Organizing the Inside 365 Days
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Organizing the Inside – Day 129 Life Through Mercy
22Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, or his compassions never fail. 23They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” ~Lamentations 3:22-
Today it’s okay to begin again.
Maybe you’re thinking you’ve messed up and you may as well give up. Not so, don’t give up because of your mistakes. Sometimes our mistakes are embarrassing and we don’t want to face another human being after a terrible blunder, but God expects more. He has given us the power to overcome and move ahead. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 There will be days when your faults seem to have bells and neon beading with old-school sequences sewn on like banners. Rest assured while man looks at your outward appearance, God looks at your heart. “Do not consider his appearance or his height… The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
Did you misplace something?
Where is your hope? Did you leave it at the office when you embarrassed yourself in a meeting? Did you leave your hope at home holding on the side of the house because you didn’t want to go to work? Perhaps you left your hope with the last person who made you feel hurt or pushed aside. But what did God say? He said your worth is far above rubies. Hope deferred makes the heart-sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12 Whatever you’ve been hoping for and praying for God is able to bring it to pass. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7 For the weapons of our warfare are not those of the world. Instead, they have the power of God to demolish fortresses. We tear down arguments 2 Corinthians 10:4 Don’t hand over your power, or lay down your joy because of negative people or what someone else said or did.
Be of good courage!
In spite of your mistakes you are not finished. God has a plan for your life. And indeed you must run this race with great determination. Whether you’ve had a day filled with discouragement or a weeks worth of disappointments, you must press on. So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD! Proverbs 31:24 His mercies are brand new every day, so for today it’s okay to begin again.
Organizing the Inside – Day 112 Bless The Lord Oh My Soul
1Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5Who satisfies thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. ~Psalm 103:1-5
God is so wonderful!
Today I thought about, all that He has done for my family and me throughout all of 2011. I thought about all the times He stood Lord over His word and saw to it that His promises were real to each of us. In conflict and in frustration, God’s faithfulness endured. When situation after situation seemed impossible to overcome, we knew it was His mighty hand that brought us out. Where I lacked wisdom or understanding He opened the truth of His word to me, and activated the power of His love in my heart.
My inner most being, rejoices in His goodness.
There are days when I find it hard to articulate the overwhelming sense of gratitude in my soul. I know that my intellect cannot comprehend God’s goodness or His grace. I consider the works of His hands, and all the progress that He has allowed me to experience on this journey; in my weakness He carried me – I know. There is nothing, not one single thing (I’ve done) that I can point to that would qualify me for such unconditional love. Yet He reminds me that His mercy and forgiveness is always abiding.
God exposed the truth and chased my fears away.
I am in awe of His steadfast faithfulness that caused me to no longer be afraid. I’m learning to embrace the hope and truth and glory that He’s brought to fill my life. No service could I render to repay all that God has done. I pray I remain committed to tell Him yes and follow through. His PERFECT LOVE has driven away my fear; I’m not worried about tomorrow, neither am I worried about my failures from yesterday. One day recently I woke up and discovered myself where I believe to be the center of God’s will. Here is where I and determined to always be found.
Organizing the Inside – Day 109 Yes, It’s Gift Giving Time!
4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
~1 Corinthians 12:4-6
What are you doing about your gifts?
The Word of God makes it clear that we each have gifts given by God to help build up the Church and perfect the saints. If you lack fulfillment, it is clear sign that you have a call that you are ignoring, or are not completely embracing. Don’t go after this thing halfheartedly; go for it with all you’ve got. If you’ve notice that you are disorganized and feeling worn out you may want to consider evaluating your gift giving habits. Operating within your gifts will energize and empower you in a way that nothing else will. It is of great value to you to know and use your God-given spiritual gifts. Your passion, gifts and natural talents (although not always) are often congruent. For example if you have a natural ability to talk or make people laugh, you may have the gift of teaching or exhortation or encouragement. Finding out your spiritual gifts and using them is a great way to be inspired to move closer to fulfilling God’s plan for your life. Therefore I remind you that you stir up the gift of God, which is in you by the laying on of my hands.
2 Timothy 1:6
Don’t just talk about your gifts.
