Dear God
Yesterday I woke up feeling negative, frustrated, and overwhelmed. You know that this has been an off-and-on normal for me for many years. I have been trying to pray to you about it. I have been trying to remember to thank you for waking me up to another day on this earth, and to focus on the positive, and I really do have a lot of positive things going on in my life right now. I have a tendency to come up with short positive phrases that I can say to myself when I am struggling like this, and the one I have been saying lately is, "I can and I will."
Later in the morning, I had a conversation with a good friend, who also happens to be my pastor, and during our conversation he reminded me that we need to stop the negative talk that can easily become part of a conversation. This was not his intent, we were just chatting. It was a very much needed reminder, though, because I have been watching myself slip back into that negative pattern of thinking that I am so good at. After our conversation I went to work cleaning the church, and I was feeling all the negativity that I had allowed to build inside of me, so I started to repeat the phrase to myself; "I can and I will." As I was repeating those words to myself, I started to think about why I can and I will. It is all because of you, God. So I added another part to the phrase; "I can and I will because God can and God will."
Then I started to think about the things that I can and will do. An excitement started to build inside of me, and you started to remind me of all the desires that you put into my heart in the past. The desires that I felt excited about but was convinced that I could never achieve. You know the reasons I gave myself; not smart enough, not disciplined enough, to controlled by my fears, to weak....There are always a million reasons why not. But you kept on pushing me and you continue to push me out of my comfort zone. You keep that desire burning so that I will keep wanting. You fill me with a hope that keeps me pushing through all of the reasons why not.
The more I thought the more you revealed to me, and the more you revealed to me the more excited I became. I literally had a bounce in my step, and I couldn't keep myself from smiling. I couldn't contain myself from thanking my friend for speaking out loud your reminder to stay positive and to trust in you.
I have a passion for ASL, and it has been a dream of mine to find a way to use that passion. You have set in place an opportunity to teach little children (another passion of mine) how to communicate with the use of ASL before they are able to talk. I am so thankful that you have placed Signing Time in my life so that I could become certified to teach ASL to babies, and any one else who might want to learn. I have been so excited about this opportunity, but I have also been battling against the reasons why not. But you just keep on working and supplying me with hope so that I can find it in me to keep pushing through.
Another long time desire of mine has been writing, and you have placed an opportunity before me to share my writing with the hopes of inspiring others. It still does not seem real to me...I have written a book. I am currently in the process of getting it published. The whole time I was writing the book I felt good. I believe that you inspired every word in their. I believe that you have given me a talent for writing and you want me to share it with others. But then I would sit and really think about what I was doing and all I could think was, "What was I thinking? I am not qualified to be a writer. There is no way anyone will want to read my silly old book"...the many reasons why not. Even though those thoughts tried to consume me I found myself continuing to push through the process of writing and publishing my book.
There is another desire in my heart that you have given me that I am still waiting on. I just know that it will happen, because the desire is so strong, and it will not go away even though I try to convince myself why not, and it will give you glory.
Thank you, God, for faithfully working in my life, and for loving me enough to continue to push me through the adventures of life. Thank you for always being by my side and for giving me a testimony to share. Thank you for reminding me that you are at work, you are always there, and you give me all I need. You are trustworthy, and not matter what you place in my path I can and I will because You can and You will. I pray that others would not miss out on a relationship with you. I could not imagine trying to do life without you, again. I don't know how I did it before.
With all of my love and trust in Jesus' name amen.
Friday, February 12, 2016
Friday, April 3, 2015
"Good" Friday
Hope Crossing, my church, is having a funeral for Jesus today. It is an interesting idea; one I have never experienced before. It is going to be an actual funeral service; including a real casket. I woke up this morning and thought about the fact that we will be attending a funeral today and my thought was; "I don't want to be sad today." There is just so much sadness in this world and I have had my share of my own personal sadness recently, and I have been working really hard over the last couple of weeks at being more positive; I just want to feel peace and joy.
I sat down to read from my Bible and to do some journaling. And even though I am way behind, I jumped ahead to today's "40 Things to Give up for Lent" Devotion. Today's is about giving up Sorrow. I thought that to be quite fitting. Here are some of Pastor Phil Ressler's words that stuck out for me...
