Organizing the Inside 365 Days
Empowering Christian Women To Get Organized and Discover God's Plan for Their LivesArchive for Fellowship
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 358 Faith to Live Victoriously
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 (NLT)
Plan to live the abundant life Jesus came to give. I’m a firm believer that without established plans things generally go terribly off course. Being the planner that I am, I tend to leave nothing to chance. Lately I’ve spent much time contemplating how to stay close to God and keep my relationship with Him tight. If your heart’s desire is to dwell in His house all the days of your life, and to walk in His ways then you’ve probably had this same concern. In my discovery of the true keys to the kingdom of God I’ve learned many things that greatly impacted my personal relationship with God.
Amidst all the commitments, expectations and stuff to do how do we keep God first? Fortunately your relationship with God doesn’t depend on ritualistic practices of religious customs. Your relationship with God depends on your faith. Of course when you have a relationship with someone you want to please them. If you made a list of the best ways to please God, FAITH would likely be at the top. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (NLT) Faith is the highest ranking necessity that pleases God, because it makes the other things that please Him possible.
How do we get this high ranking “must have FAITH” in our arsenal of Christian life best practices? How do we walk and live by faith daily? Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 (NLT) Read and print PDF.
5 Strategic Best Practices to Increase Your Faith:
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 (KJV)
- Hear the Word of God preached and proclaimed.
- Hear the Word of God by meditating on it.
- Hear the Word of God through prayer.
- Hear the Word of God by reading it.
- Hear the Word of God by reciting or speaking it.
Call upon your courage by the power of the Holy Spirit. If your life sometimes feels like a rollercoaster ride being up on your faith today and full of doubt and worry tomorrow, ask God for the courage to get off the ride at once. You have faith; so allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to take the right steps that fit your lifestyle and personal needs. Be creative! If you don’t always have lots of time to formally sit and read the bible, look for the bible on CD’s. Also Apple and Android has audio bible applications that you can download for free. Pray about and consider (additional) new ways to spend time getting the Word of God in your heart. Taking active steps toward having the relationship God wants you to have will help change your life. If you are fed up with being up and down or in and out when it comes to faith and the things of God do something now to fix it.
God has given you and me great success, so let’s walk in it. If you have ears, hear what the Spirit is saying to your heart. Act now! Don’t delay…your schedule will never be perfect nor will your lifestyle be what you want it to be until you act on the Word that you have heard. For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. Hebrews 4:2 (NIV) Taking action will activate your faith.
Finally, my dear sisters in Christ, with your whole heart seek God and He will reward you. Don’t be afraid to believe Him for the seemingly impossible. Yes, you can live a full life, with family, work, home, ministry, and the rest and still keep a right, and fulfilling relationship with God. You don’t have to always struggle to get it right. Our Christian walk is not a rough climb up some imaginary spiritual mountain. Jesus told us to speak to the mountain and tell it to move. Oh, but this too requires faith. We can live everyday victoriously. He has given us the Holy Spirit to empower and teach us how. Jesus gave real life examples to live by, and God has given us the power of His written Word to learn from and stand upon. We have all we need to live without compromise as overcomers; nothing more is required. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4 (KJV)
We are the righteousness of God. 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)
Please take a moment to share your thoughts and successes with others.
Organizing the Inside – Day 333 Happy to Be a Gatekeeper
1How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 2I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God. 3Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God! 4What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises. Selah
Psalm 84:1-4 (NIV)
We can meet with God anywhere. He is always there when we need Him. The psalmist was speaking of the temple where God’s Spirit dwelled. Today our bodies are considered a type of temple, because God’s Spirit dwells within each of us (Christians). The church (building) is also a type of temple, referred to as the house of God. We go there to meet with Him and be closer to the people of God. This is part of God’s plan for community. Going to church allows us to corporately worship Him and together along with other believers we honor Him with our gifts and service. An important part of Christian living; this adds to the Christian experience and should not be neglected. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)
We need a place that is separate from the world. A place where the things of God are prominently placed, cueing us to worship. Not a place where traditions, and rituals or idols are the focus, but a place that aids our worship of God and supports our need to fellowship with each other. This is the local church. Many enjoy community among comrades in this fight of faith via the internet, but keep in mind there is no substitution for meeting together with other believers. Neither turning on the television nor logging on the internet can take the place of entering His gates, although there are many great messages there. The world is a busy place, full of distractions and bright shiny objects that tend to call us away from what is most important. We are bombarded with information and unjust causes that tug, again and again for our support. Remember to step away from it all and allow God to give you perspective… His perspective.
10Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. 11For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. 12O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you. Psalm 84:10-12 (NIV)
Organizing the Inside – Day 306 Choose Life!
10“Son of man, say to the house of Israel, ‘This is what you are saying: “Our offenses and sins weigh us down, and we are wasting away because of them. How then can we live?”’ 11Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?’ Ezekiel 33:10, 11 (NIV)
God makes His position perfectly clear to the Israelites. He doesn’t want anyone to perish in their wickedness. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT) God’s desire toward mankind is that we would know Him and choose life. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: Deuteronomy 30:19 (KJV) He wants us to be in fellowship with Him. Before Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden and tried to hide from God, he had perfect fellowship with God. Even then God wanted to reconcile man unto himself 8Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:8, 9 (NIV) It’s not as if an omnipotent God didn’t know where Adam was. I believe God was admonishing Adam to consider the choice he’d made and the consequences he now had to face.
Often times as Christians we make choices without bothering to consider the consequences. Many go about their lives choosing to live according to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life; instead of choosing to live the way the Holy Spirit leads. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. John 14:17a (NLT) The Holy Spirit is on His job, leading Christians into all truths. The reason so many don’t walk in those truths is because they aren’t bothering to follow His lead. 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)
God sent a warning to the people of Israel. He sent Ezekiel who was the watchman to warn them of their sins. Sin separates us from God. While it doesn’t separate us from his love, it keeps us from having fellowship with Him. Man cannot truly have an intimate relationship with God while choosing sin over righteousness. One cannot choose to obey their flesh, while honoring God with their mouths, and think the lie they are living is hidden from God. And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Isaiah 29:13a (NLT) Adam tried to hide from God once he sinned. God understood what happened and exactly where Adam was. God understands your choices and He knows the exact reasons why you made them. Nevertheless, that doesn’t relieve us from the responsibility of making the right choices.
The question is not sin, sin, sin… The question is the space behind the door where you refuse to let Him in. If we are ever going to be organized on the inside, we are going to have to yield completely to the Holy Spirit. The choice is clear; obey God and His commands or obey your flesh and follow your own selfish desire. Will something else have to die because of poor choices? God wants us to be in fellowship and harmony with Him. He provided a way out and a way to make better choices by giving His Son Jesus Christ. He strengthens us to say yes to His will and then empowers us to keep the commitment. He wants our lives to honor and glorify Him in every way. We’ve got to let Him in the secret places. Allow God to reign, especially in those small and hidden places where truth and flesh meet up. If you check, I guarantee you’ll likely find fear there. This is where life and death decisions are made, within your heart. What will your heart choose today; will your heart choose life? Will you choose to obey God, allow Him to organize what’s on the inside and put that one thing to rest?
Organizing the Inside – Day 276 What A Blessing To Be Hungry
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6 (NIV)
Can hunger be a blessing?
God promises that those of us who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. Being hungry for righteousness begins with the realization that God is sovereign and it is He alone who can meet your needs. Is there any food that can satisfy the hungry soul? Food is what we each need for survival and without it we cannot live. Jesus is the bread of life. Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:36 (NLT) When we are hungry for Him we have a sincere desire to be filled with His truth and righteousness.
God fills our hunger through fellowship with Him. If you truly hunger and thirst after righteousness, take time to organize yourself internally. Make fellowship with God a top priority. By having daily communion with the Holy One, your strength renewed. Arranging that special place where you connect with the Lord is an intentional act of love. 1As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. 2My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalm 42:1, 2 (NIV)
Fellowship draws you closer.