Especially if you know what your gifts are and are not using them you are most likely frustrated, worn out, and discontent. By operating in your God-given gifts you are making a much-needed contribution to the growth of the body of Christ and are operating in your “brilliant zone.” God gave you gifts for a reason and you need not talk about what you use to do or what you are going to do. It’s time for you to simply “do.” Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give. Proverbs 25:14
God gave you those gifts; He’s not taking them back.
Finding out where and how to use your gifts is a matter of prayer and discernment. It is however, imperative that you organize yourself, sort through any confusion or uncertainty and give of your gifts to the body of Christ. The scriptures do teach us that our gifts are of great value. The woman with the alabaster box set a wonderful example. The gift that she had for Christ was of great value and she gave it to show her gratitude for all that He had done for her. She expressed her gratitude by pouring her precious gift of expensive oil on the “body of Christ,” and set an example that should clarify for every believer who is unsure what to do with their gifts. Pour them on the body of Christ. When you do, beware of those who may tell you that you are not properly using your gift, or that by using your gifts in the church you are wasting something of great value. (Also read Mark 14:3-9) Once you determine what your gifts are, make it a point to find out how you can use them for the kingdom of God. You have the right gifts and by answering the call of God and moving forward you will find that your problems, stress, pressure and self-doubt will give way to a refreshing sense of usefulness as you fulfill God’s purpose for your life. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29
1). Decide to please God not man.
2). Find out what your spiritual gifts are. Your gift is likely related to your passion.
3). Celebrate your gifts, because they make you uniquely brilliant.
3). Use them for the benefit of the “Body of Christ”
Organizing the Inside – Day 108 Does Love Compromise?
This depends on your view of compromise.
14Then we will no longer be immature like children… 15Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:14a-16
I learned to never compromise.
There was a time not long ago when as far as I was concerned, compromising was one of the worst things a Christian could do. I viewed everything as black and white, it was either right or wrong and if you don’t like it “It’s all good, keep stepping.” Oh my! I use to hold out for the 110% absolute best and 99% was unacceptable. I held others to this same ridiculous standard. I thought, “Listen, my friend that’s just not good enough” and I’d shout it from the roof tops. I thought that people who saw things as a gray were obviously highly mistaken, and had lost their way. Then the truth hit me one day like a ton of bricks. Something a pastor told me years ago, that I needed to add knowledge to my zeal. I realized later what he meant. My gift of prophesy was way off balanced and I needed to allow the love of God to modify my strengths; not making them weaker but more refined. Then I was able to accept people for who they are, where they are and therefore making my gift a more useful one.
It’s okay if you disagree.
So I reject you, denounce you and condemn what you are doing and what you believe. You go your way and I’ll go mine. Hum? Hit them with the truth and move on, may be an approach, but it certainly isn’t the only approach. I’m not suggesting changing the Word of God, or even sharing a watered down gospel. Christianity is not a tip-toe-through-the-tulips way of life. What I’m talking about is the condition of your heart (my heart) in ministry. I’m talking about it being more important that lives are changed, than to receive recognition for great and eloquently spoken truths. There can be a wide divide between having a ministry that touches hearts and lives, and achieving a certain level of prestige because you are well-known for your many great words. I do believe that, one who shares the truth, and does it in love can close this wide divide; having a ministry that is not only effective but one that receives great recognition for sharing the truth.
This was a personal revelation that changed my life.
Perhaps the point at which things took on a new direction. I no longer felt it necessary to cut ‘em up with the word of truth. I still do my best to bring folks the truth; “uncompromisingly” that’s how God made me. However, what’s different is the vehicle from which it flows. Now when I share God’s truth it is with a deep realization that it must be from the heart and not my head. If it’s not done in love… then I am just wasting my time and theirs. Who can receive from one who is unwilling to see anything other than their own hyped-up opinion or interpretation? We are all different, we each have our own strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities; but accepting and loving people just as they are, is part of what God requires, if we are to be used by Him.
God meets us where we are.
