Dayle's Blog

Our clutter can actually block success!  It drains and steals our energy, focus and peace and creates a disagreement between what we desire and how we’re actually living.

Which is why if we’re serious about becoming everything we desire to be and to start walking in our God given destiny we must learn to value and choose to live free of mess and clutter.

When we physically de-clutter we first assess the room or space we are in and think about what we want it to look like. What are the most essential pieces of furniture? What doesn’t belong in the room or space and has just gravitated there? What is our vision and desire for this room?

The same is true for the rest of our lives. We benefit and are motivated by having clarity about what we want. Which is why it’s great to spend some time thinking and praying about what dreams, goals and desires are in our heart. Just as we would look at a room and have a vision of how we want it to look, we do the same with our internal world and future.

I ask Holy Spirit to release God’s heart and vision for my life and to stir up what he has already placed in my heart. I’ve rediscovered that what I love, am gifted at, deep down dream about and find fulfillment and joy in are predominately what He desires for me anyway. Once I can visualise how my life looks uncluttered and fruitful I am far more likely to invite and trust God to have free reign in my life and to let go of and sort out any mess, so I can begin living the life I really want.

What “stuff” is crowding and cluttering your life? What needs to be acted upon and cleaned out so there is room for deeper relationships, opportunities and growth? What is your vision and goals? What has God spoken to you about that you now need to plan and act upon?

Today start with taking twenty minutes to sit with God and dream, plan and imagine.

Then write it all down; make a list of anything or anyone you need to let go of, people to forgive, things you want and need to act upon, and the plan and strategy of what and how God wants you to move forward. What possible clutter and mess is blocking your path to success and happiness, and where can you begin to declutter today?  (Habakkuk 2:2) 

Then tomorrow take another 20 mins and act on the plan again as you continue to make room for the life you really want. You’ll soon grow to love the clutter, mess free feeling and the freedom it brings.

“Let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

“Casting all your care on him; for he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:24)

Prayer: Lord thank you that you want me to live a life that is full of life and freedom. Please help me to de-clutter my life, whether that is physically in my home or work, my inner world, relationships or any other area of my life. Give me wisdom and clarity to know what to hold onto to, what to let go of, and what to throw in the rubbish. In Jesus Name Amen.

We can often suffer from depleted energy and focus, and have increased anxiety because of clutter. Those nagging thoughts in our head of the things that need to be done or dealt with are an unhealthy mess both around us and within us. Mess and clutter steals our peace, energy and focus and drains us.

God knows clutter weighs and slows us down and encourages us continually in his word to lay aside, cast off and let go of our messes and internal and physical clutter. Jesus came to set us free and says for us to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, so that we can run our race with passion and determination. That sounds like decluttering to me. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

A helpful tip to declutter and clean up our mess is firstly to formulate a decluttering plan.

1. Make a list – Writing down all the clutter and mess we want to clear brings clarity and reveals what we are facing, what needs to be done and helps to unravel the mess in our heads and hearts.
If its physical clutter then go through your house room by room and itimise everything that needs to be sorted, cleaned up and thrown away or put in its place.
If it’s internal clutter regarding things we need to attend to in our inner life still write a list of what is nagging on your heart and mind. Get it on paper so you can see what needs to be dealt with, brought to God, and acted upon.

2. Schedule: Allocate a time to begin sorting out the mess and clutter. There is no better time than today…so “seize the day”.

3. Set the timer for 20 minutes: Many success and management coaches recommend setting aside 20 minutes to start attacking clutter. Just 20 minutes will get you started and keep you motivated. See how much you can get done in 20 minutes.

Stay focused on one room and make it the one you spend the most time in. Allocate 20 minutes today, and again tomorrow and keep decluttering until you feel good about that space. Its recommended to start with a surface such a bench top, floor etc. that’s visible to the eye so you can see that you are making progress.

Don’t look at the hour you don’t have, look at the 20 minutes you do have. 20 minutes over a month equals 10 hours, so what could you achieve in 10 hours this month?

