Organizing the Inside 365 Days
Empowering Christian Women To Get Organized and Discover God's Plan for Their LivesArchive for Purpose
Organizing the Inside – Day 365 Seek Intimacy With God
“And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9 (NLT)
Fellowship breeds intimacy. Intimacy with God is not something that is just going to happen because we hope for it. To know and experience the loving grace of God in a more intimate way we must first surrender, by faith to His divine will. Does God really want to know us intimately? But the man who loves God is known by God. 1 Corinthians 8:3 (NIV) As we answer our heart’s deeper calling in Him, our sincere desire will then be to know Him more intimately.
Let’s not let our needs be the single most important reason which drives us to seek God. Let it be our love that motivates us to give Him more time, attention and interest. The more we seek God, the deeper our desire to know Him becomes. The more we know God, the more we want to know about Him.
Let Intimacy bring about an entirely new gateway to experiencing a deeper commitment in Christ. God wants to do something new in your life and mine. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? Isaiah 43:19 (NLT) He wants to give us a new song to sing. As you go about your way, allow the Holy Spirit to put God’s fresh melody in your heart. There are those who will live and die having never experienced true intimacy with God. However, for those who are willing to diligently seek Him, they will indeed find Him. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
Live out the purpose God has for you so that through your obedience others can clearly see His goodness. I pray you experience all that God wants for you. May the world catch a glimpse of true hope and contentment because of your life in Christ? For we know that the peace, love, joy, and complete fulfillment that comes from a personal relationship with God, cannot be compared with anything that this world has to offer. May your life be filled with His gladness and song, as you totally commit yourselves to living and celebrating it in Him. May you experience true hope, and the fellowship which is yours through Jesus Christ. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3 (NLT)
Organizing the Inside – Day 363 For Ourselves and Our Posterity
3The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because in his early years he walked in the ways his father David had followed. He did not consult the Baals 4but sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel. 5The Lord established the kingdom under his control; and all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so that he had great wealth and honor. 6His heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord; … 2 Chronicles 17: 3-6a (NIV)
Security is not found in what others before us have done. We are responsible for establishing our own relationship with God and obeying His calling today. Our biggest responsibility is to fulfill our purpose in our own generation. The great heritage of strong Christian women in my family is not something I take lightly. I’ve seen the stark contrast of the effect of sin in families whose parents and grandparents didn’t know the Lord. For those of us who are here today, the greatest legacy we can leave posterity is one that points to Christ. Business leaders, world-renowned artists and highly acclaimed scholars without a personal relationship with God leave behind nothing of eternal value.
Many people speak of family values; but how many actually live lives that honor those values? Quick to defend their “family values” most make excuses about choices made. What makes it so difficult to see that only what we do for Christ will last? When your last breath is taken what difference will your investments make in the lives of the next generation? Wealth and status, where do they fit in to God’s plan of redemption for your household and future generations? Sure we cherish the tea-cup set my grandmother played with when she was a child, and even the acreage that still holds the family name, but it was her relentless prayers and right choices that will forever reach the lives of our own grandchildren. No one can ever bring back to us wasted years spent in foolish acts of disobedience. Who can return to us the endless hours given toward earning more wealth, instead of answering the call to life?
Secure now a life of prayer and peace. Keep fellowship with God a priority. Do it for yourself, but also for the next generation who will inevitably be affected by the life you choose today. Through trial and success find ways to point out the mighty works of God. Let’s face it; much of what we experience today is a direct result of the choices our parents and their parents’ parents made. I’m not talking about generational curses. I’m talking about the enormous responsibility we have today to leave behind a legacy that tells a story and shows a path that points to the true meaning of love and prosperity. “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! Deuteronomy 30:19 (NLT)
Organizing the Inside – Day 360 It’s Time For True Worship – A Way of Life
1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NIV)
Most people refuse to go there. Many will keep doing what they do, until rejecting pure knowledge becomes a way of life. When you and I look deep into the hidden places of our hearts by allowing God’s Holy Spirit to go there, what do we find? Have we spent precious time pursuing our own agendas or does God rule supreme? This is as simple as any spiritual matter can be. Who rules my heart, me or God?
