There was another point which came to mind moments after publishing yesterday's post about having access.
I imagined Jesus standing, waiting, with a smile on His face, and a universe full of "admit one" tickets. There's one for every person present and for those yet to be born.
Because this final bit of mental imagery came after clicking the "publish" button, I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed in myself for having missed it while writing. Maybe that's why it came late! To give me a reason to examine what being adequate means.
I feel this is also tied into my dread of setting a goal. Despite a fearful avoidance of the concept, they have a habit of cropping up anyways.
Honestly, there was zero hesitation to begin a three hundred day commitment to exploring affirmations. That's a pretty big goal! I know I am more than adequate to do this because I've already got several years of blogging under my belt. There's room for grace because I've given myself permission to take a year to accomplish this task if needed.
Adequacy is fully enmeshed in grace.
I've also shared about wanting to lose weight. My meds have the terrible side effect of creating carb and sugar cravings. I recently found out anti-depressants turn off the brain chemical that tells me when I am full. A ravenous hunger comes exactly thirty-five minutes after taking them. Am I able to resist the physical impulses to eat falsely generated by meds?
No. Not by myself.
The good news is, in Christ, I can be adequate to the task of taking authority over this false hunger cycle..
My more than adequate part in this for now is making better choices when the hunger explodes. There's a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter. Eating apples is better than feasting on toast slathered in peanut butter.
Adequacy is fully enmeshed in an active prayer life.
Adequacy is fully enmeshed in humility, too.
Adequacy is fully enmeshed in community...there's a need for others to offer encouragement and help us succeed.
I realize now that goals are expressions of hope. Hope is more than adequate to enable the impossible become possible. Forgive me, Father, for having squashed hope and expectancy.
"And we have such trust through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency comes from God who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." 2 Cor 3:4-6
I hadn't looked up today's scripture until I'd finished writing. Thank You, Lord, for showing me I am on the right track. AMEN!
Friday, 31 March 2017
Thursday, 30 March 2017
I Have Access by Susan L.
I missed not doing this first thing this morning. It was an early work day because it was my turn to cook for our community lunch: roast beef, gravy, mashed spuds, fresh green beans, mmmmm. It was enjoyed by all and helps me not forget how to cook!
I had a chance to take a quick glance at today's affirmation of "I have access" but there was no time to look up the Scripture reference before heading out the door.
Thank You, Lord, for this...
Imagine a rock concert of your choice. You're the first person to enter and as a result you and your friends are handed a back stage pass. How exciting!! To meet the band you've loved, like, since forever!! Nothing this amazing has happened to you, ever!
This thought kept rolling around my head throughout the day, "Jesus is the Back Stage Pass". Because of Him, we can go behind the curtain and are personally, intimately, connected to His Father, the Holy Spirit and even angels. He is admittance to mystery, amazing things and untold wonders. Through Him it's possible get up close and personal with others who share our passions and with whom we are connected all the time!
A concert is decked out with flashing lights, laser beams, smoke and fireworks. It's all about the awe factor and the experience. The musicians up there dancing carefully choreographed, extremely athletic manoeuvers aren't singing all the time. Mostly they are mouthing the words to pre-recorded copies of their work that is blasted out through carefully placed speakers. Understandably so. Singing takes a lot of lung power. Jumping up and down does funny things to the voice box.
It takes a huge number of people to pull off an excellent show. Sound, make-up, special effects, set-up, organizing, security, and a whole bunch of people I have no idea what they do...it takes a hundred to make one person shine.
Our own little worship team takes a crew behind the scenes to make sure we sound great, too! (Thanks, everyone!)
Jesus shines all on His own, this Light of the world.
And awe fills my soul. For all He had done, is doing and will do.
The best part of all is the Jesus Pass is free for the asking.
"And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father." Eph 2:17-18
I had a chance to take a quick glance at today's affirmation of "I have access" but there was no time to look up the Scripture reference before heading out the door.
Thank You, Lord, for this...
Imagine a rock concert of your choice. You're the first person to enter and as a result you and your friends are handed a back stage pass. How exciting!! To meet the band you've loved, like, since forever!! Nothing this amazing has happened to you, ever!
This thought kept rolling around my head throughout the day, "Jesus is the Back Stage Pass". Because of Him, we can go behind the curtain and are personally, intimately, connected to His Father, the Holy Spirit and even angels. He is admittance to mystery, amazing things and untold wonders. Through Him it's possible get up close and personal with others who share our passions and with whom we are connected all the time!
