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"You must be born again." (John 3:7)
No sentence in Scripture has been subjected to more contemporary cynicism, sarcasm and satire than the impossible sounding. "You must be born again." Born again? Jesus left no other option. He said it is a must! But why?
In God's original creation, Adam and Eve were made in the "image" of God. Since "God is spirit? (John 4:24), the image was actually God's Spirit alive in them. Their human spirits were indwelled by the Holy Spirit, resulting in a oneness of mind and heart. But when sin came in, the Spirit went out. Oneness was broken. Adam and Eve became spiritually dead. Likewise, all who were born after them were born dead in their sins.
Upon your physical birth you were born in sin, born lost, born alienated, born an enemy of God, born spiritually dead. What is the only thing a dead person needs? Life! Not sincerity or education, culture or finances or even religion. What you need is life.
Spiritually, when you accept God's plan of salvation, you go from death to life. You receive Christ's life! As a result, you are given a new nature--His nature. You are given a new spirit--His Spirit.
The phrase "born again" in Greek literally means "born anew, born from above." This indicates that when the Spirit of God so transforms a life, it can only be described as a dramatic "new birth." Oh, child of God, marvel at the beauty of being born from above!
The critic says, "Impossible! How can a person be born again?" Yet in nature, God has given us the little caterpillar to unravel this mystery for the whole world to see. This drab and dull creature worms its way through life until it dies to its caterpillar existence. But then the impossible occurs! The death of the caterpillar brings forth the birth of the butterfly. Behold--the miracle of the monarch! A two-inch worm unfolds a four-inch wing span...pallid, pale green is transformed into regal, reddish gold...a former creeping crawler begins as "impossible" migratory trip--nearly 2,000 miles in flight!
So it is when you are born anew that you can see yourself through God's eyes. The old is gone, the new is alive to soar to heights unknow.
Now, spread your wings child of God...soar to new heights!
_________________His Plan for Me___________________
Personalize these verses in your own words:
2 Corinthians 5:17 __________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
1 Peter 1:3, 23 _____________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Father, through Your eyes I can see that I ... ______________________
_________________________________________________________
I have confidence because...I am born anew by God.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes: I am chosen by God.
"He chose us in him before the creation of the world." (Ephesians 1:4)
School was in session, and everything was fine...fine until it was time for teams to be chosen. As the team captains called out the names of their chosen players, the air filled with awkwardness--at least for one timid teenager who was anything but agile. Oh God, I hate being chosen last. Please let somebody want me.
Have you ever longed to be chosen because you were wanted...because you were desired? Child of God, the Lord chose you "before the creation of the world." He chose you only because He wanted you--not because of your strength, scholarship or skill. We can take no credit or merit in being chosen. Jesus clearly states, "You did not choose me, but I chose you" (John 15:16).
Many years ago another child faced being chosen. The Lord sent the prophet Samuel to Jesse of Bethlehem saying, "I have chosen one of his sons to be king" (I Samuel 16:1). What an unfathomable honor for a family! Yet after Samuel had surveyed Jesse's seven sons, he said, "The Lord has not chosen these...Are these all the sons you have?" (I Samuel 16:10-11). Well, there was David, the youngest. But he was away tending sheep--and certainly not "king material"! At the prophet's insistence, however, the lad was brought in. Immediately, the Lord told Samuel to choose David, "and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power" (I Samuel 16:13).
In a most crucial battle we see Goliath completely terrorizing Saul's army. However, God uses the young, inexperienced David as the man of the hour. Imagine the Israelites' amazement as they watch "unarmored" David approaching Goliath. Just how could this child be confident of conquest? David knew the simple principle: whatever God chooses for you to do, He will equip you to do. In a moment, David single-handedly slew the nine-foot titan. His secret? He understood the true source of strength, declaring before the confrontation, "The battle is the LORD'S " (I Samuel 17:47).
What truth for you today! When you face the "Goliaths" in your life, remember this: you have been chosen by the Lord. As you now see yourself through God's eyes, have confidence in the Lord--the battle is the Lord's!
_____________His Plan for Me_____________
Personalize these verses in your own words:
John 15:19 ___________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Romans 8:33 _________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Father, through Your eyes I can see that I... __________________________
____________________________________________________________
I have confidence because...I am chosen by God.
School was in session, and everything was fine...fine until it was time for teams to be chosen. As the team captains called out the names of their chosen players, the air filled with awkwardness--at least for one timid teenager who was anything but agile. Oh God, I hate being chosen last. Please let somebody want me.
Have you ever longed to be chosen because you were wanted...because you were desired? Child of God, the Lord chose you "before the creation of the world." He chose you only because He wanted you--not because of your strength, scholarship or skill. We can take no credit or merit in being chosen. Jesus clearly states, "You did not choose me, but I chose you" (John 15:16).
Many years ago another child faced being chosen. The Lord sent the prophet Samuel to Jesse of Bethlehem saying, "I have chosen one of his sons to be king" (I Samuel 16:1). What an unfathomable honor for a family! Yet after Samuel had surveyed Jesse's seven sons, he said, "The Lord has not chosen these...Are these all the sons you have?" (I Samuel 16:10-11). Well, there was David, the youngest. But he was away tending sheep--and certainly not "king material"! At the prophet's insistence, however, the lad was brought in. Immediately, the Lord told Samuel to choose David, "and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power" (I Samuel 16:13).
