I find the account of Abraham’s obedience in proceeding to sacrifice his son Isaac troubling. (You can read the account in Genesis 22) It makes me wonder things like:

-What did Abraham think when God told him to kill his son? (v.2)

-What did Abraham think was going to happen when he said that God would provide the sacrifice? (v.7-8)

-What did he tell Isaac when he was tying him up and holding a knife above him? (v.9)

-With Isaac dead, how did Abraham think God would fulfil his promises?

-How did the experience influence Isaac’s faith?

-What did Abraham think he was going to tell Sarah when he got home?

The New Testament provides some insight into Abraham’s thoughts. In Hebrews 11:17-19 we are told, “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.”

This is amazing faith. Abraham obeyed God to do the unthinkable because, despite the seeming impossibility, he trusted in God’s character and power and reasoned that God could raise Isaac from the dead.

Of this faith Paul wrote to the Romans, “No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” (4:20-21 ESV)

James cited this story as evidence of Abraham’s saving faith when he wrote, “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?” (James 2:21 ESV)

Not only does this passage teach about faith, it teaches us about Jesus. God’s chosen people, in Isaac, were substituted on the altar for a ram provided by God. In the same way, Jesus was substituted for God’s people on the cross.

Copyright Adam Bennett 2009. More articles are available at http://godward-thoughts.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS-MAKE A WEBSITE

It’s not a popular topic, and as a man, it took a lot for me to talk about it but i want to be an open book; transparent enough for God to get the victory. I don’t blog much cause of it lol, but hopefully it helps someone deal with their feelings of insecurities, or at-least sparks some good convo

Many, if not everyone, suffer from it,
We all know someone who deals with it, if not ourself,
Because of it we push people away,
We either distance or smother others as a result of it,
We do too much to please others due to it,
We are easily offended because of it,
We afflict others with it,
It hinders us from being ourselves and releasing our full potential and uniqueness,
Its what causes us to freeze up in front of other people,
It makes us afraid to say how we really feel,
it stops whoever has it from being 100% real and genuine,
It causes us to miss MANY opportunities,
It causes us to HATE and/or Despise others for no real reason,
We assume because of it,
It makes us look for self worth in groups, sex, religion, status, etc. to the point where we sacrifice relationships, careers, dreams & ambitions, personal convictions, school, grades…virtually our lives and purpose.

If you haven’t guesses what I’m talking about…its INSECURITY

Many of us have valid reasons to be insecure: unsupportive parents/families, made fun of by peers, spoken down to by mate, cheated on (maybe more than once), lied to, someone you admire disappointed you, or any other past let down.
Moral of the blog is that we all need a little reassurance now & then. We like to be held, and told we look nice but just because you don’t get it doesn’t mean it’s not true. (we shouldn’t depend on others for reassurance either, lest we become thirsty lol).
We have to reassure ourselves sometimes & if you are looking for it from someone…TELL THEM!

Quest.
Where do you find yourself looking for security? money, religious organization, a mate, status, possessions, who you know, how many friends you have on myspace? lol
Cause all means nothing in the end if it doesn’t bring out the best in you or if you’re not happy being you.
(Where did this lack of security come from???)

Sooo, if you feel it, don’t feel bad…it’s natural. We just have to have control over it.

One of my fav. Bible ex. Gen. 3 & 4
Moses was insecure when he didn’t think he could lead the children of Israel out of slavery & bondage. WOW…big task for one man. Even though Moses had a messed up record, stuttering problem, only had a rod, credit so bad couldn’t put is camels in his name, his own people rejected him…God still told him he was the man for the job.
Moses turned down the job several times until God got mad. God had to reassure him in His anger:
For every lack, I make provision
In you weakness is where I am made strong
In your failures is where I make GREAT success!!! plus, if they don’t believe you, they’ll believe the One who sent you!

So when Moses vocalized his doubt in God’s purpose for him, he virtually called God a liar! He basically said, “You got to be mistaken…You got the wrong person.” But we all know God cannot lie and if He wants to use an ex-convict, someone with absolutely no track record, someone with no experience and appears the least bit qualified…He knows what He’s doing! If He wants to make something out of nothing…He Can and He will!
Only thing stopping us is insecurity.

