Word for the day "Just take Responsibility!"
Zephaniah 3 (NKJV) Woe to her who is rebellious and polluted, To the oppressing city! 2 She has not obeyed His voice, She has not received correction; She has not trusted in the Lord, She has not drawn near to her God.
A responsible person makes mistakes, but when they do, they take responsibility and make it right.
When you recognize the truth and accept responsibility for your life, you can feel overwhelmed and have feelings of regret.You may regret your irresponsibility and sense of wasting your life away. Today’s devotion the prophet Zephaniah calls out the people of God on their irresponsible relationship with the Lord.The prophet Zephaniah confronted the idol worship and self-center living of the nation of Judah. Their greatest mistake is one we can often experience in our lives.When we should trust and wait on the Lord, but in our frustration and self-sufficiency instead do our own thing!Today’s reading and the book of Zephaniah highlights to us how many of our troubles are a direct consequence of our irresponsibility.The nation of Judah was irresponsible in her relationship with God. They worshiped false gods and ignored God's mandates, which were intended for their own good.Yet Zephaniah made it clear that their irresponsibility would bring on their lives, life-changing consequences.
When we confront or have people in our lives that help us confront our irresponsibility, we can experience a restored life.
With the help of Zephaniah and King Josiah, the people confessed their sins, took responsibility for their lives, and turned back to God.As a result, they received substantial healing and restoration. When you are irresponsible in your relationship with God and others, your situation will grow progressively worse.At the end of the day, if we are not able to confront our own shortcomings, we need people in our lives that represent and challenge us to advance in confronting the issues in our lives.Taking responsibility means acknowledging both your weaknesses and strengths. It means acknowledging all that is wonderful and not wonderful about you.A responsible person does not dismiss their own achievements or non-achievements. A responsible person knows their positive and negative qualities.A responsible person continues to grow emotionally and spiritually concurrently.
The steps needed to take personal responsibility for your life may not be easy, but its necessary.
We must learn the grace of being accountable. If your children are active, your partner unreasonable, your coworker unbearable, you are always responsible for how you respond.Your behavior is under your control. When we learn and resist blaming others for our lack of personal development we are on our way.When you stop pointing the finger and embrace, you have control over yourself. Just because the other person is acting a fool, don’t be one yourself.Yes, I know its easier said than done, but we have to get it done for our own personal development.The process of your spiritual restoration may start out painfully. When you confess the truth about yourself, it hurts.But as you begin to see the truth, speak the truth, and accept responsibility for your life, you'll discover the great relief and hope that God offers.Our God is amazing and only wants the best for you and yours. The provocative question is what do you want for your own life? Your answer will determine your next steps in your journey.
Point to ponder
Thinking too much about our own problems, worrying endlessly about the future, regretting the past, and feeling sorry for ourselves can lead to indulgent self-victimization practices.It’s exhausting. However, taking time to really know what makes you flow, in a gentle, reflective way is the beginning of self-love and personal responsibility.
Special thanks!
Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of August 2018 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. David Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Ms. Theresa Lewis, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!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.Kingdom Blessings,Pastor James Baker, Jr.