Organizing the Inside 365 Days
Empowering Christian Women To Get Organized and Discover God's Plan for Their LivesArchive for Jesus
Organizing the Inside – Day 363 For Ourselves and Our Posterity
3The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because in his early years he walked in the ways his father David had followed. He did not consult the Baals 4but sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel. 5The Lord established the kingdom under his control; and all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so that he had great wealth and honor. 6His heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord; … 2 Chronicles 17: 3-6a (NIV)
Security is not found in what others before us have done. We are responsible for establishing our own relationship with God and obeying His calling today. Our biggest responsibility is to fulfill our purpose in our own generation. The great heritage of strong Christian women in my family is not something I take lightly. I’ve seen the stark contrast of the effect of sin in families whose parents and grandparents didn’t know the Lord. For those of us who are here today, the greatest legacy we can leave posterity is one that points to Christ. Business leaders, world-renowned artists and highly acclaimed scholars without a personal relationship with God leave behind nothing of eternal value.
Many people speak of family values; but how many actually live lives that honor those values? Quick to defend their “family values” most make excuses about choices made. What makes it so difficult to see that only what we do for Christ will last? When your last breath is taken what difference will your investments make in the lives of the next generation? Wealth and status, where do they fit in to God’s plan of redemption for your household and future generations? Sure we cherish the tea-cup set my grandmother played with when she was a child, and even the acreage that still holds the family name, but it was her relentless prayers and right choices that will forever reach the lives of our own grandchildren. No one can ever bring back to us wasted years spent in foolish acts of disobedience. Who can return to us the endless hours given toward earning more wealth, instead of answering the call to life?
Secure now a life of prayer and peace. Keep fellowship with God a priority. Do it for yourself, but also for the next generation who will inevitably be affected by the life you choose today. Through trial and success find ways to point out the mighty works of God. Let’s face it; much of what we experience today is a direct result of the choices our parents and their parents’ parents made. I’m not talking about generational curses. I’m talking about the enormous responsibility we have today to leave behind a legacy that tells a story and shows a path that points to the true meaning of love and prosperity. “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! Deuteronomy 30:19 (NLT)
Organizing the Inside – Day 360 It’s Time For True Worship – A Way of Life
1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NIV)
Most people refuse to go there. Many will keep doing what they do, until rejecting pure knowledge becomes a way of life. When you and I look deep into the hidden places of our hearts by allowing God’s Holy Spirit to go there, what do we find? Have we spent precious time pursuing our own agendas or does God rule supreme? This is as simple as any spiritual matter can be. Who rules my heart, me or God?
Question: What was the very last thing that He told you to clean up, remove, get rid of, let go of, give up, stop doing or surrender? Did you do it, or are you still trying to hold on to what you want?
There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. John 12:48 (NLT)
Yes, we know and understand this: So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 (NLT) The Word of God is not complicated or confusing… the plain and simple truth is clear. 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)
I don’t believe the gospel was meant to make people feel good. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 2 Timothy 4:3 (NLT) It’s time for many folks to stop playing “Christian” by assuming a form of what looks like Christianity on the outside, but honestly denying the power of God that would live on the inside. Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. 2 Timothy 3:5 (NIV) Jesus described them by saying, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Matthew 15:8 (NLT)
15Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good. Titus 1:15, 16 (NLT)
“The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” Mark 1:15 (NLT)
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) We must redeem the time!
Organizing the Inside – Day 359 Keep Your First Love
2I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. 4Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Revelation 2:2-4 (KJV)
Keep your Christian life and relationship with God from becoming routine. Faithfully you give daily attention to prayer, praise and worship. In your sincere desire to be faithful has it all become so routine that the energy and passion you once felt is no longer there? If you’ve tried to make the right choices and spend quality time with God, but feel the excitement and newness you once enjoyed has waned, don’t be ashamed. Why not shake things up a bit? There is nothing mundane or unexciting about the things of God. Instead of your usual quiet time at home, consider an early morning walk on the beach or a hike through the woods as part of your devotional time to change things up. What things did you once enjoy that you rarely do anymore?
Always be a witness! Remember the anticipation and excitement you felt when you first gave your life to God? If you were like most, you told anyone who would listen about your new-found eternal life. When you share your passion and love for the things of God with others, seeing their reaction definitely keeps things interesting, but it also helps your love for God grow. Sharing your testimony helps strengthen you and others. The next time you walk into your local coffee shop, instead of starting a conversation about the weather, or last night’s game ask your fellow coffee drinker one thought-provoking question. “If you were to die tonight, would you go to heaven?” As the Holy Spirit leads, be ready to share God’s life changing Word. Being a witness (in some ways) is like being a fan; there isn’t anything more exciting than living for God. While sharing the good news is serious business, it is so much fun! When you are fanatic about the kingdom of God, the more you share the message of truth, the more interesting things tend to become. Continue being faithful in your relationship with God, but share the love. There is a lost and dying world that needs to know the fulfillment of having a first love.