"There are tears to be shed as long as we walk this earth, but we do not grieve as those who are without hope... On Sunday we celebrate the resurrection. Without Sunday, there is no "good" in Friday. The resurrection gives us the conviction to say: O death, where is your victory? O death where is your sting. 1Corinthians 15:55. On this Good Friday, we remember the saving work of Jesus upon the cross. 'It is finished!' The cross is behind us. It is 'good' because Jesus is risen just as he said. It's ok to shed a tear today, but make sure to mix joy with the sorrow."
I know what Jesus went through was painful and grueling. It was a horrible experience that he didn't deserve. I could not imagine having to endure such an ordeal, especially without putting up some kind of fight. He just excepted his fate; it was God's plan for his life. I read the passages in Matthew, starting in chapter 27, about Jesus' death on the cross, and after reading them I still think; "I don't want to be sad today." I know that sounds bad but it is how I feel today. So I started to do some research; looking for permission to not be sad today. You know...I think I found it.
John 16:33 In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteous of God.
John 19:30 "It is finished!"
1Timothy 2:6 Who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of Holy Spirit.
1Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
In Matthew 16 Jesus predicts his own death. He knew what God's plan for him was; He knew this was God's plan. God gave Him to us as a gift. That is so amazing! A true gift is given out of love with absolutely no expectations. God wanted to give us something that would show us just how much He loves us. It had to be the perfect gift so that we would know. Think about being a perfect gift to show the world the love of the Creator. Can you imagine just how special that would make you feel; just how important, loved, needed and cherished you would feel. Jesus got to be that! He got to fulfill the most amazing and important part of God's plan; He got to be the Savior of the world. How could He not want to make sure that He did His best; gave His all; He stayed obedient to the very end to be the gift that God intended Him to be. It was not an easy job. Jesus suffered greatly, more than we could ever imagine. But he succeeded! "It is finished!" God's plan fulfilled!
For believers, a funeral is a time to celebrate someone's life. We share stories of good times and good memories. We say we love you and we will miss spending time with you hear on this earth, but we are excited for them. They will never again endure suffering. They have won their race! And we say, "until we meet again." We focus on what they meant to us and what they added to our life.
That is what I want to do today. I want to think about all the good Jesus did while he was flesh living on this earth. I want to think about the perfect gift he was to me; the gift given to me because God loves me that much. I want to feel the pride I have for him for staying obedient until the end. I want to thank him for all that he endured for me. But I don't want to be sad. I don't think He wants me to be sad. He didn't do all he did so we would be sad. He did it so we could live life to the full with an eternal relationship with His Father; our Creator. I choose to celebrate the amazing role that Jesus got to play in God's plan. I chose to celebrate in the knowledge that He was risen from the dead and is in heaven with His Father. And now I have full access to the Power, the Love and the Guiding Spirit!
That is how I chose to celebrate this "holiday", Good Friday. You may be in a place of sorrow today for all He endured, and that is ok, too. We are created unique. We are not meant to be the same. We are meant to worship Jesus with our own genuine hearts.
It may be that you are in a place that you don't know, don't believe, or don't really understand what Jesus did for you on that Good Friday. I challenge you to pick up a Bible, actual or digital, and find out what it is all about. Revisit the events and ask God to help you understand. Let him work in your heart and help you to believe. I promise you, you won't be sorry; it will change your life forever!
I sat down to read from my Bible and to do some journaling. And even though I am way behind, I jumped ahead to today's "40 Things to Give up for Lent" Devotion. Today's is about giving up Sorrow. I thought that to be quite fitting. Here are some of Pastor Phil Ressler's words that stuck out for me...
"There are tears to be shed as long as we walk this earth, but we do not grieve as those who are without hope... On Sunday we celebrate the resurrection. Without Sunday, there is no "good" in Friday. The resurrection gives us the conviction to say: O death, where is your victory? O death where is your sting. 1Corinthians 15:55. On this Good Friday, we remember the saving work of Jesus upon the cross. 'It is finished!' The cross is behind us. It is 'good' because Jesus is risen just as he said. It's ok to shed a tear today, but make sure to mix joy with the sorrow."
I know what Jesus went through was painful and grueling. It was a horrible experience that he didn't deserve. I could not imagine having to endure such an ordeal, especially without putting up some kind of fight. He just excepted his fate; it was God's plan for his life. I read the passages in Matthew, starting in chapter 27, about Jesus' death on the cross, and after reading them I still think; "I don't want to be sad today." I know that sounds bad but it is how I feel today. So I started to do some research; looking for permission to not be sad today. You know...I think I found it.
John 16:33 In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteous of God.