Mess steals our peace and nags at us. It can cause us to feel annoyed, incomplete, embarrassed and even anxious. It also can limit and prevent us from moving forward into all that God has for us. Today I encourage you to make a list, schedule a time, set the timer for 20 minutes and get decluttering today. You can do it!

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)

“Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:2-2 TLB)

Prayer: Lord thank you for the amazing life you have planned for me. Please help me to sort through and set in order both my physical and internal clutter with your help. I can do all things because you give me strength. I’m finding 20 minutes to begin today. In Jesus name Amen

When we look around us we can easily be inclined to think that the world is a very dark place…and to be honest there are some pretty yuck things going on.

However the truth about darkness is that it’s no longer dark when a light starts to shine. And it doesn’t have to be a huge light source either to suddenly change a dark spot into a lit up space. Just a little candle or torch light will dispel the darkness and change the whole atmosphere from oppressive darkness into cosy light.

Jesus no doubt knew the power of light when he said for those who knew him to let our light shine. He said,” you are the light of the world, so don’t put your light under a basket, but let it shine for all the world to see”. (Matt 5:14)

When people know who they are in Jesus and the light and power they carry when allowed to shine, their light in Jesus will literally dispel the darkness and shift and change atmospheres and cause darkness to flee. Evil flees, dark attitudes and behaviours flee and anything that is not full of goodness and light flees too. Darkness can’t and won’t inhabit a space where light exists and makes its home. The darkness might try and yell and scream to scare off the light, but if we know we carry the light within usvand if we choose to stand our ground; protect the light within us and refuse to stop shining, we will not only dispel any darkness but also attract other light carriers to stand with us too.

Today, ask God to help you know who you are and what you carry. You  are the light of the world and the world needs you to shine. So don’t hide your gifts, talents, uniqueness, goodness and light under a basket and hidden away. Get out there and shine for all the world to marvel at and see. The world needs the light you carry!

” Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”. (John 8:22)

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:14-16 The Message)

Prayer: Lord please help me to be bold and to be all that yiuve created me to be and to let my light shine. Today darkness flees in my presence. In Jesus name Amen

Fear limits; it seeks to paralyse, to squish our joy and steal our future from us. We actually need to regularly do things that push us out of our comfort zones. Things that stretch and make us think, act and really live, even if that means we have to do things we find hard or we have to face our fears. We don’t have to do everything all at once, but we do have to do something otherwise we run the risk of stepping futher and futher away from who God has purposed for us to be, and fear wins instead.

God says that His perfect love casts out all fear, so the more we know we are loved by God through spending time with Him, reading His Word and connecting with others who know they are loved by God too, the bigger His love gets in our hearts and minds and the less fear controls who we are.

Draw near to God today and allow His love, acceptance and care of you to cast out all your fears. He is creator of the whole universe, yet He knows every star in the sky by name, and every hair upon your head. He can handle anything and everything you may be facing and with Him by your side you’re going to be more than okay.

Let His love instead of fear motivate and speak to you, for love will give you a boldness and confidence to be who you really want to be, rather than being the one who always shrinks back in fear and doubt.

“No fear exists where his love is. Rather, perfect love gets rid of fear, because fear involves punishment. The person who lives in fear doesn’t have perfect love.” (1 John 4:18)

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Prayer: Lord help me to draw close to you today so that you can remind me of who I really am, and how much you love and care for me. Fear will not win today. In Jesus name Amen

One of the amazing things that happens when we invite God into our life is that we become brand new. God says,“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new”. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

However if we don’t recognise this, if we don’t understand who we are and what God says about us we will still go around living as before. Feeling and thinking we are something we are not.

We won’t identify with who we are as a new person because we are still looking and living within the context of our past.

It’s like people who have been struggling financially and then they suddenly win lotto or come into alot of money. If they identified with being in lack and poverty that is what they will still be, even with millions in the bank. Studies show that a large proportion of these people will end up wastefully spending all their money within 5 years of receiving it, often ending up in a worst state than what they were before.

Why? Because they still identified with being in poverty and with being poor. For what we think is what we become.

