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.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
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!
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
40 Things To Give Up For Lent: Number 8
Blame I am not going to pass the buck. I will take responsibility for my actions.
"We are good at playing the victim. We are innocent. You can not control what others do to you. What you can control with the help of the Holy Spirit is how you respond. With the help of the Holy Spirit you can move forward. Letting the past actions of others control your present and your future is allowing them to victimize you all over again." -Pastor Phil Ressler
No, in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37
Pastor Phil reminds us that Jesus was truly a victim, just as many people are, but he forgave those who hurt him; "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34
Not only did he forgive them but Jesus chose to take the blame, even though he was innocent.
Pastor Phil continued to say...
"Know that hurting people hurt others. Hurting people often hurt themselves. But as you find healing in Jesus Christ something amazing happens. The scars left behind become a reminder that I am not a victim but "more than a conqueror" and wounds of the past become agents of healing."
I get how easy it is to play the victim; been there done that. Victims truly have someone to blame for what has happened to them. Victims usually have no control over what happens to them. But victims do have control over how long they will live as the victim. We are all responsible for how we respond to life's circumstances. That does not mean that you should be able to instantly get over what has happened. Victims have wounds, and wounds take time to heal, and we all heal at a different rate. We have to chose to take an active role in our healing. We have to chose to forgive. We have to chose to let God work in our lives.
Sometimes when wounds heal they can leave an ugly scar. It can be hard not to hate that scar. It can be hard to not let that scar dredge up old emotions. We have to learn to look at that scar and see it as life lived; as character that adds to our beauty and uniqueness. Let God help you to see that scar in a new way. Give the memory of the pain to Jesus. Let the Holy Spirit guide you into your future; the one filled with hope and healing. God promises to use our scars for good; he has a plan for our lives; we have to let him.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
We also have to remember to stop and think about why that person has made you a victim. It could be that person is a victim themselves and they are struggling through their healing process. They may not know where to turn to; may not have Jesus is their life to help them along the way. I have learned that life is chain reaction. The person that hurt you might just not know any other way to get someone, anyone, to understand their pain.
God promises to bestow on those who grieve "a crown of beauty for ashes." Isaiah 61:3
If you let him, God will turn that "ugly" scar into something beautiful. All you have to do is stop blaming, embrace the scar, and let God work.
God, I am so thankful that you have a plan for my life. You use all the good and all the bad for a better future. You give me the power to be "more than a conqueror." You are so patient with us; knowing that healing is not an easy process, and we each have a set time to heal. But you have given us the ability to chose, and that is what I must do. I chose to trust you in the process of life. I chose to trust you to turn the "ugly" in my life into beauty. Help me to let go of blame, to let go of being the victim, so that I can live the amazing life that you have planned for me. Help me to be the example to those that are struggling with the same issues. Help me to stop and think about the offenders in my life; to pray for them to find the help they need to get through whatever it is they are struggling with. I want to be a light that shines for you. With all of my love and trust in Jesus' name Amen!
"We are good at playing the victim. We are innocent. You can not control what others do to you. What you can control with the help of the Holy Spirit is how you respond. With the help of the Holy Spirit you can move forward. Letting the past actions of others control your present and your future is allowing them to victimize you all over again." -Pastor Phil Ressler
No, in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37
Pastor Phil reminds us that Jesus was truly a victim, just as many people are, but he forgave those who hurt him; "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34
Not only did he forgive them but Jesus chose to take the blame, even though he was innocent.
Pastor Phil continued to say...
"Know that hurting people hurt others. Hurting people often hurt themselves. But as you find healing in Jesus Christ something amazing happens. The scars left behind become a reminder that I am not a victim but "more than a conqueror" and wounds of the past become agents of healing."
I get how easy it is to play the victim; been there done that. Victims truly have someone to blame for what has happened to them. Victims usually have no control over what happens to them. But victims do have control over how long they will live as the victim. We are all responsible for how we respond to life's circumstances. That does not mean that you should be able to instantly get over what has happened. Victims have wounds, and wounds take time to heal, and we all heal at a different rate. We have to chose to take an active role in our healing. We have to chose to forgive. We have to chose to let God work in our lives.
Sometimes when wounds heal they can leave an ugly scar. It can be hard not to hate that scar. It can be hard to not let that scar dredge up old emotions. We have to learn to look at that scar and see it as life lived; as character that adds to our beauty and uniqueness. Let God help you to see that scar in a new way. Give the memory of the pain to Jesus. Let the Holy Spirit guide you into your future; the one filled with hope and healing. God promises to use our scars for good; he has a plan for our lives; we have to let him.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
We also have to remember to stop and think about why that person has made you a victim. It could be that person is a victim themselves and they are struggling through their healing process. They may not know where to turn to; may not have Jesus is their life to help them along the way. I have learned that life is chain reaction. The person that hurt you might just not know any other way to get someone, anyone, to understand their pain.