Question: What was the very last thing that He told you to clean up, remove, get rid of, let go of, give up, stop doing or surrender? Did you do it, or are you still trying to hold on to what you want?
There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. John 12:48 (NLT)
Yes, we know and understand this: So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 (NLT) The Word of God is not complicated or confusing… the plain and simple truth is clear. Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. 1 John 3:9 (NLT)
I don’t believe the gospel was meant to make people feel good. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 2 Timothy 4:3 (NLT) It’s time for many folks to stop playing “Christian” by assuming a form of what looks like Christianity on the outside, but honestly denying the power of God that would live on the inside. Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. 2 Timothy 3:5 (NIV) Jesus described them by saying, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Matthew 15:8 (NLT)
15Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good. Titus 1:15, 16 (NLT)
“The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” Mark 1:15 (NLT)
But the time is coming–indeed it’s here now–when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. John 4:23 (NLT) We must redeem the time!
Organizing the Inside – Day 354 Be Fearless and Look Straight Ahead!
24Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
27But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am her”
28Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29“Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
31Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” Matthew 14:24-31 (NLT)
Perfect love drives out all fear. It’s not until we reach the point where our love for God supersedes our love for anything or anyone else, that we can experience life with no fear. Each day as we walk in step with God, He removes the barriers of fear and builds our faith. I don’t believe that this just happens overnight, we must grow in the knowledge of His awesome love. Nothing about this Christian walk is on autopilot. For me, with each new day of trusting Him, I discover that getting out of the boat was only the first step of obedience. Keeping my eyes on Him with each additional step upon water keeps me absolutely FEARLESS! God is so good! He is the author and finisher of our faith.
When God gives the okay, His Word encourages us and we believe we can do anything. Peter asked Jesus to give him permission to come. How many have tried God by asking, “Okay Lord if this is you… let this happen”? We all have looked for a simple sign or nod from the Lord. Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” Jesus told him, “Yes, come.”
Peter being encouraged by the Word, obeyed Jesus, and stepped out on faith. Keeping his eyes upon Jesus, Peter was able to do something no one else (other than Jesus) had ever done. He was the only one willing to get out of the boat. Even after he got out of the boat and was walking on the water, the others remained in the boat. Sometimes you are the only one among the group willing to step out on faith. You may be the only one willing to ask God for what is seemingly impossible.
Peter became distracted by everything that was happening around Him. The strong waves had not stopped, but Peter locked in focus on Jesus as he walked on the water toward Him. When Peter took his eyes off Jesus he began to exchange faith for fear.
Be single-minded and stay focused on what God told you to do. Forget about what the rest are not doing, those who decided to stay in the boat. Focus your attention on Jesus and the goal that is before you. Keep your eyes on Him regardless of the conditions around you. If God said, “Come” then go! Keep the Word He gave you in your heart as you do what others thought was impossible. When you step out on faith you can’t take a poll nor wait for a consensus. If God told you to do something than you have all the agreement you will ever need by agreeing with Him. Jesus asked Peter, “Why did you doubt me?” We can learn so much from this. When you are walking in faith, you are pleasing God and there is no doubt or fear in faith.
There are two things that Jesus said to His disciples which are written in various ways throughout scripture: “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” and “Be not afraid.”
- Don’t be afraid
- Do what God says
- Forget about what everyone else does
- Stay focused on Jesus
- Remain fearless
- Do not doubt God
- Keep the Word He gave YOU in your heart
Organizing the Inside – Day 353 What’s Determining Your Direction?