In a most crucial battle we see Goliath completely terrorizing Saul's army. However, God uses the young, inexperienced David as the man of the hour. Imagine the Israelites' amazement as they watch "unarmored" David approaching Goliath. Just how could this child be confident of conquest? David knew the simple principle: whatever God chooses for you to do, He will equip you to do. In a moment, David single-handedly slew the nine-foot titan. His secret? He understood the true source of strength, declaring before the confrontation, "The battle is the LORD'S " (I Samuel 17:47).
What truth for you today! When you face the "Goliaths" in your life, remember this: you have been chosen by the Lord. As you now see yourself through God's eyes, have confidence in the Lord--the battle is the Lord's!
_____________His Plan for Me_____________
Personalize these verses in your own words:
John 15:19 ___________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Romans 8:33 _________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Father, through Your eyes I can see that I... __________________________
____________________________________________________________
I have confidence because...I am chosen by God.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes: I am hidden with Christ
Day 7
The Nazis wielded terror over all who were not like them in race, religion or rule. During World War II, the primary hate targets were the Jews: their power was stripped, property confiscated, people confined--and killed--in concentration camps. In fact, in Nazi dominated Holland, the Ten Boom family had carefully hidden hundreds of Jews in their "hiding place"--the secret place in their home above their watch shop.
Then on February 28, 1944, that which was most feared happened--the hiding place was discovered! The Gestapo arrested the Ten Boom family. Their crime? Hiding Jews. Their punishment? Immediate transport to a concentration camp.
As the two sisters waited in line to be searched, Corrie asked God if He would keep the Bible that was tucked inside her clothing hidden from view. "Dear God...You have given me this precious Book, You have kept it hidden through checkpoints and inspections." The woman in front of Corrie was searched three times. Corrie's beloved sister Betsie, standing behind her, was also searched. Miraculously, the officer never touched Corrie. Her Bible now had a hiding place in a German concentration camp!
Filth, disease, beatings and rape became a part of their struggle for survival. But as Corrie read the Bible's truths, she knew His Word would keep hatred from her heart. "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11).
Is there a hiding place for you? A place of healing for your damaged emotions? When you have been treated harshly, you can be free of hatred. Because He hides His truth in you, you are protected from wrong thoughts and wrong choices. The adversary of your life has no power to trap you...as long as you stay hidden in the shelter of God's wings where you are safe from emotional destruction, hidden from emotional ruin.
The Ten Boom family had their hiding place only for a while. But as God's child, you are hidden in Christ. Seeing yourself through God's eyes, you can know that you are safe forever!
Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort and there I am blest.
____________My Position in Christ____________
Personalize these verses in your own words:
Psalm 17:8 ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Colossians 3:3 _________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Father, through Your eyes I can see that I... ___________________________
_____________________________________________________________
I am secure because...I am hidden with Christ.
The Nazis wielded terror over all who were not like them in race, religion or rule. During World War II, the primary hate targets were the Jews: their power was stripped, property confiscated, people confined--and killed--in concentration camps. In fact, in Nazi dominated Holland, the Ten Boom family had carefully hidden hundreds of Jews in their "hiding place"--the secret place in their home above their watch shop.
Then on February 28, 1944, that which was most feared happened--the hiding place was discovered! The Gestapo arrested the Ten Boom family. Their crime? Hiding Jews. Their punishment? Immediate transport to a concentration camp.
As the two sisters waited in line to be searched, Corrie asked God if He would keep the Bible that was tucked inside her clothing hidden from view. "Dear God...You have given me this precious Book, You have kept it hidden through checkpoints and inspections." The woman in front of Corrie was searched three times. Corrie's beloved sister Betsie, standing behind her, was also searched. Miraculously, the officer never touched Corrie. Her Bible now had a hiding place in a German concentration camp!
Filth, disease, beatings and rape became a part of their struggle for survival. But as Corrie read the Bible's truths, she knew His Word would keep hatred from her heart. "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11).
Is there a hiding place for you? A place of healing for your damaged emotions? When you have been treated harshly, you can be free of hatred. Because He hides His truth in you, you are protected from wrong thoughts and wrong choices. The adversary of your life has no power to trap you...as long as you stay hidden in the shelter of God's wings where you are safe from emotional destruction, hidden from emotional ruin.
The Ten Boom family had their hiding place only for a while. But as God's child, you are hidden in Christ. Seeing yourself through God's eyes, you can know that you are safe forever!
Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort and there I am blest.
____________My Position in Christ____________
Personalize these verses in your own words:
Psalm 17:8 ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Colossians 3:3 _________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Father, through Your eyes I can see that I... ___________________________
_____________________________________________________________
I am secure because...I am hidden with Christ.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes: I am baptized with Christ (Daily Devotional)
Day 6
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death." (Romans 6:4)
The little girl had no one with whom she could identify. She wanted to find her family but didn't know how. She searched with all her might.
Somewhere over the rainbow way up high,
There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby...
In 1939 millions of people flocked to see the unveiling of the first motion picture to be filmed both black and white and "living color." The Wizard of Oz featured colors woven throughout the fabric of the story. The motion picture industry would never be the same--this rainbow of colors gave it an exciting new identity.
In a similar way, one who is baptized in Christ will never be the same. The word baptism is black and white for many people. To others, its image has become a muddy gray...a mixture of misunderstanding. Yet when you correctly understand the meaning of baptizo, the Greek verb for "baptize," you will see a panorama of living color unfold before your very eyes.
In ancient everyday living, a piece of cloth would be immersed (baptizo) into a dye, a process that resulted in a change of identity. A bland muslin fabric would be transformed into a brilliant blue or radiant red cloth suitable for any number of important uses.
