Closet-cleaning is a timeless ritual some of us do at home.  We go through our closets once or twice a year to get rid of tons of old shoes and clothes that we no longer wear.  May I introduce another ritual to consider?  It is closet-cleaning of the heart.  Take a moment to reflect on what’s going on in your heart and pray that God remove any thoughts and desires that do not serve you and are not pleasing in His sight.  Ask him to heal you of your broken heart , and remove any remnants of unforgiveness of others, as well as any blame, shame or guilt from past decisions made in life.  Why wait! Do it today.

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalms 51:10)

How an oyster handles irritating objects, such as a grain of sand can serve as an example of how we can handle frustrations and irritating people.  You see the oyster take its time to coat the grain of sand with a smooth substance called nacre.  It doesn’t just sit there and be content with being irritated and in our case, frustrated. It patiently works with the grain, coating it until it transforms to a beautiful mother of pearl.

Know that when trials, tribulations, difficult people and circumstances come into our life, they strengthen our character, increase our faith, as well as purify us.  So the next time you are going through, think of the oyster.

I have a question for you.  Where do you place your trust? Do you place your trust solely on what you see? Or how you feel? What about your job? is that where you place your trust?  Maybe you place your trust in the amount of zeros listed in your bank account? Or you may say that you trust no one but yourself.  You see the job, the bank account and how you feel are all subject to change.  But I have good news for you!  God does not change and he is faithful too! I invite you to place your trust in Him and acknowledge Him in all your ways and he shall direct your path.

If you want to know how to win favor in life, the good book has the answer it says to let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, and write them on the tablet of your heart.  Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:3-4).

I have a question for you, when was the last time you did a heart check-up to see what was written on it? Love or hate? Faith or fear? Take a moment to reflect on it.