Do you know who you are in Christ? Do you know what God says in His Word about you? Dr. Neil Anderson in his book Victory Over the Darkness compiled a wonderful reminder list straight from Scripture.
I am accepted. John 1:12
I am God's child. John 15:15
As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
I have been justified. I Corinthians 6:17
I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. I Corinthians 6:19-20
I have been bought with a price and I belong to God. I Corinthians 12:27
I am a member of Christ's body. Ephesians 1:3-8
I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. Colossians 1:13-14
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. Colossians 2:9-10
I am complete in Christ. Hebrews 4:14-16
I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
I am secure. Romans 8:1-2
I am free from condenmation. Romans 8:28
I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. Romans 8:31-39
I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God. Colossians 3:1-4
I am hidden with Christ in God. Philippians 1:6
I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me. Philippians 3:20
I am a citizen of heaven. 2 Timothy 1:7
I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. I John 5:18
I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. I am significant. John 15:5
I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of HIs life. John 15:16
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. I Corinthians 3:16
I am God's temple. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
I am a minister of reconciliation for God. Ephesians 2:6
I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm. Ephesians 2:10
I am God's workmanship. Ephesians 3:12
I may approach God with freedom and confidence. Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
Fearless
Watch this down to earth teaching on who we are in Christ by Lisa Bevere and Joyce Meyer.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
People-Pleaser
I heard about an online career test offered by a Christian ministry. The directions were simple--answer the questions and receive a list of possible careers suited to my personality. Taking the test was easy enough, but I was not prepared for the answer I received.
Our system cannot adequately complete your career profile.
What!? It took me 20 minutes to go through the test and now there's a glitch in the system?
Apparently, I was the glitch.
The system could not compute my answers because they were too generalized. Their suggestion--I get to know myself better because the answers reflected someone who worked hard to please others.
Shock. Aggravation. Admittance.
I knew a simple computer program had nailed me. In it's sterile computer language it had gone straight to the heart of the matter. I was a people-pleaser.
Being a people-pleaser is hard work. Being everything to everyone and doing it all to perfection was exhausting. While I admitted the program was correct I was helpless to do anything about it. Ask God? No way--I was working too hard to show Him how good and perfect I was. If He knew I was a people-pleaser He might be upset.
At that point in my life I could not tell you my favorite color, food, or Bible verse. I would answer these questions with what I knew to be your favorites. How had I allowed my life to come to this point?
I forgot who I was. Or, maybe I had never known.
For someone who had always know what she wanted out of life to be at a stage where I did not even know myself was devasting. It was the realization that I had no clue as to the person God created me to be that hurt the most.
It was a heavy burden I handed over to God that day. So heavy I could not lift it alone. The road to freedom was long but worth every step.
Where are you at today?
Do you spend your time trying to please others instead of the one who created you?
You have been created with specific gifts and talents that only you can do within the Body of Christ. The enemy would have us to believe we are insignificant and unimportant. In our society we are expected to be women who please everyone and do everything. That is not God's plan--that is the plan of the enemy. God has a specific plan for our lives and when we take our eyes off of Him and become distracted with people-pleasing we miss His will and often His divine opportunities.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Our system cannot adequately complete your career profile.
What!? It took me 20 minutes to go through the test and now there's a glitch in the system?
Apparently, I was the glitch.
The system could not compute my answers because they were too generalized. Their suggestion--I get to know myself better because the answers reflected someone who worked hard to please others.
Shock. Aggravation. Admittance.
I knew a simple computer program had nailed me. In it's sterile computer language it had gone straight to the heart of the matter. I was a people-pleaser.
Being a people-pleaser is hard work. Being everything to everyone and doing it all to perfection was exhausting. While I admitted the program was correct I was helpless to do anything about it. Ask God? No way--I was working too hard to show Him how good and perfect I was. If He knew I was a people-pleaser He might be upset.
At that point in my life I could not tell you my favorite color, food, or Bible verse. I would answer these questions with what I knew to be your favorites. How had I allowed my life to come to this point?
I forgot who I was. Or, maybe I had never known.
For someone who had always know what she wanted out of life to be at a stage where I did not even know myself was devasting. It was the realization that I had no clue as to the person God created me to be that hurt the most.
It was a heavy burden I handed over to God that day. So heavy I could not lift it alone. The road to freedom was long but worth every step.
Where are you at today?
Do you spend your time trying to please others instead of the one who created you?
You have been created with specific gifts and talents that only you can do within the Body of Christ. The enemy would have us to believe we are insignificant and unimportant. In our society we are expected to be women who please everyone and do everything. That is not God's plan--that is the plan of the enemy. God has a specific plan for our lives and when we take our eyes off of Him and become distracted with people-pleasing we miss His will and often His divine opportunities.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Facebook Friends
Facebook Friends
Last week I joined the addiction--Facebook. What a hoot it has been re-connecting with friends from high school, childhood church friends, and family. People who I would never see or talk with because of time and distance are now part of my daily life once again.
I know when friends are cooking supper, enjoying the great outdoors, cleaning house, and surfing the net. Of course they also know what I'm doing when I make a post. Facebook reminds me of growing up in my hometown where everyone knew what everyone else was doing. After 20 years in the big city it is nice to enjoy that feeling once again with old friends.
My friend Michelle told me about finding a couple her parents were friends with sixty years ago on Facebook. Her father was in the army, stationed in the Panama Canal when they became friends with another young couple. Over time they lost touch. Now, sixty years later Michelle has put her mom in contact with dear friends.
Mentoring Moments for Christian Women has a new Facebook group too! If you have a Facebook account join our group. I'm still learning the ins and outs of what a group is suppose to do. From what I can tell we will be able to alert our group members of web and blog updates and have ongoing discussions. What I find the most fun is putting faces with names.
If you have a Facebook page let's be friends!
All I can now say is move over Myspace.
Last week I joined the addiction--Facebook. What a hoot it has been re-connecting with friends from high school, childhood church friends, and family. People who I would never see or talk with because of time and distance are now part of my daily life once again.
I know when friends are cooking supper, enjoying the great outdoors, cleaning house, and surfing the net. Of course they also know what I'm doing when I make a post. Facebook reminds me of growing up in my hometown where everyone knew what everyone else was doing. After 20 years in the big city it is nice to enjoy that feeling once again with old friends.
My friend Michelle told me about finding a couple her parents were friends with sixty years ago on Facebook. Her father was in the army, stationed in the Panama Canal when they became friends with another young couple. Over time they lost touch. Now, sixty years later Michelle has put her mom in contact with dear friends.
Mentoring Moments for Christian Women has a new Facebook group too! If you have a Facebook account join our group. I'm still learning the ins and outs of what a group is suppose to do. From what I can tell we will be able to alert our group members of web and blog updates and have ongoing discussions. What I find the most fun is putting faces with names.
If you have a Facebook page let's be friends!
All I can now say is move over Myspace.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Practicing for the Rapture?
Is it possible to practice for the rapture? Thank God we are not required to do the same as this crazy bunch--although I admit it looks fun! No matter how many times I see this video it continues to make me laugh--and I hope it brings a chuckle to you today!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Our Homeschooling Journey
Homeschool Graces
I began homeschooling three of our children in June, took July off for surgery, and started back in August. In January our teenager came home from public school to join in. The most common comment I hear is "I don't know how you do it."
I don't know either!
It has been a fast-paced learning experience for me and the children. I believe it is the grace of God at work in our home--helping us to accomplish what we could not in our strength that makes homeschooling possible.
We've had our share of challenges such as when our curriculum took over a month to arrive and I had to come up with lessons. Most of what we have faced is probably normal for first year homeschoolers. Trying to find the perfect schedule and routine has been a source of constant re-evaluating.
Despite the challenges, it has been worth it all. I would like to share a few of the blessing we have experienced:
* The children are learning to pray and asking to lead prayer. It is exciting to watch their prayers evolve from 'bless all the super heroes today' to praying for the needs in our family and others. They have also began to lay hands on one another and pray for specific needs. Shyness to pray openly has long since passed and they are gaining confidence and boldness.