Do you realize that when you were "buried with Christ through baptism," you acutally received a change of identity? Although you are still made of the same material, your new identity with Christ permeates the very fabric of your soul.
Your spiritual baptism takes place the moment you are saved, as you are instantaneously identified with Christ. Later, water baptism takes place as a symbol of what has happened to you.
Your water baptism symbolizes a progression of three pictures:
__________My Position in Christ_________
Personalize these verses in your own words:
Galatians 3:26-27 _______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Colossians 2:9-12 _______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Father, through Your eyes I can see that I... ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
I am secure because...I am now identified with Christ.
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death." (Romans 6:4)
The little girl had no one with whom she could identify. She wanted to find her family but didn't know how. She searched with all her might.
Somewhere over the rainbow way up high,
There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby...
In 1939 millions of people flocked to see the unveiling of the first motion picture to be filmed both black and white and "living color." The Wizard of Oz featured colors woven throughout the fabric of the story. The motion picture industry would never be the same--this rainbow of colors gave it an exciting new identity.
In a similar way, one who is baptized in Christ will never be the same. The word baptism is black and white for many people. To others, its image has become a muddy gray...a mixture of misunderstanding. Yet when you correctly understand the meaning of baptizo, the Greek verb for "baptize," you will see a panorama of living color unfold before your very eyes.
In ancient everyday living, a piece of cloth would be immersed (baptizo) into a dye, a process that resulted in a change of identity. A bland muslin fabric would be transformed into a brilliant blue or radiant red cloth suitable for any number of important uses.
Do you realize that when you were "buried with Christ through baptism," you acutally received a change of identity? Although you are still made of the same material, your new identity with Christ permeates the very fabric of your soul.
Your spiritual baptism takes place the moment you are saved, as you are instantaneously identified with Christ. Later, water baptism takes place as a symbol of what has happened to you.
Your water baptism symbolizes a progression of three pictures:
- Standing in the water represents your old life.
- Being lowered under the water represents death to your old life--the washing away of your sins.
- Being lifted up out of the water represents your new life in Christ.
__________My Position in Christ_________
Personalize these verses in your own words:
Galatians 3:26-27 _______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Colossians 2:9-12 _______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Father, through Your eyes I can see that I... ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
I am secure because...I am now identified with Christ.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes: I am accepted by God. (Daily Devotional)
Day 5
"He hath made us accepted in the beloved [Jesus]." (Ephesians 1:6, KJV)
Many people have a recording in their minds that plays the same song over and over again. The title? "If Only." The air play? Top 10! Not just for weeks, but for years. The most distinguishing feature of this song is its brevity--only one line long. "If only______(you fill in the blank), then I might have pleased my dad." "If only I had been smarter in school...been better in sports...been my brother...been born first...not been born at all!"
We don't understand why this one line song continues to play after the passing of time. Yet if we were to listen to recordings of some of our earliest childhood experiences, we could see why we are emotionally stuck.
The child who hears, "You'll never amount to anything," won't feel worth much. The child who hears, "I wish you had never been born," becomes performance based throughout life, trying to prove his importance to everyone in order to gain acceptance. Perhaps the perceived "If it weren't for you, I'd be happy" theme is the most melancholy melody of all. It damages a child of any age.
Dr. Charles Stanley says that most of us value the acceptance of our parents more than the acceptance of any other individual. He cites businessmen in their 40s, 50s and even 60s who are still seeking their father's acceptance and approval even though their fathers are dead. The little boy inside still cries out, I've got to get my dad to accept me.
While we all make mistakes, in God's eyes you are no mistake. As a child of God, you are never unacceptable to Him. He says, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrew 13:5)
Jesus understands your innermost feelings when you've been rejected He personally experienced that same kind of rejection from His family. "He came to his own, and his own received him not" (John 1:11, KJV) Therefore, who can better empathize with your need for acceptance than your Lord!
His love and acceptance is not, "Because..." He loves and accepts you, period! When you know you are totally accepted in the beloved and see yourself through God's eyes, you step to a new song of joy and acceptance as you recall this simple but classic materpiece:
Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Jesus love me! He will stay close beside me all the way.
______________My Position in Christ_______________
Personalize these verses in your own words:
Psalms 27:10 _________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Jeremiah 31:3 _________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Father, through Your eyes I can see that I... __________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
I am secure because...I am accepted in the beloved.
"He hath made us accepted in the beloved [Jesus]." (Ephesians 1:6, KJV)
Many people have a recording in their minds that plays the same song over and over again. The title? "If Only." The air play? Top 10! Not just for weeks, but for years. The most distinguishing feature of this song is its brevity--only one line long. "If only______(you fill in the blank), then I might have pleased my dad." "If only I had been smarter in school...been better in sports...been my brother...been born first...not been born at all!"
We don't understand why this one line song continues to play after the passing of time. Yet if we were to listen to recordings of some of our earliest childhood experiences, we could see why we are emotionally stuck.
The child who hears, "You'll never amount to anything," won't feel worth much. The child who hears, "I wish you had never been born," becomes performance based throughout life, trying to prove his importance to everyone in order to gain acceptance. Perhaps the perceived "If it weren't for you, I'd be happy" theme is the most melancholy melody of all. It damages a child of any age.
Dr. Charles Stanley says that most of us value the acceptance of our parents more than the acceptance of any other individual. He cites businessmen in their 40s, 50s and even 60s who are still seeking their father's acceptance and approval even though their fathers are dead. The little boy inside still cries out, I've got to get my dad to accept me.