 “For as a man thinks in his heart, so shall he be”. (Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)

When we ask God into our lives we’re called to walk in our new identity. We are no longer confined by human earthly limitations or mindsets, for we have all the resources of heaven at our disposal. We have within us the power that opens blind eyes, unstops deaf ears, raises people from the dead and declares “that nothing is impossible”. We are able to see, access and experience the supernatural realm and heavenly places.

But if we are lazy or compacent about who we are in Christ, we will always live far below what God has destined and created us for. But if we dont realise who we now are we don’t we are heading for an identity crisis. We will constantly be asking “Who am I? What can I do? And as a result we will live far below our abilities in Christ.

That takes renewing our minds about who we now are in Jesus. What does being a new creation mean? God says we are no longer a weakling, or sickly, a sinner, or broke or downtrodden. We are no longer the person we were.

The bible says “As Jesus Christ is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17) That we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:10). We are in Jesus and His nature abides in us. That means we take on the very nature and essence of who God is. There is no brokenness, weakness, sickness, poverty, fear or bad habits in him. He is complete, whole and perfect, and that is what we have imparted to us when we connect and abide in Him. As He is, so are we.

“For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in Him” (Colossians 2:9-10)

Today take hold of all that is offered to you in Jesus. Nothing the world has compares with what God has planned for you. Find out what God’s word says about who you are. You are more than you think and all you have seen or achieved so far is nothing compared to what God wants to reveal and perfect in you.

Prayer: Jesus I want to be made new and to then live out the reality of what it means to be a new creation. Please help me to understand more fully who I am in you. In Jesus Name Amen.

Since I’ve been thinking about asking, I thought I’d share about one of the key times when I discovered God sees me and that it is more than ok to ask of him.

When we were first married my husband and I would often get to the end of the week with just enough money after paying our rent and living expenses to afford 2 minute noodles to eat for the last few days of the week before we were paid again. We could buy four packets for about 50 cents, equaling two nights meals. We were still learning about trusting God, speaking the promises of His word and that He will provide and care for all our needs.

One evening after several months of eating 2 minute noodles my husband Philip said, “God I’m kinda sick of 2 minute noodles, what I’d really like is a nice roast dinner!”

A few minutes later there was a knock at the door, and we found the pastor’s wife of our church standing on our doorstep with two plates in each hand. “These are for you”. It was two roast dinners, still hot and ready to eat. We thanked her and ate them, grateful that it was not noodles again. On finishing Philip laughingly commented “Mmmm that was great, and what would top it off would be a nice big bowl of desert.” Sure enough a few minutes later there was another knock at the door and the pastor’s wife was again standing on our doorstep with two bowls full of apple crumble and custard (one of Philip’s favorite deserts) which she happily handed to us, plus a roast dinner for each of us for the next night’s dinner.

We later had it explained to us that there had been a board dinner at the church that night and there had been some people who could not attend. As we rented the house next door, they had thought of us and brought the extra dinners over for us to enjoy.

I learnt some things that night that changed my thinking and view of God. I discovered:

1. That He is a roast dinner kind of God, a God of more than enough. (Ephesians 3:20)

2. That He cares about us, and that it is okay to ASK Him. (John 16:23-24, Psalm 37:3-4)

3. Be available to be used; you never know the difference you can make in a person’s life by just acting upon the “God promptings” you get to give, or make that call to encourage someone or simply be the deliverer of some roast dinners!

Today be honest about what you really want; what are the desires of your heart, what are you dreaming about? What do you want to see happen? Because as I say, God is a “roast dinner” kind of God who loves to exceed our expectations and wildest dreams. He is the God of more than enough!

“Ask, and the gift is yours. Seek, and you’ll discover. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. For every persistent one will get what he asks for. Every persistent seeker will discover what he longs for. And everyone who knocks persistently will one day find an open door”.

