Organizing the Inside 365 Days
Empowering Christian Women To Get Organized and Discover God's Plan for Their LivesArchive for Lord
Organizing the Inside – Day 349 Trading In Stress For Godly Freedom
28Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
Sometimes as women we become obsessed with trying to please others. Too often you’re willing to spend extra hours, and invest extra resources because you’re driven to please another human being. Some of us are giving more consideration to what someone else thinks, before considering God. When this person is happy life seems good, but when they are unhappy, perhaps because of something that you failed to do, then things go downhill fast.
This is an unfair and horribly stressful way to live. People pleasers are prone to depression and anxiety because that’s not how God intended for anyone to live. God did however give us an internal desire to please Him. Certainly we know, “The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married cares for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.” 1 Corinthians 7:34 (KJV) So does this mean that the married woman has to end up stressed and pressed on every side, because she’s trying to please her husband? Being concerned, and carrying an unrealistic burden (that God never intended) are two different issues. Although the married woman is concerned with how she may please her husband, an unbalanced approach will lead to an unbalanced lifestyle.
Let go of any unhealthy preoccupation with pleasing anyone other than the Lord. If the godly woman’s life pleases the Lord, I sincerely believe she will in turn please her husband (whether he is saved or not). God will show you how to please your husband without compromising your relationship with Christ. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 (NIV) For the unmarried and married alike, it could be a boss or someone else in your life you’ve been worried about pleasing. You can ultimately learn to give, care and love others out of the wonderful freedom and joy that comes from pleasing God first.
God’s perspective brings relief for the people-pleaser. When you take your concerns to God in prayer He will give you insightful solutions to help change your stressful circumstances. Be sure to keep this matter in prayer. Release the tension, that accompanies those deep feelings of inadequacy, and experience the peace of God, by first pleasing Him. This is what it all comes down to. Are you willing to trust the Holy Spirit to make your life pleasing to God first? If you are, then the burden of trying to please others will soon be a thing of the past.
Related articles that I thought you might find helpful.
- 3 Tips to have a Godly Marriage (johnathanhines.wordpress.com)
- When My Spouse is Wrong (peacefulwife.com)
Organizing the Inside – Day 320 Give Time More Consideration
15See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15, 16 (NLT)
Utilizing your time wisely starts with putting God first. Give God the best of what you have to give of your busy day. Time is more than a continuous collection of moments strung together to create minutes and hours in a day. Time is a precious gift and the use of it will either lead your life to prosperity or poverty. The wisdom to know what to do with the time you have comes from the Lord. This present life is limited to the time you have to fulfill your purpose here on earth, and it is something of great value. As stewards over this gift from God, we have a responsibility to be wise and look to God for guidance about how to best use our time. Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.
Psalm 90:12 (NLT)
How does one put God first and honor Him with their time? One way to honor God is by showing respect for the time of others. Start appointments on time and end meetings on time. If the church bulletin says service begins at 10:00, then 10:15 puts God’s reputation at stake. Honor God’s ordained cycles of time. Six days we are given to work, and resting on the seventh will cause your life to be far more productive. The natural sleep, rest and work cycle brings greater efficiency to the work you do. Try working when you are tired or haven’t had much rest. Are you at your peak performance levels? Take time to plan how you will use the gift of time. It can easily be wasted, but the wise woman makes every minute relevant to completing the purpose and plan of God. Utilize your time and you’ll add value to the gift of life God has blessed you with.
For more ways to better manage your time download these FREE tips.
Organizing the Inside – Day 290 Today’s Decisions, Tomorrow’s Generation
3Now Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, 5both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband. 20“Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara,because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. 21I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.” Ruth 1:3-5, 20, 21
Even through hard times trust God.
Although Naomi expressed more than once that she felt the Lord had dealt harshly with her, she remained faithful and did not become bitter or angry. She’d not only lost her husband, she also lost both her sons and had a great deal to contend with personally. Naomi never questioned God and in the end her trust was greatly rewarded. Ruth, Naomi’s daughter-in-law was determined to stick close to her. Ruth could have returned to her own family, but she made the choice to submit and commit to her mother-in-law. Ruth’s commitment to her widowed mother-in-law was part of God’s big picture plan to bring Christ into the world.
Especially when you don’t understand, continue to make godly choices. Ruth had no idea what her future held. No prophet came along to prophesy to her about the royal lineage of David and what her role would be. Ruth chose to submit and committed her loyalty to a woman whose future did not look too promising. But Ruth replied… Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Ruth 1:16 (NIV) Her choice to submit to Naomi was unyielding. As Christian women in today’s modern society, with women’s liberation and much ado about equality very few women are willing to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, and submit to authority. Naomi’s wisdom provided protection and placed Ruth in the right place at the right time. She didn’t understand the customs of her mother-in-law, but she never questioned what she was told to do. Although she was a Moabitess, she chose to worship and serve the true God. Ruth’s choices were long-lasting and life changing, but God was with her and she prospered in her obedience. Not only did Ruth find love, she found it with a well-respected and wealthy man who truly loved her. Boaz was a good man, and he happily fulfilled his duty as Ruth’s husband faithfully.