While we all make mistakes, in God's eyes you are no mistake. As a child of God, you are never unacceptable to Him. He says, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrew 13:5)
Jesus understands your innermost feelings when you've been rejected He personally experienced that same kind of rejection from His family. "He came to his own, and his own received him not" (John 1:11, KJV) Therefore, who can better empathize with your need for acceptance than your Lord!
His love and acceptance is not, "Because..." He loves and accepts you, period! When you know you are totally accepted in the beloved and see yourself through God's eyes, you step to a new song of joy and acceptance as you recall this simple but classic materpiece:
Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Jesus love me! He will stay close beside me all the way.
______________My Position in Christ_______________
Personalize these verses in your own words:
Psalms 27:10 _________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Jeremiah 31:3 _________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Father, through Your eyes I can see that I... __________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
I am secure because...I am accepted in the beloved.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes: I am called by name by God. (Daily Devotional)
DAY 4
"I have summoned you by name, you are mine." (Isaiah 43:1)
Have you ever arrived at an airport, train station or special event and found no one was there to welcome you...to call you by name? Have you ever rushed home with anxious anticipation to share exciting news, only to find an empty house and a deafening silence? In the depths of your being you have a need to feel that you are personally known, lovingly cared about and personally called by name.
Even though it had been several months since I had spoken and sung at a particular Christian retreat, the stinging comments from one significant person had produced acute pain. I was till smarting, as if from a bee sting! When you are stung by a bee, the sting catches you by surprise--the stinger remains, the swelling begins, the skin reddens and the area is sensitive to touch. My heart felt that same painful sensitivity as I planned to fly back to that location. Although mentally I had been preparing myself for the return, I still had a full-blown case of fear--fear that I would be hurt again.
A week prior to my departure, I mailed a note to someone who had been especially concerned about me during my time of hurt. I didn't ask her to pick me up, but I did include my flight schedule with the deep hope that she would read between the lines and be there upon my arrival.
As I deplaned, my eyes searched the airport waiting area for a familiar face. I wanted to hear a warm, "Hi, June!" but the silence from a swarming crowd echoed in my ears. Even though I had tried to prepare myself, my heart sank.
Starting toward the baggage area, I suddenly heard a voice...someone called out my name. Thank You, Lord, she was there! She had been on the observation deck long before the plane had arrived. And now she was calling me by name. Her calling said, "I care about you." Her words acted as a healing balm to soothe my sensitive heart.
When situations in your life begin to sting, don't assume God has forgotten you. He is still watching over you. As you see yourself through God's eyes, realize that your Lord is always there...He is intimately involved in your life....You are constantly on His mind. He says, "Fear not...I have [called] you by name; you are mine."
"He who counts the stars, and calls them by their names, is in no danger of forgetting His own children. He knows your case as thoroughly as if you were the only creature He ever made, or the only saint He ever loved." --Charles Hadden Spurgeon
____________My Position in Christ_______________
Personalize these verses in your own words:
Psalms 139:13-16 ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
John 10:3 __________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Father, through Your eyes I can see that I... _________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
I am secure because...I am called by name by God.
"I have summoned you by name, you are mine." (Isaiah 43:1)
Have you ever arrived at an airport, train station or special event and found no one was there to welcome you...to call you by name? Have you ever rushed home with anxious anticipation to share exciting news, only to find an empty house and a deafening silence? In the depths of your being you have a need to feel that you are personally known, lovingly cared about and personally called by name.
Even though it had been several months since I had spoken and sung at a particular Christian retreat, the stinging comments from one significant person had produced acute pain. I was till smarting, as if from a bee sting! When you are stung by a bee, the sting catches you by surprise--the stinger remains, the swelling begins, the skin reddens and the area is sensitive to touch. My heart felt that same painful sensitivity as I planned to fly back to that location. Although mentally I had been preparing myself for the return, I still had a full-blown case of fear--fear that I would be hurt again.
A week prior to my departure, I mailed a note to someone who had been especially concerned about me during my time of hurt. I didn't ask her to pick me up, but I did include my flight schedule with the deep hope that she would read between the lines and be there upon my arrival.
As I deplaned, my eyes searched the airport waiting area for a familiar face. I wanted to hear a warm, "Hi, June!" but the silence from a swarming crowd echoed in my ears. Even though I had tried to prepare myself, my heart sank.
Starting toward the baggage area, I suddenly heard a voice...someone called out my name. Thank You, Lord, she was there! She had been on the observation deck long before the plane had arrived. And now she was calling me by name. Her calling said, "I care about you." Her words acted as a healing balm to soothe my sensitive heart.
When situations in your life begin to sting, don't assume God has forgotten you. He is still watching over you. As you see yourself through God's eyes, realize that your Lord is always there...He is intimately involved in your life....You are constantly on His mind. He says, "Fear not...I have [called] you by name; you are mine."
"He who counts the stars, and calls them by their names, is in no danger of forgetting His own children. He knows your case as thoroughly as if you were the only creature He ever made, or the only saint He ever loved." --Charles Hadden Spurgeon
____________My Position in Christ_______________
Personalize these verses in your own words:
Psalms 139:13-16 ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
John 10:3 __________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Father, through Your eyes I can see that I... _________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
I am secure because...I am called by name by God.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes: I am precious to God (Daily Devotional)
Day 3
"You are precious and honored in my sight, and...I love you." (Isaiah 43:4)
Does anyone care? Do I make a difference in anyone's life? Do I matter at all? When the answers seem bleak, it's important to realize that although few have escaped the painful rocks of rejection, a shipwrecked soul is not at the heart of God's plan for any child of His. When trials seem unending, when heartaches are hitting wave upon wave, if only we could remember, "This too will pass." He says, "You are precious and honored in my sight."
