Organizing the Inside 365 Days
Empowering Christian Women To Get Organized and Discover God's Plan for Their LivesArchive for The Word of God
Organizing the Inside – Day 346 Practice Wisdom and Get Results
But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.” Luke 7:35 (NLT)
…But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.” Matthew 11:19c (NLT)
When we walk in wisdom our prayers of faith will get results. Only the wise practice wisdom. Wisdom is applied knowledge. Therefore by taking what we know to be TRUTH and applying it to our lives we are practicing wisdom. When we pray according to God’s Word those prayers are answered because His Word is His will. Your prayers are heard because Jesus bridged the gap and paid the price to reconcile us to God. Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NLT)
Do you want your prayers to be effective? Don’t expect God to answer your prayers when your life is in shambles because of the way you’ve been living. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16 (NLT) Prayer is not a time of negotiations with the Father. It is a time of faith and humility, when we go to God with an expectation that He not only hears us, but is able and willing to deliver us and answer our prayer.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)
But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. Psalm 18:6 (NLT)
Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong–you want only what will give you pleasure. James 4:2c, 3 (NLT)
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)
Just remember: For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:3 (KJV)
There are no “super saints” your prayers have just as much value as anyone else’s. When you put God’s will ahead of your own desires, things begin to happen. Asking through prayer in Jesus name is about being where He is on the matter. Living life in a way that one’s heart is yielded to God’s purpose and plan is living right before God. This is righteousness: to agree with God and allow His Word to abide, direct and rule in your heart and life.
And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 1 John 3:22 (KJV)
Wherever God is, choose to be there also. Living right before God really has little to do with a list of do’s and don’ts. We are free from the former ways of, do not touch this and do not touch that. By surrendering your heart to the Lordship of Jesus Christ you are made worthy. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) Walk in God’s wisdom, apply it to your life and (even the secret places) not only will your prayers be effective, they will yield enduring results. …attend to my words; incline your ear unto my sayings. 21Let them not depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart. 22For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Proverbs 4:21, 22 (KJV) Consider yourself worthy in Him, walk circumspectly in His wisdom and your prayer life will yield great results.
Organizing the Inside – Day 342 Pointing to Christ
26So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.” 27John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. 28You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ 29It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. 30He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:26-30 (NLT)
What is your role as a member of the Body of Christ? Depending upon your gifts and purpose we each have different roles. We all however have a common goal and that is to point others to Christ. The way we live our lives should only point one way and that is to Jesus Christ the righteous. John understood his purpose and immediately put an end to any disputes about his ministry. His disciples had almost taken offense to someone other than their group getting attention and doing good work. John made it clear that it wasn’t about him or them, but the work they did was ultimately about the Messiah.
It’s easy to get caught up when you are busy growing and working in ministry. No matter what your role is, the work is not greater than the One you are working for. Of course we want to give, sow and work hard for the kingdom, but we can’t get so involved in the “doing” that we lose sight of whom we are doing it for. Ultimately it’s about Christ, but we are also meant to help others find Him and in doing so we glorify God. Pride and self-centeredness can cause you to lose focus. This can be avoided by submitting to God’s Word daily. This is truly the absolute single most effective way for us to walk with God and live according to His will. His Word is the truth that resides within our heart and it will keep us focused. Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
Pointing others to follow Christ is what ministry is about. So many people are without direction and those of us who are Christians know the answer. Show me someone whose life is in turmoil; someone who instead of signs and wonders following them, they only have confusion and drama. Show me this person, and I will show you someone who does not submit to and follow the Word of God. It is one thing to make an appointed time for reading God’s Word, but after that comes the doing. Anyone who studies without following through to apply what they’ve learned, well… they are just stockpiling knowledge and in doing so they are not living a very effective life. Ultimately our role is not much different from John’s which is to point others to Jesus. Let the message of John become the prayer of our hearts: in that we would decrease and that Jesus would increase.
Organizing the Inside – Day 339 Have You Checked Your Reflection?
17Then the Lord said to Moses, 18“Make a bronze washbasin with a bronze stand. Place it between the Tabernacle and the altar, and fill it with water. 19Aaron and his sons will wash their hands and feet there. They must wash with water whenever they go into the Tabernacle to appear before the Lord and when they approach the altar to burn up their special gifts to the Lord—or they will die! Exodus 30:17-20 (NLT)
The Word of God is not only cleansing, it is also reflective. Moses was instructed to place the bronze washbasin between the Tabernacle and the altar and fill it with water. The water in the bronze basin which was made from bronze mirrors was both reflective and for cleansing. Each time Arron and his sons entered the Tabernacle to offer gifts before the altar of God they were to first purify themselves by stopping to wash at the reflective washbasin. Today as Christians those same reflective and cleansing properties are found in the Word of God to change us to be more like Christ.