A concert is decked out with flashing lights, laser beams, smoke and fireworks. It's all about the awe factor and the experience. The musicians up there dancing carefully choreographed, extremely athletic manoeuvers aren't singing all the time. Mostly they are mouthing the words to pre-recorded copies of their work that is blasted out through carefully placed speakers. Understandably so. Singing takes a lot of lung power. Jumping up and down does funny things to the voice box.
It takes a huge number of people to pull off an excellent show. Sound, make-up, special effects, set-up, organizing, security, and a whole bunch of people I have no idea what they do...it takes a hundred to make one person shine.
Our own little worship team takes a crew behind the scenes to make sure we sound great, too! (Thanks, everyone!)
Jesus shines all on His own, this Light of the world.
And awe fills my soul. For all He had done, is doing and will do.
The best part of all is the Jesus Pass is free for the asking.
"And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father." Eph 2:17-18
Wednesday, 29 March 2017
Accepted!! by Susan L.
There's one thing about being accepted. I had to know rejection first. The enemy was so good at using the world to make sure I wasn't good enough, that I even rejected myself!
Isn't that the idea though? If I am isolated from community, friendship, and trust because of the fear of not being acceptable, then there's not much room for receiving the unconditional acceptance of Christ.
To even embrace the idea of unconditional acceptance is challenging because it is so incredibly foreign to my experiences.
This isn't to say, now I am a follower of Jesus, that everyone will like me. That's okay. I don't like everybody either. This is not the same as rejecting them. Jesus has shown me that it is possible to act out of love regardless of like.
He's shown me, but it's sometimes hard to live out. What's the old saying? When I point a finger at someone, there's three pointing back at me.
The last several days have been spent in wrapping my soul and spirit with positive affirmations. Behind the scenes is a huge awareness of my flaws. The challenge is to acknowledge those flaws without condemnation but rather with a willing heart, an eagerness to change, grow and become a better person. I hunger for being the woman God predestined me to be.
I really, really want to know her.
The biggest struggle is listening to anything that even hints at criticism. Perhaps it's because most of my life was lived according to someone else's framework. The judgements and criticisms of others trapped me into trying to live up to impossible expectations. All this did was feed into self-rejection. I simply wasn't the person they wanted me to be. Yet, I judged myself because I was inadequate to the task. (Forgive me, Lord.)
The other side of this is living up to the worst that was expected and falling short of my full potential. (Forgive me for that, my Lord.) Hmm, yet another part of the rejection spectrum: not succeeding because success also means rejection. Boy, the devil sure can spin some webs.
It's safe to acknowledge that I can never be adequate enough to fulfill all the needs and desires of others; an outward projection of want.
Critical language is toxic when it is simply used to criticise. Even if the criticisms aren't directed at me personally, hearing someone rant about the inadequacies of another person or business or clothing or the car they drive or how they live fills the very air with darkness.
It must grieve the loving heart of Jesus.
I also want to make it very clear that when we are seeking healing, talking about the bad things isn't criticism but the first step in letting them go.
Correct me, Lord, when I view others with a critical heart. Grant me awareness so I let critical words go unuttered. Renew my mind with a blanket of grace and acceptance for all Your children. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN!
"To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound towards us in all wisdom and prudence." Eph 1:6-8
Isn't that the idea though? If I am isolated from community, friendship, and trust because of the fear of not being acceptable, then there's not much room for receiving the unconditional acceptance of Christ.
To even embrace the idea of unconditional acceptance is challenging because it is so incredibly foreign to my experiences.
This isn't to say, now I am a follower of Jesus, that everyone will like me. That's okay. I don't like everybody either. This is not the same as rejecting them. Jesus has shown me that it is possible to act out of love regardless of like.
He's shown me, but it's sometimes hard to live out. What's the old saying? When I point a finger at someone, there's three pointing back at me.
The last several days have been spent in wrapping my soul and spirit with positive affirmations. Behind the scenes is a huge awareness of my flaws. The challenge is to acknowledge those flaws without condemnation but rather with a willing heart, an eagerness to change, grow and become a better person. I hunger for being the woman God predestined me to be.
I really, really want to know her.
The biggest struggle is listening to anything that even hints at criticism. Perhaps it's because most of my life was lived according to someone else's framework. The judgements and criticisms of others trapped me into trying to live up to impossible expectations. All this did was feed into self-rejection. I simply wasn't the person they wanted me to be. Yet, I judged myself because I was inadequate to the task. (Forgive me, Lord.)