Do you feel precious to God? Do you consider yourself cherished? Even when you feel you are not, you truly are. Though you've been drenched with defeat, God's love is like the endless tide. Your compassionate Savior wants you to "...know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4).
One of life's most beautiful and costly wonders is born out of pain and irritation--the pearl. When a piece of sand slips through the opening of the oyster's shell, it immediately begins to rub against the soft tissue to produce a hard substance. That hard substance eventually develops into one of the world's exquisite gems--a lovely, luminous pearl. In fact, the greater the irritation the more valuable the pearl!
Perhaps a "grain of sand" or an excruciating trial is causing you painful irritation right now. Know that God has not abandoned you. He has a purpose in allowing trials to invade your life. God's plan for you is a perfect plan--to produce a pearl of great value. Even in the midst of the strom, you are safe. Your Savior will keep you safe from the storm's destruction.
"We are safer in the storm God sends us, than in a calm when we are befriended by the world."--Jeremy Taylor
Because of the trials you suffer, God can produce in you a quality that could not be cultivated in any other way. As you see yourself through God's eyes, know that you are of great value to Him and that He desires the very best for you. He says, "You are precious and honored in My sight, and...I love you."
Personalize these verses in your own words:
Isaiah 43:2 _________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Jeremiah 29:11 ______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Father, through Your eyes I can see that I... ________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
I am secure because...I am precious in the sight of God.
"You are precious and honored in my sight, and...I love you." (Isaiah 43:4)
Does anyone care? Do I make a difference in anyone's life? Do I matter at all? When the answers seem bleak, it's important to realize that although few have escaped the painful rocks of rejection, a shipwrecked soul is not at the heart of God's plan for any child of His. When trials seem unending, when heartaches are hitting wave upon wave, if only we could remember, "This too will pass." He says, "You are precious and honored in my sight."
Do you feel precious to God? Do you consider yourself cherished? Even when you feel you are not, you truly are. Though you've been drenched with defeat, God's love is like the endless tide. Your compassionate Savior wants you to "...know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4).
One of life's most beautiful and costly wonders is born out of pain and irritation--the pearl. When a piece of sand slips through the opening of the oyster's shell, it immediately begins to rub against the soft tissue to produce a hard substance. That hard substance eventually develops into one of the world's exquisite gems--a lovely, luminous pearl. In fact, the greater the irritation the more valuable the pearl!
Perhaps a "grain of sand" or an excruciating trial is causing you painful irritation right now. Know that God has not abandoned you. He has a purpose in allowing trials to invade your life. God's plan for you is a perfect plan--to produce a pearl of great value. Even in the midst of the strom, you are safe. Your Savior will keep you safe from the storm's destruction.
"We are safer in the storm God sends us, than in a calm when we are befriended by the world."--Jeremy Taylor
Because of the trials you suffer, God can produce in you a quality that could not be cultivated in any other way. As you see yourself through God's eyes, know that you are of great value to Him and that He desires the very best for you. He says, "You are precious and honored in My sight, and...I love you."
Personalize these verses in your own words:
Isaiah 43:2 _________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Jeremiah 29:11 ______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Father, through Your eyes I can see that I... ________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
I am secure because...I am precious in the sight of God.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes: I am a child of God,(Daily Devotional)
Day 2
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (I John 3:1)
What a tender scene...Jesus with the children! His disciples felt they were a nuisance, yet Jesus recognized their needs and welcomed their nearness. "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14).
Perhaps you experienced an unhappy childhood and grew up in a situation where you felt unloved. Such as experience can profoundly affect you life---even as an adult---and can result in a long, continuing search for love and acceptance.
Perhaps you've felt like a nuisance... unwanted and unwelcomed. It is no small matter that your heavenly Father calls you His child---a loving term of endearment. Dear child of God, you are loved, you are wanted and you do belong. The very "longing to belong" is put there by God Himself. He is moving to create a desire in your heart to know Him as your loving Father.
You may have heard the phrase, "Everyone is a child of God." While that sounds warm and wonderful, it is simply not true! According to John 1:12, "To all who received him [Jesus Christ], to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
While the Bible teaches that everyone on earth is a creation of God, only those who receive Jesus as Lord and Savior become authentic children of God.
If a child you had never seen strolled into your house, headed for the refrigerator, made a sandwich and plopped down on the sofa, what would you do? How long would you permit this intruder to be comfortable in your home? Not long!
Yet, if your own child walked in, headed for the refrigerator, made a sandwich and so forth...you probably wouldn't think much about it. Since the child belongs there, he has the right to be comfortable at home. As a part of your family, he has family privileges.
The same is true for you as a child of God. You are part of His family. He delights to provide for your needs, and as His child, you can look to Him to meet your needs. You can come into His presence at anytime. Seeing yourself through God's eyes, you are welcomed, you are wanted.
You are "at home" in God's family.
_____________My position in Christ____________
Personalize these verses in your own words:
Romans 8:16 __________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Ephesians 2:19 _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Father, through Your eyes I can see that I ... __________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
I am secure because...I am a child of God.
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (I John 3:1)
What a tender scene...Jesus with the children! His disciples felt they were a nuisance, yet Jesus recognized their needs and welcomed their nearness. "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14).
Perhaps you experienced an unhappy childhood and grew up in a situation where you felt unloved. Such as experience can profoundly affect you life---even as an adult---and can result in a long, continuing search for love and acceptance.