John 19:30 "It is finished!"
1Timothy 2:6 Who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of Holy Spirit.
1Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
In Matthew 16 Jesus predicts his own death. He knew what God's plan for him was; He knew this was God's plan. God gave Him to us as a gift. That is so amazing! A true gift is given out of love with absolutely no expectations. God wanted to give us something that would show us just how much He loves us. It had to be the perfect gift so that we would know. Think about being a perfect gift to show the world the love of the Creator. Can you imagine just how special that would make you feel; just how important, loved, needed and cherished you would feel. Jesus got to be that! He got to fulfill the most amazing and important part of God's plan; He got to be the Savior of the world. How could He not want to make sure that He did His best; gave His all; He stayed obedient to the very end to be the gift that God intended Him to be. It was not an easy job. Jesus suffered greatly, more than we could ever imagine. But he succeeded! "It is finished!" God's plan fulfilled!
For believers, a funeral is a time to celebrate someone's life. We share stories of good times and good memories. We say we love you and we will miss spending time with you hear on this earth, but we are excited for them. They will never again endure suffering. They have won their race! And we say, "until we meet again." We focus on what they meant to us and what they added to our life.
That is what I want to do today. I want to think about all the good Jesus did while he was flesh living on this earth. I want to think about the perfect gift he was to me; the gift given to me because God loves me that much. I want to feel the pride I have for him for staying obedient until the end. I want to thank him for all that he endured for me. But I don't want to be sad. I don't think He wants me to be sad. He didn't do all he did so we would be sad. He did it so we could live life to the full with an eternal relationship with His Father; our Creator. I choose to celebrate the amazing role that Jesus got to play in God's plan. I chose to celebrate in the knowledge that He was risen from the dead and is in heaven with His Father. And now I have full access to the Power, the Love and the Guiding Spirit!
That is how I chose to celebrate this "holiday", Good Friday. You may be in a place of sorrow today for all He endured, and that is ok, too. We are created unique. We are not meant to be the same. We are meant to worship Jesus with our own genuine hearts.
It may be that you are in a place that you don't know, don't believe, or don't really understand what Jesus did for you on that Good Friday. I challenge you to pick up a Bible, actual or digital, and find out what it is all about. Revisit the events and ask God to help you understand. Let him work in your heart and help you to believe. I promise you, you won't be sorry; it will change your life forever!
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Giving up going through the motions.
Wow! It has been longer than I thought since my last post. Here is my reason for my absence; I hit an emotional wall. I've still been managing to work my way through the 40 Things to Give up devotional, just very slowly; I just finished number 18 this morning. My reading for today was about giving up going through the motions. I think the best think Pastor Phil Ressler said was; "It's time to move beyond going through the motions and live the great adventure!"
I am not a stranger of going through the motions. Most of our lives are very routine. We wake up and do pretty much the same things almost every day with work, school and family schedules. They become so familiar that we can eventually find ourselves doing these things on autopilot. Have you ever driven to work or someplace that you go frequently, and when you get there you realize that you don't remember a thing about the drive there, or your driving down a road you travel often with a different destination in mind but you automatically take a turn you would normally take without even thinking about. Then you think to yourself, "What am I doing, I didn't want to go this way." I know I have, and it is kind of a scary thing when you really think about it. We can do this in so many areas in our lives; function on autopilot and then when we get to the end of our day or even our lives we wonder how we got here and we realize all the things we missed along the way.
I had an "Ah Ha" moment this week about going through the motions. I have been doing it for years. I have been going through the motions of my emotions. I have been living the comfortably uncomfortable life just because it is familiar; the road I have traveled for years. I have know this for a long time. I have talked about it many times. I have had other destinations in mind but I haven't made the effort to turn off the autopilot switch. There is one, you know. Sometimes it can be just out of our reach. That is when we need to ask someone to help us reach it. It may seem like a silly thing to need help with. I mean, how hard can it be to make your way to a device that is as simple to use as a switch is. People would think that I am pathetic or stupid. And those very autopilot-thoughts can make it very hard to ask for help or to even believe that you need help. Whether you believe it or not, there are other people out there who need help with the exact same issue of turning off their autopilot. I know that I am one of them and I am finally believing that needing that help does not make me pathetic or stupid and I am not unworthy of help.
