Organizing the Inside 365 Days
Empowering Christian Women To Get Organized and Discover God's Plan for Their LivesArchive for Christ Jesus
Organizing the Inside – Day 317 Take Heart; You Are Not In This Alone
7Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 8Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith… 10In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11All power to him forever! Amen. 1 Peter 5-9a-11 (NLT)
No one believes we should be picking berries and Gerber daisies all day long. Of course because we live in a fallen world, things are not easy or perfect and they simply won’t be until Christ returns. Meanwhile, those of us who are here must realize that there is definitely a great deal of work to do. Nevertheless, God’s will for our life is not based upon some long list of arduous tasks and rituals. When you choose to live a godly life it’s not something that ought to bring you grief. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 1 John 5:3 (KJV) What motivates you to keep going and to keep pursuing righteous living in the face of opposition? For me and for many others, “… the joy of the LORD is our strength.” I believe it is that joy that brings us to a place of personal contentment, even if it seems so many others choose not to follow the same path.
Your choice to live holy is contrary to everything this world has to offer. Although the world resists the ways of God and laughs at your beliefs, take heart, your suffering is nothing new. …Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. 1 Peter 5:9b (NLT) When faced with opposing forces on an everyday basis, the fight can sometimes wear you down, especially if you attempt to fight in your own strength. Challenges will come, so stay alert as you seek to live a life of righteous pursuits. The one thing to remember is that you are not alone in your desire to live right before God. It’s hard sometimes to find people who really seem determined to live for God. Many may say so, but you later find that they too seem to love the world more than they love God. But you have chosen to live for Christ; for you, there is no turning back. Draw near to God and the people of God, and you will find greater strength and protection. God will most certainly honor your commitment and see you through until the end.
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT)
Organizing the Inside – Day 307 The Rocking Chair of Worry
2Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4 (NLT)
Don’t sit worrying when faith is all you need. You have what you need …according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:3 (KJV) So now what are you going to do with what you have? It always amazes me, the many hours spent in absolute denial that, “I’m not worrying” I’m only giving the matter great thought and consideration. Mulling things over in your mind again and again, only to flip it over and mull even more is definitely worrying. Can you trust God and worry all at once? The answer to that mystery is a resounding no way.
Trusting God begins with faith and faith requires action. Sure God would have us to consider things before venturing out and springing into action without thought about the consequences, but worrying about your situation will never change anything. Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:27 (NIV) Why not trade in your worry for a nice healthy, spirit-filled dose of faith? Establishing something of substance will get you to the place of total victory. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) We can’t however have victory if we spend our time sitting, asking the questions that may never have any answers (in this life). Instead of allowing yourself to get caught in that “why me” state of total worry anticipating the worst, begin to walk in faith. Without FAITH it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) Do it now, because faith is NOW.
Change your thinking; get up and agree to never sit there again. Decide to move, but only in the direction that God is leading. He won’t lead you or me to sit in our rocking chairs of worry and misery, as we allow Satan himself to minister to us by assuring us that things are ten times worse than they seem. Organizing the Inside is about having the mind of Christ. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5 (KJV) We have to let it, it won’t just happen. Jesus didn’t worry, even in His darkest hour. His belief in the Father was unshakable, and yours can be too. (Hebrews 12:2) Jesus turned to God and He submitted totally to the will of the Father. …yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42b (NIV) Worry breeds more worry, and that’s not what God intended for our lives. Agree to stop worrying and do something about the situation. FAITH and PATIENCE are the power-twins to get you everything you ever wanted. Along with faith (real faith) you must have action. Set a plan in place and get out of the rocking chair with your fruitless back and forth wondering “what if” and trust God again. All you who fear the LORD, trust the LORD! He is your helper and your shield. Psalm 115:11 (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 206 Rooted In Love
14When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Ephesians 3:14-19
God’s love gives strength to fulfill the call.
God’s love and power is fully capable of preparing and equipping you for ministry. Many Christian women have the “Super Saint” syndrome. You look around – first mistake. You must keep your eyes on Jesus for He alone is the author and finisher of your faith. (Hebrews 12:2) When you consider what sister “someone else” is doing, or how they have grown, or achieved, or seemed so blessed in what they do, you begin to lose focus on what you are supposed to do. Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. Galatians 6:4 (NLT) If you were totally honest you would admit you sometimes want to be able to speak like her, sing like her, some even try to pray in tongues like someone else. But God wants you to have faith in Him and His ability to make you grow.
Strive to be like Christ.
You, yes YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God.(Psalm 139:14) You, yes YOU are His dear child and there are certain things that God intended for you to do. Sister Suzie, as blessed as she is, has not been called to carry out God’s plan for your life. There is a purpose that is especially meant for your life. God took the time to make each one of us different, and you do the Creator a disservice when you emulate someone other than Christ. Have faith in God. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Philippians 1:6 (KJV)
God’s power is more than enough.
God’s peace is surely enough.
God’s strength is quite enough.
God’s love is plenty enough.
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:20, 21 (KJV)
Patience and Faith are the productivity partners.