The other side of this is living up to the worst that was expected and falling short of my full potential. (Forgive me for that, my Lord.) Hmm, yet another part of the rejection spectrum: not succeeding because success also means rejection. Boy, the devil sure can spin some webs.
It's safe to acknowledge that I can never be adequate enough to fulfill all the needs and desires of others; an outward projection of want.
Critical language is toxic when it is simply used to criticise. Even if the criticisms aren't directed at me personally, hearing someone rant about the inadequacies of another person or business or clothing or the car they drive or how they live fills the very air with darkness.
It must grieve the loving heart of Jesus.
I also want to make it very clear that when we are seeking healing, talking about the bad things isn't criticism but the first step in letting them go.
Correct me, Lord, when I view others with a critical heart. Grant me awareness so I let critical words go unuttered. Renew my mind with a blanket of grace and acceptance for all Your children. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN!
"To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound towards us in all wisdom and prudence." Eph 1:6-8
Tuesday, 28 March 2017
# 5, I am Abundant By Susan L.
The first place my mind went was to my waistline. Yup, plenty of abundance there! Which I've decided to do something about. Peanut butter has been banned. I bought gum to curtail after dinner snacking. The improving weather means making myself go for walks. It's a start.
I digress but I have to ask the Lord to forgive me for turning to food for comfort.
"Abundant" is a word of harvest.
The cornucopia, a horn of plenty, overflows with the goodness the earth produces. It's a symbol of thanksgiving, a successful season, as well as family and feasting. It's a regular ole party hearty. (Gee, turning away from food didn't last very long did it?)
So what would the "Cornucopia of Sue" be filled with? Better yet, what does yours have in it?
In mine I'd find:
1. Abundant faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
2. Experiences which have served to deepen my faith and draw me closer to Jesus. They have also enabled me to connect to others with the intimacy of commonality. None of us are alone.
This is when I start to struggle because listing attributes always feels like boasting. Therefore, I will give the glory to God for having freed me to embrace the abundance of everything He has given me.
3. Intelligence that is tempered by moments of being slow to understand. Wisdom is not necessarily part of intelligence. :)
4. Curiosity and wonder. Those encompass the ability to learn. Learning comes with admitting that I don't always get it right. Now that's wisdom!
5. Emotions. That's all of them, even anxiety and sadness because when I feel these things it means I am connected to my heart. This has helped me turn to prayer in times of need when sometimes, I think I have to cope all on my own.
6. Laughter and play.
7. Courage to follow the darkest paths in order to glean God's truths about life, love and community.
8. Joy in everything, even in the sadness.
9. Vulnerability and strength.
Nine and ten explore and celebrate our duality. They are entwined and inseparable like Paul says about being full and suffering need at the same time. (Phil 4:12)
10. Determination. The best part of determination is I truly want to be better than I am.
11. Honesty although sometimes it takes a while to figure out what is really going on.
12. Humility. Shame is NOT humility. Humility is the offspring of gratitude and surrender.
I know there are riches to be uncovered still so the last two items for today are:
13. Jesus is present in all things, at all times, in every aspect of my cornucopia.
14. Rest.
"I (Jesus) am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." Jn 10:9-10
I have to add that I was rather taken with the idea of going in and out of the Jesus gate. Having been a shepherd, I know sheep need times of feasting as much as times of rest in the safety of the barn. They never spent all day out on pasture but would return several times throughout the day to digest and chew their cuds.
I digress but I have to ask the Lord to forgive me for turning to food for comfort.
"Abundant" is a word of harvest.
The cornucopia, a horn of plenty, overflows with the goodness the earth produces. It's a symbol of thanksgiving, a successful season, as well as family and feasting. It's a regular ole party hearty. (Gee, turning away from food didn't last very long did it?)
So what would the "Cornucopia of Sue" be filled with? Better yet, what does yours have in it?
In mine I'd find:
1. Abundant faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
2. Experiences which have served to deepen my faith and draw me closer to Jesus. They have also enabled me to connect to others with the intimacy of commonality. None of us are alone.
This is when I start to struggle because listing attributes always feels like boasting. Therefore, I will give the glory to God for having freed me to embrace the abundance of everything He has given me.
3. Intelligence that is tempered by moments of being slow to understand. Wisdom is not necessarily part of intelligence. :)
4. Curiosity and wonder. Those encompass the ability to learn. Learning comes with admitting that I don't always get it right. Now that's wisdom!