I have finally started to believe what God has been trying to tell me for years. That it is ok to own who I am and what I need, and that it is ok to tell someone what I need. I don't need to keep trying to be someone that I am not. I am not pathetic or worthless; someone who can only receive love through pity. And I am not someone who needs to be perfect, or who has it all together. I am a person just like everyone else, with issues and needs. I can't be afraid to tell someone my needs because it might hurt their feelings. It is not my responsibility. It is my job to have an open, honest, healthy relationship with people and to give them the same love and understanding I expect from them.
So, I am learning to muster up the courage to tell people what I really need and ask them to help because I know that is what I really need right now; accountability and encouragement. It is ok to need help and encouragement from the people around us, after all, God designed us to do life together, not on our own. And don't forget that God is there to help you, too, because he loves you and wants the best for your life. "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13.
I encourage you to do what is necessary to turn off your autopilot so you can "...live the great adventure." God is by your side and has given you all the tools you need. It is up to you to make that decision and to take that first step. I promise you the help is there. God desires the unique you that he created, not the autopilot you that you have created. God desires the true you, not the you that you think he wants or what you think others want to see in you.
"When you believe in God's power, "He can"...but when you believe in His love, "God will." -Benny Hinn
As far as the 40 things devotional, I still plan to finish what I started, but I am sorry to say that I am not going to continue to try post each one on here everyday. It started to become one of those things that that I needed to check off of my list of things to do and I found that I was just going through the motions of getting it done not really spending the time with it that I needed. These are really good devotions and I will still share them with you, just at a much slower pace, a pace that I can handle because that is what I need to do right now.
With all my love and blessings.
I am not a stranger of going through the motions. Most of our lives are very routine. We wake up and do pretty much the same things almost every day with work, school and family schedules. They become so familiar that we can eventually find ourselves doing these things on autopilot. Have you ever driven to work or someplace that you go frequently, and when you get there you realize that you don't remember a thing about the drive there, or your driving down a road you travel often with a different destination in mind but you automatically take a turn you would normally take without even thinking about. Then you think to yourself, "What am I doing, I didn't want to go this way." I know I have, and it is kind of a scary thing when you really think about it. We can do this in so many areas in our lives; function on autopilot and then when we get to the end of our day or even our lives we wonder how we got here and we realize all the things we missed along the way.
I had an "Ah Ha" moment this week about going through the motions. I have been doing it for years. I have been going through the motions of my emotions. I have been living the comfortably uncomfortable life just because it is familiar; the road I have traveled for years. I have know this for a long time. I have talked about it many times. I have had other destinations in mind but I haven't made the effort to turn off the autopilot switch. There is one, you know. Sometimes it can be just out of our reach. That is when we need to ask someone to help us reach it. It may seem like a silly thing to need help with. I mean, how hard can it be to make your way to a device that is as simple to use as a switch is. People would think that I am pathetic or stupid. And those very autopilot-thoughts can make it very hard to ask for help or to even believe that you need help. Whether you believe it or not, there are other people out there who need help with the exact same issue of turning off their autopilot. I know that I am one of them and I am finally believing that needing that help does not make me pathetic or stupid and I am not unworthy of help.
I have finally started to believe what God has been trying to tell me for years. That it is ok to own who I am and what I need, and that it is ok to tell someone what I need. I don't need to keep trying to be someone that I am not. I am not pathetic or worthless; someone who can only receive love through pity. And I am not someone who needs to be perfect, or who has it all together. I am a person just like everyone else, with issues and needs. I can't be afraid to tell someone my needs because it might hurt their feelings. It is not my responsibility. It is my job to have an open, honest, healthy relationship with people and to give them the same love and understanding I expect from them.
So, I am learning to muster up the courage to tell people what I really need and ask them to help because I know that is what I really need right now; accountability and encouragement. It is ok to need help and encouragement from the people around us, after all, God designed us to do life together, not on our own. And don't forget that God is there to help you, too, because he loves you and wants the best for your life. "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13.
I encourage you to do what is necessary to turn off your autopilot so you can "...live the great adventure." God is by your side and has given you all the tools you need. It is up to you to make that decision and to take that first step. I promise you the help is there. God desires the unique you that he created, not the autopilot you that you have created. God desires the true you, not the you that you think he wants or what you think others want to see in you.
"When you believe in God's power, "He can"...but when you believe in His love, "God will." -Benny Hinn
As far as the 40 things devotional, I still plan to finish what I started, but I am sorry to say that I am not going to continue to try post each one on here everyday. It started to become one of those things that that I needed to check off of my list of things to do and I found that I was just going through the motions of getting it done not really spending the time with it that I needed. These are really good devotions and I will still share them with you, just at a much slower pace, a pace that I can handle because that is what I need to do right now.
