Organizing the Inside 365 Days
Empowering Christian Women To Get Organized and Discover God's Plan for Their LivesArchive for June, 2012
Organzing the Inside – Day 301 Where is Your Faith When the Storm is Raging?
22One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. 23As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. 24The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. 25Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!” Luke 8:22-25 (NLT)
Have you feared the worst when God told you to do something? Although you knew it was the Lord who told you to do this, somehow when the storm came you began to doubt. You looked at the winds, and the waves which represent all the opposition you’ve been experiencing, and have almost given in to the fear. Your mind is telling you to give up. Your head is suggesting that you never heard from God to begin with. You’ve often thought it sure would be easier to just give up and forget about it.
Jesus told His disciples the plan. The scriptures point out that He was specific about what they were to do. He said they were going to the other side of the lake. Jesus was with them the entire time, but the disciples forgot all about what the Lord said in the midst of the storm. In fact, what He said no longer mattered, because they were preoccupied with the storm. In frantic fear about all that was happening around them they spoke in unbelief and cried out, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
Do not doubt if God has told you what He wanted. When God tells you where to go, you should have absolute certainty that you will reach your destination. The Lord’s objectives will be met. He never suggested that the disciples should try to see if perhaps they could get to the other side. Jesus told them, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.”
7 Things You Need To Know To Get Through The Storm
When God gives you something to do, eventually opposition will come, but you can have total peace.
1. Know where your faith is. Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be able to stand firm. 2 Chronicles 20:20c (NLT)
2. The Lord is with you and He will never leave you alone. So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT)
3. When the storm is raging and calamity seems inevitable, you will not fail because you have the Word of the Lord. He will uphold you and give you complete victory. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
4. Even if you stand completely alone you and God together are the majority. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31(NIV)
5. Never cry out in unbelief, but ask for what you need (in faith) according to His will. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 (NLT) The LORD will work out his plans for my life–for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Psalm 138:8 (NLT)
6. You can make your mind obey and submit to what you know is God’s will. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)
7. You have the peace of God. Don’t get distracted by confusion and opposition. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (KJV)
Here’s a different look at this scripture, nice article.
- When the Storms of Life are Raging (dreamprayact.com)
Organizing the Inside – Day 300 Practice Mental Preparedness
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he… Proverbs 23:7b
As children my sister and I spent hours rehearsing our future weddings and teaching in the classroom. The two youngest of six we were left to our own imaginations while our older siblings were in school. We had extraordinary imaginations. Planning what our guest would eat and wear, we lined them all up. One by one, each doll or stuffed animal made its way down the aisle and took a seat. One of us played the bride, and the other the officiant. We took turns practicing and role-playing. Neither of us cared that there was no groom present; the point was the wedding ceremony. Thinking back, I can appreciate our God-given gift of imagination that enabled us to spend hours of imaginary play acting. The time we spent as children organizing our classrooms and wedding rehearsals was so much fun. Eventually we both became teachers and had the weddings of our dreams. Children have a unique ability to not get bogged down in the details; they are so open to hope for the future. It didn’t bother us one bit that my Moms sheer curtains were not actually a veil and train, at that time it seemed real enough. We were practicing our dream.
Practice your dream. Practicing is a way of providing energy that fuels your positive imagination. By practicing success, you are doing something positive toward your dream. Before any speaking engagement, I spend a great deal of time practicing my presentation. Without allowing myself to visualize success and overcoming fear of failure and embarrassment, I’d never have enough nerve to speak before a large audience. Of course it’s God that keeps my legs from turning into wet noodles, but practicing plays a huge role in any challenge. You’ll want to set goals to propel you forward and help you take steps toward reaching your dream. Trust and obey God, He is ready and able to help you figure out how to fulfill His big picture plan. Set goals they will serve as a type of fuel for your vision.
Realize that everything including your dream has a process to bring it to fruition. Trust the Holy Spirit to help you discern the difference between good and evil. Some call it your gut, and at the risk of sounding super spiritual, I prefer to consider it spiritual discernment. Staying in close fellowship with God will keep your perspective clear. Kick fear, doubt and all other feelings of inadequacy to the curb, DAILY. Many dreams aren’t meant to happen right away. Meanwhile it’s important that you see to it that your dream grows and stays alive in your heart. Nurture your dream by practicing and visualizing success. God has a purpose for your life, and your dreams are clearly a part of how you will fulfill that purpose.