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)
Let’s face it every aspect of life relates to the condition of the heart. You may think much of what you’re confronted with in life is based upon circumstances and your environment, but even that influences your heart. Our hearts have an effect on our relationships, faith, doubt, decisions and our willingness to obey the voice of God. Because of this, we have a responsibility to do everything we can to guard our hearts. There are so many outside factors like competing priorities, busyness and commitments that tug at us daily. Constantly calling out to unsuspecting passersby, the world fights for our affections.
There’s not a shortage of causes to take up. Preying on your sense of compassion to help the needy; marketers make it difficult to say no, but easy to get caught up in the next “big cause” being promoted. We live apart from all the confusion and chaos that worldly passions bring. Sure there are causes that we should support, and be passionate about; but the biggest cause that deserves our attention is the need for mankind to know the Creator. Our hearts belongs to God. Yes, we are a chosen generation, “So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 20:7 (NLT) What can you do to guard your heart? Consider what steps to take to keep your heart in step with God.
Organizing the Inside – Day 352 Pursuits In Order
24A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? 26To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:24 (NIV)
Other than Jesus, Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. He matter-of-factly concluded that there are great deals of meaningless activities that most people spend time on. The daily grind of working and pursuing goals and ambitions are all for the most part worthless. Should we conclude by his writings that there is nothing in life worth accomplishing? I believe that Solomon wanted us to understand that the only thing in life worth living for is the fulfillment of God’s purpose for you and me. How many times have we sought after things and explored ideas that led to a dead-end? I’ll be the first to admit to several futile pursuits in life. There are however lessons to learn. Solomon set out to do it all, live it all, build it all and have it all. He experienced great highs and lows, but the reality of living a life apart from God’s direction and purpose (he concluded) is essentially a waste of time.
Only through a relationship with God does life have meaning. When we try to do things on our own and build kingdoms unto ourselves what value does all this hard work really have? Businesses, homes and acquisition upon acquisition are meaningless apart from the purpose and plan of God. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Mark 8:36 How can life take on meaning without the One who gives us purpose? “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)
Do you want your life’s work to have meaning? Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (KJV) Then turn your attention to God’s will. Let your life’s pursuits be about His plan for you and not your own. Set your heart on helping to build God’s kingdom. Let Matthew 6:10 be your heart’s prayer. In the end only what we do for Christ will matter. In Him we can accomplish His goals and experience sustainable success.
Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Matthew 19:26 (NLT)
“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” Luke 18:27 (NIV)
Organizing the Inside – Day 351 Have You Gained Weight Lately?
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)
WEIGHT as defined by Bing is heaviness: the quality of heaviness in things, determined by their mass or quantity of matter as acted on by the force of gravity, that counteracts efforts to lift or move them. As we consider this definition let’s look at how weight applies to the life of a Christian woman. I believe this is a common concern of Christian women everywhere. There are things in our lives that counteract our efforts to reach our true potential and hold us back from fulfilling the plan of God. Christians pick up habits, pursue cravings and chase after desires for things that (may or) may not in themselves be sinful, but end up superseding their desire to love and please God. This will eventually result in sin.
We know that weight affects mobility. The overweight person is physically hindered or slowed down by all the added weight. The simple task of walking or running becomes increasingly more challenging for someone who is carrying added weight. The same is true spiritually for those Christians who carry various things from the world that keep them from serving God. Take a moment to ask yourself if there are things that you are carrying that slow you down in this race toward the kingdom. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you overcome any weight problems you have. It is only by His grace and strength that you will have the power to lay aside any hindrances.
Watch out for subtle things that add weight.
1. False teaching – 7You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? 8It certainly isn’t God, for he is the one who called you to freedom. 9This false teaching is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough! Galatians 5:7-9 (NLT)
2. Fear of giving up the past: old friends, old ways and old ideas – throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Ephesians 4:22 (NLT)
3. Desires that speak to a prideful craving for acceptance – For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 1 John 2:16 (NLT)
4. Continued observation of sin – I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.Psalm 101:3 (JKV)
We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. Romans 6:6 (NLT) For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 (NLT)
May we allow the Holy Spirit to look deep within our hearts and minds and convict us of any heavy thing that we’ve knowingly or unknowingly held on to. 23Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23, 24 (KJV) Let us then move forward, empowered in His love and righteousness to complete the work and finish this race!