God promises to bestow on those who grieve "a crown of beauty for ashes." Isaiah 61:3
If you let him, God will turn that "ugly" scar into something beautiful. All you have to do is stop blaming, embrace the scar, and let God work.
God, I am so thankful that you have a plan for my life. You use all the good and all the bad for a better future. You give me the power to be "more than a conqueror." You are so patient with us; knowing that healing is not an easy process, and we each have a set time to heal. But you have given us the ability to chose, and that is what I must do. I chose to trust you in the process of life. I chose to trust you to turn the "ugly" in my life into beauty. Help me to let go of blame, to let go of being the victim, so that I can live the amazing life that you have planned for me. Help me to be the example to those that are struggling with the same issues. Help me to stop and think about the offenders in my life; to pray for them to find the help they need to get through whatever it is they are struggling with. I want to be a light that shines for you. With all of my love and trust in Jesus' name Amen!
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
40 Things To Give Up For Lent: Number 7
Comparison I have my own unique contribution to make and there is no one else like me.
Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
"What do you base your value on?"
"There is always going to be someone better, someone more accomplished, someone more beautiful, someone more blessed, someone more skilled. If you continue to compare yourself you are going to find you never match up. It will seem like you are always lacking."
"You are created by God. You are who you are. He loves you for who you are. You are beautiful and wonderful to him because he made you unique. You are his child."
Quotes by Pastor Phil Ressler.
Psalm 139:14 I Praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
I want to be a better wife like...
I want to be a better mother like...
I wish my faith was as strong as...
Oh, how I could move people if I could just sing like...
I would be so much happier if my body looked more like...
God would be happier with me if I could talk to people like...
These are just some of the things I catch myself saying to myself. It is so easy for me to see the good in others and the imperfections in myself. I believe this a form of pride.
It all boils down to our self-esteem; where is our value? God wants us to use the gifts and abilities he has given us, and there is nothing wrong with taking pride in giving God your best. I think that it shows God your appreciation for the gifts he has given you. I think it can be easy for a person with low self-esteem to have a wrong pride of having a "better" talent or gift than someone because they are trying to make up for what they feel they lack. But a person with low self-esteem can also be prideful by always focusing on and pointing out their own faults and weakness. I think it is prideful because it is still drawing unhealthy attention to yourself. All that negativity is unhealthy in itself. I believe that negativity just brings more negativity.
Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
We are all created by God. He created each one of us unique and special; each with our own strengths and weaknesses, each with our own gifts and talents. We each have a part to play in God's plan. We are all important. Stop looking at others with desires to be like them. God does not want you to be like them, he wants you to be like you, the you he created. The earth would be a boring place if we were all the same. Be genuinely happy for the gifts and talents that God has given others. Encourage them to do the best they can with those gifts and talents.
"A healthy self-esteem comes when you know God loves you and made you in his image and through Christ has made you holy and a new creation."
"You don't need to: Be Proud. Brag. Boast. Be overly defensive. Compare yourself. Feel inadequate. Worry about what others think of you. Build yourself up in others minds. Inflate a sagging ego. Lie to yourself and others. Make excuses for sin. Try to assume positions beyond you. Never admit you are wrong. Always be right about every last thing. Rebel against authority. Avoid submission. Tear others down (or tear yourself down). Avoid those of lowly status in the worlds eyes (or avoid those of great status in the world's eyes). Be greedy for money or power to improve social status.
You can be yourself: Servant. Humble. Gentle. Kind. Loving. (unique, special, important). Thinking of others needs more highly than your own perverse pride induced desires."
To remove pride, just stop comparing yourself with others. If you don't compare yourself with others anymore because you know we are all equally loved by God, equally sinful before God, and equally savable through Christ, and equally able to bring glory to God, then you won't have low self-esteem and you won't have the temptation to be proud any more."
- Kendall Faull (my added words)
These are great reminders.
God, thank you for creating me so special, so unique. You have given me great gifts and talents. Help me to always use them to the best of my ability, and in a way that gives you glory so that I can show my appreciation for what you have given to me; for the things you have entrusted to me. Thanks for the reminder that I do not have to be like everyone else. You don't want me to be like everyone else. You want me to be me. Help me to stop looking at others with eyes and a heart that desires to be like them; have what they have, because that takes my focus off of the wonderful things that you have blessed me with. It takes my eyes off of the beautiful creation that I am. I lose sight of my importance when I compare myself to others; I lose sight of your love for me. With all of my love and trust in Jesus' name Amen!
Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
"What do you base your value on?"
"There is always going to be someone better, someone more accomplished, someone more beautiful, someone more blessed, someone more skilled. If you continue to compare yourself you are going to find you never match up. It will seem like you are always lacking."