Perhaps you've felt like a nuisance... unwanted and unwelcomed. It is no small matter that your heavenly Father calls you His child---a loving term of endearment. Dear child of God, you are loved, you are wanted and you do belong. The very "longing to belong" is put there by God Himself. He is moving to create a desire in your heart to know Him as your loving Father.
You may have heard the phrase, "Everyone is a child of God." While that sounds warm and wonderful, it is simply not true! According to John 1:12, "To all who received him [Jesus Christ], to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
While the Bible teaches that everyone on earth is a creation of God, only those who receive Jesus as Lord and Savior become authentic children of God.
If a child you had never seen strolled into your house, headed for the refrigerator, made a sandwich and plopped down on the sofa, what would you do? How long would you permit this intruder to be comfortable in your home? Not long!
Yet, if your own child walked in, headed for the refrigerator, made a sandwich and so forth...you probably wouldn't think much about it. Since the child belongs there, he has the right to be comfortable at home. As a part of your family, he has family privileges.
The same is true for you as a child of God. You are part of His family. He delights to provide for your needs, and as His child, you can look to Him to meet your needs. You can come into His presence at anytime. Seeing yourself through God's eyes, you are welcomed, you are wanted.
You are "at home" in God's family.
_____________My position in Christ____________
Personalize these verses in your own words:
Romans 8:16 __________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Ephesians 2:19 _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Father, through Your eyes I can see that I ... __________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
I am secure because...I am a child of God.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes: I am adopted by God (Daily Devotional Guide)
Day 1
"He predestined us to be adopted." (Ephesians 1:5)
Oh, to be secure! Everyone wants it; everyone longs for it. Why? Perhaps security has added significance because we all know the feeling of having the proverbial "rug pulled out from under us" by someone we've trusted. At one time, we had a home in that heart, yet the feeling of rejection sent us into feeling emotionally abandoned.
Is there a place you can call "home" and not question its future? A place of emotional security? Consider what your heavenly Father has said: "I have adopted you."
Even though God already has a Son. He choose to adopt you. God does not have to adopt you; He wants you! You are His child...He is your loving Father.
Thomas Watson expressed it this way: "Since God has a Son of His own, and such a Son, how wonderful God's love in adopting us! We needed a Father, but He did not need sons."
If you have not had a meaningful relationship with your earthly father, it may be hard for you to fully comprehend a caring, loving heavenly Father. Unlike some earthly fathers, God is always available to you. He will neither leave you nor forsake you--He is with you all the time. He desires to be intimately involved in every aspect of your life. By adopting you, He has chosen you to have full privilege of being His own.
Many similarities can be seen between God's adoption of us and the legal adoption of a child. An adopted child is not inferior to any other child in the family. An adopted child carries the family name, and his inheritance is secure because he, too, is a legal heir.
However, there is one difference. The legally adopted child will not receive the same nature as his newly adoptive parents, who have different biological genes and characteristics. Yet, in God's adoption, the child always receives a new nature--the nature of his heavenly Father.
History tells us that when the New Testament was written, it was understood that an adoption would never be revoked. Do you realize what that means in light of your relationship with God? Once you are selected, you can never be rejected. You will never be emotionally abandoned. You will always have a home in God's heart. Seeing yourself through God's eyes, you are His child forever.
_________My Position in Christ_________
Personalize these verses in your own words:
Romans 8:15 ______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Galatians 4:5-7 ____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Father, through Your eyes I can see that I... ______________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
I am secure because...I am adopted by God.
"He predestined us to be adopted." (Ephesians 1:5)
Oh, to be secure! Everyone wants it; everyone longs for it. Why? Perhaps security has added significance because we all know the feeling of having the proverbial "rug pulled out from under us" by someone we've trusted. At one time, we had a home in that heart, yet the feeling of rejection sent us into feeling emotionally abandoned.
Is there a place you can call "home" and not question its future? A place of emotional security? Consider what your heavenly Father has said: "I have adopted you."
Even though God already has a Son. He choose to adopt you. God does not have to adopt you; He wants you! You are His child...He is your loving Father.
Thomas Watson expressed it this way: "Since God has a Son of His own, and such a Son, how wonderful God's love in adopting us! We needed a Father, but He did not need sons."
If you have not had a meaningful relationship with your earthly father, it may be hard for you to fully comprehend a caring, loving heavenly Father. Unlike some earthly fathers, God is always available to you. He will neither leave you nor forsake you--He is with you all the time. He desires to be intimately involved in every aspect of your life. By adopting you, He has chosen you to have full privilege of being His own.
Many similarities can be seen between God's adoption of us and the legal adoption of a child. An adopted child is not inferior to any other child in the family. An adopted child carries the family name, and his inheritance is secure because he, too, is a legal heir.
However, there is one difference. The legally adopted child will not receive the same nature as his newly adoptive parents, who have different biological genes and characteristics. Yet, in God's adoption, the child always receives a new nature--the nature of his heavenly Father.
History tells us that when the New Testament was written, it was understood that an adoption would never be revoked. Do you realize what that means in light of your relationship with God? Once you are selected, you can never be rejected. You will never be emotionally abandoned. You will always have a home in God's heart. Seeing yourself through God's eyes, you are His child forever.
_________My Position in Christ_________
Personalize these verses in your own words:
Romans 8:15 ______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Galatians 4:5-7 ____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Father, through Your eyes I can see that I... ______________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
I am secure because...I am adopted by God.
Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes: Discovering How God Sees You (Daily Devotional)
"If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will...find the knowledge of God." (Proverbs 2:3-5)
You are about to unearth the most priceless of all hidden treasures. To begin this great discovery, all you need is a pen and your favorite Bible translation. As you bring to the surface the truths of each daily devotion, you will see God's perspective of you from His Word.