5. Emotions. That's all of them, even anxiety and sadness because when I feel these things it means I am connected to my heart. This has helped me turn to prayer in times of need when sometimes, I think I have to cope all on my own.
6. Laughter and play.
7. Courage to follow the darkest paths in order to glean God's truths about life, love and community.
8. Joy in everything, even in the sadness.
9. Vulnerability and strength.
Nine and ten explore and celebrate our duality. They are entwined and inseparable like Paul says about being full and suffering need at the same time. (Phil 4:12)
10. Determination. The best part of determination is I truly want to be better than I am.
11. Honesty although sometimes it takes a while to figure out what is really going on.
12. Humility. Shame is NOT humility. Humility is the offspring of gratitude and surrender.
I know there are riches to be uncovered still so the last two items for today are:
13. Jesus is present in all things, at all times, in every aspect of my cornucopia.
14. Rest.
"I (Jesus) am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." Jn 10:9-10
I have to add that I was rather taken with the idea of going in and out of the Jesus gate. Having been a shepherd, I know sheep need times of feasting as much as times of rest in the safety of the barn. They never spent all day out on pasture but would return several times throughout the day to digest and chew their cuds.
Monday, 27 March 2017
I Am Abraham's Offspring by Susan L.
This one has me searching the corner's of my brain to try and remember who Abraham is!
This is as good a time as any to add a short disclaimer. Only spending a couple of hours studying a short piece of scripture makes me aware that I fall far short of uncovering the nuances, the limitless gems of truth each of these contain. Most of these short affirmations could be the title of a book!
What I can do is place this entire process in the hands of the Holy Spirit and trust in Him to reveal what the Lord wants known to both my readers and myself.
So, thank You Lord for Bible scholars. Thank You that there are many wise teachers who can help us understand Your Word. Thank You for helping me, us, during this time of exploration which every day points directly to Your heart.
I went to the beginning and landed in Genesis 22 which contains part of (now I remember!) Abraham's story.
There's another piece of gratitude today for the teacher who shared that everything in the Old Testament points to Jesus.
The gist of the story goes: Abraham, two of his young men and his son rode for three days towards a particular mountain because the Lord had commanded him to offer Isaac, his only son, as a burnt offering. Because Abraham obeyed without wavering, just before the fatal stroke was taken, the Lord provided a perfect ram lamb to take Isaac's place. And not only did He provide the lamb, He also blessed Abraham.
"By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son--blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the starts of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice." Gen 22:16-18
So ages later, God, the Father, sacrificed His only Son when the people chose not to crucify a different lamb, a thief named Barabbas...
Abba, forgive me for not having walked according to my Divine inheritance. Forgive me for not walking in the victory You predestined me to have. Open my heart to understanding where sin has kept me from fully embracing this gift. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen!
"And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Gal 3:29
This is as good a time as any to add a short disclaimer. Only spending a couple of hours studying a short piece of scripture makes me aware that I fall far short of uncovering the nuances, the limitless gems of truth each of these contain. Most of these short affirmations could be the title of a book!
What I can do is place this entire process in the hands of the Holy Spirit and trust in Him to reveal what the Lord wants known to both my readers and myself.
So, thank You Lord for Bible scholars. Thank You that there are many wise teachers who can help us understand Your Word. Thank You for helping me, us, during this time of exploration which every day points directly to Your heart.
I went to the beginning and landed in Genesis 22 which contains part of (now I remember!) Abraham's story.
There's another piece of gratitude today for the teacher who shared that everything in the Old Testament points to Jesus.
The gist of the story goes: Abraham, two of his young men and his son rode for three days towards a particular mountain because the Lord had commanded him to offer Isaac, his only son, as a burnt offering. Because Abraham obeyed without wavering, just before the fatal stroke was taken, the Lord provided a perfect ram lamb to take Isaac's place. And not only did He provide the lamb, He also blessed Abraham.
"By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son--blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the starts of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice." Gen 22:16-18
So ages later, God, the Father, sacrificed His only Son when the people chose not to crucify a different lamb, a thief named Barabbas...
Abba, forgive me for not having walked according to my Divine inheritance. Forgive me for not walking in the victory You predestined me to have. Open my heart to understanding where sin has kept me from fully embracing this gift. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen!
"And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Gal 3:29
Sunday, 26 March 2017
Affirmations: Day 3 by Susan L.