God’s Word gives us an honest look at ourselves. We must daily look into that perfect mirror and circumspectly consider the refection that is looking back at us. 22But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. James 1:22-25 (NIV)
Have you looked at yourself in the mirror then walked away and forgot what you looked like? If during the course of the day you realize you haven’t checked your hair or makeup wouldn’t you give it a quick check before going into an important meeting? The Word of God should be the same, we can’t just check this wonderful reflective mirror in the morning and not look at our reflection again until a few days later. Most women will do several quick checks through out the day. When we are open to both the reflective and cleansing power of God’s Word, it really does set us completely free from what we used to be.
The books of Exodus and James teaches us an important lesson about our reflection and how to be blessed by God. What is says to me is that each time I meet with God I should remember the Word and remember my reflection. I can’t just go away and forget what I look like, but I have to obey the Word and continually allow it to cleanse and change me into Christ’s very own image.
Organizing the Inside – Day 334 What Do You Know?
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (KJV)
Consider for a moment what this scripture tells us we know. We know that all things… I wonder, what is it that we truly know? To bring one’s mind and heart completely in agreement with God’s Word is to know. To know God’s Word is to establish a relationship with it. Reading the Word won’t automatically give you a relationship with it. However, meditating on the Word of God will intrinsically change what you know and completely free your heart from fear and doubt. By meditating on the Word you establish a knowing (or relationship) with the truth that defies human logic. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV)
Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Psalm 119:97 (NIV) Through biblical meditation we can affect the course of our lives, because when we receive the engrafted Word of God in our hearts FAITH happens. So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 (KJV) To stay strong and have peace in a world where everything that is wrong is considered right, and all that is right is considered wrong, we must make time to meditate. To survive in a foreign land there are some things that those of us who are in Christ must “know.”
Another similar post on meditation.
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 283 Embrace the Truth, Even If It Hurts
2Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. 3He removed the foreign altars and the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. 4He commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, and to obey his laws and commands. 5He removed the high places and incense altars in every town in Judah, and the kingdom was at peace under him. 6He built up the fortified cities of Judah, since the land was at peace. No one was at war with him during those years, for the Lord gave him rest. 2 Chronicles 13:2-6 (NIV)
When you are trusting God, His Word is encouraging. Asa knew the Lord and had sought Him in the past. He entered into battle against the Ethiopians and because he’d turned to God for help first, God defeated the Ethiopians and gave Asa and his army complete victory. Asa took heart when the man of God brought a word from the Lord. He then became even more determined to rid the land of detestable idols. Asa established a system around the things of God. He was also open to receive the counsel of godly men; for a time he chose to honor God. When we surround ourselves with a support system of godly people who know how to pray and hear from God, we will be more productive and at peace. As a result of his willingness to obey God, Asa and the people of Judah experienced many years of peace. God looks for committed people who will do things His way. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. 2 Chronicles 16:9a (KJV)
When you aren’t trusting God, His Word (the truth) makes you angry. Asa made a huge error after trusting God for many years. He reasoned within himself and decided to form an alliance with an ungodly king. He took the riches from the temple to use as bargaining power to get what he wanted. He no longer went to God as his source. It is never a good idea to seek alliances with the ungodly. Sure there are ungodly people who may seem successful and by the world’s standards perhaps they are. Look at Asa, he knew the Lord and had experienced great success when he followed God’s ways and trusted Him. Once he began to reason within himself and go outside of God’s plan, the word from the Lord which exposed his sin made him very angry. (2 Chronicles 15:8 and 16:7) Many Christians make the same mistake by not putting God first; then they get angry when God sends the uncompromising message of truth and exposes their sin.
God uses His Word to discipline us.
God uses His Word and His people to send us the truth. When He disciplines us we must yield and not get angry. Joyful are those you discipline, LORD, those you teach with your instructions. Psalm 94:12 (NLT) His Word not only guides us (staff) it also disciplines us (rod), which brings comfort because we find confidence in knowing God is there with His Word. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)
Always embrace the truth it’s there to help us grow. When God tells us the truth and exposes our mistakes we should be grateful instead of getting angry or rebelling. Think about it: Just as a parent disciplines a child, the LORD your God disciplines you for your own good. Deuteronomy 8:5 (NLT) Surely God sees the “big picture” and knows us better than we know ourselves. He also has our best interest at heart. We must develop a greater sensitivity to the things of God. Be quick to seek Him before making decisions and be humble enough to admit when we’ve messed up. Remember what it says: “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.” Hebrews 3:15 (NLT)
Organizing the Inside – Day 268 Becoming One With The Word
But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, which bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:3 (KJV)
Meditating is pondering and thinking deeply within one’s self. To meditate on the Word of God is to stop and consider what you have read in the Word. Meditating is a way of recalling scripture that has been (eaten) read, by (chewing) pondering it, considering it fully and deeply then (digesting) accepting it again. By thinking deeply upon what you have read you are, (recalling) in a sense, preparing for the Word to be re-digested.