There is something you must KNOW.
Sometimes we cannot see how God is going to work out our situation. Naomi’s life seemed finished to some, she’d been through so much and was approaching her latter years. When we go though things, sometimes for years it may seem like we are not on the winning side. Difficult situation, after difficult situation may leave you wondering why God has allowed such sadness to be your fate. You must take heart and realize that, (like Naomi) as sure as there is God there is hope. Be willing to keep serving God without questioning His motives. KNOW that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV) Naomi knew and did not question God. 14The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! 15He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” Ruth 4:14, 15 (NIV) For Boaz, Naomi and Ruth this was a win, win situation. They each made choices that honored God and as a result they were blessed by God, and were a blessing to each other. At the time they had no way of knowing the importance of their decisions. Years later the world would receive a Savior, from the line of David. The godly decisions made years earlier affected the course of many lives, through God’s hope and promise.
The story of Naomi and Ruth shows us how God blesses our:
Willingness to submit to authority
Willingness to commit to purpose
Willingness to serve Him
Willingness to honor Him
Willingness to trust Him
Sometimes, even when we don’t understand we have to trust God. We don’t know the outcome of our steadfast commitment to Him. Is your life different in any way by the choices of your great-grandparents? How many generations are affected by the choices we make today?
Organizing the Inside – Day 287 My Rock, My Salvation
5Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. 6He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. 7My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. 8O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:5 (NLT)
Lasting peace comes from an unyielding hope in the power of God’s complete salvation. The confidence we find in His presences assures us that with Him is where we belong. David hid himself from the divisive schemes of his enemies and found refuge in the cleft of the rock. Where can you go to hide from all the chaos and noise that interrupts your thoughts and interferes with prayer? Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; Psalm 37:7 (NIV) At the end of a long and complicated day take your concerns to God and leave them there. He never scolds or criticizes, nor does He pass harsh judgment. He knows your strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. There is not one past failure that is hidden from His eyes, yet forgiveness is all He chooses to see.
Don’t let the natural cause you to ignore the spiritual. Neither mere man nor profit can bring you victory and honor. Deep down inside we all know there is something we need that no man can offer. There is a longing for God’s presence and no substitution will do. Internal fulfillment is not always the easiest to achieve; less apparent than a blouse, a new suit or food in the pantry. It takes being quiet, being still and realizing your need to frequently draw from the source. When it comes down to true fulfillment there is only one real source. And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: Exodus 3:14 (KJV) Your energy, your wisdom and all your strength is found in Him. God is there to replenish you, restore you, instruct and protect you. He is there as whatever we need. God alone, the Rock of our salvation.
Organizing the Inside – Day 284 Beyond Regrets
36Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?” And Jesus replied, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.” 37“But why can’t I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I’m ready to die for you.” 38Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me. John 13:36-38 (NLT)
Peter’s denial of Christ was very public. At one time Peter thought he was ready to stand boldly and show his love and commitment to Jesus. Yet Jesus saw beyond Peter’s zeal and foretold him that he was indeed not ready to die for Him. In fact Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him. The guilt and shame that Peter felt must have been almost overwhelming when he finally realized what he had done. I’m sure this was a difficult and humbling experience for him.
Sometimes Christians are so full of zeal, but their enthusiasm is misdirected.
For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Romans 10:2 (NIV) I love street witnessing. So excited about the Lord; I was just beginning to understand the power that was at work within me. After going through weeks of prayer and training, we saw many folks saved and delivered as we witnessed on the streets week after week. All the excitement and readiness was leading up to one of our biggest nights, Halloween. We knew that in certain neighborhoods the people would be out and not only that, they would be happy to answer the door! This night was different in that two others were with me. Usually we went out in teams of two. Prayed up, in full armor and ready to go, we approached one home and an elderly woman answered the door. We began to share the good news, but the blank stare she gave was a clear indication she had no idea what we were saying.
Not knowing what to do next.
We stood at the door baffled that God had left us so ill-equipped. The two who were with me looked at each other and shook their heads as to say, “I’ve got nothing” and I knew eventually they’d look at me. With only seconds to decide I stood there shaking in my sneakers. You see, there was an unfamiliar anointing upon me that flowed from my belly to my vocal cords and onto my tongue. I knew that the Lord had given me the words to speak to this woman in her native tongue. I wanted so desperately to tell her how Jesus died for her and about God’s love. Yet in that very moment I said nothing. I shook my head and hunched my shoulders to the others as to say, “beats me.” We stood there for a few more moments, waiting for God to provide and He did. I felt as though my tongue was about to fly right out of my mouth and the powerful force stirring within me made it difficult to maintain my composure. Yet, I did not open my mouth. The thoughts of what will they think, and why did God choose me, and what if I sound crazy, came all at once as I stood there on the porch that Halloween night and denied Christ.