"I am abounding in hope" Rom 15:4 & 13
Where does hope come from? Is it an innate part of our emotional makeup? A baby cries out of need but does this want, borne of necessity, begin the installation of our hope software? I cry. I am answered. My needs are met.
When the baby spoon of some questionable new food does the airplane towards my mouth, is there a newfound explosion of hope that it will be something yummy?
Is that first taste of pretty, pink grapefruit a breach of trust?
Is hope tied into the ability to ask for good things?
"Good things" are entirely subjective and chosen according to our social status, finances, age, where we live, our beliefs and so forth.
I'd like to think I've moved beyond hoping for a Ferrari. Nice as it would be, having one would take a whack out of my finances. I'd worry about it being stolen or worse, wrecked in a car accident. They aren't so great to drive in the winter either. Let's shelve that burdensome dream but I wouldn't mind driving one around the block some day.
I'm not one for daydreaming about the future. Never have been. I wonder if that part of me is broken. Or maybe my life experiences have squashed that ability. Getting through each day has been a challenge for so long. To consider what tomorrow might bring is a stretch of my abilities.
Oh, here's the hope part! For now. (Maybe I could practice?)
Hope doesn't have to be big, does it? It's the little hopes that have enabled me get through the days spent on the Black River. Very few of them were ever spoken. It was an internal longing for something better and no matter how bad it got, I knew better would eventually come. Everything always turned out OK and more often than not, far better than just OK!
Anticipation is hope in action. Anticipation and its partner expectancy breathe life into the yet to happen tomorrows.
I like that. It takes away the idea of needing to ask for specifics and places the future firmly in the Lord's hands. That's the only vessel I want my tomorrows in.
Yet, we are called to be proactive when it comes to faith. In this I can be very specific about my hopes in that regard: I hope for a deeper faith and a richer understanding of my Lord Jesus. I hope that my giftings will continue to unfold and that they will be a blessing to others. I hope that the Lord's grace will enable me to have more grace, patience, kindness and that I am filled with all the good things He embodies.
I hope these mental meanderings today will make a difference in someone's life or at least, and hopefully, generate a smile.
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Rom 15:13
I have to add a rousing, "AMEN!"
Where does hope come from? Is it an innate part of our emotional makeup? A baby cries out of need but does this want, borne of necessity, begin the installation of our hope software? I cry. I am answered. My needs are met.
When the baby spoon of some questionable new food does the airplane towards my mouth, is there a newfound explosion of hope that it will be something yummy?
Is that first taste of pretty, pink grapefruit a breach of trust?
Is hope tied into the ability to ask for good things?
"Good things" are entirely subjective and chosen according to our social status, finances, age, where we live, our beliefs and so forth.
I'd like to think I've moved beyond hoping for a Ferrari. Nice as it would be, having one would take a whack out of my finances. I'd worry about it being stolen or worse, wrecked in a car accident. They aren't so great to drive in the winter either. Let's shelve that burdensome dream but I wouldn't mind driving one around the block some day.
I'm not one for daydreaming about the future. Never have been. I wonder if that part of me is broken. Or maybe my life experiences have squashed that ability. Getting through each day has been a challenge for so long. To consider what tomorrow might bring is a stretch of my abilities.
Oh, here's the hope part! For now. (Maybe I could practice?)
Hope doesn't have to be big, does it? It's the little hopes that have enabled me get through the days spent on the Black River. Very few of them were ever spoken. It was an internal longing for something better and no matter how bad it got, I knew better would eventually come. Everything always turned out OK and more often than not, far better than just OK!
Anticipation is hope in action. Anticipation and its partner expectancy breathe life into the yet to happen tomorrows.
I like that. It takes away the idea of needing to ask for specifics and places the future firmly in the Lord's hands. That's the only vessel I want my tomorrows in.
Yet, we are called to be proactive when it comes to faith. In this I can be very specific about my hopes in that regard: I hope for a deeper faith and a richer understanding of my Lord Jesus. I hope that my giftings will continue to unfold and that they will be a blessing to others. I hope that the Lord's grace will enable me to have more grace, patience, kindness and that I am filled with all the good things He embodies.
I hope these mental meanderings today will make a difference in someone's life or at least, and hopefully, generate a smile.
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Rom 15:13
I have to add a rousing, "AMEN!"
Saturday, 25 March 2017
Who I Am In Christ by Susan L.