Trust God to make you strong in Jesus Christ. Have patience as God develops your gifts and talents. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4 (NIV) God’s love will give you the spiritual growth and strength to carry out His plan. Leadership is important and God puts leaders and teachers in place to help the church grow. Just remember, your personal spiritual relationship with Christ is the single most important relationship you will ever have. Put your eyes on Him, and God will help you to continue to grow. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. Ephesians 2:20 (NLT) The foundation has already been laid and it’s up to us to do the work to build upon it. God wouldn’t give you work to do and then not strengthen you to finish it. No matter how many come along with great revelations said to be truth, no one is going to rebuild the foundation again. Therefore as Paul said, “Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 2:12, 13
5After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. 6I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. 8The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. 9For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field.
1 Corinthians 3:5-9 (NLT)
In conclusion, let sister Suzie do her, you do you, and I’ll do me, as we all work together to be like Christ. Each of us, with our own personalities and unique style, are authentic creations in the perfect plan and will of God.
Organizing the Inside – Day 197 Choose to Give Christ Complete Access
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:11 (NLT)
Compartmentalizing is a principle used in organizing that separates items, usually of a similar type into various compartments. When things are put in compartments they are much neater and generally more accessible, because the sorting has been done it’s easier to maintain. Compartmentalizing is a great way to keep certain things hidden and out of the way.
Unfortunately this same principle of compartmentalization adequately describes some Christian women’s relationship with Christ. It’s heartbreaking to know that so many otherwise strong Christian sisters have felt it necessary to compartmentalize Jesus; whereby He is only allowed into certain areas of their lives. Too often this is the case when women find themselves in relationships that don’t glorify God. Putting Christ in a compartment when it’s convenient, in order to pursue one’s own selfish wants leads to an unfulfilled and complicated life. God gave His best, and Jesus gave His all, so that we could be free from failure, guilt and shame. Not allowing Christ to be Lord over every area of your life will have consequences. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NLT)
That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NLT) Ultimately Christ holds only one position; He is LORD. Choosing to compartmentalize Christ is a choice that you are free to make. God won’t take away our free will. Nevertheless, be mindful that while you can make your own choices; you can’t choose the consequences of the choices you make. Getting organized on the inside includes honoring the Lordship of Jesus Christ in every compartment of our lives. Submitting to His Lordship is allowing Him full access no matter what, and being committed to obeying His will over our own. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. Romans 14:11 (KJV)
Organizing the Inside – Day 107 Who’s Online?
21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
I just want to be me.
Do you ever wonder who that is? It is so easy to pretend to be someone who you are not, especially when you are on the internet or social networking sites. Did you try to make yourself out to be just a bit more together, a bit smarter, taller or to seem more popular or spectacular than you really are? Have you ever shared something you knew wasn’t 100% true because of a perception you were trying to portray?
Worried that if you are transparent you won’t be accepted?
Have you ever found the real you hiding behind your computer. You want to be transparent, but are concerned about what people will think, if they knew the real you. Don’t allow yourself to believe that telling a little white lie is not a big deal. When you are untruthful it brings about unnecessary stress because you are afraid that somewhere along the way your followers or friends are going to find you out.
Maybe it’s time to let go of your online persona.
God made you the way He wanted you. If you are quirky then let your quirkiness glorify God. No matter what characteristics you have, these are the things that make you unique. He put your personality, talents, gifts, abilities, and skills in you for His purpose. You were created for His good pleasure. Honor and worship God by being the wonderful woman He made you. Sure there may be a few flaws, but you are being changed into the very image of Christ Jesus Himself. Besides the very same people who you’ve connected with need the true gifts God has given you.
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 86 Cast Your Net On The Right Side
He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. ~John 21:5, 6
Are you casting your net on the right side?
The difference between success and failure could be in making an adjustment? Why is it that the disciples were out all night, working hard and caught no fish? These were fishermen and they knew how to catch fish, their abundance was near, yet they needed to change what they were doing. Is the difference in abundance and lack in your life is only one specific word of direction? Do you need a word from the Lord? Jesus gave the disciples a word of knowledge, which they immediately obeyed. They experienced abundance because they heard from the Lord and obeyed His specific instructions.
God wants you to succeed.
God wants His children to have everything they need. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 Christians often suffer lack because of a failure to listen (hear) and obey (receive) the specific Word of God. There are times when you simply need to make an adjustment. We sometime complicate our lives by casting the net on the wrong side of the boat. Although what you are doing is not working you keep doing it anyway. Abundance is found in following the specific will of God. It’s not enough to go where God wants you to go, if you are not doing the right thing once you get there. A huge part of doing God’s will includes doing it His way.
Did the disciples need to go back for more training on how to fish?
Did they need to seek a second opinion? The disciples were doing what they were supposed to do, but needed to do it differently. Immediately they obeyed and found abundance. If you are not getting results and suffering lack in your business, marriage, ministry or any area of your life, you may need to make a simple adjustment. Have faith, I believe the answer is near you and it’s in your heart. Ask God who gives generously to all who call on Him. Also read Deuteronomy 30:11-14
Organizing the Inside 365 Days 