Organizing the Inside 365 Days
Empowering Christian Women To Get Organized and Discover God's Plan for Their LivesArchive for God’s kingdom
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 203 Putting Fear In Its Place
Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. Luke 5:5-11 (NLT)
This post is a continuation from yesterday – Day 202. If you missed yesterday’s post, I invite you to go back and read it to get the full concept of what I’ve written.
Taking a stand against fear is the best way to put it in its place.
Decide now that if Daniel can go into the lion’s den, and come out untouched you too have the protection you need to stand for what is right. If Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego can come out of the fiery furnace without as much as the scent of smoke on their clothing, then surely you are fully capable of victoriously facing anything that is before you. If you are confident that your dream is from God and it is what He has given you a passion for, then you must go-for-it.
Jesus prayed, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.”
God’s will is to be done on earth, in our hearts and lives as it is in heaven. The Kingdom of God is set up within every believer who would dare to forsake their own selfish ambitions and follow Christ. The disciples walked away from everything (Luke 5:11). They were focused on one thing, obeying Christ and doing God’s will. When we are committed to following Christ, He tells us that He will give us the desires of our hearts. May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4 (NLT) Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Psalm 37:4 (NLT) Why would He do such a thing? When we put God first and follow Him, our desires, dreams and passions are for the things of God, they fit perfectly into His will for our lives. No longer are you concerned with impressing others with your status among men, you are concerned with God’s kingdom coming. In His kingdom there is only true love. There is no room for pride, jealousy, selfishness, or greed in the heart of one who has allowed God’s Kingdom to set up there.
Jesus told us many times in the scriptures not to be afraid.
Fear holds us back. Here is the key, when you allow His kingdom to come and be established in your heart and life you have overcome fear. Why? “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 (NIV) When God’s kingdom comes into your heart, I mean – you have completely yielded and your life is completely about doing His will, something happens on the inside and all fear is gone. I believe this is a supernatural occurrence orchestrated by the Holy Spirit when God has a vessel that is totally yielded to His will. We understand this, God’s kingdom is already established in heaven. In heaven there is no disobedience, fear, or selfishness it just doesn’t exist there. What Jesus was praying for was that while we are here, God’s kingdom would come in our hearts and lives. That means DOING WHAT GOD PUT IN YOUR HEART TO DO. Really it is that simple, obeying God and agreeing with Him. When Simon and the disciples were ready to leave everything to follow Jesus they did so for a reason; they were pursuing their purpose. Jesus immediately told Simon two things:
- “Don’t be afraid.”
- “From now on, you will be fishing for people.”
The key to overcoming your fear is doing God’s will.
Move out of the problem and into the solution. By following your dream, you will find yourself directly in the center of the Will of God. Your brilliant zone is there (in God’s Will) the place where your talents, abilities, gifts and skills work best. Ask God for help today, the answers you’re looking for are not hidden. If you don’t know your purpose, He will show you. If you are not sure about your vision, He will clarify it. God wants His children to be filled with love, Perfect love drives out fear 1 John 4:18 and God is Love 1 John 4:16.
May God’s Kingdom come and may His will be done, in earth as it is in heaven.
Organizing the Inside – Day 192 Who Are You Looking Out For?
1Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Philippians 2:1-4 (NLT)
A purposeful life helps others.
As women of God we must take an interest in building up each other. No matter what God has called you to do it goes back to caring for others. The whole purpose behind service is to help others along in their walk. Once our own relationship with Christ has been established we must continue the process of “developing self” to “give self.” Jesus certainly didn’t give excuses about all the commitments He had that kept Him from serving. He made the needs of the people His priority and always found a way to bring light, truth, hope, and love to glorify God.
Caring about the spiritual and personal welfare of others.
Giving is something that must be done from the heart if it is to glorify God. Our Heavenly Father understands business and ministry in its truest sense; he realizes that we each have needs. But Jesus gave us clear direction about His way of getting our needs met. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 (NLT) Contrary to popular belief the Word of God makes our direction crystal clear. We are to put the Kingdom of God first. God’s kingdom is the place where His will is completely carried out; there is no disobedience there. This place is not the point at which we look for ways to increase our wealth, popularity or following; those things likely describe your own kingdom. The Kingdom of God is like the place where God’s love and compassion is realized; and people experience the fullness of His grace and power. The Word of God eliminates all excuses not to give, and do so freely. If you are not truly giving your life in service to others, you’d better revisit your plan of action, quickly.