Is He Lord and Savior?
As we walked away my witnessing partners were bewildered that God did not provide. Only I knew the truth. The river of power soon began to subside and was replaced by the absolute worst feeling of sadness and shame. As we made our way down the sidewalk to the next house God reminded me of His love for me, of His forgiveness. The hope that I was so anxiously wanting to share with all the trick-or-treaters or anyone else willing to listen, was now the exact hope I needed most. Unlike Peter’s public denial, my guilt was private and no one else knew. Peter grew to love Christ more and went on to do great things as one of the founding fathers of the early church. For me, that night in my humbled state I discovered something new about being a Christian. Jesus didn’t want to be my Savior only; He wanted to be my Lord. Over those next weeks, as God restored my confidence I had a new appreciation for God’s forgiveness and my relationship with Him.
As your love for Christ grows, your zeal will be according to knowledge.
As your desire for Him deepens, as you spend more time in His presence, your heart will soon discover He is more than just your Savior; He must also be Lord. Whether we get off the throne, and allow Christ to take His place as Lord of our lives or not, Jesus is Lord! 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10, 11 (KJV)
Years later, I wondered what happened to the elderly woman who answered the door that night. The part I left out was that, during the time we were standing there wondering what to do next, she left the door and came back with her bible. It was in Spanish and she began to speak to us in Spanish with the brightest smile as she held her bible close. Somehow, we understood she knew the Lord. Of course none of us could understand a word she said and she didn’t understand us either. That night was one of those experiences you have with the Lord that changes you forever. Jesus foreknew and yet He still chose me anyway.
God knows we are going to fall short.
Even Peter denied him three times, but he went on to do so much for the Lord. God’s grace gives us the power and confidence to keep going. His grace is all we need to overcome our past mistakes. You can still move forward and do wonderful things for God, because Christ’s blood flows freely. His grace is quite capable of supplying you and me with the power we need to continue in Him. If Peter had denied the Lord five times instead of three, God’s grace would have been available just the same. It’s plenty enough to free, cover and empower you, me and the entire world. Therefore today, we are moving beyond regrets, beyond fear and beyond ourselves as we enter into that place where Christ is not only our Savior, but He is Lord.
Organizing the Inside – Day 282 Let Us Fix Our Eyes On The Answer
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)
Is your mind perplexed?
Until we see Him face to face, there will be unanswered questions. So many of the questions you’ve asked since you were young in the Lord still go unanswered. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NLT) As you grow closer to Him; as your love for the Father deepens, certain answers you sought are no long important, because you now know the Answer.
Stay focused on the mission.
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Proverbs 4:25 (NLT)
When you trust the author there is no longer a need to know the story behind the story; you just know that the story is true. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Not only is He the one who has the authority to create our faith; He is also the one who will ensure the completion of our faith. How beautiful is His Word that strengthens feeble knees. “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT)
Listen to the call to TRUST God.
Here is a wonderful post from Shannon Moreno
A Work In Progress
Organizing the Inside – Day 265 Surely God Understands Me
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Psalm 51:6 (KJV)
Just because God knows how you are, doesn’t mean you don’t need to change. I wonder if we make excuses so that we can justify not changing. So you have a habit and you know it shows an overt lack of faith, yet you try to justify it by saying, “God knows how I am.” In her futile attempt to rationalize her so-called quirkiness that’s rooted in an irrational germ phobia, she summarizes such behavior as, “just how I am.” Not calling it what it is, a real lack of trust that God is greater than her fear. In the vanity of her individuality, she tries to suggest it’s no big deal to wash her hands 20-30 times while preparing a meal. Honestly she knows her compulsive behavior is bordering on sin, but it’s much easier to play it off and leave things the way they are. God accepts us because He sees our faith when we come to Him. ( Romans 3:27) But, just because God accepts us the way we are, doesn’t mean He is pleased to accept our unwillingness to completely yield to Him.
I’ve always been this way is not a good reason to continue.
How can one find internal order, when there is an unwillingness to let go of everything and yield completely to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, 1 Corinthians 14:33a (NIV) Certainly disorder is what any of us have if we don’t let go. …and everything that does not come from faith is sin. Romans 14:23 (NIV) The scripture is fired up and loaded, ready to defend your position because after all, “God understands,” for he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Psalm 103:14 (NLT) God’s gentle kindness and longsuffering demonstrated through His patience, in that, He hasn’t utterly destroyed us is not permission to continue in wrong-doing.