The word Selah found in Psalm is interpreted as a pause, signifying a silence or musical interlude. Selah indicates a time to think or a period to be still before resuming the musical performance. When meditating, you recall the Word and then you consider it in silence, then you accept it. This is more of a cycle or process for becoming one with the Word of God.
Why should you meditate?
Meditating is a way of allowing the Word of God to penetrate your heart. The very essence of who you are comes down to the condition of your heart. As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person. Proverbs 27:19 (NLT) As you mediate on God’s word you are being changed into the image of Christ, because the more you look at, consider and think upon His Word, the more you become like His Word. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. James 1:25 (NLT) When your heart is guided by the Word of God, it will result in a godly lifestyle. If you choose a path of obedience, ultimately, you’ll find fulfillment in living God’s purpose for your life. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)
A significant aspect of meditation is repeating the Word.
It can be repeating it either in thought or speaking it out loud. Meditating anchors your life in Christ, which is where God has planted you. The trees planted near the river are deeply rooted in place. These trees are rich and healthy with strong green leaves. As you organize your devotional time with God, if you haven’t already done so be certain to include meditation. It will enrich your life and keep you deeply rooted in Him.
Organizing the Inside – Day 264 Words Matter
The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:4 (NIV)
God doesn’t speak His word everyday right before dawn and say, “Let there be light.” God’s Word was spoken once and it stands. The power and ability to sustain the Word is within His Word. God is a finisher and His Word is sent to perform His will. The creative nature of the Word has the ability to sustain our lives and keep us alive in Christ Jesus. Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 (NIV) which refers to Deuteronomy 8:3.
You have what you say.
Do we take seriously the power of our words? Do we actually understand the significance in uttering even the words, “I am so tired,” even though we may feel tired? A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Proverbs 18:20 (KJV) Our words have the same creative force and power behind them as does God’s. We are made in His image and likeness, and the power to speak things into existence is real. There are countless examples in the Word of God where we see how words have the power to change lives (especially when spoken in faith). One of the most significant examples is found in Romans. 9If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 8:9, 10 (NLT) Change your words and change your life.
Make a decision to speak words of life that heal.
Decide to no longer speak words into your life that are filled with discouragement and dismay. Make a conscious effort to think about every word that comes forth out of your mouth. The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. Proverbs 15:28 (NLT) Every word you speak has eternal significance. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken. Matthew 12:36 (NIV) How sobering is the thought of being held accountable for useless words. Due to the creative nature of our words we must give more thought to what we speak, before speaking it. This is not just some interesting theory this is real truth established in the Word of God. By saturating your heart with the Word of God, speaking words of truth, life and love will come easily. …for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Luke 6:45c (KJV) Think about what you say, because words really do matter.
Here’s an awesome article written by Natalie Allen about the WORD.
Organizing the Inside – Day 241 I’ll Take The Pure Gospel of Truth
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. 2 Corinthians 1:12 (KJV)
Forget about it, just forget about it.
True peace can only be found through Jesus Christ. True peace is not something you can take a yoga class to attain. Even the most astute psychiatrist cannot help you find it. It cannot be found among the absence of noise. True peace is something that God gives as a result of one’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 (KJV) The world would have you believe that peace is something you can find within your own intellect or ability to manipulate your spirituality to transcend all the confusion and chaos on earth. None of this is possible outside of a relationship with God. The plain and simple truth is that people spend billions of dollars and years searching for hidden secrets in broken vessels, when all along the answers they have need of are found in the Word of God.
There must be a greater sense of urgency to share the gospel.
Who can know God unless He reveals Himself to them? For if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for the battle? 1 Corinthians 14:8 (KJV) If the gospel you share is not pure, if it is unclear to those who don’t believe, how will they detect the urgency of the time? As Christians we are responsible for going far beyond the feel good principles taught by many well-meaning church goers. There is nothing sinful about having happiness, but we can’t exchange our desire to make others feel good for the only thing that can save them. Holiness is not about smiling and making folks feel good; although living right before God, especially once you’ve been redeemed from a world of sin and filthy wickedness will put a smile upon your face. The great commission calls believers to share the unadulterated truth and there is but One, Jesus Christ Himself. For, I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes–the Jew first and also the Gentile. Romans 1:16 (NLT) So shall we support diverse lifestyles propped up by the “feel good” gospel in order to promote one’s own agenda? We must share the “full gospel” and it’s not full, if it’s watered down with human reasoning.
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NLT) There is a lot of noise out there on the internet, on the street, among believers and pagans alike. By seeking to know Him more and yielding on the inside we can clearly hear the sweet call of God; the call to live a pure life that is distinct, not filled with the distorted logic of men, but one that is rich and uncorrupted, where genuine peace resides.
Dear Lord, help me to stick with the true gospel, and indeed Lord forget about the rest. Help me not to worry about how many people are made to feel good or become highly motivated, unless they are motivated to love and serve you. Teach us your ways and lead us down the plain, uncomplicated path of truth for your name’s sake.
Organizing the Inside 365 Days 