With all my love and blessings.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
40 Things to Give Up For Lent: Number 10
Over commitment Do less better and accomplish more.
"If you believe God knows what he is doing, then you believe God created just the right amount of time."
I argue with God on this one a lot. I question how I'm suppose to do what I need to do and what I want to do. I feel frustrated, rushed and overwhelmed a lot. I know where some of my problems lay, ok, maybe where all of my problems lay. I go into shut down mode a lot. I don't know where to start and or I have no desire to start, so I find myself not even trying and spending my time playing games on my phone, doodling, or reading to just mindlessly pass the time away. In the end I am really frustrated with myself. When I do actually work on something I really get into it and then I end up spending to much time on that one thing and neglect other things.
"The key is to make God's priorities your priorities."
Well, what are his priorities? That can be a hard one to figure out sometimes. I know that prayer,
spending time with God, and reading the Bible daily is important. I really do love to do this. Spending time with God really feels good. My issue is the time thing. When I sit down to read and journal and pray it usually takes about two hours. I end my time feeling encouraged, inspired and guided; I'm ready to take on the day. Then the list comes to mind; the, I have to do and want to do list. I feel that this list needs to all be completed by 2:30; when I have to go get the girls from school. This is when the frustration and overwhelmed feeling comes rushing in. I find myself becoming annoyed with myself for all that time that I just spent with God. After a couple of days of that cycle I find myself giving up on that time with God because "I HAVE" to get through my list of things. Then I start feeling hopeless, depressed and that is when I find myself doing the mindless things to get through the emotions. Then I don't have to feel stressed, in that moment. Vicious, vicious cycle.
"One of the reasons we rush so much is because we believe everything is dependent on us"
I don't put my work in God's hands. I don't trust him to give me the time to accomplish what he wants me to do; I don't trust him to accomplish what I can't.
"Remember your value is not found in what you accomplish, but in what Jesus accomplished for you."
That is a powerful statement. I know that I struggle with where I put my value. It is automatic for me to value what others think of and see in my. I know that is not what is most important and I really don't want it to be; it is just something I have learned to do over the years and I am working hard and changing that. Not to mention, the false belief that I have to be the one to do it all because if I don't who will, or is it because I want to prove to others that I am able and worthy to do all these things. I think sometimes we over commit because we are trying to fill a void or look more important then we really feel. Where your value lies, I think, is a major contributor to whether or not you have an issue with over commitment. We can over commit to work and I think we can over commit to our emotions.
God, I thank you that you give me the exact amount of time that I need to accomplish all that you want me to accomplish. Help me to make your priorities my priorities. Help me to shut out all of the false emotions and beliefs that cause me to over commit in tasks and to my emotions. You have created me and I am important and it is important that I focus on what you want me to do each day. Help me to be flexible, willing and obedient to your will. With all of my love and trust in Jesus' name Amen!
Quotes by: Pastor Phil Ressler
"If you believe God knows what he is doing, then you believe God created just the right amount of time."
I argue with God on this one a lot. I question how I'm suppose to do what I need to do and what I want to do. I feel frustrated, rushed and overwhelmed a lot. I know where some of my problems lay, ok, maybe where all of my problems lay. I go into shut down mode a lot. I don't know where to start and or I have no desire to start, so I find myself not even trying and spending my time playing games on my phone, doodling, or reading to just mindlessly pass the time away. In the end I am really frustrated with myself. When I do actually work on something I really get into it and then I end up spending to much time on that one thing and neglect other things.
"The key is to make God's priorities your priorities."
Well, what are his priorities? That can be a hard one to figure out sometimes. I know that prayer,
spending time with God, and reading the Bible daily is important. I really do love to do this. Spending time with God really feels good. My issue is the time thing. When I sit down to read and journal and pray it usually takes about two hours. I end my time feeling encouraged, inspired and guided; I'm ready to take on the day. Then the list comes to mind; the, I have to do and want to do list. I feel that this list needs to all be completed by 2:30; when I have to go get the girls from school. This is when the frustration and overwhelmed feeling comes rushing in. I find myself becoming annoyed with myself for all that time that I just spent with God. After a couple of days of that cycle I find myself giving up on that time with God because "I HAVE" to get through my list of things. Then I start feeling hopeless, depressed and that is when I find myself doing the mindless things to get through the emotions. Then I don't have to feel stressed, in that moment. Vicious, vicious cycle.