There is a time of preparation.
Jesus didn’t begin His public ministry until He was about 30. (Luke 3:23) He did however spend time preparing for it in those years leading up to the start of His ministry. As women of God we also need time to prepare to do God’s will. (Ephesians 13:21) But this process must be one that is led by the Holy Spirit. Discovering your TAGS, talents, abilities, gifts and strengths is an important step. God has a plan for your life. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12, 13 (KJV)
- Accept yourself as one having a purpose in the plan of God. (Psalm 138:8)
- Get to know yourself and understand your TAGS. (Proverbs 4:7)
- Develop yourself by perfecting your TAGS in love. (Ephesians 4:11, 12)
- Discover your brilliant zone and learn specifically what God wants you to do to use your TAGS for the Kingdom. (Matthew 7:21)
- Give of yourself, by living out your life’s purpose. (1 Corinthians 12:7)
- Be the authentic women God has called you to be and live a life of service that glorifies Him. (Romans 12:1) and (Psalm 50:23)
Organizing the Inside – Day 149 Oh, I Just Have To Have That!
15Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” 16Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ 18Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 19And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!” 20“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ 21“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
Luke 12:15-21
Do you trust God with your entire future?
Certainly saving for retirement doesn’t mean you’re not trusting God to provide for your future. I think God wants us to plan for the future. The matter of concern is when we start to worry about the future. When your worry about your future supersedes your desire to serve God today, you have reason for alarm. The rich farmer reasoned within himself, that by storing up all this great wealth, he could retire and enjoy the golden years. Jesus called him a fool. God wants us to have a healthy attitude toward our future and His ability to provide for us. We must be obedient to God in both saving and giving. His word gives us clear guidelines about how to handle both.
19“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:19-21
Do you remember the feeling?
Have you ever tried cleaning out your closet or another area of your home and thought, I just have too much stuff? I admit to the occasional thought of getting a bigger barn. Each time I do, I am reminded of what place these things (that I want to hold on to) have in God’s “big picture” plan for my life. I’m challenged to think there is rarely any memento, or other coveted item of choice, that has anything to do with me fulfilling God’s plan for my life, rarely ever. I can remember the feeling I had in the store while contemplating my purchase. Have you ever had that feeling? You just had to have it! I can remember thinking, “Oh, I want it; I want it, how beautiful!” That lovely and likely overpriced vase I just had to have, is now taking up extra space in my closet. Why on earth was I so pressed to buy it? Absolutely convinced, that if I made that one purchase I would feel a certain way. Advertisers spend a lot of money to get into the heads or would be buyers. It’s embarrassing to think of all that I’ve given away over the years in various yard sales or trips to the Salvation Army; yet when at the point of purchase, I could think of nothing more important to spend money on. Thank Jesus! I’m learning to have a healthier viewpoint about the accumulation of personal wealth.
Possessions and the desire for more distract us from the kingdom.
I’ve seen too many cases of Christians who seemed to have lost their minds once the fame and fortune came about. I suspect this had little to do with things, and more to do with the condition of the heart. Far be it from me to start wondering what imbalance or greed resides in the heart of another, which causes them to choose the love of possessions, over love for Christ. I do believe, greed is a snare of the enemy, but those who choose God over riches will inherit the kingdom. Jesus warns us in many scriptures about worry, possessions and greed. What impresses me most about His teaching on the subject is He gives us the answers to all that we desire, and loving points us to the Kingdom of God. He teaches if we would trust God and stop worrying about all the “things” we want and need, He would provide everything we needed. Certainly if you asked most shrewd financial investors, they would explain that this type of thinking goes against the books, and defies human logic.
But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.
1 Corinthians 2:14
32These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:32, 33
Can happiness, contentment, peace, joy and love be found outside of a relationship with God? The answer is a resounding NO; besides who would want to? Only those who have not experienced the true treasures of the richest King would ever consider the alternative. Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Psalm 34:8
Also read Luke 12:22-34
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
Organizing the Inside 365 Days 