So Believe God can do it through you, inspite of hecklers, nay-sayers, or even if the odds are stacked against you. Be yourself, and who you are designed to be!

Securely Yours,
SanMan

Our minds can be compared to jewelry boxes. We admire its beautiful casing and wonder what it contains. We realize that its worth is determined by its contents and so we proceed to open it.

How many of us see a bracelet that appears to be silver however it has no marks to prove its authenticity. We examine it carefully and find some engraved words saying ‘I can’t’.

The next item we pull out is a broken earring that cries out, “I couldn’t finish what I started.” Its mate speaks out, “The project was too difficult so I quit because I knew I would fail.” We put these items aside feeling shame.

We pull out a magnificent diamond necklace. “Finally, we pull out something worthwhile.” we think until we realize that this piece of jewelry is fake! It is a cubic zirconia ornament. Oh yes, it does shine but it cannot be compared to the real thing.

We wonder what the meaning of this item is and then we realize that it represents the lies we tell ourselves. We say that:

1. We are failures

 2. We’ll never amount to anything that is worthwhile

 3. We tell ourselves that there is no use in trying. We’re only wasting out time

 4. We’re ugly, skinny, fat etc.

 5. We’re stupid

 6. We weren’t meant to be loved

 7. We are losers and broken people

This type of thinking will only lead us to depression and bring on other more serious problems. We may begin to act like robots, doing the same thing everyday such as; getting up in the morning, going to work, going home, going to bed only to start over again the next day. The saddest part of the story is that we may bring ourselves to the point of refusing to function at all. We have become broken toys.

Let’s not give up! There is a solution to the problem! We may have forgotten that God is still on the throne and waiting for us to come to Him for help.

Psalm 38: 8-9 – I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart. You know what I long for, Lord; You hear my every sigh.

Psalm 38:22 Come quickly to help me, O Lord my savior.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.

The above scriptures are proof that God is on our side! He wants us to realize that each negative thought can be compared to an arrow aimed at us by satan who is our mortal enemy. He knows that we will entertain these thoughts because we are weak. The reason may be that others have called us names and labeled us but it’s up to us to either accept or reject the words thrown at us by other hurting and angry people.

We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

If we are sincere in our request for God’s help we need to dedicate ourselves to obeying Him. He is the only One we can truly trust! God loved us so much that He sent His only beloved Son to die for us so that we would have an abundant life. He knows our weaknesses and never condemned us for the wrong that we did. He never agreed with us when we put ourselves down.

John 3:16-17 This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.

We can, with God’s help promise ourselves to replace the unwanted pieces of jewelry we found in our jewelry boxes and replace them with thoughts and self talk that will enable our self esteem to develop.

Philippians 4:6-9 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from meeverything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Each good thought can be compared to a precious jewel.

GOD’S LOVE FOR US Diamond symbolizes undying love

HIS WORD IS OUR ROADMAP TO WELL BEING – Garnet Probably because of its famous dark red color, garnet is associated with the blood. Garnet can act as an illuminant and is able to protect one from nightmares (satan’s tactics) it is also associated with self confidence and can boost one’s physical, mental and emotional health.

OUR SALVATION PROMOTES OUR SELF ESTEEM The fact that Jesus Christ died for us proves that we are a people of worth – Topaz – A symbol of self confidence

OUR PLEDGE TO OBEY HIM Sapphire associated with faithfulness and innocence. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, He becomes our lawyer and continues to pray for us and declare our innocence before His Father.

OUR DEDICATION TO STUDY HIS WORD – Joshua 1:8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

This is a wonderful promise of hope and faith for our well being. When negative thoughts try to enter our minds, let us not forget to open our jewelry box and focus on its new contents. This will remind us that we are OVERCOMERS!!!

John 16:33b “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
 Minister Francine Herrington

  5/2008

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS-MAKE A WEBSITE

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

Satan is in the business of convincing us that we are not equipped to do a certain task and that we are not qualified in the kingdom of God, and he enjoys making us feel unworthy.

