Spring Cleaning

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean:

wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalms 51:7KJV

I’m not sure if the groundhog was right or wrong this year, because around here it depended on what time he decided to get up. At daylight it was a little overcast but in another hour the sun was shining bright. At any rate the daffodils and yellow bells are blooming and the robins are searching  the lawns for worms. It puts me in the mood to do a little spring cleaning.

Speaking of spring cleaning, I need to dust off my heart and do a little cleaning on the inside as well. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples to show them how to serve others but also to remind us we pick up a lot of dirt walking through this world. Using a little soap goes a long way in housecleaning. The Psalmist asked God to wash him so he would be whiter than snow.

I’d like to extend a little help with our spring spiritual cleaning by offering you a little S.O.A.P.

S.O.A.P.

I'm not sure where this idea originated but there are several internet sites that give the details.

• Scripture: Read a chapter of God’s Word. I suggest beginning a book.

What verse stands out to you?

Write the verse at the top of the first page of your journal.  

• Observation: What is your observation about this verse?

What surprised you?

What was new to you?

What questions do you have?

• Application: How can you apply your observation to your life?
• Prayer: How is God leading you to live out this verse?

Heavenly Father, please help each of us search Your Word and apply it to our lives this year that we might live holy and acceptable lives before you. In the name of Your Son, Jesus we pray. Amen.

Hey Kids:

Have you ever seen anyone make soap? Do you know what the cleansing agent is in soap?

I understand the Israelites did not know that they had soap, but the priest had the makings of soap every time they dumped the ashes from the sacrifices.

To make soap, you need a fat and a source of lye.

When water is poured through ashes, the water leaches out the lye from the ashes.

When this water is added to a fat source, it will saponify, turning  into a soft soap that will harden in a few hours.

The priest washed themselves of the ashes after dumping them. The fat from the sacrifice was already in the ash. The priest were to keep themselves clean. They were washing with soap without even realizing it.

God often does things that help us keep our lives clean without us thinking about it.

Can you remember a time when you avoided a situation that might have been disastrous for your health or your testimony? Could this have been a time God was keeping you clean?

II Peter 3:18 tells us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Using S.O.A.P. in your spiritual life will be a great help to you. Why not join your family in spring cleaning.

Blessings,

Gail