Psalms 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
This devotion will help teach your children about having a clean heart. We will be comparing a dirty heater filter to the clean replacement filter to demonstrate how when we come to Jesus He cleanses our heart and makes it white as snow. Discuss with your kids about feeling guilty for their wrongs and how we have the freedom to repent and be made new in Christ.
Review with your kids the job you are about to do:
Importance of changing your home air filter twice a year
Visually inspect your home heater for any damage or visible issues
Make sure any combustibles are at least 3 feet from your home heater
Remove the old filter and replace with new
Replacing your home air filter: furnace filters should be replaced every 3 months to keep the air in your home clean and reduce allergies.
Safety
Prior to attempting
Teach about safety around your home heater
Make sure you don’t smell gas – if you do STOP and call a plumber to inspect the unit for a leak
Confirm the unit is turned off
Confirm the proper size of the filter to be replaced
Remove the existing furnace filter, which will be located inside the furnace or inside the return air vent.
You can find the size of the filter written on the side edge of the old filter.
Confirm your replacement filter is the same size.
You can purchase replacement filters at most big box stores or any home improvement store.
Determine the level of filtration you desire
Filters come in many different levels of filtration. The MERV system is common for rating disposable heater filters. The rating indicates the size of particles the air filter is designed to capture.
Ranging from 1 to 20, the larger the number, the better the filter is at catching small particles.
The cover of the filter usually has a description of the level of filtration you can expect including examples of types of particles and irritants the filter will catch.
Installing the new filter
Look for an arrow on the filter indicating airflow direction.
Using a permanent marker, draw the airflow direction on the outside of the furnace, so you always know the right way to install the filter.
Slide the filter back into place and replace any cover that goes over it.
Keep a record of the date so you know when it’s time to change the furnace filter again.
Note: A filter that has a plastic frame is reusable. That means you need to clean it periodically with a vacuum and water, ideally outdoors. Let it dry completely before reinserting.
Post job discussion:
Question for your kids: Was the old filter dirty? What did the new filter look like?
Discuss using the old filter how dirt and grime can make our hearts dirty like the filter.
What types of things can make our hearts dirty?
Watching inappropriate things
Telling lies
Being mean to others
Disobedience to authorities
Discuss how the new filter is like the clean heart Jesus brings as he cleanses us
Discuss how a clean filter will make others happy in the house
Relating the scripture to the air filter:
David asked God to clean his heart and create a right spirit. We can see how allowing the one in control to replace the heater filter provides a clean and fresh start for the heater much like us.When we allow our Lord God to replace our dirty filter with His new, clean filter we become like new and clean in His eyes.We can remind our kids of the scripture again in Psalms 51 and pray together that God creates in us a clean heart just like the new filter for the heater.