Organizing the Inside – Day 350 If Only One Thing
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4 (KJV)
Oh, if you could only had one prayer, one dream, or one vision to hope for what would it be? There are so many needs, so many wants and aspirations. The Word of God provides us with clear guidance, “But seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 (KJV) The bible says that David was a man after God’s own heart. (1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22) David shared his heart’s desire when he said …that I may dwell in the house of the Lord…
What do you seek after? What is your heart’s single deepest desire? It’s so easy to get caught up in the cares of this life and lose sight of what’s most important. There is no project, or goal or dream that is worth devoting your hearts greatest desire to other than loving God. May we each discover the simplicity in loving Him. Let us each unbend our mind from the futile cares of this life and devote our heart toward daily seeking His kingdom. When all is said and done; when our last words are written, may we be found beholding His beauty and inquiring in His temple.
Organizing the Inside – Day 344 The Father Cares About Every Detail
And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Luke 12:7 (NIV)
God loves us and cares about every aspect of our lives. He is intimately involved in the details that concern His children. His love for us is not easy to comprehend. We cannot understand or perceive the depth and scope of a love so faithful and true. We belong to God and nothing is too small or too simple for Him to care about when it’s concerning one of His own.
The amount of hairs we have change each day and yet God’s has each one numbered. God values your life and everything you have He gave for a reason. We never have to wonder if God cares we know that He not only cares, but He has our best interest at heart. He’s never too busy, or too distracted to listen to our prayers. When we hurt He is there to help us through. When we are happy He rejoices with us. Isn’t it a comfort to know just how much our Father cares; and that He is fully aware of every detail about His own?
Organizing the Inside – Day 343 Speak Life Into Your Future
1The Lord took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with bones. 2He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. Ezekiel 37:1, 2 (NLT)
What do the dry bones represent?
The dry bones represent the spiritually dead state that the children of Israel were in. Ezekiel felt like he was speaking to the dead because they were unwilling to change. God wanted to prove His power. He wanted them to remember and know who His is. He wanted everyone to know that He is Lord.
Are there dry bones in your life?
Are there areas of your life that need to be brought to life again? Do you have things in your life that seem dead, inactive like dry bones? Are there things in your life lying useless to the Kingdom of God? What things in your life are no longer productive and pleasing to Him? Did you lose your focus and allow some things to dry out and become like scattered bones? Maybe it’s a relationship that God has spoken to you about mending. Maybe it’s a particular gift or ministry that you’ve neglected. Maybe your finances are like dry bones, unproductive, lifeless, ignored or neglected. Perhaps there are rooms in your home that are used as oversized storage bins and are stale, dark, depressing, and like a valley filled with dry bones. “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the LORD! Ezekiel 37:4 (NLT)
Can speaking the Word of God over things in your life change anything?
I believe it certainly can. I understand that this scripture reference is perhaps a bit out of context. This does not negate the power behind the truth found in that scripture. God’s character and nature are consistent. His principles of truth are timeless and transcend any situation. If Ezekiel can speak the prophetic message of life and hope to a valley of dry bones, then surely you can speak the Word of God over areas of your life that are dry and unproductive. God didn’t fill His Words full of life and power just to impress people. He did it to ensure His Word would get results. His Word is full of life because the very essence of who and what He is in His Word. The power of the promise is in the promise itself. That’s the creative force behind the spoken word that God used to create heaven and earth. This is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. It caused Lazarus to come hoping out of the tomb when Jesus called Him from the dead. You can apply that same power to situations in your life that may seem hopeless and speak life into your future. Speak the WORD.
And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, you know. Ezekiel 37:3 (KJV)
So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)
Also Read Ezekiel 37
Organizing the Inside 365 Days 