Who do you think you are? Are you a conqueror, can you do all things through Christ Jesus that gives you strength? Are you the head and not the tail? Are you a child of the king?

You should have answered yes to all of these.

Time is our most precious asset, and we should invest in it wisely.

When the Lord called me to write and be His ambassador, I began to do my part. The word says Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. The scripture does not say, God draws near to you, and then you draw near to Him. Sometimes we as believers get it backwards. We wait for God to move when all He wants is for us to take that first step in faith.

As I began to do my part, I began to “see” what God has in store for me. At first, it was difficult preaching in front of the family, but they gladly critiqued my preaching. I began to listen to myself on the tape, and could hear where I spoke too fast, where I did not finish my idea correctly then would take notice of the areas that needed improving.

I began to write and take courses, entered a few writing contest where I failed miserably. God called me to do something and the point is that I took that first step and God honors baby steps. After the baby steps comes the balance and the maturity. God requires obedience, not perfection. You do not have to get it right the first time.

The point I would like to get across to you, is take that first step in what you see yourself doing and what God has called you to do.

Weed out the wrong influence you receive from your mind. How? Replace it with the positive word of God. Your are where you are at by your thought pattern. Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thought bear bad fruit. Paint a positive picture of what you would like to see yourself doing. Go so far as to speak your desires aloud.

What burns in you? It does not have to be spiritual, it could be a happy marriage, successful in your business, perhaps taking that long awaited vacation.

Will it happen overnight? No. Nevertheless, it will happen. We have the force of the Holy Spirit, and speaking those things which are not as though they are into existence. Remember, the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead resides in you.

May the Lord give you that passion and desire to do what burns in you, and may you go forth as that anointed ambassador of God.

Yvette Nietzen is an ordained minister and currently lives in Costa Rica.
View her blog at:
http://www.yvettenietzen.com

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS-MAKE A WEBSITE

There was once a Peanuts comic strip that described how some of us set goals:

Charlie Brown was practicing archery in his backyard. Instead of aiming at a target, he would shoot an arrow at a fence and then walk over and draw a target around wherever the arrow stuck. Lucy walked up and said, *Why are you doing this, Charlie Brown?* He replied, *This way I never miss!*

We sometimes shoot our dream and goal arrows all over the place. If they actually hit something, we explain to ourselves and possibly others that that was our target all along. In reality, however, there had been little planning or strategy behind our efforts and we had not actually aimed at any specific target.

I have written this article to help you do three things:

* discover why it is important to set goals
* determine how to choose specific goals
* develop strategies to follow through and achieve your goals

1. WHY GOAL SETTING IS IMPORTANT

There are many reasons for setting goals, and they can differ from person to person. Here are a few basic reasons why it can be important for you to have a particular set of goals for your life:

* Goals provide direction and purpose for your life.

* Goals define what you are aiming for so that you will know when you have reached it.

* The goal-setting process helps you identify realistic and unrealistic expectations.

* Goals contribute to a positive self-image by providing a sense of accomplishment and confidence once they are attained.

2. HOW TO CHOOSE SPECIFIC GOALS

Ask yourself what the overall purpose for your life is (i.e., raising a family, operating your own business, etc.), and then begin the process by following these steps:

* EXPERIMENT. Explore several possibilities, and avoid “putting all your eggs in one basket” by limiting yourself to just one goal.

* ENJOY. Determine what you like doing or what you would like to learn to do, and set your goals accordingly. It is best to not choose things you have no interest in doing.

* EXCEL. Discover your God-given talents, develop those talents by improving or learning related skills, and then use those to help accomplish your goals.

* ELIMINATE. Give yourself the freedom to let go of any endeavors that are not satisfying or enjoyable to you.

3. STRATEGIES FOR FOLLOW-THROUGH

Achieving goals is like a race, not in contest with others, but it is a race from your past and present to your future. Setting goals is meaningless if you do not follow through and actually reach them.

* REACHABLE. A reachable goal is a realistic goal.

* MEASURABLE. A goal must be measurable so that you will be aware of when you have reached it.