It is my hope while I am exploring Biblical affirmations about my own identity that you, my readers, will be able to find something that connects to your own lives and self. These blessings are meant for all followers of Jesus. Yet, in true Jesus form, these affirmations are also meant to touch the lives of those who may not know Him, to instill hope that there is a better way. We only need to walk through His open door into a life of love and acceptance.
"I am abounding in grace." 2 Cor 9:8
What is grace exactly?
I blew the dust off my ancient, yellow paged dictionary, laughing at myself because it would have been faster to open a new tab and look it up online. That, to me, is practicing grace: laughing at myself because I can't help being old school sometimes. It's okay to be old school.
The definition takes up a good chunk of the page of Funk and Wagnall's tome so I won't write out the whole thing. The part that stands out is, "Any divinely inspired spiritual virtue or excellence."
What are the virtues of the Divine? Forgiveness. Hope. Faith. Love. Peace. Patience. Redemption. Restoration. Mercy and grace=zero judgement. Acceptance. Encouragement. Strength. And something not often included in the list: the mystery that is a God beyond human limitations.
As I wrote out the list, my heart felt the times that I hadn't allowed these virtues to express themselves because, in embracing Christ as Lord, they became my divine inheritance.
Even so, there are many instances where these virtues have shone brightly despite my human experiences and limitations. It always leaves me feeling rather surprised when it happens. Mostly they make themselves known when I make the choice to forgive. I know, without Jesus, making that choice would be impossible.
Forgive me, my Lord, for not allowing these gifts to unfold. I will forgive those who taught me prejudice, hatred and suspicion. I will forgive those who have judged me or tried to make me into someone I am not. Forgive me for passing judgement on others or for trying to force them into my idea of who they should be.
(There's a slight pause as I get personal with Jesus about this. Maybe you, my readers, can take a moment as well to give the Lord space to share His heart with you.)
Humility or being able to admit I am far from perfect is a big part of grace. Being okay with the thought of not being perfect is, well, perfectly fine because I don't have to get all this good stuff right away. It is a process of growth through a relationship with Jesus. Pruning encourages new growth.
So, I think there's a further step besides simply reading these blessings out loud to my reflection in the mirror (I forgot to mention this is how it's to be done.) The next step is to claim them, to own them for my own like an explorer placing a flag in a new found land.
Lord, I claim an abundance of grace that will overflow like a life giving river. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written, "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever." 2 Cor 9:8-9
"I am abounding in grace." 2 Cor 9:8
What is grace exactly?
I blew the dust off my ancient, yellow paged dictionary, laughing at myself because it would have been faster to open a new tab and look it up online. That, to me, is practicing grace: laughing at myself because I can't help being old school sometimes. It's okay to be old school.
The definition takes up a good chunk of the page of Funk and Wagnall's tome so I won't write out the whole thing. The part that stands out is, "Any divinely inspired spiritual virtue or excellence."
What are the virtues of the Divine? Forgiveness. Hope. Faith. Love. Peace. Patience. Redemption. Restoration. Mercy and grace=zero judgement. Acceptance. Encouragement. Strength. And something not often included in the list: the mystery that is a God beyond human limitations.
As I wrote out the list, my heart felt the times that I hadn't allowed these virtues to express themselves because, in embracing Christ as Lord, they became my divine inheritance.
Even so, there are many instances where these virtues have shone brightly despite my human experiences and limitations. It always leaves me feeling rather surprised when it happens. Mostly they make themselves known when I make the choice to forgive. I know, without Jesus, making that choice would be impossible.
Forgive me, my Lord, for not allowing these gifts to unfold. I will forgive those who taught me prejudice, hatred and suspicion. I will forgive those who have judged me or tried to make me into someone I am not. Forgive me for passing judgement on others or for trying to force them into my idea of who they should be.
(There's a slight pause as I get personal with Jesus about this. Maybe you, my readers, can take a moment as well to give the Lord space to share His heart with you.)
Humility or being able to admit I am far from perfect is a big part of grace. Being okay with the thought of not being perfect is, well, perfectly fine because I don't have to get all this good stuff right away. It is a process of growth through a relationship with Jesus. Pruning encourages new growth.
So, I think there's a further step besides simply reading these blessings out loud to my reflection in the mirror (I forgot to mention this is how it's to be done.) The next step is to claim them, to own them for my own like an explorer placing a flag in a new found land.
Lord, I claim an abundance of grace that will overflow like a life giving river. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written, "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever." 2 Cor 9:8-9
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