Organizing the Inside – Day 357 Take Heart
“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)
Stand courageously for Christ. Jesus has defeated death, hell and the grave. Christ’s finished work at Calvary gives us the confidence to stand, and the assurance of knowing that we have eternal life. We’ve been redeemed from a life of hopeless destruction. He stands between now and eternity, bridging the gap of time. Having conquered death Jesus is the doorway to eternal life.
Access to a love beyond compare. It is not until we surrender to Christ completely that we can begin to comprehend (although only dimly) what is the height, depth and scope of His glorious love. Strengthen that which remains and set a standard of righteousness that is unwilling to compromise. Refuse to lower your standards to pursue worldly pleasures. And since we are His children, we are His heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering. Romans 8:17 (NLT) Jesus knew we would have conflict in this life, but the certainty and peace we have in the midst of confusion enables you and me to rise above our circumstances and live victoriously through Him.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
Organizing the Inside – Day 352 Pursuits In Order
24A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? 26To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:24 (NIV)
Other than Jesus, Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. He matter-of-factly concluded that there are great deals of meaningless activities that most people spend time on. The daily grind of working and pursuing goals and ambitions are all for the most part worthless. Should we conclude by his writings that there is nothing in life worth accomplishing? I believe that Solomon wanted us to understand that the only thing in life worth living for is the fulfillment of God’s purpose for you and me. How many times have we sought after things and explored ideas that led to a dead-end? I’ll be the first to admit to several futile pursuits in life. There are however lessons to learn. Solomon set out to do it all, live it all, build it all and have it all. He experienced great highs and lows, but the reality of living a life apart from God’s direction and purpose (he concluded) is essentially a waste of time.
Only through a relationship with God does life have meaning. When we try to do things on our own and build kingdoms unto ourselves what value does all this hard work really have? Businesses, homes and acquisition upon acquisition are meaningless apart from the purpose and plan of God. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Mark 8:36 How can life take on meaning without the One who gives us purpose? “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)
Do you want your life’s work to have meaning? Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (KJV) Then turn your attention to God’s will. Let your life’s pursuits be about His plan for you and not your own. Set your heart on helping to build God’s kingdom. Let Matthew 6:10 be your heart’s prayer. In the end only what we do for Christ will matter. In Him we can accomplish His goals and experience sustainable success.
Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Matthew 19:26 (NLT)
“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” Luke 18:27 (NIV)
Organizing the Inside – Day 338 Choose to Live Fearlessly
24Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25About three o’clock in the morningJesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Matthew 14:24-27 (NLT)
Fear can be pretty unpredictable. I’ve often looked up, wondering what has me stuck and realized that fear has reared its ugly head once again. Some say you can smell it, but as far as I know it is colorless, tasteless and odorless. This thing “FEAR” is not something you want to conquer, not really. Fear must be eradicated. I’ve concluded in my limited knowledge about spiritual matters that we cannot make it go away on our own, and wrestling with it is definitely not part of God’s plan. Although fear manifests itself physically in ways that we can plainly see, it is clearly a spiritual problem.
What happened to Peter when he went from faith to fear? He began to doubt Jesus. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” Matthew 14:31 (NLT) Something happens in the heart and mind when there is fear; there is a sense of being stuck and or you dread the future. Like Peter when someone is walking in fear they start out questioning, (Lord if it’s really you) move on to obeying (So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.) and end up doubting, (But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink.) There is only one way that we can truly live fearlessly and that is through Jesus Christ, by accepting God’s Word as the final truth and authority in our lives. (“Yes, come,” Jesus said.) When God says it, we have total confidence to do it.
16And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17There 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) Fearless living is a choice. We choose to live fearlessly by choosing to live a life of love, and refusing to compromise or doubt God because of what we see.
Organizing the Inside – Day 331 With Wisdom Comes Favor
1My child,never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. 2If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. 3Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Proverbs 3:1-4 (NLT)
Be open to correction and ready to make adjustments along the way. Never lock in on your plans without leaving room for God to make changes. Being guided by the Holy Spirit is a way of life. If your heart is open to His leadership then you will live securely. By binding the truth of God’s Word tight around your neck you show your ongoing commitment to follow His way and not your own. There as a constant reminder, His wisdom and love guides you through difficult decisions and challenging circumstances.
True wisdom is applied knowledge. If we are willing to go beyond the constant reminders of keeping God’s Word close and make it a part of who we are by writing it deep within our hearts, He promises three things will occur. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Proverbs 3:4 (NLT) Does your life represent one who has chosen to apply knowledge and live according to God’s Word? If so, your loyalty and kindness has brought you much favor. Better than cash and finer than gold, favor is far more valuable than material riches. What’s in your favor bank with God and man? This kind of wealthy living is not to be compared.
If you live right your favor bank will be full. Jesus made this point clear when He said, “But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.” Luke 7:35 (NLT) What results do your life show?
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 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 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 365 Days 