* DATED. Open-ended goals that begin with *someday I would like to . . .* generally are not attained. Establish a time-frame during which you want to reach each of your goals.

* WRITTEN. Committing your plans to paper makes them visible and provides a way of reminding you on what you need to focus.

If goals are not reachable, measurable, dated, and written, they may fade away with the rest of our good intentions and New Year*s resolutions.

==============

If you would like to receive a free Spiritual Goals Worksheet template on which to record your goals and progress, please send an e-mail to me and type SPIRITUAL GOALS WORKSHEET in the subject line. lj@newjourneychristianlifecoaching.com

==============

(c) 2008, by D. Lynn Jacobs.
Lynn is a Christian Life Coach and writer, with over 25 years of ministry and professional experience. She works with her clients in the areas of spiritual passion, values, goals, self-esteem, grief/loss, transitions, etc. http://www.newjourneychristianlifecoaching.com

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS-MAKE A WEBSITE

“Never underestimate the power of a man on fire,” said my grandfather on numerous occasions as I was growing up. “He can accomplish more in an hour than 10 good men can manage in a week.”

What do you think my grandfather meant when he was talking about a “man on fire?” Why do you think he repeated this statement often enough that it became firmly established in my memory banks? The answers are simple. My grandfather wanted me to understand the importance of having enthusiasm. Moreover, he wanted to instill in me the motivational value of maintaining an enthusiastic attitude in life.

As usual, my grandfather was right on target with his assessment of the merit of developing enthusiasm. Along with a firm commitment to excellence and a positive, proactive attitude, enthusiasm helps form a positive, energetic foundation for spiritual formation.

Enthusiasm is the emotional corollary of positive thinking. Enthusiasm grows out of a love for what you are doing and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Nothing of lasting value in our lives is ever accomplished without an enthusiastic attitude. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Nothing was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” How true these words are. When we develop a true affection for what we are doing, our actions become more efficient and we devote ourselves more diligently and consistently to our work.

The word “enthusiasm” comes from the Greek language and implies “an absorbing or controlling passion of the mind by any interest or pursuit”. A brief look at the Greek origins of the word gives us deeper insight into the definition and value of enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is derived from two Greek words, “en” and “theos.” When combined to form the Greek word for enthusiasm the term is literally translated as “God in you,” or “God within.” or “full of God.” Thus, the whole concept of enthusiasm is spiritual from the beginning. When we are enthusiastic, we are in harmony with God and the Spirit within us. This harmonious relationship fills us with renewed energy, vitality, and an ability to be more effective at everything we put our hand to.

What does this mean in terms of our spiritual formation as Christians? It means that we must be committed to our growth in Christ. We must develop a passion for it and view the time we spend in pursuit of spiritual formation as time well spent. If we lack enthusiasm, we will advance slowly or fail completely. Enthusiasm gives drive to our dream. Further, enthusiasm gives emotional and psychological fuel to our growth and development on all levels. Christian Larson, tells us:

“man gradually but surely grows into the likeness of that which he thinks of the most, and man thinks the most of what he loves the best. This is the law through which man has become what he is, and it is through the intelligent use of this law that man may change for the better and improve in any way desired.”

What is Larson trying to tell us? Quite simply, he is saying, “Learn to love what you are doing and you will increase your chances of success”. If you want to improve as a Christ-follower you have to develop a passionate desire for the spiritual life. Become enthused, then maintain your enthusiasm at all cost. Edward B. Butler tells us that success depends on continued enthusiasm:

“One man has enthusiasm for 30 minutes, another for 30 days, but it is the man who has it for 30 years who makes a success of his life.”
 Enthusiasm plays a central part in any successful life. Enthusiasm gives substance to our dreams and provides us with emotional motivation to stay the course toward our goals in spite of obstacles or setbacks. Popular Christian teacher Charles Swindoll reminds us:

“What an essential role enthusiasm plays in our lives! In many ways, it is the key ingredient that frees us from the cramping, dark, overheated confinement of a task. When the odds are against us, the hours are long, and the end is not yet in view, enthusiasm rescues us from the temptation to quit – or run away – or complain. It takes the grit and grind out of boredom. It calls in fresh troops when the battle gets long and the body gets weary. Athletes feed on it. Salesmen are motivated by it. Teachers count on it. Students fail without it. Leadership demands it. Projects are completed because of it.”

