Spring 2021

2 Corinthians 7:1  TPT

Beloved ones, with promises like these, and because of our deepest respect and worship of God, we must remove everything from our lives that contaminates body and spirit, and continue to complete the development of holiness within us.

Are you looking forward to uncluttering the remnants of a long pandemic winter? Have you thrown away “things” and cleared out weeds and gutters and still feel weighed down or tired? Let’s talk about an inner cleansing, a declutter of your mind and an emptying of fragile emotions that have been hoarded and hidden  in your soul. Try these 5 steps to begin the journey of spring cleaning your of your inner life.

SPRING CLEANING

by Nailah Shelton
Today is the day my garbage must go. It hinders my progress and causes hiccups in growth.
Like Saturday morning on a warm day in May, I unpack those full closets and decide what can’t stay.
Some things I remember carefully storing away, but some are things I’ve not seen until today.
For you, your closet might be full of old clothes. Some don’t fit and are far outgrown.
It’s hard to let go of what you’ve unknowingly hoarded, but when it’s all done you’ll realize it was worth it.

You’ll be tempted to say “But this thing I NEED!”, but remember that your heart can sometimes mislead.
You can’t hold on to the old and embrace new. Jesus said this, and it applies to you too.
Take inventory of the heart because it’s time to clean house, so that out of your garbage, bad fruit won’t sprout.

Think about when your house is all tidy. It even smells fresh and clean, and things start to look shiny.
This is more than just a one-time act. You’ll need to do this often, or it’ll pile up and compact.
Owning a home comes with responsibility. The same is true with our walk – we must do this willingly.
Spring cleaning with God means giving access to The Helper. It may feel like a task, but with Him it’s always better.

God wants to release the very best in our lives, but do we have room and space for it to arrive?

Room in our hearts, space in our head to shift from the clutter of yesterday’s life and invite the character of God inside.

It’s time for spring cleaning
Copyright 2021 Nailah Shelton

PASS IT ON

Remember cleaning days on Saturday mornings when you were a child? You knew that nothing was more important than getting chores done and cleaning your house to your parent’s satisfaction. Are you passing that on to your children today? Try passing on the importance of heart and mind cleaning as well. Tell your children:

• Don’t hold a grudge because it makes your heart and mind sick.
• Be willing to say you are sorry whether the other person accepts it or not.
• Admit your mistakes.
• Be willing to forgive others and yourself.
• Remember that God can and will heal your feelings so you don’t have to hold on to them.
• Remember nothing is better than love.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES

Carrington Spriggs (daughter of Ministers Mark and Teya Spriggs)
Grace Brethren Christian School
Next Steps: Hampton University

Angela Sutton (granddaughter of Sister Yvonne Hawkins)
Duval High School
Next Steps: Prince George’s Community College

WHEN NOW BECOMES EVERYTHING