Don’t allow yourself to get overwhelmed. Always keep your dream organized and in order. I find the best way to do this is by writing down the details. (Habakkuk 2:2) It’s your business if you have three notebooks filled with things that God spoke to you about. Who’s to say that your notebooks, full of dreams, are not from God? Expect your dreams to expand and contract as God reveals His will to you. Dreams often give us a peek into the future, but faith is required to get us there. (2 Corinthians 5:7) Be mindful that God is not the author of confusion. (1 Corinthians 14:33) He will not overwhelm you with a vision that you are not equipped to handle. If today you feel you are not totally equipped, God will provide what you need; it’s already set in motion. Keep practicing and preparing and let God lead the way.
Organizing the Inside – Day 299 Oh! But God…
For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. Philippians 1:20 (NLT)
Factor God in any equation, no matter how you may think things will work out. Don’t limit God He is much, much too great to be put in a box. The possibilities are limitless when you work with God. …for with God all things are possible. Mark 10:27b (KJV) Therefore, no matter what your situation may look like, expect God to move in a mighty way. My soul, wait you only upon God; for my expectation is from him. Psalm 62:5 (KJV)
Regardless of what you have been through in the past God is putting you on notice. He is giving you a heads-up that something new is beginning to happen in your life, your family, your marriage, your ministry, your business. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 (KJV) All those places in your life that seemed barren and unproductive, watch God do something new. Now is the time to put on the garment of praise with a forward thinking mind of expectation. Expect God to stand Lord over His promises. Everything He promised He will do! He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind.” 1 Samuel 15:29 (NIV) The next time you are working things out in your mind, just remember to factor in God.
Look closely at what is already happening and you can see it. The Spirit of God is moving into areas that are undeveloped, untouched and unaffected by spiritual influences. Those areas that lay dormant are about to change. He is making a river in the desert. God is bringing those areas to life by bringing in water (the Word) which sustains all life. Begin to prepare your heart and expect God to increase your productivity and expand your territory. Are you willing to trust God today and expect Him to come through for you? Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7 (NIV)
Organizing the Inside – Day 298 Do Your Rules Impede Their Faith?
Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”
Galatians 2:16 (NLT)
Simply put! There is nothing that anyone needs to do to be made right with God, except have faith in Jesus Christ. NOTHING!! Christians are constantly putting stipulations on others about how to be made right with God, converting back to the law. We cannot put people under bondage because we know the law. Many principles found in the law work, but doesn’t faith work better? Indeed there is a more excellent way; God’s law is now written on our hearts. Does that mean we shouldn’t learn from the written law? Absolutely not, but false teachers teach the law to manipulate others and they also suggest that by following the law one is made right with God. Those who teach such untrue doctrine will indeed be held accountable for their works and words.
For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, Romans 4:14 (NLT) because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression. Romans 4:15 (NIV)
Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, “You must not covet.” Romans 7:7 (NLT)
We are made FREE in Christ.
If we teach that by obeying the law we are made right with God, what is faith for. Christ came to fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17) When I first gave my life to Christ I cut up my miniskirts. I took great pride in wearing long-sleeved shirts and high collar necklines. I wanted to please God by obeying someone else’s ideas about how to be made right with Him. I wanted to obey all the “Christian rules that I was supposed to follow” I took my cues from those who preached and the message that their lifestyle brought. Eventually, the notion that I had to do all kinds of “acts” and “good works” in order to please God became overwhelming. 3How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? 4Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it? Galatians 3:3, 4 (NLT) I knew I had a relationship with God; my faith was strong and He’d answered many prayers. Troubled by the law, (the position it seemed to hold in the church) my faith was perhaps impeded. As years went by with all my errors, poor choices, mistakes and outright disobedience, God never left me and He never once cursed or forsook me. I began to realize that this walk was a walk of faith and not of laws, rules and regulations. I was made the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe… Romans 3:22a (NIV)
I began to distinguish the difference between the Word of God and the traditions of men. I rediscovered my faith, which had never left me; but it was now clear to me that it was (only) through Jesus Christ. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) I sometimes wonder if my life, growth and encouragement was slowed down by those who chose to teach the law instead of the message of grace.