Another great fact about enthusiasm is that it is contagious. Have you ever been around a person who was truly enthusiastic, a person who really loved what they were doing and applied himself or herself whole-heartedly to the task they were pursuing? People like this often infect others with their sense of enthusiasm. One of my favorite quotations is by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism:

“Catch fire with enthusiasm and people will come from miles to watch you burn.”

Surround yourself with people who are serious yet fun loving and enthusiastic about their walk of faith. Their enthusiasm will infect you and, in turn, make you more energetic and positive about your own spiritual practice. In turn, your enthusiasm can have a positive impact on others.

In conclusion, I encourage you to heed the message of my grandfather that was mentioned at the beginning of this article. Do all that you can to internalize a consistent attitude of enthusiasm, especially about your spiritual life, and strive in every way to manifest your enthusiasm in your daily life. Begin this process by going into your place of prayer and discussing the matter with God. Ask God to fill your being with enthusiasm and also ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit in terms of what you can do to foster a deepening sense of enthusiasm in your life.

If you are sincere about making enthusiasm a central part of your Christian character, you may be amazed at the results as the Holy Spirit works in you to conform you to the fullness of Christ. And don’t be surprised when one day people come from miles away, just to watch you burn.

Dwight Turner is founder of LifeBrook Communications, a ministry which produces and publishes web content on a variety of faith-based themes. He and his wife Li, who is Chinese, served on the mission field in China for five years. They have a daughter, Salina, age four.

All rights reserved.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS-MAKE A WEBSITE

Become a Smashing Success Instantly with Integrity using this one secret.

What is Success?

Ask that to 10 people and you’ll probably get 10 different answers. Everyone’s opinion of success seems to differ.

We must define it because in order to reach success you must first have an understanding of what it is. You’ll never get somewhere you don’t first see in your mind.

It’s probably easier to explain success by first stating what it is not.

It is not a “destination”, nor is it a fancy car, jewelry, a giant house or any other type of status (although there is nothing wrong with those things). It’s not a certain level of money or a specific job or business.

Success has nothing to do with any of this!

Success is measured by the individual. Nobody can tell you that you are or are not successful because it’s different for each of us.

I came across the best definition of success I’ve ever heard by someone very qualified to give it. With a wall of college basketball records here is coach Wooden’s definition of success…

“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.” ~ John Wooden

Coach Wooden believed that it was impossible to give 100% effort all the time so he used “knowing you did your best”. What’s important with this is that it leaves room for ERROR.

Too many people get discouraged if they make mistakes and I’m here to tell you that you WILL make mistakes and you will fall, but what’s important is that you GET BACK UP. The only time you lose the fight is if you stay down.

I also believe part of success is finding your passion and “purpose” in life and pursuing it with heart.

From all this I’ve come up with my own definition of success…

“Success is peace of mind directly resulting from the self-satisfaction of uncovering your purpose in life and knowing you did your best to become the best you’re capable of and then using it to bless others.” ~ Fired Up Phil’s revised definition of success

Success has everything to do with personal development. How much can you learn and grow and build character so you can be a better husband, wife, father, mother, friend, colleague or business person.

..So you can offer a better product or service and be more valuable to others, changing lives in the marketplace and all around you.

The more that you grow the more you will posses inside to offer others and the better relationships you’ll have. This will lead to more happiness and fulfillment since we were created to fellowship with others.

The minute you understand that success is a continual process that never ends and you commit yourself to it, you become successful at that moment.

As far as the car, house, money and all the other things, well those are material goals and everyone has different goals. Not everyone wants to own three Mercedes and a 10,000 sq ft house. Again, not that there’s anything wrong with that.

I believe wealth and prosperity are spiritual attributes that everyone should shoot for, but you can be successful without money.

Mother Teresa for example did not drive a Mercedes and yet she was a smashing success in her own right and lifetime.

