I want people to like me. And I bet, if you were truly honest with yourself- you are the same. Let's face it; it's human nature to want others to like us, and approve of us. Why? Because we were created to be relational beings. To be relational, you have to like the other person you are with. The problem is I get too caught up in it. It's not a matter of whether they like me or not- it's a matter of- if they don't like me, then wipe the dust off my feet and walk away. That is not something that is easy for me to do. I get rejected or feel like someone doesn't like me and I want to fix it. I start pleasing them, compromising for them, sacrificing myself for their feelings about me. Well, no more. I am done with all that. It ain't worth it. Dust is dust, wipe it off and never give it another thought. Dust disappears-never to be seen again. Amen?
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The fact of the matter is, I am tired of trying to please people and get their approval. I am who I am -crazy, silly, not the brightest crayon in the box, biggest mess of grace you will ever meet!. I am me. It is who I am, who I was, and who I am learning to be. If that doesn't work for you, then may God bless you as we pass each other by. From dust we both came, and to dust we both shall return. Amen?
Rejection never feels good; but no disappointment ever does. We may have gotten wounded- but we don't have to hide or cower behind the rocks. We can face it this time more equipped to handle it. We have the sword of truth; the weapon of His Word. It lives in us. When we are hurt; rejected by those who could not value us, we can pull out His Word and say to that weapon- I am loved. I am precious. He who touches me, touches the apple of His eye. (Zechariah 2:8) I am of more value to my Father, Husband, Lord and Savior, than all the riches and treasures this world has to offer.
No weapon of self-pity will be formed against me again. I was wounded; but I did not die. The battle belongs to the Lord, and the victory will be mine, through Jesus Christ my Lord. The Lord of Hosts is His name; and He is glorious to behold! I can be free of man, I can be free of the sin and hate of this world. I can be all the things He has promised for me. I have to stop focusing on what I see, feel, taste, and touch, and start focusing on what I hear His Word saying to me. Now I understand what Paul meant when he said that he decided to, "know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:2 ESV) If they did not encourage him, and point him to Jesus, then he walked away, if he did not see Jesus, then he wiped the dust off his feet and kept moving. Do the same. I have began to do this, and let me tell you, if feels good. The burden is off my chest. I have confessed before God, before man and I have wiped the dust off my feet. Never to go back, never to return, and never to let that weapon be used against me ever again. I am right where I belong. I am the apple of my Father's eye. And that, is enough for me. Amen?
(July 17, 2019)
Faith means believing in a hope (a vision, a picture in your mind) and not questioning it, even if it seems impossible, or how it will be possible. Faith KNOWS it is possible, because it knows the One who makes the impossible- possible. Faith is a confidence in God, that no matter what is happening around her, in her, or no matter what anyone says, does, thinks or feels- she just keeps doing what God has shown her, and spoken to her, and lets her feet walk it out. That is what faith looks like.
And remember, as faith walks it will reflect upon others. They will see the hand of God working in your life, and turn to Him. You may never meet them, but God can use your life to touch as many children as He chooses. I once taught a children's Sunday school lesson on evangelism. I had set up a row of dominoes on a table at the front of the class in the shape of a circle- to represent the circle of the world. I asked them, "How do we reach others for Christ?" They all responded with their thoughts and answers. I explained to them that in all reality, it only takes one person bowing down and living for Christ to affect the whole world for Him. Then I tipped one of the dominoes over, and the whole circle fell. Jesus said that we are to let our lights shine among men, so that they might see our good works and glorify the Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) You don't even have to speak; just live it, and many will see Him.
"Now faith is the assurance (the solid foundation upon which I stand; trust, wait, and I will not fall) of things hoped for (desires of my heart; dreams, visions, my calling over my life, etc) the conviction (with God ALL things are possible. Do not forget He made a donkey speak; He made city walls crumble to the ground with the sound of a trumpet. He created all and is in all. He is the impossible, made possible. Amen!) of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation (we are justified by faith. The just shall live by faith. Abraham believed God and it was accounted to Him for righteousness sake. [Galatians 3:11], [Romans 4:3]) so that what is seen (the impossible- the temporary circumstances we find ourselves in, the temporary sufferings, trials and light afflictions that seem impossible, depressing and hopeless) was not made out of things that are visible (God takes the impossible and makes it possible)". (Hebrews 11:1-3 ESV) What we see as impossible is not, and never will be with God.
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"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."
Hebrews 11:6 tells us that "without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." The only thing God cannot change for you, is your faith. Your faith is something that you have to learn on your own- though trials, sufferings, and tribulations. He gives you a measure of faith, but its up to you to cultivate it and follow His ways. He cannot force you to believe in Him. He cannot force you to worship Him. {Free Will} But to those who do believe that He exists, and who walk their daily lives out learning and growing in faith; He gives them eternal life, righteousness, blessing and spiritual blessings in heavenly places. If we would only believe. Even when the road is hard. Even if we have to go around the mountain...again.
Noah, was a man who believed God for the impossible. Hebrews 11:7 says that "By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household..." (Hebrews 11:7 ESV) This was impossible to be sure! It had never rained. No living creature, whether man, beast or tree, knew what rain was. But Noah believed God and built a boat. That's faith!
The more I read Hebrews 11, the more I am encouraged to keep pressing into and chasing after the calling of His grace. I am hanging on for dear life still, and I got my feet, hands and body wrapped up in the rope of His mercy- but I am going to go and live my life of faith. He knows the way. I have to have faith. He has promised. He will fulfill. Continue to build your ark, or pitch your tents; whatever He is showing you to do- do it. Learn from it. Grow from it. Bask in the riches of His grace; each and every new day until I see the glory of His face, His hands, His feet, and His side. Amen?
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