17But suppose we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ and then we are found guilty because we have abandoned the law. Would that mean Christ has led us into sin? Absolutely not! 18Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. 19For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. 20My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die. Galatians 2:17-21 (KJV)
For those who are teachers, I understand the desire to have people “act right” and the sincerity of some who only want others to “live right.” We will see clearly and understand this matter also when we see Christ face to face. Meanwhile, as I grow (in my understanding of His love and grace) I go forward. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Philippians 3:12 (NIV)
Be careful those among us who teach following the law as a means of being right with God. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, Romans 8:1 (NIV) If you have ears to hear, then hear what the Spirit is saying to the church!
Satan is the accuser of the brethren, this is not our role. We are not to condemn and accuse anyone in Christ, but are to reconcile others to Christ. All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 2 Corinthians 5:18 (NIV) God knows those who are for Him. He also knows and understands far more than any of us the place which His law truly holds in today’s modern church.
In conclusion, God knows and He sees all hearts. His Word is able to penetrate and discern the motives of men. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)
May the message of God’s Word and our faith in Him through Jesus Christ be the overriding theme we live by. May no other foundation be built again, may no other gospel be preached to men. In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters and he lives in all of us. Colossians 3:11 (NLT)
Organizing the Inside – Day 297 Shouldn’t We Just Ignore the Critics?
Have I now become your enemy because I am telling you the truth? Galatians 4:16 (NLT)
I’ve always been a firm believer of not listening to the critics. Then something I read gave me great pause and caused me to realize that all criticism is not bad (I just never liked it). If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored. Proverbs 13:18 (NLT)
We call it constructive criticism and every once in a while a good step-on-my-toes-you-need-to-change piece of advice is just what I need to get my act together. The flesh doesn’t like it, not one bit. Accepting criticism is not always easy especially when it exposes something you’d just assume not to deal with. So how can you tell when criticism is constructive and not destructive? It will take a bit of discernment, but by applying these questions you should be able to tell if the criticism you received is helpful. The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out. Proverbs 18:15 (NLT)
Discerning which criticism is worth listening to:
- If you heed to this advice it will change your life in a positive way.
- (My personal favorite) God has already told you and you kind of put off fixing the problem.
- If you heed to this advice it will help you maximize your potential by challenging you to dig deeper and stretch yourself.
- At first you may feel offended, but when you take time to honestly weigh the advice you realize heeding will likely make things better.
- Regardless of how you feel about the source, you know this is something that will help bring better balance in your life.
- By heeding to the advice, those around you will be blessed and this change is definitely a means of increasing the use of your gifts or talents.
- This advice fits appropriately into the vision that God has put on your heart.
Accept the truth gracefully.
Sometimes criticism is a type of forewarning that something in your life needs to change. The Holy Spirit will show you more clearly which type of criticism someone is giving. Better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool. Ecclesiastes 7:5 (NLT) Having tough skin is an essential element if you ever intend to grow. The criticism needed to help you become who God has called you to be won’t always be easy to accept. There are certain vitamins that I take daily to supplement the nutrition I receive from my diet. Some of them are huge (the fish oil) and really hard to swallow. Nevertheless, since I want to reap the benefit of those costly clear pills, I grab some water, say a prayer and fight back the fear of it getting stuck in my throat and swallow.
Weigh the matter.
The next time you receive constructive criticism; don’t be afraid to let your guard down long enough to consider the information. Should you conclude the criticism is negative or an attack on your character or positive outlook, simply drop it and move on. Criticism that is invalid and undeserving should be considered like a curse upon the innocent. Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim. Proverbs 26:2 (NLT) Don’t miss the opportunity to move closer to being the person God wants you to be, because advice came from an unlikely source. If God can use a donkey, He can certainly use Aunt Susie to get His point across. Weigh the matter, if it’s for you to receive then God will give you peace. Seize every opportunity to grow in your vision and the work you do for the kingdom of God. The change you need most may come by way of constructive criticism. If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. Proverbs 15:31 (NLT)
Organizing the Inside – Day 296 Completely Free!
12Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. 14But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:12-16 (NIV) 17 (KJV)
Realize all that you are and have received in Him.
We are free to live and serve God according to His will for our lives. You have been made free from bondage of any kind. Bondage is anything in your life that you allow to keep you from being all that God has called you to be. Whether you have experienced mental, spiritual or emotional bondage if you are in Christ, you have been made free. The point is this: when Jesus died the veil in the temple was torn in two. Not only giving you access to the glory of God, but giving you complete freedom from ignorance and blindness. That same Spirit that connects us, frees us and grants us power through His grace. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)
You have received the power to know and do the will of the Father. But as many as received him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 1:12 (KJV) For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 (NIV) Neither man nor demon can hinder you from serving God and fulfilling the call that is upon your life. If fear or memories of past struggles have you in bondage, you must recognize that the chains are gone. You are not in bondage! Everything that once held you back is no longer an issue, because you’ve been granted total liberty through Christ Jesus. When your will is in line with God’s will there is absolutely nothing that supersedes the power of God at work in your life. Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1 (KJV)
19And so, dear brothers and sisters we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. 21And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. 23Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:19-24 (NLT)
Organizing the Inside – Day 295 The Truth About Flattery
Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet. Proverbs 29:5 (NIV)
Let us speak the truth in love.
We must never use flattery as a way to manipulate others or get what we want. As sisters in Christ we must simply be honest with one another. The plain truth is, flattery is a form of manipulation and is often used to control others. Be cautious when someone flatters you with their tongue. Flattery can build pride making you one who God chooses to resist. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5 (KJV) Do not put too much value on the compliments you receive from others? It’s a good thing to pay someone an honest compliment. Just beware, flattery can disguise anger, resentment and jealousy. The condition of your heart is what makes the difference; if you are being sincere and loving than that is not flattery.
Flattery leads to a deceptive trap.
As women of God it is important for us to resist the temptation to use our persuasive prowess to get what we want. If you are not completely conscious of your unique ability as a woman to influence, you too can fall into the same trap of flattery. Have you ever told someone something to flatter them? You may have done so without even realizing it. Eventually you can start to rely on flattery to get what you want. This is not fair to others, nor is it pleasing to God. There is nothing wrong with building someone up through positive words of encouragement. I only want to warn us to examine our hearts. Is there an underlying motive behind the lovely compliments you give? Flattery, what does it do to the recipient? BE CAREFUL, don’t give to get. Just don’t do it, it only ends in ruin. A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin. Proverbs 26:28 (NIV)
Agree to let God guide your words.
God will always give you and me balance if we follow His pattern. Let’s be committed to allowing God to enter the inner most recesses of our heart. This is where God regulates our actions and our motives. By allowing Him to go there we never have to worry about falling into the horrible trap of flattery.
Organizing the Inside – Day 294 It’s Time To Renew Your Mind
Collect your thoughts, yes, unbend yourselves. Zephaniah 2:1 (NLT)
Do you have the mind of Christ?
Your thought life can be one of the most difficult challenges to overcome. If your mind is not right, I’d dare suggest the rest of you is probably not doing too well either. Confusion and clutter of the mind is a common problem. When your schedule is busy you may not have time to collect your thoughts. Be cautious, hurrying from one task or event to another will result in burnout, without you knowing it’s coming. Growing up as a teenager my Dad would tell me, ” You’d better slow down before you run into a brick wall.” Trust me, brick walls hurt, but they can be avoided by slowing down and taking time to simply think. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5 (KJV)
Taking time out for what’s important must include time for you.
You may be so busy that you haven’t stopped to take a temperature check. You certainly want to nurture those relationships that are important; family, friends and associates, but in doing so you must remember to take time out for you. How are you doing? Is your mind at peace? Sometimes the accumulation of thoughts can be very stressful, especially when you fail to stop and really clear your head.
Schedule time for yourself and make it count.