"One of the reasons we rush so much is because we believe everything is dependent on us"
I don't put my work in God's hands. I don't trust him to give me the time to accomplish what he wants me to do; I don't trust him to accomplish what I can't.
"Remember your value is not found in what you accomplish, but in what Jesus accomplished for you."
That is a powerful statement. I know that I struggle with where I put my value. It is automatic for me to value what others think of and see in my. I know that is not what is most important and I really don't want it to be; it is just something I have learned to do over the years and I am working hard and changing that. Not to mention, the false belief that I have to be the one to do it all because if I don't who will, or is it because I want to prove to others that I am able and worthy to do all these things. I think sometimes we over commit because we are trying to fill a void or look more important then we really feel. Where your value lies, I think, is a major contributor to whether or not you have an issue with over commitment. We can over commit to work and I think we can over commit to our emotions.
God, I thank you that you give me the exact amount of time that I need to accomplish all that you want me to accomplish. Help me to make your priorities my priorities. Help me to shut out all of the false emotions and beliefs that cause me to over commit in tasks and to my emotions. You have created me and I am important and it is important that I focus on what you want me to do each day. Help me to be flexible, willing and obedient to your will. With all of my love and trust in Jesus' name Amen!
Quotes by: Pastor Phil Ressler
Saturday, March 7, 2015
40 Things to Give up For Lent: Number 9
Guilt I am loved by Jesus and he has forgiven my sins. Today is a new day and the past is behind.
1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:5-7: This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you. God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
John 3:16-18: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Words from Pastor Phil Ressler:
"We can learn from our past. We don't need to live in the guilt of those past mistakes. While the past may shape up and guide us, the past will not define us."
Therefore, if anyone in in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
"Jesus came to set us free from our guilt. In him we move forward in freedom from the guilt of the past."
"Present Guilt: This is when we fall short of our expectations. Know the path to victory is never a straight line. For every two steps forward, there is one step back. As we pursue God's path, Satan will work even harder to push us off course. Jesus enables us to keep moving forward."
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1
"When you can't, know that Jesus can. Jesus paid it all. He takes our guilt upon himself when we receive the gift of his salvation by faith. He receives the punishment that was ours. He takes our place."
I looked up guilt and shame on Dictionary.com; Guilt and shame are really two different things and yet they can go hand-in-hand.
Guilt: a feeling of responsibility or remorse for some offense, crime, wrong, etc., whether real or imagined.
Shame: disgrace; ignominy
Guilt is more of an awareness of having done something wrong. Its being aware of what you are responsible for. Guilt can be good. Guilt can help us to take action to work at righting a wrong. It can help us change our words, actions, and/or thoughts. Staying stuck in that feeling of guilt will lead to feelings of shame.
Shame is more of a painful feeling. Shame has the ability to cripple a person. Shame can be caused by not dealing with something you did wrong, but shame can also come from believing that it is your fault that something has happened even when it is not. "It is the belief that you, or a part of you, is defective or inadequate. Words of shame are reflective of seeing oneself as "bad," "ugly," "stupid," "incompetent," "damaged." (or needy and a burden) It is an isolating experience that makes us think we are completely alone and unique in our belief that we are unlovable. Secretly, we feel like we are to blame. Shame reflects an internal darkness in one's soul. And it is because of this our recovery truly has spiritual meaning. Underneath layers of shame you will find that abandonment is at the foundation." -Changing Course by Claudia Black, Ph.D (my words added)
Whether you are feeling guilty because you have done something wrong to someone, or you are feeling guilty because you believe that it is your fault something has happened even though that is not true, you have to take the necessary steps to deal with your guilt. We can't hold on to it. You can not play the game of blame; we gave that up already anyway, right? :) We have to run to God, run to his word, run to a trusted friend, run to professional help; do whatever you have to do to "run with endurance the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1
Satan will turn our guilt in shame and he will use it to hold us down if we let him. Shame can keep us locked in a self-centered prison. When you are locked away in a prison you miss out on a lot in life. I know what that prison feels like. I know it can be hard to take the necessary steps when you feel that shame; when you feel unworthy. But we are all worthy because God created us. He created us because he wanted to, because he wanted us; all of us. Go back and read John 3:16-18. God gave his ONLY Son, Jesus, to die on a cross so the world could have the opportunity spend eternity with him; that is how much he wants you, that is how worthy you are.