"You are created by God. You are who you are. He loves you for who you are. You are beautiful and wonderful to him because he made you unique. You are his child."
Quotes by Pastor Phil Ressler.
Psalm 139:14 I Praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
I want to be a better wife like...
I want to be a better mother like...
I wish my faith was as strong as...
Oh, how I could move people if I could just sing like...
I would be so much happier if my body looked more like...
God would be happier with me if I could talk to people like...
These are just some of the things I catch myself saying to myself. It is so easy for me to see the good in others and the imperfections in myself. I believe this a form of pride.
It all boils down to our self-esteem; where is our value? God wants us to use the gifts and abilities he has given us, and there is nothing wrong with taking pride in giving God your best. I think that it shows God your appreciation for the gifts he has given you. I think it can be easy for a person with low self-esteem to have a wrong pride of having a "better" talent or gift than someone because they are trying to make up for what they feel they lack. But a person with low self-esteem can also be prideful by always focusing on and pointing out their own faults and weakness. I think it is prideful because it is still drawing unhealthy attention to yourself. All that negativity is unhealthy in itself. I believe that negativity just brings more negativity.
Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
We are all created by God. He created each one of us unique and special; each with our own strengths and weaknesses, each with our own gifts and talents. We each have a part to play in God's plan. We are all important. Stop looking at others with desires to be like them. God does not want you to be like them, he wants you to be like you, the you he created. The earth would be a boring place if we were all the same. Be genuinely happy for the gifts and talents that God has given others. Encourage them to do the best they can with those gifts and talents.
"A healthy self-esteem comes when you know God loves you and made you in his image and through Christ has made you holy and a new creation."
"You don't need to: Be Proud. Brag. Boast. Be overly defensive. Compare yourself. Feel inadequate. Worry about what others think of you. Build yourself up in others minds. Inflate a sagging ego. Lie to yourself and others. Make excuses for sin. Try to assume positions beyond you. Never admit you are wrong. Always be right about every last thing. Rebel against authority. Avoid submission. Tear others down (or tear yourself down). Avoid those of lowly status in the worlds eyes (or avoid those of great status in the world's eyes). Be greedy for money or power to improve social status.
You can be yourself: Servant. Humble. Gentle. Kind. Loving. (unique, special, important). Thinking of others needs more highly than your own perverse pride induced desires."
To remove pride, just stop comparing yourself with others. If you don't compare yourself with others anymore because you know we are all equally loved by God, equally sinful before God, and equally savable through Christ, and equally able to bring glory to God, then you won't have low self-esteem and you won't have the temptation to be proud any more."
- Kendall Faull (my added words)
These are great reminders.
God, thank you for creating me so special, so unique. You have given me great gifts and talents. Help me to always use them to the best of my ability, and in a way that gives you glory so that I can show my appreciation for what you have given to me; for the things you have entrusted to me. Thanks for the reminder that I do not have to be like everyone else. You don't want me to be like everyone else. You want me to be me. Help me to stop looking at others with eyes and a heart that desires to be like them; have what they have, because that takes my focus off of the wonderful things that you have blessed me with. It takes my eyes off of the beautiful creation that I am. I lose sight of my importance when I compare myself to others; I lose sight of your love for me. With all of my love and trust in Jesus' name Amen!
Monday, March 2, 2015
40 Things to Give up For Lent: Number 6
I know that I am really behind on reading through the 40-things devotional, and writing in my blog. It has been a bit...not normal around here this past week. Just because I have fallen behind does not mean I am going to give up. I know that this will now go way past lent, but these are not things to only work on giving up through lent. These are things that I know I need to work on in order to create an even greater bond between me and my God.
People Pleasing: I can't please everyone anyways. There is only one I need to strive to please.
Some words from the eDevotion:
"Our need to please often arises out of our own need for approval."
"Love is not always doing the things people want you to do. That is called enabling. Love is doing for them what you believe in your heart and you know from God to be best for them."
"When we give in to people pleasing, we lose our focus and direction. We will be steered in all sorts of different directions. Find the landmark of Jesus Christ. Keep steering straight toward him."
People pleasing: I love to do that. I crave approval and attention. I tend to measure my worth by what people think. It often leaves me feeling disappointed and even alone. You really can't please everyone all the time. The cannot all always fill the void you are trying to fill. That is just how we are designed. Only God can play that role. Only Jesus can fill that void. Only the Holy Spirit can guide.
I love what the eDevotion said about enabling. It is a comforting and encouraging thought. It brings hope and strength. When someone disappoints me, leaves me feeling alone, I can question those feelings. They are most likely false feelings. Is what I want from them beneficial to me? Is it realistic? Would they just be enabling my poor choices and false emotions? What struggle could they be going through having to do what they know is hard for me because they know it is best - because they know that God is guiding them, because they love and value me? It puts a whole new perspective on things.