Research has shown that it takes three weeks to form a habit; therefore, as you end this study, you should be in a precious pattern of seeing yourself through God's eyes. The following six steps will be used by the Spirit of God to bring to light that which may be currently hidden from view:
An Example
Day 32
Isaiah 49:15 No matter who rejects me, the Lord will never forget me. No matter who is cold toward me, the Lord has compassion for me, even greater than a mother for her child.
Lamentations 3:22-23 God not only loves me, He also has compassion for me. I don't need to be overcome by my trials because God will always love me and be faithful to me.
Father, through Your eyes I can see that I... will never be without Your love and compassion. I shouldn't base how I feel about myself on how I am being treated by others. Thank You that Your compassion will never fail me.
I am loved because...I have the unfailing compassion of Christ.
_________________Introduction___________________________
You are about to unearth the most priceless of all hidden treasures. To begin this great discovery, all you need is a pen and your favorite Bible translation. As you bring to the surface the truths of each daily devotion, you will see God's perspective of you from His Word.
Research has shown that it takes three weeks to form a habit; therefore, as you end this study, you should be in a precious pattern of seeing yourself through God's eyes. The following six steps will be used by the Spirit of God to bring to light that which may be currently hidden from view:
- Begin each day asking God to reveal your worth...simply because you are His child.
- Concentrate on the initial statement concerning you and on the corresponding Scripture.
- Read the practical commentary along with the prayer that the Lord's heavenly view of you would penetrate your heart.
- Look up the additional Scripture references from your favorite translation. Then personalize and paraphrase them, putting them into your own words.
- Write a personal prayer completing the phrase---Father, through Your eyes I can see that I...
- Repeat the printed truth at the bottom of the page. With a grateful heart, acknowledge that indeed God does see you as worthy of confidence and secure in value.
An Example
Day 32
I am given the compassion of Christ.
Personalize these verses in your own words.
Isaiah 49:15 No matter who rejects me, the Lord will never forget me. No matter who is cold toward me, the Lord has compassion for me, even greater than a mother for her child.
Lamentations 3:22-23 God not only loves me, He also has compassion for me. I don't need to be overcome by my trials because God will always love me and be faithful to me.
Father, through Your eyes I can see that I... will never be without Your love and compassion. I shouldn't base how I feel about myself on how I am being treated by others. Thank You that Your compassion will never fail me.
I am loved because...I have the unfailing compassion of Christ.
_________________Introduction___________________________
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes: What is Your Identity?
Every Person born into this world has had difficulty with identity at some time or another. All of us have struggled with our self-image. Many people spend a lifetime manipulating acceptance and attention from others, thinking that they are building an indestructible tower of self-worth. Yet brick by brick, others fail us, and expectations falter. Meanwhile, they miss the vision God truly has of them and the immense value He places on them. However, the steps, we need to have a knowledge of what is meant by IDENTITY.
Have you ever asked, Who am I? Where am I going? Do you feel you have little purpose or worth? How essential it is for you to arrive at an accurate conclusion to these questions in order to experience the fullest meaning and purpose for your life!
Realize that your IDENTITY ultimately determines your worth and your destination. In a very sense, if I were to enter a bank, step up to a teller and say, "May I have $100?" the teller would ask for my name and account number. If I could not provide this information and I continued to request money, I would receive nothing but directions to the front door! However, knowing there are resources in my name, regardless of who placed them there, as long as I provide the teller with my name and account number, I can quickly receive the cash requested. My identity definitely determines my worth and my ability to draw upon that reserve.
Where am I going? How can you answer this question? Some time ago I was flying from Atlanta to Dallas. I arrived at the airport with time to spare before the final boarding call. I made a quick phone call to my mom, using the extra time I thought I had. When I began to board, I was told they had started assigning seats for standby passengers and that I was to check in at the main desk. There was the possibility my seat may have been given to someone else! My heart raced as I approached the agent at the desk and handed him my ticket. Would I be allowed to get home? A silent eternity passed as he scanned a computer screen for the official flight passenger list. He checked for my name, saw it and said with a smile, "Yes, you are on this flight. You may board the plane." You see, my identity was directly linked to the destination of that plane.
Much more critical is our identity it terms of ultimate worth and eternal destination There are two different "identities" or "families" for all human beings. There are those who are in Adam and those who are in Christ. "For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive" (Corinthians 15:21-22). The question is: to which of these two families do you belong? Your personal identification with one of these families will determine your characteristics and your inheritance.
Our physiological characteristics are determined by our biological families. When I was a freshman in college, my roommate was Josephine Eng from Hong Kong. She had straight black hair, dark brown eyes, a dark complexion, flatten features and a small frame. I had curly blond hair, green eyes, fair complexion, angular features and a large frame. As much as I appreciated Josephine, I could never possess her characteristics. Simply put, I couldn't have Eng characteristics unless I had been born into the Eng family. Likewise, when we were born into the "Adam" family, we inherited characteristics from his family line.
Since Adam made the choice in the Garden of Eden not to obey God, he and all his descendants are identified with sin. This heart of independence is basic nature that we have all inherited. Psalm 51:5 says, "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me." Consequently, our natural inclination is to sin because we are born into Adam's family.
However, since God made it possible for us to change families, we are enabled to have a new identity...a new nature! You can be adopted into a family of Christ and become "a child of God." You lose your identity in Adam and receive your identity in Christ. You now have new characteristics. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Your old natural sin nature is supernaturally changed for a new divine nature. A consequence of this new identity is a new worth based on the abundant resources placed into your personal account. A second consequence is a new destination throughout eternity where you will forever be secure in the presence of God.
