CLEARING OUT...

It’s time again to “clear out” of a semester.  We are in our last week of final exams and I need to turn in grades.  How did I end up with four chairs FULL of papers?  It’s time to clean.  Filter. Get rid of the clutter.  Actually the piles I see are not just from one semester, but I think from all three semesters of me teaching here in Ethiopia.  It’s time to purge all my files and folders. 

It’s a daunting task- but maybe when I’m finished- someone could visit and actually sit on one of my chairs.  What freedom there will be when the load is lighter in my book bag and the space is cleaned out in my living area and office!!!

Needing to do this has made me remember all over again the importance of constant “cleaning” and “clearing out of things.”  A clutter check is needed often.  Maybe because I grew up in the age of paper (the push to go “paperless” happened after I was through school)- I’ve realized I tend to hold onto to stuff WAY too long.

How often in my life do I also need to clear out the clutter…to purge the bulky, unnecessary things that can quickly fill my life?  OFTEN.  I need to check the things occupying space in my heart, mind and schedule- or I tend to just live in the clutter.

I constantly need a heart, mind, body, and schedule check often- to make sure I’m “living simply, so others can simply live.” (as my home church pastor puts it).  We often live with too much stuff.  Even our minds are busy contemplating the clutter, when there are greater things that we should be doing with our thoughts and time.

There’s so much we don’t need. And other people could live off things in our homes that we never even notice we have anymore.  And more than anything, what I’ve seen globally, is people need love. To know the real love of God and the truth of Savior who came to give them life. But our schedules are too cluttered to tell people.  Our minds to full with this and that to even see people we're passing on the streets or who might even be sitting right next to us at work.  

Our "loads" should not be that heavy. 

Check out these challenges from scripture…

Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

2 Corinthians 7:1

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

1 John 2:15

Do not love the world or anything in the world.

So...how can we do a check to see if there is clutter that needs cleared out???

One, you can ask yourself some hard questions….

This past week- I made a list.  What do I have too much of or do too much of?

What do I not have enough of? Do enough of?

That’s a good place to start.

You can also simply ask God to reveal the areas to you. He can through His living word. Or any way He chooses.  He is the gardener.  He wants us to remain with Him, in Him, and help us grow and be effective in the work He’s commissioned us to do.

Hebrews 4:12-13

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

John 15:1-4

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.  Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

Often too you know the areas where there is clutter. Those areas are maybe where you spend the most time or money. Maybe on the other end- they’re the areas or places you never go near because the mess behind the doors is too painful. Those places need cleaned out so you can move forward.  Where there’s stuff hidden. Where there’s stuff piled up.  Check there. And CLEAR IT OUT.

You can also ask your family or friends.  (those who are God followers, fellow believers, and truly love you and care about you). They will tell you if there are areas in your life that they think needs cleared or cleaned. Often you can’t see your own areas of clutter or over-indulgences when you’re in the mist of them. 

Proverbs 27:6

Wounds from a friend can be trusted

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another

It’s all about right proportions.

2 Corinthians 8:13-15

Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”

In America, my home country, we’re often not fit but FAT in lifestyle.  We indulge in super-sized living. Our spending reflects our love for entertainment and comfort.  When most of the world lives without the basic necessities like food and water, we aim for the bigger flat screen TV or video game. 

The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns (the President of World Vision)- is a great book that points out some of these vast differences in how first world countries live compared to third world countries.  May our “gospel” not have a hole in it that makes the world critical of the news we have to share because of how we live our lives.

I’m constantly reminded too that our schedules can be cluttered.  And often with what looks “good” can keep you from what’s best.  For example, spending time at the gym for might look good for your health. A doctor might have even told you to do that.  But does it trump your spending time in prayer or time with your family or serving? Even working at church can be good but not if it trumps your just being with God.  Doing for Him and being with Him are different.  I think of Mary and Martha.

Luke 10:38-42

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

We need to share.  We need to not get attached to our clutter. We need to be content with what we have and stay mobile to move as God would have us.  We’re free to live and love and serve and go. Let’s not get tangled and immobilized.

Galatians 5:1; 7; 13-14

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.  For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.

Philippians 4:11-12

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”  Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.  You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

2 Corinthians 8:1-7

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.  In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.  And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.  So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part.  But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

There’s nothing better than CLEARING OUT the unnecessary clutter AND CLEANING OUT the trash!

Psalm 32

Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.  Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.  I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.  I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

May we live our lives well, in honor of our God!  Without clutter! Onward!

Praises/Prayer Requests

-Please pray for me as I clean and clear out of this semester, really three semesters of teaching. As I take time to rest between semesters- may God lead me in reflection on how I can maximize the days ahead.

-Please continue to pray for students and staff as we finish out our semester this week! May exam results and overall results be good!

--My Dad is going to have surgery this Wednesday, February 20.  This will be to attempt to mend the bones that are fracturing in his back and that are causing pain to his legs and affecting his mobility. His surgery will be at 9am. Please pray for him, my Mom, and the doctors!!! We know God has him!

-Continued praises for my friend Debelle’s wife- still at home with her family. Keep praying for her full restoration to health!

-Please continue to pray for my sister serving in the Czech Republic- that God will bless and keep her.

-Please pray for my schedule after February- that God’s perfect plan unfolds for how I can best serve.

-Pray for many people serving international during this time and those serving soon- that God will protect and give courage.  (a special prayer for my friend Daniel Bachman serving at Tenwik Hospital in Kenya, excited to see him visit here NEXT WEEK)

-Please keep several friends in prayer who are looking for work and applying for international visas- that God will open doors as He will!

-Please pray for the writing of my first book, that God will help me make time to finish it!

Thank You For Praying!