"Find the landmark of Jesus Christ. Keep steering straight toward him."
We need to watch out for those who's goals are to get our focus off of Jesus. They want nothing more than to enable your bad choices and false emotions. They want to keep you down, questioning, doubting. Those people are out there. I think I would question a persons love for you if they are always doing for you what you want them to do and when they allow you to always do things that please them. True love is unconditional. True love allows you to learn, grow, and sometimes that means letting you make mistakes, and even feel pain. True love embraces the good and endures the hard times. Only God is perfect at that. Only Jesus can teach us how to strive for that. Only the Holy Spirit can guide our hearts, thoughts, mouths and steps.
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me, and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man lays a snare, but who ever trusts in the Lord is safe.
The only one we need to strive to please is God. He created us, loves us unconditionally, cares about our wellbeing, wants the best for us, never gives up on us, is always by our side, always patient and forgiving, he understands completely, gave his ONLY Son so that we could be in relationship him, and what he wants the most from us is our love, trust and obedience. He does not need us to be perfect; he knows that is an impossible task for us. We please him when we love him, trust him and give him the best we can give. No weakness, imperfection or mistake will ever change that as long as we give him our whole heart.
God, as I continue daily to give you my fears of failure, unwillingness to step out of my comfort zone, feelings of unworthiness, and my doubts of my purpose in life, I give to you my need to please people; my great desire for their love and attention. I am learning that all of these things will fade away as I put my trust in and focus on you. I am so thankful that you are so loving and patient. You are willing to remind me again and again what is really important in life. You continue to find ways to inspire and encourage; to teach and lovingly discipline me. In you I am courageous, I am bold, I am worthy, I have purpose, and you are pleased with me because you created me and you only create what pleases you. With all of my love and trust in Jesus' name Amen!
People Pleasing: I can't please everyone anyways. There is only one I need to strive to please.
Some words from the eDevotion:
"Our need to please often arises out of our own need for approval."
"Love is not always doing the things people want you to do. That is called enabling. Love is doing for them what you believe in your heart and you know from God to be best for them."
"When we give in to people pleasing, we lose our focus and direction. We will be steered in all sorts of different directions. Find the landmark of Jesus Christ. Keep steering straight toward him."
People pleasing: I love to do that. I crave approval and attention. I tend to measure my worth by what people think. It often leaves me feeling disappointed and even alone. You really can't please everyone all the time. The cannot all always fill the void you are trying to fill. That is just how we are designed. Only God can play that role. Only Jesus can fill that void. Only the Holy Spirit can guide.
I love what the eDevotion said about enabling. It is a comforting and encouraging thought. It brings hope and strength. When someone disappoints me, leaves me feeling alone, I can question those feelings. They are most likely false feelings. Is what I want from them beneficial to me? Is it realistic? Would they just be enabling my poor choices and false emotions? What struggle could they be going through having to do what they know is hard for me because they know it is best - because they know that God is guiding them, because they love and value me? It puts a whole new perspective on things.
"Find the landmark of Jesus Christ. Keep steering straight toward him."
We need to watch out for those who's goals are to get our focus off of Jesus. They want nothing more than to enable your bad choices and false emotions. They want to keep you down, questioning, doubting. Those people are out there. I think I would question a persons love for you if they are always doing for you what you want them to do and when they allow you to always do things that please them. True love is unconditional. True love allows you to learn, grow, and sometimes that means letting you make mistakes, and even feel pain. True love embraces the good and endures the hard times. Only God is perfect at that. Only Jesus can teach us how to strive for that. Only the Holy Spirit can guide our hearts, thoughts, mouths and steps.
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me, and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man lays a snare, but who ever trusts in the Lord is safe.
The only one we need to strive to please is God. He created us, loves us unconditionally, cares about our wellbeing, wants the best for us, never gives up on us, is always by our side, always patient and forgiving, he understands completely, gave his ONLY Son so that we could be in relationship him, and what he wants the most from us is our love, trust and obedience. He does not need us to be perfect; he knows that is an impossible task for us. We please him when we love him, trust him and give him the best we can give. No weakness, imperfection or mistake will ever change that as long as we give him our whole heart.
God, as I continue daily to give you my fears of failure, unwillingness to step out of my comfort zone, feelings of unworthiness, and my doubts of my purpose in life, I give to you my need to please people; my great desire for their love and attention. I am learning that all of these things will fade away as I put my trust in and focus on you. I am so thankful that you are so loving and patient. You are willing to remind me again and again what is really important in life. You continue to find ways to inspire and encourage; to teach and lovingly discipline me. In you I am courageous, I am bold, I am worthy, I have purpose, and you are pleased with me because you created me and you only create what pleases you. With all of my love and trust in Jesus' name Amen!
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