Choose to let go of this thing that you have falsely identified with. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) Allow God to permeate every area of your heart. Today, may you give up the not so cute thing that you’ve been clinging to. That hard thing that’s been around so long it’s now considered harmless, and only customary. Yes, give up full ownership and not hold back anything for yourself. It’s not necessary to fix, undo, move, hide, tuck, tug or pull, only YIELD. God is willing to meet you at your point of need. He reaches down to right where you are, where we all are in our lives today. It’s time to surrender this one, which seems like an old childhood friend, so familiar yet after all these years a stranger to anyone new in Christ.
Is Christ truly Lord over all? Or is that one weakness, you’re holding on to, enough to keep you from relinquishing the throne? After all God knows how you are.
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 84 Agreeing with God-The Beginning of Success
In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty.
~ Proverbs 14:23
Working hard to meet your goals will bring about success.
In order to experience success you must be able to define it. One person’s definition of success is different from another’s. Define what success looks like to you. If a certain social status, a godly household or a warehouse to feed the homeless is your definition of success then make sure you can define what that looks like. The greatest success we could ever have is to agree with God’s plan for our lives and get busy doing it.
Consider making a vision board that will help you imagine living God’s plan for your life. The ability to form images in your mind is a gift from God and He’s given the gift of imagination to help fuel your faith. A good vision board reminds you of what you’re working toward achieving in this life.
Purpose inspires productivity.
Many well-meaning Christians work hard every day without having clear goals or knowing their purpose. I’m speaking beyond just going to work to pay bills; that is not God’s purpose for your life. You may say that not everything has to be tied to a greater meaning. Let me remind you of the scripture found in the book of Romans: which teaches us that all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose. This tell me that we should each be focusing our hard work toward goals that will bring about change, first in you and then in the hearts and lives of others.
Planning makes no difference without execution.
Making plans is only a small part of beginning to fulfill your purpose. If you want to see your plans come to life then you must act upon those plans. The most elaborate plans are left on shelves or stored in dust-covered shoe boxes which are filled with broken dreams and deferred hope. Planning and execution is where you generally can separate those who talk about what they’re going to do and those who actually do what they do. God doesn’t want our lives to consist of a long list of unexecuted plans and excuses. Start today to plan your work and work your plan. Organize your goals by making a list of things to execute over the next few weeks. Start small and work your way up. As you begin to act upon your plans your excitement will help refuel your resolve to get things done.
God never promised that this road would be easy.
He did promise that He would always be there to help us in our time of need. He promised that the tools we needed to be successful would be provided. There is much work to be done and all of creation is rooting for your success. Get organized, simplify your life and accelerate your success by saying yes to what God has already told you to do then go do it.
Related articles
- Day 28- God Organizes First (lizmason.wordpress.com)
- Organizing the Inside – Day 81 Being a Strong Willed Woman (lizmason.wordpress.com)
Organizing the Inside – Day 66 Which Report Will You Believe?
Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” ~ Mark 13:31
A recent doctor’s visit confirmed what I already knew.
I’d worked myself into worry frenzy all because I sought answers from Google instead of asking God. There is nothing wrong with being informed about your health, but I went to this doctor’s appointment armed with a complete diagnosis and prognosis about my condition. The doctor never had a chance to examine me or discuss my concerns before I’d already determined what needed to be done. Yikes! Had I really done all this based upon a Google search?
What was I thinking?
I went to Google first, got my diagnosis and then thought dear Lord you know what Google said, oh help me Lord, it doesn’t look good. I say that jokingly, but it was pretty much how I handled the situation. Not good. After only a few minutes in conversation, the nurse told me that the internet was one of their biggest problems, because when patients come in they are anxious, fearing the long list of possible problems and that fear, can create health complications. Obviously I wasn’t the first patient who went to Dr. Google before coming into the office.
I decided I’d better stop asking Google and I asked God.
I must confess I spend my fair share of time on the internet. Many aspects of my work requires me to use the internet often. I believe that the Word of God holds answers to every problem that we could ever experience, but somehow I’d consulted “the Google” instead of trusting God. We process information daily and often that information is contrary to the Word of God. As Christian women we can experience the power of the Word in our lives every day. We must first be willing to hear the Word and then receive it in our hearts and let that be the final authority.
No matter how the situation looks.
We can’t rely on what we think we know. I’d built this huge medical condition in my mind, all based upon an internet search. The doctor assured me that the horrifying testimonies I read about had nothing to do with me. There is only one thing that is true, only one; the Word of God. His word will never change and while heaven and earth will pass away; the Word of God will never pass away. I’ve decided to make God’s word my first choice for seeking information and guidance in every situation. If ever my faith is challenged again, I certainly won’t consult Google. I shall believe the report of the Lord!
Organizing the Inside 365 Days 