Organizing the Inside 365 Days
Empowering Christian Women To Get Organized and Discover God's Plan for Their LivesArchive for Darkness
Organizing the Inside – Day 309 Shining the Light In You
17God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.18“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. 19And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants. John 3:17-21 (NLT)
Those who believe in Jesus are not judged. By accepting God’s give of eternal life we are free from judgment. Believers are forgiven and made free from the sins of the past. They have been separated from the evil deeds of the past. Psalm 103:12 (NIV) As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Those deeds are no longer remembered by God. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12 (NIV) Then he says, “I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.” Hebrews 10:17 (NLT)
No one living in darkness is happy or fulfilled. Deep down inside they are searching for more. The emptiness they experience each day is hidden by fake smiles and pride in material possessions and personal accomplishments. Many unbelievers flaunt the worthless gains of this life to justify their lust for riches and rejection of God’s way. Many believe that their lifestyle and material gain hold far more value than belief in someone other than themselves. Some have established their own limits for right and wrong, and like the rich young ruler they view their riches more valuable than the kingdom of God. (Matthew 19:21, 22)
Those who do not believe in Jesus have already been judged. Their evil deeds condemn them. Don’t be surprised or hurt by the unbeliever’s hatred for you. Don’t be hurt when your words of truth are not openly received by them. Those who choose to live life based upon their own selfish evil desires do not like light. They prefer to be left in darkness because your light, even your very presence often exposes and convicts their hearts of sin. You may not say a word against their sin, but your light is so bright they’d rather keep a distance. Continue to love and pray for them. Keep letting your light shine, it shows them that living in darkness is not the way. (1 Peter 2:12, Matthew 5:16) Don’t lose hope in God’s ability to save them no matter how much darkness they seem to love.
Organizing the Inside – Day 193 Ignoring Clutter Won’t Make It Go Away
We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them. 1 John 5:18 (NLT)
God’s light helps us get organized and clear out spiritual clutter.
As children of God we must be true to ourselves. No one can have Christ and remain in darkness. Ignoring sin will not make it go away. Jesus makes the reality of this potential hazard apparent when He warns us that we should, “Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness.” Luke 11:35 (NLT) This doesn’t mean as Christians we don’t make mistakes; what is does mean is this: 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)
While these are elementary principles in Christian living, is it not true that many have confused the grace and patience of God with a self-proclaimed license to sin? We are no longer under the law; this is true. We don’t follow the letter of the law; we follow the law which is written in our hearts. If we obey one law, the rest are fulfilled. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5 (NLT) The law has simply exposed the truth about sin and brings about a clear awareness of wrong. It is however the light, of God which is Jesus Christ Himself that enables us to let the floodlight shine in; avoiding completely the hidden dangers of secret sin.
15Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! 16Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Romans 6:15, 16 (NLT)
Is there one tiny closet that still has a bit of clutter?
Is there leftover clutter from a bad relationship or a really bad decision? Do you have a junk drawer of wrong that God wants you to allow Him to clean up and shine light upon? Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:25 (NLT) Jesus gave His life for us to have complete freedom from desires and selfish ambitions that can control our lives. If 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 11:36 (NLT) It’s the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, which renders sin void; and gives us total victory through faith in Him. Let the love and light of God shine within; and may your whole life be radiant and glorify God!
Organizing the Inside 365 Days 