What If Jesus told me, you aren’t good enough, or clean enough, come back later when you have yourself together? He accepted me with all my broken parts, and loved me anyway. He told me to come on in, not because of what I had attained, but because His love was unconditional and He accepted me as me. I think the love of Jesus sets an example that we have to strive for. No matter how foolish our thinking, no matter how many mistakes, no matter how ridiculous our view-point or even how far we may roam… Nothing can separate us from His love. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38, 39
When it comes to compromising, certainly I’ve changed my thinking because the Word of truth is now written in my heart and is no longer only in my head. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:2
I believe love is the one thing that can’t be compromised.
Organizing the Inside – Day 104 Today We Abandoned Perfectionism
Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap. ~Ecclesiastes 11:4
Whenever you do something you believe in doing it right.
You feel a certain excitement in your stomach when you read the words, “Do it once, do it right and be done with it.” That is something you can absolutely relate to, right? People often praise and compliment you on a job well done, yet somehow you manage to dwell on the little hiccups that you knew were there, but they missed.
I’ll get it perfect next time!
Then a bit more self loathing talk about how you could have made it just a bit better and you have exhausted yourself again, because you’re still trying to “do perfect.” You heard someone say that God expects excellence and you haven’t given yourself a break since you were a child. If you are approaching every new task, or venture with that same ridiculously stressed out obsession…It’s time you come on with me and let’s just repent together.
Come to Jesus.
You sure need to, since He is the only one who is perfect and you are going to make yourself one worn-out-somebody if you keep trying to do everything PERFECTLY. God wants your best and it’s high time that you convince yourself that your best is going to be good enough. I believe God is pleased when we give Him our best. Let’s say it together, “My best is good enough.”
Trying to do “perfect”, or be “perfect” is so far from reality.
So then what are you doing? You certainly aren’t ever going to be perfect at least not in this life. Don’t set up for yourself such unrealistic expectations that you end up doing nothing. Maybe you never quite finish anything or never start anything; either way perfectionism can paralyze you. Put away the umbrella! Here you are watching the sky, waiting for it to rain so that afterward, you can reap your perfect harvest. How long will you watch the clouds? Will your crops just rot in the ground because of your failure to put down that ideal image of perfection; that you have concocted in your mind and do the will of God. One thing we know, perfectionism is definitely not in God’s plan for you (here on earth). He did tell us to be holy, because He is holy, now that (holiness) is a condition of the heart.
So let’s strive for holiness and not perfection… a far more attainable goal in this life with God as our help. Today! Together we abandoned perfectionism.
Organizing ther Inside – Day 99 The Voice in My Head
He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good. ~Proverbs 19:8
We all have a voice in our head.
Now that doesn’t make you wacky it makes you pretty normal. I call it self-talk (don’t try to pretend you don’t occasionally have a word with yourself). What does that voice actually talk to you about? Does that inner voice compete with the voice of the Holy Spirit? If your inner voice is telling you things like: “Okay, now that was so stupid; I can’t believe you are that dumb.” Or “Go ahead and give her a piece of your mind, and get it off your chest,” then that’s a problem.
You may need to have a sit down with your inner voice.
If what you say in your head is usually negative and self degrading you probably have a self-esteem problem. First of all you must deal with “self” you shouldn’t have high self-esteem or low-self esteem you really should have no self-esteem. Jesus is the author and finisher of your faith and if you saw yourself through the eyes of the Word of God you would be right where you should be. God doesn’t want you to think more highly of yourself than you ought; neither does He want you to think of yourself as less than the conqueror you are. So agree to be Christ-esteemed, and dismiss the world’s view on how you should see and feel about yourself. Stop the negative voices by listening to who God says you are. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5
Your worth is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10
You are precious in the sight of God and He went to great measures to free your mind. The chastisement of your peace was upon Jesus when He hung on the cross. Isaiah 53:5 It would not please the Lord to have Jesus pay the price for your redemption, and then somehow have you suffer for it all over again. You don’t have to put up with an inner voice that is speaking lies to you. Remember the author of those lies is Satan himself, look at what John 8:44 says about him, “…not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” You must immediately reject anything that goes against the expressed Word of God.
The next time you hear that voice in your head.