You cannot have fellowship with someone you do not know. True fellowship comes out of spending quality time together. Fellowship with God is a lifestyle. Setting aside a special time and place to meet with Him is a big part of experiencing fellowship, but it’s also important that our conduct does not grieve the Spirit. I believe that fellowship only happens when we answer the call: Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8 (NIV) Fellowship doesn’t have a lot to do with rules and regulations about how we conduct ourselves as a Christians. Fellowship really comes down to who God is to you. When your love for God supersedes your love for the world a sincere desire to walk humbly, live righteously and seek holiness will come about. To God be the glory, for He alone fills our hunger and thirst for righteousness. What do you hunger for?
Organizing the Inside – Day 274 Knowing God Intimately
“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)
Prepare for service by knowing God intimately.
David gave his son instructions to prepare him for the work that he was charged with. David knew that the huge project that was before Solomon would require the right frame of mind. Solomon would be responsible for the building the Temple of God. If you are a leader and servant of God knowing Him intimately is essential for success. The opposition, jealousy and resentment that you’ll have to face from others must be met with a heart of love.
God sees far beyond our outward appearance.
He considers the condition of our heart, and He never stops loving us. As Christians do we honor God with our work, but have hearts that are far from His purpose? Are we truly committed to the work that God has placed before us, or do we complain because we have grown weary and our heart is no longer in it? Decide today to know God more intimately and you will find that His plans will become your plans as you discover the true meaning of joyful devotion. God hears our internal conversations; He knows exactly what we’re thinking when we put our hands to do His work. By connecting with God on an intimate level, you will experience freedom in worship and service. When you raise your hands in worship your mind will not hinder your honest praise, because your praise comes from a heart of love. God wants your heart, your mind, your hands, and your all.
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)
Are you ready to worship and serve God with your whole heart and a willing mind?
Organizing the Inside – Day 222 When Idols Are Broken
2This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. 3For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. 4He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
14The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. 15When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. Psalm 91:2-4, 14, 15
The message is simple.
Trust God! No matter what your present situation looks like; the power of God is at work in your life. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NLT) God‘s Word is true! The time has come to put all your faith, hope and trust in Him. When your idols have fallen and all that you held on to and believed in has been proven false; then do you trust God completely? When your resources are suddenly no more, and your friends turn away, then will you lay prostrate before Him? When prophesies you relied upon are no longer proclaimed, then will you look to God?
Prepare for battle, but expect God to carry-out His Word.
Wait upon God. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God–there never has been, and there never will be. Isaiah 43:10 (NLT) Wait with an expectation for Him to do as He promised. My soul, wait you only upon God; for my expectation is from him. Psalm 62:5 (KJV) Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7 (KJV) But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!”
2 Chronicles 20:17
He alone is God!
Organizing the Inside – Day 148 Her Search for Joy
9“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
~John 15:9-11
She desperately wants to be strong in Him.
This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 10:8 She just wants real joy, true joy that surpasses human logic, joy that is somehow more permanent. The kind of joy she seeks is enduring, yet far beyond bliss or happiness, far beyond what makes her laugh. Unlike the occasional joke that causes the kind of exuberance, where she can’t catch her breath and her side hurts from laughter. What she yearns for is nothing like that. Deeper than pleasure and it exceeds the temporal adventures of fun. She wants joy beyond the world’s definition; even beyond what her Moma taught her, she wants to know the joy of Christ.
True joy is not here today and gone tomorrow.
True joy is not something we can strive to attain, not really. It is a fruit of the Spirit that grows out of close and abiding fellowship with God. I believe real joy has nothing to do with ones current situation, except that the awareness of its existence is likely expressed through tears. The tears produced by joy are a humble expression of one’s awareness of God’s love. Joy is like a long-lasting rich, sweetness that develops in a heart yielded to the awesome presence and power of God. Only the Spirit of God can lead you into that place of joy, which is created by the Spirit Himself.
Tears of joy will stream down their faces, and I will lead them home with great care. They will walk beside quiet streams and on smooth paths where they will not stumble. Jeremiah 31:9
The goodness of God’s love will produce abundant joy in the heart of His daughters and sons. Words cannot adequately describe the joy of Lord, for it is something deeply personal and intimate. Take time to fellowship with God. Create an environment that allows you to freely embrace His presence. Seek Him, not because there is something you want from Him, but because of who He is, and in time everything you ever really wanted will be yours. May your joy be full.
Organizing the Inside 365 Days 