Word for the day "Learn to accept yourself"
Psalm 139:14 (KJV) I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
We must learn the balance of appreciating others while also staying true to ourselves.
If we are not careful we can go about life with a false sense of unafraid confidence and self-assurance.However, if the truth is revealed most of us wish we were different somehow. Many times we can embrace others more highly than we accept ourselves.Although it's honorable to admire the special gifts in others, often this desire to be like someone else is actually a form of low self-esteem or nonacceptance of yourself.We must learn to accept ourselves as God has made us.Before you can truly accept yourself, you also need to see the truth about yourself, recognizing both the gifts and the limitations that God's given you.If you don't, you will constantly struggle to be someone you're not. I don’t believe God intended us to live this way.
Always remember you are uniquely made by God for God.
On a more practical level, God has fearfully and wonderfully made us, setting us apart as the brightest, clearest mirror of God’s creativity.Each of us are unique and special, embraced and accepted by God himself even though not one of us are perfect.Spiritual renewal cannot begin until you're willing to accept yourself as God made you. Once you accept the truth about yourself your focus can change, and you can bring great glory to God himself.
Fearfully and wonderfully made is the Heart of the matter.
In many cultures, the heart is seen as the center of the emotions.The human heart is fearfully and wonderfully made enabling us to love and experience God intimately.The heart reveals our personality, thoughts, memories, emotions, desires, and will of God (Luke 6:45).Our hearts not only think, feel, and remember, but also choose every course of action.Our decisions should reflect the integrity of the heart with a heart that is discerning.When we live an upright and honorable life, God fills our hearts with joy (Psalm 97:11). The Lord, after all, is the one who made you, and made you for His ultimate glory!!
Point to ponder
So the next time you look in the mirror, see yourself as God does, “fearfully and wonderfully made” designed to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of July 2018 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. David Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Mr. and Mrs. Carl and Marguerite Williams, Mrs. Denise Johnson, Mrs. Cynthia Waiters-Artis, and Ms. Gertrude Scott. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you, Great people.Thank you for using the Word Cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you, Great people.We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the link below to give as the Lord leads.Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!Kingdom Blessings,Pastor James Baker, Jr.