* They are sharing prayer requests and praise reports. It is important for children to experience the power of prayer and recognize God's hand in their own life. Recently my 9 year-old shared during our devotion time she had not felt well and prayed, asking God to heal her. She said her stomachache stopped and she felt much better. It is not just Mom and Dad's prayers being answered--it is their prayers.
* Deeper interest in school. Instead of just doing assignments, they are digging deeper and asking if we can find out more. Last year the word hate was used numerous times in regards to school--not the case now. Just today one child spent all their free time researching a great American because they wanted to learn more.
* A more peaceful home. We are no different from any other family. We have good days and not- so-good days. Since our homeschooling journey began we have consistently had more peace. Peace is something we strive and work at daily.
You may not be a homeschooling Mom. I am not one who says homeschooling is the only option Christian parents in their right mind should chose. We have had godly public and private school teachers whom the Lord has used mightily in the lives of our children. At this time homeschooling is the path the Lord has directed us to take. It is both a challenge and a joy. No matter the schooling situation, as Moms we all have challenges. Thank the Lord for His grace that does more than we can ever realize in all our unique situations.
"Now all praise to God for His wonderful kindness and His favor that He has poured out upon us, because we belong to His dearly loved Son. So overflowing is His kindness towards us that He took away all our sins through the blood of His Son, by whom we are saved; and He has showered down upon us the richness of His grace--for how well He understands us and knows what is best for us at all times." ~ Ephesians 1:6-8 (Living Bible)
I began homeschooling three of our children in June, took July off for surgery, and started back in August. In January our teenager came home from public school to join in. The most common comment I hear is "I don't know how you do it."
I don't know either!
It has been a fast-paced learning experience for me and the children. I believe it is the grace of God at work in our home--helping us to accomplish what we could not in our strength that makes homeschooling possible.
We've had our share of challenges such as when our curriculum took over a month to arrive and I had to come up with lessons. Most of what we have faced is probably normal for first year homeschoolers. Trying to find the perfect schedule and routine has been a source of constant re-evaluating.
Despite the challenges, it has been worth it all. I would like to share a few of the blessing we have experienced:
* The children are learning to pray and asking to lead prayer. It is exciting to watch their prayers evolve from 'bless all the super heroes today' to praying for the needs in our family and others. They have also began to lay hands on one another and pray for specific needs. Shyness to pray openly has long since passed and they are gaining confidence and boldness.
* They are sharing prayer requests and praise reports. It is important for children to experience the power of prayer and recognize God's hand in their own life. Recently my 9 year-old shared during our devotion time she had not felt well and prayed, asking God to heal her. She said her stomachache stopped and she felt much better. It is not just Mom and Dad's prayers being answered--it is their prayers.
* Deeper interest in school. Instead of just doing assignments, they are digging deeper and asking if we can find out more. Last year the word hate was used numerous times in regards to school--not the case now. Just today one child spent all their free time researching a great American because they wanted to learn more.
* A more peaceful home. We are no different from any other family. We have good days and not- so-good days. Since our homeschooling journey began we have consistently had more peace. Peace is something we strive and work at daily.
You may not be a homeschooling Mom. I am not one who says homeschooling is the only option Christian parents in their right mind should chose. We have had godly public and private school teachers whom the Lord has used mightily in the lives of our children. At this time homeschooling is the path the Lord has directed us to take. It is both a challenge and a joy. No matter the schooling situation, as Moms we all have challenges. Thank the Lord for His grace that does more than we can ever realize in all our unique situations.
"Now all praise to God for His wonderful kindness and His favor that He has poured out upon us, because we belong to His dearly loved Son. So overflowing is His kindness towards us that He took away all our sins through the blood of His Son, by whom we are saved; and He has showered down upon us the richness of His grace--for how well He understands us and knows what is best for us at all times." ~ Ephesians 1:6-8 (Living Bible)
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