Goals and desires are different for all people and have nothing to do with success.

You can decide right now that you ARE successful. No other person has any right or validity in telling you otherwise. You are a miracle from birth and have been designed for greatness. As the saying goes “God doesn’t make junk”.

Don’t allow your mind (low self esteem) to tell you otherwise. Don’t judge yourself harshly and be your own worst enemy. And especially don’t compare what you have to others allowing that to determine yourself worth and value.

YOU determine yourself worth, not others! You are a success…a smashing success at that, the moment you DECIDE you are.

“Success is more about who you are, than what you accomplish”

If you insist on having a benchmark, use this…

“Success is giving your best in growing to reach your God given potential and using it to benefit and contribute to others.”

If you’re doing that, you ARE successful and it’s just a matter of getting focused on what you would like to accomplish in your life and steering in that direction. Find your passion and pursue it.

If you know that you would rather be doing something different in life and you’re not pursuing it that is what I call “selling out” on your heart.

I’m not saying you have to jeopardize your family and up and quit your current job or business, but I am saying you should be working on your dreams and passions at least on a part time basis so that you can eventually grab a hold of it and take it to the highest level you can, since that is what you truly dream of.

Wouldn’t it be awesome to earn lots of income doing something you’re passionate about and truly enjoy instead of from a job you don’t really care for? Some people HATE what they do.

To them and maybe to you, making money doing what you love almost sounds too good to be true? Yet, that’s the way it’s supposed to be. This is called “turning your avocation into your vocation”.

When you do this life becomes easy and enjoyable because you begin to utilize your God given talents and abilities instead of just doing what you’re used to. This is also when more money usually starts to flow into your life as well.

One of the best ways to “grow” is to choose to earn a LOT of money because of the character it builds in the process. To accomplish this will force you to uncover and develop your gifts.

Income rarely exceeds personal development ~ Jim Rohn

As this happens you will be a good steward with the money because of the character you’ve built and you will change other people’s lives because of who you are.

The world needs more good hearted people who are good stewards and have BIG hearts AND BIG bank accounts to be used for good.

Article Source: The Christian Article Resource

YOU are Important by Ann Doupont

YOU are important. You’re important to the work of God and to all others in the body of Christ. God wants you to see yourself as He sees you rather than through your own natural eyes or your own thoughts.

HE has a plan that’s perfect for you. Only YOU can do what He has ordained that you should do. You may have felt that you’re so different than others that you will never fit anywhere on this earth, but that is not true. He has a place for you.

YOU may have listened to others and thought that what they said was true. It’s not. Only what God says is really important.

WE are told in the Scriptures to not think of ourselves more highly than we ought, but to think soberly. We are to see ourselves as He sees us, ones who are loved and accepted.

WE are also told to touch not His anointed. With the anointing that is on you, that means that you are not to think of yourself as no good.

WE have all sinned and come short of the glory of God; however, we do not need to “stay there.” Once we come to Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins, we are forgiven and made righteous again. We can do this throughout our days as we become sensitive to the Holy Spirit living on the inside of us, and are willing to turn to Him.

HE wants you to know and understand who you are in Him. He is in you, if you have invited Jesus to come into your life to be your Lord and Savior. You are then becoming more like Him day by day; that is, if you have purposed in your heart to allow this to be done in you. As you look to the greater One within your heart, being God-inside-minded, you will be amazed at how your life is directed by Him.

As you stay in prayer and in the Word of God, you will grow in your understanding and knowledge of who He is and what He has for you to do. If you have not been doing that, it is time for you to start, or to start again.

Make a commitment to Jesus today to pray daily and to read His Word daily as well, doing whatever it is you understand in it to do, praying also for understanding of His Word. You will grow by leaps and bounds as you do this. Everyone around you will change as you live for Him. You’re not doing it for them, however, but for Him. He died for you. Won’t you live for Him?

Please see www.anndoupont.org to see my books and booklets which are available for purchase. My newest book, “God Can Heal Anything!” shares my story of having been healed in 1983 from the medication which doctors said I’d have to take for the rest of my life.

Article Source: The Christian Article Resource