Ask God to forgive you and he will, every time, and if he can forgive you than you can forgive you. Then let it go and move on; use it as a learning experience and let that experience strengthen you.
God, thank you for loving me so much that you would give your only Son so that I can be in relationship with you. Thank you for reminding me everyday that I have no reason to feel shame. I can take that feeling of guilt that you give me and use it to deal with the issue at hand and then I can let it go and live a life that is pleasing to you. You know I am human and I am not perfect; I will make mistakes and I will have time of confusion and false feelings, and you love me, and forgive me when I seek out your forgiveness. When you look at me all you see is that beautiful, worthy, unique, desired being that you created. I am perfectly-imperfect and I am worthy! With all of my love and trust in Jesus' name Amen!
1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:5-7: This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you. God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
John 3:16-18: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Words from Pastor Phil Ressler:
"We can learn from our past. We don't need to live in the guilt of those past mistakes. While the past may shape up and guide us, the past will not define us."
Therefore, if anyone in in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
"Jesus came to set us free from our guilt. In him we move forward in freedom from the guilt of the past."
"Present Guilt: This is when we fall short of our expectations. Know the path to victory is never a straight line. For every two steps forward, there is one step back. As we pursue God's path, Satan will work even harder to push us off course. Jesus enables us to keep moving forward."
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1
"When you can't, know that Jesus can. Jesus paid it all. He takes our guilt upon himself when we receive the gift of his salvation by faith. He receives the punishment that was ours. He takes our place."
I looked up guilt and shame on Dictionary.com; Guilt and shame are really two different things and yet they can go hand-in-hand.
Guilt: a feeling of responsibility or remorse for some offense, crime, wrong, etc., whether real or imagined.
Shame: disgrace; ignominy
Guilt is more of an awareness of having done something wrong. Its being aware of what you are responsible for. Guilt can be good. Guilt can help us to take action to work at righting a wrong. It can help us change our words, actions, and/or thoughts. Staying stuck in that feeling of guilt will lead to feelings of shame.
Shame is more of a painful feeling. Shame has the ability to cripple a person. Shame can be caused by not dealing with something you did wrong, but shame can also come from believing that it is your fault that something has happened even when it is not. "It is the belief that you, or a part of you, is defective or inadequate. Words of shame are reflective of seeing oneself as "bad," "ugly," "stupid," "incompetent," "damaged." (or needy and a burden) It is an isolating experience that makes us think we are completely alone and unique in our belief that we are unlovable. Secretly, we feel like we are to blame. Shame reflects an internal darkness in one's soul. And it is because of this our recovery truly has spiritual meaning. Underneath layers of shame you will find that abandonment is at the foundation." -Changing Course by Claudia Black, Ph.D (my words added)
Whether you are feeling guilty because you have done something wrong to someone, or you are feeling guilty because you believe that it is your fault something has happened even though that is not true, you have to take the necessary steps to deal with your guilt. We can't hold on to it. You can not play the game of blame; we gave that up already anyway, right? :) We have to run to God, run to his word, run to a trusted friend, run to professional help; do whatever you have to do to "run with endurance the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1
Satan will turn our guilt in shame and he will use it to hold us down if we let him. Shame can keep us locked in a self-centered prison. When you are locked away in a prison you miss out on a lot in life. I know what that prison feels like. I know it can be hard to take the necessary steps when you feel that shame; when you feel unworthy. But we are all worthy because God created us. He created us because he wanted to, because he wanted us; all of us. Go back and read John 3:16-18. God gave his ONLY Son, Jesus, to die on a cross so the world could have the opportunity spend eternity with him; that is how much he wants you, that is how worthy you are.
Ask God to forgive you and he will, every time, and if he can forgive you than you can forgive you. Then let it go and move on; use it as a learning experience and let that experience strengthen you.
God, thank you for loving me so much that you would give your only Son so that I can be in relationship with you. Thank you for reminding me everyday that I have no reason to feel shame. I can take that feeling of guilt that you give me and use it to deal with the issue at hand and then I can let it go and live a life that is pleasing to you. You know I am human and I am not perfect; I will make mistakes and I will have time of confusion and false feelings, and you love me, and forgive me when I seek out your forgiveness. When you look at me all you see is that beautiful, worthy, unique, desired being that you created. I am perfectly-imperfect and I am worthy! With all of my love and trust in Jesus' name Amen!
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