During my devotional time this morning I found a true treasure! My life has been growing in Christ so much, especially in the last six months since I have started going to Crossroads. They are seeing my yearning for God and gifts that he has given me. But most importantly, they are not judging me by the world's standards.
1 Samuel 16:7 says, " But the Lord says... Do not consider his appearance or his height... the Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
I am so glad that they are seeing my heart, and not my "outward appearance". Because if they were, it wouldn't be so pretty.
All I am in man's eyes is a 24 "year young" girl, who had a baby in her teens out of "wedlock". A girl who used to be addicted. A girl who used to make some really bad decisions on a daily basis. A girl who isn't old enough to know enough to help or teach anyone.
That's is what I may look like to some. But I praise the Lord that He sees my heart!!! He made my heart!! He sees that I am desperate to love others! I deeply yearn to help others see him!! I have such a longing in my heart to encourage people. That, in fact, is my spiritual gift. The gift of exhortation.
I didn't know that until recently though. I spent a large part of my life being a negative person, a "debbie downer". If you would give me your ear for just a minute, I would fill it with why my life was just no good in general. But, one day I stumbled upon a spiritual gifts survey online. I took it and the result was "The gift of Exhortation". Umm, what in the world is exhortation?? I looked it up. According to Merriam-Webster it's a language intended to incite (or to move to action : stir up : spur on : urge on) and encourage!!
At this point it hit me. The devil has been playing me like a two dollar fiddle. He put such a spirit of negativity upon me that it drown out my spiritual gift to the point that I didn't even know what it meant!! That day I prayed for forgiveness for being such a fool! I prayed that God would help me to grow in that gift he had given me! And wow has he!! It's so amazing that if we just go to God and seek Him how big He can show up :o)
In the process of growing spiritually though there are many mountains to march around, and valleys to go through. I heard a wonderful word depiction of this: New level, New devil. This is vital to the growing process. We must be tested to ensure that our desire is for God. Luke 9:23 CEV says, "Then Jesus said to all the people: If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross each day and follow me." This passage is trying to tell you that each day you are in battle. Your spirit is desiring the Lord, but your flesh, your man suit, only cares about itself. (This reminds me of the famous Joyce Meyer robot impersonation "what about me, what about me" look it up! It's hilarious!!)
How can we focus on God when we are growing and being tested?? Well, here is a WONDERFUL scripture that will help you:
"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or, am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Galatians 1:10 NIV
1 Samuel 16:7 says, " But the Lord says... Do not consider his appearance or his height... the Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
I am so glad that they are seeing my heart, and not my "outward appearance". Because if they were, it wouldn't be so pretty.
All I am in man's eyes is a 24 "year young" girl, who had a baby in her teens out of "wedlock". A girl who used to be addicted. A girl who used to make some really bad decisions on a daily basis. A girl who isn't old enough to know enough to help or teach anyone.
That's is what I may look like to some. But I praise the Lord that He sees my heart!!! He made my heart!! He sees that I am desperate to love others! I deeply yearn to help others see him!! I have such a longing in my heart to encourage people. That, in fact, is my spiritual gift. The gift of exhortation.
I didn't know that until recently though. I spent a large part of my life being a negative person, a "debbie downer". If you would give me your ear for just a minute, I would fill it with why my life was just no good in general. But, one day I stumbled upon a spiritual gifts survey online. I took it and the result was "The gift of Exhortation". Umm, what in the world is exhortation?? I looked it up. According to Merriam-Webster it's a language intended to incite (or to move to action : stir up : spur on : urge on) and encourage!!
At this point it hit me. The devil has been playing me like a two dollar fiddle. He put such a spirit of negativity upon me that it drown out my spiritual gift to the point that I didn't even know what it meant!! That day I prayed for forgiveness for being such a fool! I prayed that God would help me to grow in that gift he had given me! And wow has he!! It's so amazing that if we just go to God and seek Him how big He can show up :o)
In the process of growing spiritually though there are many mountains to march around, and valleys to go through. I heard a wonderful word depiction of this: New level, New devil. This is vital to the growing process. We must be tested to ensure that our desire is for God. Luke 9:23 CEV says, "Then Jesus said to all the people: If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross each day and follow me." This passage is trying to tell you that each day you are in battle. Your spirit is desiring the Lord, but your flesh, your man suit, only cares about itself. (This reminds me of the famous Joyce Meyer robot impersonation "what about me, what about me" look it up! It's hilarious!!)
How can we focus on God when we are growing and being tested?? Well, here is a WONDERFUL scripture that will help you:
"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or, am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Galatians 1:10 NIV
This verse is a wonderful motive checker for all that we do!! To find out if you are trying to please man (this also includes yourself) or God, ask yourself the who, what, when, where, why and how.
Who exactly am I doing this for?
Am I doing this for myself? Doing it for "them"? To get attention?? For God??
What is the outcome of this action?
Hurting someone? Pride? Joy? Happiness? Greed? Glory to God??
When will I do this?
Immediately? Do I have peace about it? Should I take some time to pray about it?? (don't do anything in haste)
Where is it happening?
Am I trying to hide this so no one will see, or, am I doing this so that all will see me and how great "I" am or how great GOD is??
Why am I doing this?
Seriously. Think about it. Why.
How is this bringing glory to God?
Or, is it? If you can not find an answer to this question, you shouldn't continue with your decision. Re-evaluate.
Who exactly am I doing this for?
Am I doing this for myself? Doing it for "them"? To get attention?? For God??
What is the outcome of this action?
Hurting someone? Pride? Joy? Happiness? Greed? Glory to God??
When will I do this?
Immediately? Do I have peace about it? Should I take some time to pray about it?? (don't do anything in haste)
Where is it happening?
Am I trying to hide this so no one will see, or, am I doing this so that all will see me and how great "I" am or how great GOD is??
Why am I doing this?
Seriously. Think about it. Why.
How is this bringing glory to God?
Or, is it? If you can not find an answer to this question, you shouldn't continue with your decision. Re-evaluate.
All answers to these five questions must be arrows pointing straight back at God!!
But, if you do happen to make the wrong decision, the wonderful thing about God is that you can not fail his test!! He will infinitely re-test you until you pass!! So, save yourself some time, truly check your motives, and give God the glory! Amen!!
But, if you do happen to make the wrong decision, the wonderful thing about God is that you can not fail his test!! He will infinitely re-test you until you pass!! So, save yourself some time, truly check your motives, and give God the glory! Amen!!
He makes you beautiful and He sees your heart!
No comments:
Post a Comment