^“Do you know of any parent who would give his hungry child, who asked for food, a plate of rocks instead?  Or when asked for a piece of fish, what parent would offer his child a snake instead?  If you, imperfect as you are, know how to lovingly take care of your children and give them what’s best, how much more ready is your heavenly Father to give wonderful gifts to those who ask him?” (Matt 7:7-12 TPT) 

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want“. (Psalm 23:1 NKJV)

Prayer: Lord thank you that you are the God of more than enough and desire to not just provide for my needs but also my wants as well. I ask for………..today and thank you for answering. In Jesus name Amen

I’ve been thinking about the concept of asking this week. Asking as in; saying something in order to obtain an answer or some information. It’s to make a request in the hope of our request been answered with a Yes.

I’ve realised over the years that I am really bad at asking. I hesitate, second guess, don’t want to be a bother and far too often expect when I do finally ask, for the response to be no. Perhaps that’s a result of growing up and seeing those around me struggling, or just not thinking what I wanted was important enough that I should ask. Whatever it is my hesitation to ask isn’t really something God agrees with.

If I look at God’s word its full of asking, and that God is waiting for us to ask of Him. The issue arises to ask when we don’t know His heart towards us or His willingness to answer favourably.  Or we get all religious and think God’s too busy, it’s not a “spiritual” enough request, or that it’s just for me so I shouldn’t ask – that would be selfish.

Over the years when I have really had a deep desire for God to do something in my life and I have earnestly and expectantly asked,  I’ve seen some amazing things happen. I asked specifically for the sort of man and husband I wanted to share my life with, and my request was granted…in excess. I asked for children and was blessed with six. I’ve asked for healing and been healed and seen many healed as I’ve prayed, I’ve asked for money and food to multiply and it has. I’ve recently asked for new car and received more than I asked for; in a sports model with leather seats, in my favourite colour, at a bargain price. I asked to travel as a family and we’ve travelled the world with our children to New Zealand, Thailand, the UK, Italy, USA and Canada. I regularly ask for car parks, the best deals when shopping, help with directions (I ask that alot), for Gods wisdom and peace and for joy.

There is a verse in the bible that says,”Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 4:6-7 TPT)

God wants us to ask Him about everything and for us to bring our requests to Him. Instead of worrying He says, “pray,” instead of toiling and striving for whatever we desire, He says just delight in me, seek me first and ask! Nothing is too small and nothing is too big for Him to be able to handle. In fact He loves it when we stretch our faith and believe for our dreams to happen. (Psalm 37:4; Matt 6:33; Matt 7:7; Ephesians 3:20)

Today I encourage you to bring your requests to God, checking that what you are asking for is in the guidelines of His word. Then go ahead and ask, knowing that if it brings you joy, if it makes you glad you’re alive and blesses your heart. If it makes your day easier and more joyful and peaceful, if it helps another, it’s probably going to be exactly what your loving heavenly Father desires for you too. So, “Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.” (Matt 7:7 Amp)

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” ( Roman’s 8:32)

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours“. (Mark 11:24)

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you….Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 15:7; 16:24)

Prayer: Lord thank you that you love to answer my requests, and that you say that when I ask it will be given. So I’m asking today for ……………… Thank you Lord. In Jesus name Amen

Imagine if we all pressed the pause button on a regular basis, and cried out, “God would you visit me and reveal yourself and your ways.” Imagine if we all had a discontentment arise in our hearts where the quick fix, done that God moments weren’t enough any more and we really sought His face. Imagine if we all didn’t care if everyone thought we had “lost it”, as long as we had Jesus showing up in our lives; in our lounge rooms, workplaces and wherever we gathered together?

Where we determined to let go of our stuff; of all the distractions, habits and mindsets that hold us back and instead prayed, “God please move! Pour out your power and reveal yourself afresh; I want to know you more”.

I believe God wants us to encounter Him and for us to know Him and Him us. Because when we give Him time, when we stop rushing around in our frenetic activity and choose instead to seek Him, and I mean really seek Him, God always answers and He always shows up.

Today I encourage you to seek God, lean into Him; make it your hearts cry to know Him more. That you will encounter God and all of heaven in a fresh way so that you would never be the same again.

“Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

“Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14)

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT)

“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you” (Psalm 85:6)

Prayer: Lord I want to know you God and the depths of who you are. I want to experience heaven and all the wonders of your person more fully. Please would reveal more of yourself to me today. In Jesus Name Amen.