Do something that is completely stress free, obligation free and hassle free. Do something just for you, have a cup of your favorite tea in your favorite corner. Unbend yourself and allow your strength and mind to be renewed. You and the people around you will be happy you did. Organizing the inside is organizing the mind. Make time for you!!
Organizing the Inside – Day 293 No More Dark Corners
33“No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket.Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. 34“Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is bad, your body is filled with darkness. 35Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. 36If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.” Luke 11:33-36 (NLT)
Darkness hides the truth.
What should one do about those dark corners? What about certain secrets that lurk deep within? My heart is exposed and nothing is hidden from you, Oh God. Are there cobwebs building up in the corners of your heart? Are there places where no one ever goes?
God sometimes requires transparency.
Do you always know how God wants to use your life and your testimony? God can use both the good and bad, that’s for sure. Should you hide certain things until your victory is secured? Too many are pretending that troubles don’t exist. Many more are worried that their secret struggles which show a less than perfect life should never be shared. Whatever you’re going through is nothing new. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)
Ready for the Master’s use.
First Jesus reminds us to make sure that the light we think we have is truly light. From there we are encouraged to let the truth that we see in God’s Word shine like a floodlight in every dark corner, realizing that perfection, although worth striving for, will never be obtained in this life. Not until mortality puts on immortality will any man be made perfect. Until then our responsibility remains, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (KJV) The truth is our testimony matters. The accuser is defeated, and there are many who overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…Revelation 12:11a (NIV)
There is no doubt who wins in the end.
Perhaps it’s your struggle that will help your sister find the encouragement needed to move beyond her circumstances. I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one. 1 John 2:13 There is a purpose for everything we go through. Turn on the spiritual floodlight of God’s Word and allow Him to be glorified through your victory that surely has already been won.
Organizing the Inside – Day 292 God-given Goals Lead to Success
Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house. Proverbs 24:27 (ESV)
Goals support your faith. Goals will help you carry out God’s plan for your life. Goal setting, when done right will propel you toward accomplishing things you never thought possible. Don’t be discouraged if your goals are so huge that they seem far far away. When you trust in God’s ability and not your own you can accomplish what may seem to some as “impossible.” Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible, but not with God. Everything is possible with God.” Mark 10:27 (NLT) The power of your faith, when coupled with patience, creates a clear path to success that many never find. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:3, 4 (KJV)
Stay focused and stay of track. Once you set goals follow through. If you miss the mark, adjust your plans, learn from your mistakes and move forward. It won’t be easy, but be willing to stretch yourself and grow. Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. Proverbs 21:5 (NLT) Whatever the Lord has spoken to you about you must stay focused and follow though.
Write down what God tells you. When God speaks to your heart, write it down immediately. We have a way of putting off plans, ideas and dreams that come straight from God. In His gentleness He will not bombard you with shouts of disapproval like, “Didn’t I tell you to…” Unless you have developed the discipline to respond immediately and act upon the initial prompting of the Holy Spirit, you must at least write it down. The excitement, passion and determination may fade as you allow God’s goal to become another one of your back burner projects. By writing it down with the heading “GOD TOLD ME TO DO!” or “GOD SPOKE TO ME ABOUT THIS!” weeks later you will still be able to recall the passion and promise you felt when you first received God’s plan. This will also help you combat doubt and fear, both of which may try to take you off course later. You’ll be reminded that when God spoke to your heart, you knew you were hearing from God, and without a doubt this lined up with His will for you.
CAUTION: This is not a way of deferring obedience, but until you develop more discipline it will help you follow through and fulfill God’s plans for your life. Simple, small acts of obedience will lead to a productive and fulfilled life.
Yes, the Holy Spirit is spontaneous. He also leads us in other ways as well, and one of those ways is by prompting us to make plans. God often speaks to us far in advance of a particular challenge or event to prepare us. God knows what resources, tools and gifts are needed to carry out His will. Surely He won’t leave you and me in the dark, having no clue about how to get ready. Remember, “That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. Luke 12:47 (NIV) God will prepare us for what is ahead. The Holy Spirit is your teacher and the Word of God is your guide. Trust the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truths. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. John 14:17 (NLT)
Here is a FREE printable to organize your goals.
Organizing the Inside 365 Days 