Whether it’s self doubt talking or the enemy talking “smack” and foolishness, if it doesn’t line up with the Word of God and what God says about you, REPLACE it with the truth. Tell yourself that you have been redeemed. Let your inner voice hear you saying that you have been given the power to be a daughter of God and God doesn’t have any stupid daughters. If you resist the devil he will flee James 4:7 and he’ll take his foolish talk with him. I want you to remember one thing; if you draw near to God and He’ll draw near to you James 4:8 and soon the voice in your head will be the same as the voice in your heart, the voice of truth.
Organizing the Inside – Day 65 Organize Your Prayer Life
6Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
~ Philippians 4:6
The most powerful tool available in your quest to simplify your life is prayer.
Prayer is simply put conversation with God. Meditative prayer can bring your heart and mind in line with the Word of God which assures us that tragedy and devastation is not the order of the day. Prayer brings about peace; it calms us. As you draw closer to God in prayer He draws closer to you and that closeness can change the course of your day, really it can change the course of your life. Take time to pray, God wants to chat with you.
You find time to chat with friends and coworkers.
Through IM, TM and email you discuss important events and share details about your problems or your personal woes. You find time to make a call while riding to work. Perhaps you pause (several times) throughout the day to check voice mail to find out if anyone had something they wanted to talk to you about. Why then do you not make conversation with God a regular part of your day? Daniel prayed three times a day and he set a great example for you to organize your prayer life by setting appointments to have the most important conversations of the day. You set your cell phone to alert you 10 minutes before an important meeting, why not set it to remind you 10 minutes before a prayer break?
Prayer should be the first response when life’s troubles intrude upon your day.
Have you ever had a sudden pain in your body and when it persisted you thought, “Boy, I better go talk to a doctor?” Think of the last time you received shocking news or experienced something you weren’t expecting like being laid off or good news like getting a bonus check. Was your first thought to call your spouse or phone a friend? God already knows what is going on in your life. He sees everything that you are going through so while you may tell Him about your situation it’s definitely not the first time He is finding out about it. He knew before it ever happened. Nevertheless He still wants to hear all about it because He cares and wants to help you. He also wants you to bring your problem to Him and leave it there. Trusting God means having faith in Him and that comes through the power of prayer.
Also read Matthew 6:5-18
I recently included a new Prayer Request page.
Organizing the Inside – Day 58 Sold Out for the Kingdom?
44“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. 45“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. ~Matthew 13:44-46
Jesus prayed, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
How much do you treasure the kingdom of God? You’ll need to find the answer within your own heart. I believe it can be measured by how willing you are to do the will of the Father. How is God’s kingdom established on earth, except His children carry out the work that He has ordained?
The kingdom of God is established on earth by first being established in our hearts.
Now for those who have gone before us, they are in the kingdom of heaven and have no need to change, they are changed. So it remains up to you and I, those of us who are here must fulfill our purpose in the earth realm and do our part to build up His kingdom.
What are you willing to give up, so that the kingdom of God might grow?
Are you willing to sacrifice much, and give up all you have? Are you willing to sell everything you have for the kingdom? I have news today, obedience is better than sacrifice. Don’t look to make an offering to God. Instead obey God, (discover your purpose) and do what He has put in your heart to do, this my sister is kingdom building. This great treasure lies within a heart of obedience, and its growth changes the lives of others. Likewise, fulfilling Paul’s exhortation found in Romans 12:1. Also read 1 Samuel 15:22
Day 1- Ignore Haters
1Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, 2saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap—and charred ones at that?” 3Tobiah the Ammonite, who was standing beside him, remarked, “That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it!”
~Nehemiah 4:1-3
Have you set out to do something for the Lord? Are you being mocked and ridiculed by others who aren’t doing anything? The critics will always have co-signers who go along with whatever they are attempting to tear down with their tongues. The good news today is that if you are doing the will of God then He will send people who not only believe in the vision and have the skills needed to help you carry out the vision, but they also have willing hearts to serve.
Are there haters who want to see you fail? If so, just know that even the great men of old had haters who stood on the sidelines or tried to hinder God’s plan. Ignore the haters, don’t meet with them, and don’t eat with them. Let God deal with them, be single-minded and stay focused on the vision. God will bring it to pass.
Organizing the Inside 365 Days 