. You do not belong to yourselves. God bought you with a great price. So honor God with your body. You belong to Him. --1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLV

If Jesus is the Lord of your life, the Holy Spirit has taken up residence in your body. Our Lord loves you enough to live with you and in you. With this in mind, are you doing all that you can to make yourself a suitable dwelling place for the Lord of Lords? Does your body magnify the Lord to others?

Since the Holy Spirit resides in your essence (body, soul, and mind), you are listed as His mailing address. Consequently, people who need access to the Lord may be directed to you. Are you prepared and ready for God’s love and care to be directed to others through you? As others converse with you, will they find your spiritual house clean? Or might they be distracted, as it somewhat dirty, littered with negative or pessimistic thoughts, well-meaning gossip, and worry? Are you able to think clearly, being well-rested and healthy, able to impart words of wisdom from the Lord? 

Allow the Lord to disinfect your soul so that you will not be likely to spread spiritual germs to others; but instead feed them nourishing spiritual food that will strengthen them in knowledge and the love of God.

The Ultimate Christmas Gift​

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” --John 15:13 NLT

On Christmas Day, we participate in a number of traditions. Gift giving is one of the major customs of this holiday, reminding us of the Wise Men’s gifts to the baby Jesus: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Yet, theirs were not the first gifts of Christmas.

Jesus gave us the original gift on the day He was born. He is the “King of kings, and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16 ESV). Jesus gave His life for us so that we would not perish but live and spend eternity with Him.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV). His was the greatest of all gifts. It is up to each of us to receive this precious gift of salvation.

During this Christmas season, reflect upon what you have done with this ultimate present. Is it still sitting, wrapped under the tree? Have you returned it unopened? Or have you accepted the profound gift of eternal fellowship with your Lord and Savior?

Realize the enormity of God’s gift, express your sincere gratitude to Him for His amazing love, and look for opportunities to tell others of this amazing gift that is available to them.

Waiting Patiently
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…For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. -–Isaiah 30:18 NLT

There are many times throughout life when you are waiting for answers to prayers. You may have an unresolved physical ailment; a prolonged job search; complications with selling a home; or ongoing difficulties in a relationship. As you wait, days may turn into weeks, weeks into months, and sometimes months into years. How do you survive the uncertainty?

First, you need to understand and accept that difficulties are a part of life. Our Lord Jesus explained, “…In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world”  (John 16:33 ESV).

Also, do not be afraid. Continue to pray to the Lord and trust Him, being assured that He loves you and He will not abandon you. “Yet I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD" (Psalm 27:13-14 NLV).

Finally, rest in God’s love. Faith in the Lord’s goodness separates you from unbelievers. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7 ESV).

Soul Food​

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. -- John 6:27 NIV

How ought we to feed our souls? It is well-known that without proper nourishment, our physical bodies will suffer. We have some understanding of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients needed to keep ourselves strong, energetic, and healthy. But, how should we nourish our souls? Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35 ESV). Our spiritual diet begins with inviting Jesus to live in our hearts. We need to come to Him each day in prayer.

Another vital part of spiritual nutrition includes daily consumption of His words in the Bible. “Your words were found and I ate them. And your words became a joy to me and the happiness of my heart” (Jeremiah 15:16 NLV). Savor each word.

A final aspect involves throwing out the junk food. “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation...” (1Peter 2:1-3 NIV). Keep your thoughts, words, and deeds pure.

With a balanced diet of prayer, study, and a pure heart, your soul will be well nourished.

Goodness​

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
-- Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

Paul’s letter to the Galatians identifies goodness as a fruit of the Spirit. Being good is one manifestation that the Lord is active, living, and working in your life.

As a child, the words “be good”, meant obeying the household rules, the community laws, and the Ten Commandments.

But, goodness goes beyond obedience. It is the quality of being consistently upright and pure, escaping “...the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:4 NIV). This quality requires you to keep your eyes and your mind fixed on Jesus, abstaining from all appearances of evil.

In Philippians 4:8 NIV, Paul encourages each of us to think on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, and worthy of praise. The Lord says in Jeremiah 6:16 NIV, “…ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Be vigilant each day in finding ways to be a blessing to those around you.

Make a commitment today to seek God’s guidance through prayer and the study of His word. In doing so, you will be able to tap into the Lord’s strength in order to walk in His ways. And, then one day, you will hear the beautiful words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21 NIV).

Faithfulness​

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! -- Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

Faithfulness is the quality of being consistently full of faith. This fruit of the Spirit is characterized by loyalty, constancy, and unwavering trust in the Lord. It requires each of us to move forward each day, trusting in God without answers or visible evidence. “…And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV).

Without the Holy Spirit’s help, it would be impossible to keep our eyes steadfastly fixed on Jesus, believing unwaveringly in God’s mercy and love for us. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to trust what God says in the Bible, and not necessarily what the world or our own eyes tell us. Proverbs 3:5 NIV states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

We are to trust in the Lord in every situation, whether it be a minor incident or a major crisis, knowing that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28 NIV).

Refuse to Be Mediocre
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When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. -
–John 15:8 NLT

Jesus desires that you produce much fruit to glorify your Heavenly Father, demonstrating that you are His disciple. You are meant to be profoundly effective. You are urged to “serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do…” (Ephesians 6:7-8 NIV).

Think about how you can positively influence others, putting your faith into action. Producing fruit involves much more than just praying; it requires effort. Give God your best each day.

Live out your faith, offering encouragement, showing interest, helping others as needed, and sharing your testimony. Such actions will yield a plentiful harvest. “Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord…” (Colossians 3:23 NIV).

Strive for excellence. Do not settle for being comfortable. Push forward to be profoundly effective. Refuse to be mediocre.