Clutter: To run in disorder. transitive verb. : To fill or cover with scattered or disordered things that impedes movement or reduces effectiveness 1. Declutter and organize our Faith: 30 min talk What is Faith clutter? Spiritual Clutter – the stuff that attaches itself to us, usually unknowingly, that needs to be removed. Any thing keeping you from growing in the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of who God is. Anything that impedes your movement towards a relationship with God. Anything that reduces the effectiveness of God in your daily life.
Wisdom: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 for the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
1 Kings 3:11 Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, 1 Kings 4:29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore.
Knowledge of God: 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, Numbers 24:16 The utterance of him who hears the words of God, And has the knowledge of the Most High, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Who falls down, with eyes wide open:
Understanding of God:
1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
Exodus 31:3 And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
Distractions:
To much TV, social media, sports, hobbies, relationships, busyness, trials and tribulations
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. What activity or practice feeds your spiritual growth? What distracts you and keeps you away from hearing Jesus’ voice? Is it bringing God the glory?
Paul tells us that.
1 Corinthians 10:31 Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.”
What activities do you need to keep or let go of? Is it time to say no to a group, study, or class? Saying “no” to an opportunity is not un-Christian! If it’s not feeding your soul or drawing you closer to Jesus- release yourself.
Are you hanging on to something from a previous season of life that you can release?
What negative emotions do you want to surrender to God? Release the hurts, bad memories, and losses to him.
Have you felt a nudge or calling from God in a particular area that you are mulling over? Do you have a dream of serving Him in some way but have stuffed it in a cubbyhole somewhere? Pull them out and gently place them into His hands. When you let go of the overwhelming schedule, you create order in your life. That can release stress and anxiety. When your “to-do” list is concise and achievable, you can see the purpose God has planned for you with greater clarity.
Decluttering helps you manage your time and resources so that you can enjoy the true treasures of living your life centered in Jesus. It replaces the overwhelming calendar with peace and rest. Heart and Mind: guilt, shame, fears, lies, bitterness, unforgiveness, pride, anger, resentment, negativity, perfectionism, anxiety, abandonment Matthew 6:31-32 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
Pray As you begin the process, ask God to do the cleaning. Ask him to show you what he wants you to let go, and what he wants to stay. He may surprise you! What you consider expendable clutter may be an area that he has great plans for you and vice versa. Ps 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Spend some quiet time with Jesus and let His Spirit lead you, reorient and guide you. It is his desire to equip you with all you need. Paul reminds us to
Ephesians 4:23Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.”
Listen to His voice.
Decide what needs to take priority in your life. Incorporate them back into your life wisely.
Eph. 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, [a]clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Numbers 24: 4-9 The utterance of him who hears the words of God, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Who falls down, with eyes wide open: 5 “How lovely are your tents, O Jacob!
Your dwellings, O Israel! 6 Like valleys that stretch out, Like gardens by the riverside, Like aloes planted by the Lord, Like cedars beside the waters. 7 He shall pour water from his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, “His king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. 8 “God brings him out of Egypt; He has strength like a wild ox; He shall consume the nations, his enemies; He shall break their bones and pierce them with his arrows.9 ‘He bows down, he lies down as a lion; And as a lion, who shall rouse him?’ “Blessed is he who blesses you, and cursed is he who curses you.”
When you clean out the unforgiveness, the impatience, the anxiety, and worry, etc, you are not only more available to His plans, but you are strengthened by his peace.
Hoarding old sinful habits keep us from growing in our faith. We weren’t made to live in the guilt and frustration of sin!
Decluttering means less space for negative thoughts (that pesky emotional baggage) and behaviors (sin.) You can focus on your unique God-given image, talents, and strengths as he leads.
God wants us to live contented and satisfying lives! When we declutter our spiritual life, we can focus fully on Him.
Decluttering frees up space for the One who longs to hear from you and desires a deep, loving relationship with you.
Keeping Your Faith decluttered and organized
Of course, once you have decluttered your spiritual life, it may be a challenge to keep it that way! This is not a one-and-done proposition. Decluttering on a more frequent basis keeps your spiritual life healthy and makes for a smoother process.
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