Precious one, how God desires that you receive all that He provides! The struggle with low self-worth can actually be replaced with godly self-worth when you are in Christ. But in order for you to have the characteristic of Christ, you must be in a different family. Has that change become a reality for you? If not, on the authority of the Word of God you can become a child of God. John 1:12 says, "To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
If you desire this new relationship with God through Christ, you may pray this prayer:
Have you ever asked, Who am I? Where am I going? Do you feel you have little purpose or worth? How essential it is for you to arrive at an accurate conclusion to these questions in order to experience the fullest meaning and purpose for your life!
Realize that your IDENTITY ultimately determines your worth and your destination. In a very sense, if I were to enter a bank, step up to a teller and say, "May I have $100?" the teller would ask for my name and account number. If I could not provide this information and I continued to request money, I would receive nothing but directions to the front door! However, knowing there are resources in my name, regardless of who placed them there, as long as I provide the teller with my name and account number, I can quickly receive the cash requested. My identity definitely determines my worth and my ability to draw upon that reserve.
Where am I going? How can you answer this question? Some time ago I was flying from Atlanta to Dallas. I arrived at the airport with time to spare before the final boarding call. I made a quick phone call to my mom, using the extra time I thought I had. When I began to board, I was told they had started assigning seats for standby passengers and that I was to check in at the main desk. There was the possibility my seat may have been given to someone else! My heart raced as I approached the agent at the desk and handed him my ticket. Would I be allowed to get home? A silent eternity passed as he scanned a computer screen for the official flight passenger list. He checked for my name, saw it and said with a smile, "Yes, you are on this flight. You may board the plane." You see, my identity was directly linked to the destination of that plane.
Much more critical is our identity it terms of ultimate worth and eternal destination There are two different "identities" or "families" for all human beings. There are those who are in Adam and those who are in Christ. "For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive" (Corinthians 15:21-22). The question is: to which of these two families do you belong? Your personal identification with one of these families will determine your characteristics and your inheritance.
Our physiological characteristics are determined by our biological families. When I was a freshman in college, my roommate was Josephine Eng from Hong Kong. She had straight black hair, dark brown eyes, a dark complexion, flatten features and a small frame. I had curly blond hair, green eyes, fair complexion, angular features and a large frame. As much as I appreciated Josephine, I could never possess her characteristics. Simply put, I couldn't have Eng characteristics unless I had been born into the Eng family. Likewise, when we were born into the "Adam" family, we inherited characteristics from his family line.
Since Adam made the choice in the Garden of Eden not to obey God, he and all his descendants are identified with sin. This heart of independence is basic nature that we have all inherited. Psalm 51:5 says, "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me." Consequently, our natural inclination is to sin because we are born into Adam's family.
However, since God made it possible for us to change families, we are enabled to have a new identity...a new nature! You can be adopted into a family of Christ and become "a child of God." You lose your identity in Adam and receive your identity in Christ. You now have new characteristics. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Your old natural sin nature is supernaturally changed for a new divine nature. A consequence of this new identity is a new worth based on the abundant resources placed into your personal account. A second consequence is a new destination throughout eternity where you will forever be secure in the presence of God.
Precious one, how God desires that you receive all that He provides! The struggle with low self-worth can actually be replaced with godly self-worth when you are in Christ. But in order for you to have the characteristic of Christ, you must be in a different family. Has that change become a reality for you? If not, on the authority of the Word of God you can become a child of God. John 1:12 says, "To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
If you desire this new relationship with God through Christ, you may pray this prayer:
Lord, I admit that many times I have chosen wrong. I know I've sinned, and I'm asking You to forgive me for my sins. I now want to become a child of God. I'm asking that Jesus Christ come into my life to be my Savior and Lord. I yield my will to His will. And I thank You for whatever He wants to make of me. In Christ's name I pray. Amen
In fullest humility, you can thank God for His heart's desire to move you into a new family--His family. How extraordinary--every child of God genuinely has a new worth, a new destination and a new identity! Now...begin to see yourself through God's eyes!
Your New Life in Christ
"For as in Adam all die...
In Adam
Old creature 2 Corinthians 5:17
Unrepentant heart Romans 2:5
Slave to sin Romans 6:6
Death Romans 6:23
Powerless Romans 5:6
Enemies of God Romans 5:10
Condemned Romans 5:6
Slave Galatians 4:7
Slave to impurity Romans 6:19
Poverty 2 Corinthians 8:9
Accused Colossians 1:22
Under law Romans 6:14
Under judgment Romans 5:16
Under judgment Romans 5:16
Under a curse Galatians 3:13
Under wrath Ephesians 2:3
In darkness Ephesians 5:8
...so in Christ all will be made alive."
In Christ
New creature 2 Corinthians 5:17
New heart Ezekiel 36:26
Free from sin Romans 6:7
Life Romans 6:22
Strength Philippians 4:13
Reconciled to God Romans 5:10
No condemnation Romans 8:1
Son Galatians 4:7
Slave to righteousness Romans 6:19
Riches 2 Corinthians 8:9
Blameless Colossians 1:22
Under grace Romans 6:14
Justified Romans 5:16
Redeemed from curse Galatians 3:13
Free from wrath Romans 5:9
In the light Ephesians 5:8
"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plan to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Author June Hunt
Author June Hunt
Check out 'Hope For The Heart's' website, for more information.
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