Purity 337 02/09/2021 Purity 337 Podcast
Good morning!
Today’s photo comes from a friend who braved the February elements of
upstate New York and captured this tranquil stream surrounded by a snow frosted
forest.
What a difference a day can make!
After an overindulgent weekend of feasting and lamenting over days gone
by and perceived lack in my current situation, I made a few minor attempts at
focusing on my faith by preparing for this week’s discipleship class and
encouraging others in counsel and of course, I quickly realized the truth that
I don’t really lack for anything and the things I have left behind in the past can
stay there!
When we focus on the world and the circumstantial things that can make
us happy, we can easily be bogged down by negative emotions when everything isn’t
perfect, or we feel that we don’t have the experiences, relationships, or things
that others have.
But when we instead choose to focus on all the things we do have,
especially our faith in Christ, we realize that we are doing just fine!
We have been provided for. We are accepted and loved. We are safe and
secure. We have a purpose and a significant role to play for the kingdom of
God.
So don’t look to solve your problems by adding something to your mix
that you don’t have. You probably will discover that those experiences,
relationships, or things will eventually disappoint even if you do get
them.
Don’t look to change your location either. Because wherever you go, you will still face most
of the daunting issues of life even if your weather or local governmental
rules, regulations, or leaders change.
Instead, remind yourself that in Christ, you have already received all
that you need for this life and for all of eternity. The key is to not forget
that you already have what you need and to remind yourself that you still got
it and that no one and nothing can take it away from you.
This morning’s meditation
verse is:
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because
your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may
devour.
But no matter
how socially acceptable or socially encouraged addictive behaviors may seem to be
at times, it is always our personal choice and decision that will either leave
us in chains to viscous cycles or that will lead us to freedom.
So be sober, be vigilant, and know that the victories we achieve and maintain
in this life have the power to bring people into God’s kingdom. When we are walking with God, we demonstrate
the truth of our faith and display the benefits of a life in His presence. Our testimony of a transformed life can encourage
others to turn from the darkness of this world and to know and experience the
kingdom of God that is available to all who seek it by placing their faith in Christ,
here and now.
I invite all to mt4chritst.org where I always share
insights from prominent Christian counselors to assist my brothers and sisters
in Christ with their walk.
Today we will continue to share from Dr. June Hunt’s Biblical Counseling
Keys on “Self-Worth: Discovering Your God-given Worth”.
As always, I share this information for educational purposes
and encourage all to purchase Dr. Hunt’s books for your own private study and
to support her work:
IV. Steps to Solution
One day at the orphanage, Dorie sat riveted at the back of a room hearing
words she had never heard before — words foreign to her heart — words from a
group of college students. But what Dorie heard couldn't be true! God didn't
love her. God couldn't love her. Nobody loved her!
As the students prepared to leave, one of them turned around and spoke
slowly with such sincerity that Dorie was stunned. The student said, "Even
if you forget everything we have told you, remember—God loves you."
Though words can't explain it, she knew it was true, and she spoke
directly to God. "They said you love me. Nobody else does. If you want me,
you can have me!" That very instant an unexpected peace settled over her.
She knew: This must be God.
At that point, she grabbed hold of that love and held on to God. ... And He
never let her go. But even more ... He says His love is never ending — for us
all. He says ...
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with
unfailing kindness."
(Jeremiah 31:3)
A. Key Verse to Memorize
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away
in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more
valuable than they?"
(Matthew 6:26)
B. Key Passage to Read
Psalm 139
How to Know Your Real Worth
Realize that God knows all about you!
Remember that God is always with you!
Respect the fact that God created you!
Recognize that God uniquely designed you!
Receive God's loving thoughts toward you!
Renounce God's enemies as enemies to you!
Respond to God's changing you!
If you feel as though you have little value, is it possible your feelings
are false? Remember the Bible says you are "... worth [your] weight
in gold ..." (Lamentations 4:2).
Just think about how much worth that would literally be! If gold were
selling at $250 per ounce, 1 pound (16 ounces) of gold would be worth $4,000. A
person weighing 150 pounds would be worth $600,000—well over half a million
dollars.
Interestingly, the Bible presents a person's worth as too great to be
measured in mere monetary terms. Peter says your faith alone is "... of
greater worth than gold ..." (1 Peter 1:7). Are
you beginning to see how much you, combined with your faith, are
worth in the eyes of God? You are indeed precious to God. You have God-given
worth. ...
"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should
be called children of God! And that is what we are!"
(1 John 3:1)
Biblical Counseling Keys - Biblical Counseling Keys –
Biblical Counseling Keys: Self-Worth: Discover Your God-Given Worth.
-----------------------------more
tomorrow -------------------------
God bless
you all!
