Friday, September 21, 2012

You Are Simply Radiant!




"Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame." Psalms 34:5


Have you ever made such a fool of yourself that you vowed never to show your face in public ever again? Perhaps you were so embarrassed that you were sure that shade of red in your face would never fade? There goes the chance you could ever wear pink again. You don't want to clash!

I'll share my most embarrassing moment with you and see if you relate. At the end of church service a few years back, the praise team had been waiting in the wings to sing just before the closing. This was right after our major Easter production in which Jesus had passed that way six nights in a row covered in stage blood in order to get cleaned up for the resurrection scene. Little did I know that I had brushed against some of the spilled blood, and it was all over the back of my white pants! I actually sang the entire song right there on the platform, in front of God and everyone! I had some awesome friends escort me off the stage to try to hide my predicament somewhat. When I looked in the mirror afterward, I was mortified! I have yet to top that act!

Sometimes embarrassment cuts much deeper than just a silly faux pas. Coupled with hurt, abuse, or secret sins, it can morph into its ugly cousins Humiliation and Shame. More detrimental than trying to get over an awkward moment in one's life is being ashamed to the point of self loathing because of something you have done or something that has been done or said to you in your past. Don't discount the power of words. They can cause profound and lasting damage! Perhaps you have covered up some deep, hidden secrets in your life that would devastate you if anyone found out. What about the humiliation of a physical abnormality that sets one apart from what is perceived as normal or acceptable? Why do we worry so much about what others think? Whatever the cause, too many people find themselves in a state of emotional disgrace and are at a loss as to how to break free.

Unfortunately, some never do escape this state. They only find their shame growing and deepening until the only way they know how to cope is to become numb through some destructive vice, such as alcohol, food, or sexual addiction. It does nothing to solve the problem, but only exacerbates the situation. Often, some also display a fanciful façade to disguise their inner turmoil. It is easier to cope when you can keep that throbbing wound hidden and not reveal the truth to anyone. Or, worse, others might crawl deep inside themselves and close out the world around them entirely. While I am describing extreme cases here, I believe we all carry the potential for shame to some degree, ranging from merely a casual discomfort concerning something about ourselves to the extent of a major crisis of identity.

The good news is that there is hope for every one of us, no matter how deeply any of us have experienced shame in our lives. Jesus Christ came to reconcile us to the Father and to remove our disgrace. Because of the redemptive work He did for us on the cross, we can stand tall with wholeness and confidence, knowing that we are completely forgiven and free if we believe in Him. We can be assured that His grace is sufficient to heal and restore all that has been broken in our lives. He longs to heal all the wounds and sooth all the pain. He understands all the hurts as well as the mistakes, and He is able to completely comfort and restore us no matter how bad we think it is. We can shake loose those chains that have kept us bound to a less than satisfying life and be free to live a fulfilling and rich life.

If you do not know this Christ, or you have been distant from Him for awhile, then buckle up your seatbelts, Folks; you are about to embark on the adventure of your life! When you accept the love of Jesus Christ and His free gift of grace, you can be sure that you are a 100%, bona fide, accepted, and loved child of God, just as you are! He did all the work, so all it takes on your part is faith. He came to give you abundant life, and once you let go of the cloud of shame that has drained the life out of you all this time, be ready for freedom and fullness of life you have only dreamed about! When God sets you free, you are free indeed! "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV) You see, He bore ALL of your shame. He took it upon Himself so that you will never have to wrestle that ugly monster inside ever again! It is so gone! When He looks at you, He only sees the righteousness of His Son.

For those who have already embarked on this journey but continue to bear the weight of the burden of shame, you need only to dispel all lying thoughts that are keeping you bound by replacing them with the truth in God's Word. He has promised that when you "look to Him, your face will never be covered in shame." (Psalms 34:5)

Here are some reminders for you:

I am the apple of God's eye.

I am created in God's image.

I am loved and accepted by God just as I am.

I am a princess. I am a child of the Most High God.

I may not be perfect, but I am forgiven. I am not condemned, but God is pleased with me and approves of me.

I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, and I have strong faith.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

He will continue to work on me, and I am growing and improving every day.

I am destined to live in victory and I am more than a conqueror.

God has given me His righteousness, and He has made me worthy.

I have peace with God.

My mind is at peace.

I am full of joy.

I have a sound mind.

God made me exactly the way He wanted me to be. I accept myself and feel good about who I am.

He has endowed me with wondrous gifts and talents.

God created me to enjoy life, and I will do just that.

I am free indeed!

I am simply radiant!


 

Friday, September 14, 2012

Do Not Let Your Heart Be Troubled

If there is one thing I believe people need to hear right now in light of all the pandemonium going on all over the world tonight, it is this: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27 NIV) Read that aloud and slowly several times. Let it sink deeply into your heart and mind.

I promise not to utter one political word here tonight, but I want to offer hope and comfort to everyone who needs it right now. Whether you are distressed with what is happening in the news, or if you have a personal battle going on in your life or with someone close to you, this is for you.

For the past few days, all we have to do is flip through FOX News, CNN, MSNBC, HLN, and all the network news shows, and we are continually bombarded with some horrifying images of some frenzied extremists bent on destroying the morale of our nation, even our nation itself. I won't speculate as to the real motive, but I don't think a cheesy movie trailer is the real root of all of this madness. It gets a bit scary when some of the events hit a little closer to home. If you sneak away for a moment and come back to the news, the situation seems to have escalated even further. We don't want to keep dwelling on such disturbing images, but we don't want to miss anything either! It is out of control!

If all of that is our focus, what a gloomy mindset that will consume us! As a matter of fact, if we begin to let our imaginations run amuck, we can create in our minds quite a nasty outcome for all of this lunacy! We can so easily succumb to fear and despair if we allow ourselves to sink into this mire of gloom in our minds. I think the following description speaks very clearly of how some are feeling either about the current world events, or maybe even about a personal struggle they are going through. "Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world…" (Luke 21:26a NIV) Or, this translation might be more familiar to you: "Men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth…" (NKJV)

Well, I sure am glad we don't have to give in to fear! Rather, peace is our heritage; love is our heritage; and a sound mind is our heritage! We must keep the proper perspective, no matter what is troubling our hearts. We may not be able to run and hide from it, but we can establish our thoughts in the middle of it. We can trust the hand of God that is holding us and will lovingly carry us through. It is faith in God that will keep us grounded no matter what happens. I agree that we should stay informed, and it is important to read or watch the news. As Christians, we will be a more effective light in the world if we stay informed and are able to respond intelligently. However, we do not have to dwell on it or let it trouble our hearts. If you have a personal struggle, the same message applies. Do not deny it or hide from it, but do not let it defeat you either. Stand up to it boldly with a strong and faith-filled heart! You are a victorious warrior, so think and act like one! "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)

I want to leave you with some powerful yet comforting words. Pick one of these and memorize it. Let it encourage you every time you need strength and hope.

"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9 NLT)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
(John 14:27 NIV)

Lastly, here is one of the most beautiful chapters in the Bible to dispel fear and give comfort:

Psalm 91 (NLT)

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.

9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

14 The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation."