Showing posts with label anxiety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anxiety. Show all posts

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Peace - God's Treasure You Already Possess

Imagine walking into a frozen forest of dense trees. You are cold and lost. You do not know where to go and are dressed inadequately suddenly you realize there is a pile of gold that seems to be glowing beside you. Then you realize in your pocket there already was some of the gold. It produces a heat that warms you when you focus on it. God gives you the revelation that the gold is actually the peace of God. You realize you have a choice, you can focus on the forest where your circumstances are unknown and be truly afraid or you can focus on the fact that no matter your circumstance in life you carry the gold -- the peace of God. Which would you choose?

The above is a vision God just gave to me. Can you choose to focus on that peace with me? What would your life be like if you focused on that gold in your pocket -- allowing the warmth of God to fill you with a sense of peace, of purpose, of life? Life gets hard and we can get easily distracted into the present and try to solve all of the problems, yet, God wants to carry these problems and have us truly feel His peace in all circumstances.

Which do you choose today?

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Fear Makes You Dumb

Fear. It is so prevalent in so many people's narratives. Fear of failure. Fear of punishment. Fear of rejection. 
Did you know when you are in a state of fear, you are not able to think creatively or freely?
Many focus their lives in fear of the future - which can be seen in their continuous worries. 
Fear makes us dumb. We can't think clearly. We run around in circles, accomplishing little.
We have talked before about holding thoughts captive. Can you start paying attention to your thoughts? Are they helping you or hurting you? If it is a thought based in fear/worry/condemnation then I encourage you to, literally, throw it away (I teach the kids to symbolically pull the "brain trash" thoughts out of their head and throw them away).
Then, you need to replace your thought with a completely different thought. The opposite of fear is peace, confidence, and faith/trust. Can you move into that line of thinking instead?
Fear really took so much from me. It had such a stronghold over me. I didn't know I could ditch it. It really impacted every area of my life and made me feel sick.
You are worth the effort to get out of the pattern of fear. Can you become aware of your thoughts? Remember
“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” John 14:27 

#renewyourmind #letitgo

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Boundaries - Raise the Limit of Your Value by Creating Them

Proverbs 25:28 - Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.
"Boundaries communicate value for what is inside those boundaries.If you have several junk cars out in a field, it is called an eyesore. If you put a fence around your yard, now you have a wrecking yard. If you put a building around those cars, then you have a garage. With each increase of limits, you raise the value of what is inside.You raise the value of what you require before you allow access, you increase the value of what you have. To all who are near, we send a clear message of value about the level of value we have for ourselves by the way we establish boundaries." (Culture of Honor, Danny Silk).
What do the boundaries look like in your life?It is extremely important to draw boundaries around all areas of your life - at work, at home, and in relationships. You have such great value to God.
Several years ago I had a friend who was extremely needy. It drew a lot of energy from me to help her. I was helping her financially and emotionally. I had to draw boundaries with her and move her to an outer circle because I was giving everything I could, but was receiving nothing in return. Likewise, she wanted to discuss her issues, but never took my advice and seemed to want to stay stuck. I had to draw some boundaries and change the level of our friendship.
Is it unbiblical or ungodly to move people out or create boundaries? It is not. We are of great value to God. Do you currently have someone in your life who is toxic? Someone who is always negative or critical of you? What boundaries could you draw to step out of this person's sphere of influence? Can you draw boundaries with this person -- even if he/she is a family member?
What about in other environments? What is currently causing you stress? What can you shift to decrease this stress?
Remember you are so important to God! Your energy, your time, and your love - they are all precious commodities. Use them well.

Monday, November 28, 2016

Don't Let Your Do Define Your Who

What is the lens you see life through? Have you ever had anxiety or felt depressed? Life through this type of lens affects everything. If someone at work says hello, the anxiety lens might overanalyze the body language/tone of voice reading into the action something that was never there. Whereas, when one is chronically depressed if someone makes a positive comment, through the lens of depression one might doubt the sincerity of the compliment or even negate the words by saying something like, "Well, you have never seen me when I wake up in the morning."
This filter also directly affects what you think God thinks about you. Is your relationship with the father are you bound by this lens or are you free to run and able to truly hear/believe what He says about you?
In addition, society tells us success is based in performance -- that your worth is seen by what you do. But, don't let your do define your who.
The truth is what we do doesn’t affect the fact that we are God’s children and that He absolutely loves us with an everlasting love. The father is your biggest fan no matter your works.
So, take a minute and ask God if you are looking at Him through some sort of lens. He sees you-- it's about time you really see Him and understand how deep his love is for you!


Tuesday, November 15, 2016

How to REALLY Trust God...

I was just praying and felt very convicted. I have been worrying about something. God has told me He's got this.
Why do our hearts get so troubled? God wants us to truly rest and let Him take whatever ails us.
I know this in my head, but how can I really DO this?
1. Let go of ALL fear - you may need to work on holding ANY thought captive that resembles fear or worry. For me, I sometimes get into a pattern of worry. Not okay to worry at all. Drop the fear and trust.
2. Rest - rest in the midst of your trouble. What does this look like? What is your pattern when you are troubled? Do you relentless search the internet for answers? Do you call multiple friends and tell them about your concerns? Do you get very busy or frantically clean (one of my neighbors used to do that when her heart was troubled). What would it look like to rest - really rest? Trust.
3. Stop being stubborn. Has God told you the way to solve the problem and you refuse to take the next step. Are you arguing with God about the next step? What if falling into His arms and truly trusting Him is the answer?
4. Stop trying to solve the problem at all. I often look for solutions and ask for many people's opinions. God has told me to STOP completely. There is no peace when one is running around trying to find the answer.

What about you? Is there a problem in your life that you feel fear or worry about? What does God want you to know about the situation? Can you give it to him, really relinquishing it, and simply trust?

Monday, October 12, 2015

Fear Feeds Fear

Have you ever noticed if you begin to focus on a fear or a worry, it seems to grow? Satan feeds our fears. We have a choice if we want to believe them or firmly put a stop to them. Where does God weigh in on the subject of fear?

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:7

If you are feeling fearful, stop and breathe. Center yourself through prayer. Know that fear is NEVER from God. Rather God has given us power, love, calm, a well-balanced mind, and self-control. 

Spend some time with God and ask Him what you are truly afraid of. Then, ask God to show you what he wants you to know about these fears. [Not sure if you know how to hear God's voice? Click here].

Fear does nothing good and seems to lead me away from God. God is always telling me to trust. If I get stuck thinking about a fear/worry over and over again, God's peace seems further away. But, this is not the way it has to be. I have found what works for me to stop whatever I am doing and spend just a few minutes centering in on God and releasing the worry to Him. I actually visualize myself handing him the problem and just dropping it into His capable hands. 

Then I, literally, hold out my right hand and imagine taking hold of His. "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13. It is true, God is here to be our ever-present help, the great counselor, and loving father. I repeat to myself, "Do NOT fear." For I feel, this is a command of peace from God. He encourages me to let Him handle the worry and to rest in His peace. 

If the fear comes back, I hold it captive and repeat the process above. With stubborn fears, you may have to do this several times. Also, I feel worrying is a bad habit. Therefore, with any habit there will be a learning curve as you break through the pattern and then it is finally gone.


Thursday, December 04, 2014

Take Risks, God's Got Your Back

God has really been teaching me recently to let go of fear-based mindsets. These mindsets or thoughts are NEVER from God and ALWAYS keep us from what God has for us.

Just take a moment and think about the things you have said or thought about that you could never do. What are they? What are the areas you feel completely afraid of in your life? What are circumstances, people, events you purposely avoid? Chances are this is actually an area where God really wants to move things for you and it is the old, yucky mindsets that are getting in the way of breaking truly free.

So, you have a choice. You can stay exactly where you are, doing the things you always do, being the same you have always been OR you can choose to challenge the fear and face it.

Begin by getting a notebook and a pen.
Now be still before God.
Ask God to show you areas in your life where you are allowing a fear mindset to rule.
Write down what God says to you or shows you.
Now ask God to give you strategies to move beyond the fear.

Take a risk. With the help of God you can move past ANY fear mindset. Your life is to be powerful, full of strength and glory - not fear keeping you from helping others know about God, isolating you, or keeping you stuck in a rut of self-pity. You are God's treasure and He has big plans for you - which definitely do not involve fear or anxiety. Step into a different path and breathe the air of freedom.

GOD HAS GOT YOUR BACK!

Wednesday, September 03, 2014

Girded by Truth

Last night I was reading Stormie Omartian's The 7-Day Prayer Warrior Experience. 
This free kindle book is quite excellent!
How often have I read something in the Bible and thought, "Well, I don't quite get that, but it sounds good." That is the way I have always felt about the Armor of God passage in Ephesians 6:10-18 [see whole passage at bottom of this entry].
I can certainly rattle off each piece of armor and have even pantomimed putting on armor (as Hank Hennegraff had suggested). However, I didn't really 'get' it.
Stormie, somehow, made it quite clear to me.
For instance, the first piece of armor is the Belt of Truth. I had always thought this just meant God's word, but Stormie describes it as simply God's truth which strengthens us at our core. The word 'core' really got me thinking about all of the exercises we do in Jazzercise to strengthen our core. Likewise, I can strengthen my inner spiritual core by knowing and agreeing with God's truth and promises. Wow! What an easy way of thinking about it. For some reason, this idea is so much more tangible to me. We know that the enemy tries to confuse us or get us off track by focusing on lies - this, in turn, causes anxiety or fear. Therefore, we must put on the first layer of our our armor by remembering who God says we are and what we are in Him.

Prayer: Dearest God, Help me to strengthen my inner core. Keep my focus on your truth and help me to hold every thought captive that is deceptive and not from you. Teach me how to experience your truth every moment of my day. Amen.

Ephesians 6:10-18New International Version (NIV)

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Thursday, May 01, 2014

Should I Raise my Hands During Worship? What Will the Person Next to me Think?

You have attended church. You know the routine. Begin with a few songs, maybe clap a little if others are clapping. Or if you are really bold raise one hand above your head so everyone will know you are worshipping. Do this for 20 minutes and then time for the sermon.

Sound familiar? Well, that was the way I felt every time I went to pretty much any church when I traveled around.

There was very much an atmosphere of wanting to seem "spiritual" but not too weird or out-there.
In this mind frame, there might be one song that spoke very quietly to my spirit and made me tear up, but most often I was very aware of the present world and not the heavenly realm.

Could this be what worship is about? Is this the way God wants me to sing to Him?

What if this mindset makes one miss the point completely of worshipping God?

For me, the key was a few important components to unlocking my worship:

1. Worship with eyes closed and imagine all others are blindfolded.
2. If you see yourself doing something in the spirit (like I might see myself moving my arms in a circle above my head) then do it. By being obedient to God you could unleash something from God or be a channel He is needing to use.
3. Know that there is no "right way" to worship. When I let myself go and really just move for God, there is no commonality to what I am doing. You might feel you should suddenly kneel because God's presence is so heavy on you, for instance.
4. Understand that by being freer during worship you will help others. When I first came to be in a church where people worshipped more freely, I sat back and watched several times. I felt sad when I walked in and uplifted by the true joy shown by the way people were worshipping.

Why not start in your home? Try putting on some praise music - if you do not have any of this type of music just do a general search on youtube and there is tons available. Then move around in your living room as God moves you.

If that still feels too crazy to you - try just sitting and listening to the music then moving as you sit.

By stepping out of your normal routine of worship that you do each Sunday, I guarantee you will have a different and, thereby, have a wonderful experience with God. When I let go, I have revelations, visions, and feel true peace.

Remember praise is a weapon! Do not allow the enemy to weaken your weapon by telling you people are looking at you. Praising God is not about any of them - it is about your amazing God! Let's dance for joy and let Him know how grateful we are for freedom, love, and eternal life!



Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Feeling Trapped by your Feelings


I used to live my life by my feelings. It is really easy to fall back into this, actually. We naturally want to feel "good," but can easily be overtaken by strong feelings that stick around for a while affecting our relationships, work, sleep, and general health.
It is God's desire for us to have peace and joy, but it is completely normal and biblical  to feel angry, sad, afraid, etc. The key is to ask God to help you move from a place of anger, fear, depression, etc to peace.
What I did for most of my life is I went by how I felt and when I felt a strong emotion I often stayed there for days. 
In Ephesians 4:26 it says, "...Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." I always thought of this verse as a guide for couples to not go to bed until an issue was settled. However, I believe it could also mean do not perseverate on a strong emotion like anger. 
For me it was often sadness or fatigue I would get stuck in for weeks at a time. It is not sinful to be in this state, but God wants us free. He also has big plans of how to use us and cannot get those plans moving if we are stuck in a strong emotional time. 

What can you do if you find yourself in a season where you are often angry, sad, or anxious? 
1. Remind yourself it is okay to feel strong emotions temporarily, but God does not want us to live in these feelings, being stuck or restricted because of them.
2. Begin by remembering and agreeing with who God says you are. Click here if you do not know who God says you are 
3. Remind yourself that God is not disappointed in you. In fact, He has never had a bad thought about you.
4. Get rid of all shame and condemnation
5. Be still before God and ask Him, "What do you think about me?" (Click on link if you feel you do not hear God).
6. Write out what you hear or see. Ask God to tell you more about each item or vision. 
7. Read frequently and believe these truths God has told you. Internalize them. Believe them. Know them by heart. This is really more important than anything. This will power you to move forward exponentially and step into who God created you to be.
                                                        
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In this blog I have used material I learned at Wind and Fire Mission Base.
 Wind and Fire Mission Base, 3243 Wind and Fire Dr. Marion, IA 52302

Who Does God Say I Am?

Feeling insecure? Unsure of who you are? Unsteady on your feet? Begin by reading and AGREEING with the following verses from the Bible.
How do you do this? Read aloud the verse, paraphrase, and personalize it. For instance, in Song of Solomon 4:17 say, "I am altogether beautiful. God loves me and He finds no fault in me." Then say, "I agree with this."  Your words and agreement are powerful. God wants you to really understand how deeply He loves you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).
Still having trouble believing these truths about yourself? Try personalizing your favorite ones and copying them onto a paper that you read daily. By pouring truth into yourself you will begin to agree.


But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lordsees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7


I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.Psalm 139:14

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1

 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 1:6-8


Monday, March 17, 2014

My Testimony



Despite becoming a Christian when I was 13, my real transformation story began in February of 2013. 

It all started by attending weekly Saturday evening services at Wind and Fire Missions Base .

At this time, I was have 30-60 day migraines that were usually around a 8-10+ pain level and was taking 6 daily medications (along with additional meds for pain). My eyes were light sensitive, so I had to wear tinted glasses so I would not get an "eye migraine." Also, I had an oxygen tank nearby to help when I would get dizzy spells or feel nauseated from the migraines.

In addition, I was not able to walk more than 5 minutes due to foot and back pain. The lack of being able to move around and continuous headaches made me feel really sad and anxious.

In addition, I found that any time I went to any church I would become dizzy and get a level 10 migraine immediately. I always would try to make myself go to church because I know I "should," but I would often leave early because I would get so sick. I think the condemnation that I had already going around in my head continuously plus the condemnation I would feel that was coming from church heightened the level of my pain.

However, through Wind and Fire I learned that God has never had a bad thought about me. The teachings presented weekly began to pierce the darkness in my life.  I started to learn that it was not all about what I did, how successful I was, it was all about who I was in Christ. 

I also met a remarkable person named Amy who began to speak truth into my life about how I had authority in Christ and power. I had never been taught that. She told me that the Holy Spirit is not just a guide, but a true source of power. Amy told me to tell the pain to leave in the name of Jesus. She introduced me to the teachings of Curry Blake and how God really wants to heal us all. 

The headaches completely went away. Anxiety  and sadness left as I cast it out in the name of Jesus. My foot pain went away. The back was suddenly better and I am now going to Jazzercise 3-6 times a week. I never thought I would get back to Jazzercise.

I no longer take any prescription medicines. 

I no longer have any condemnation in my head. 

Each day God is refining me. 

It is amazing how free God wanted me to be!

Praise God for miracles!



Sunday, March 16, 2014

We Do Not Have a Spirit of Fear

When you are saved your spirit becomes new. This means that your old spirit is gone forever and the Holy Spirit lives within you.

Why then does the Christian struggle with fear? The Bible says over and over again that we are not to fear - ever! 

15 You didn’t receive a spirit that makes you a slave to fear once again. Instead you received the Holy Spirit, who makes you God’s child. By the Spirit’s power we call God “Abba.” Abbameans Father. 16 The Spirit himself joins with our spirits. Together they give witness that we are God’s children. (Romans 8:15-16)

Rather we have a spirit of power, love, and of a strong mind. Think about that for a minute. Power - You have authority. The authority of Jesus living within you to speak to that sickness, pain, depression. Look in the gospels. Have you ever noticed how Jesus spoke with such authority and conviction when He spoke? Speak with the same authority. Your words have great power!
Love - Have you learned to embrace the love God has for you? Are you agreeing with everything God has called you to be? When you agree with God's love for you, you are able to love with an amazing love to others.
Strong mind - For so long, I felt my mind was weak. I was a Christian, but I was not renewing my mind. I actually didn't know how to. I would make myself read the Bible and pray because I thought I should. To renew your mind, you take authority over anything that is in there that should not be (such as condemning thoughts), hold onto important words from God/visions that you can agree with and meditate on, and tell your mind to line up with the Holy Spirit.
If you are living in fear, you are not free. This is not where God wants you to be. It is normal to feel fear, but you should not live in that space. If you are in anxiety land and cannot stop your mind from racing - seek God. Just stop wherever you are. Tell your body and mind to line up with the Holy Spirit. Then ask God, "What do you want me to know about this anxiety I am feeling right now, God?" Breathe, close your eyes, and listen. 
Repeat this as often as necessary. God does not want you in fear. He will provide freedom, but you have to let him in and get off the anxiety wheel in order to allow Him to work.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In this blog I have used material I learned at Wind and Fire Mission Base.
 Wind and Fire Mission Base, 3243 Wind and Fire Dr. Marion, IA 52302302
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Friday, January 24, 2014

What if it Doesn't Work? What if it Does?

Do you live in the land of "what ifs"? Do you find yourself constantly wondering what might happen or could come next? Is worry your go-to emotion?

I know it was (and sometimes still is) for me. I used to worry about absolutely everything. Even when I would tell myself not to worry, I would worry. I knew Matthew 6:34 by heart, where Jesus says, "Do not worry about tomorrow for today has enough troubles of its own." I would chant that to myself - yet I would worry.

God really does not want us to worry. When a worry pops into your head, tell it to leave in the name of Jesus. Also, try shifting your thoughts.

You might be worrying about something and think, "What if it doesn't work?"
INSTEAD, try thinking, "What if it does!"

Also remember God really is your best friend. He wants to help you in EVERY decision. So even if it something small like trying to figure out what you should wear to work or when to go do your exercising for the day - just ask Him. I have found great peace when I just ask God about whatever is going on in my brain.  Just try it. Allow Him to close the door on worrying and release you from that prison!


Thursday, January 23, 2014

Getting Rid of Self-Condemnation Forever!

Satan wants us to think we are unlovable.

I find that focusing on media such as TV, fashion magazines, and music videos puts a lot of images into my head that shows what one needs to look like to be loved -- according to the world. All the times you failed, all the things you did which you are ashamed of, how your body does not look how you think it should.

All of these negatives create a huge culture of self-condmenation. Do you condemn yourself continuously? Do you believe all the negatives you give yourself?

I did. Despite being a school counselor and telling kids daily to give themselves put ups not put downs, I was constantly barraging myself with negatives. About anything and everything.
I knew God wanted me to "hold every thought captive" and that He loved me, but I just totally believed all the gobbledegook going around in my head and was hopelessly unable to stop the nasty, negativeness that pervaded my brain.

How I got rid of that constant stream of self-condemnation:

These were the steps I took to get those negative comments to leave forever:
1. I understood and agreed with the idea that any words of condemnation ARE NOT FROM GOD. Remember "HE HAS NEVER HAD A BAD THOUGHT ABOUT YOU."
1. I prayed, asking God for discernment and wisdom to hear and identify any condemnation.
2. I prayed with power and might (don't be afraid to get loud when you pray like this. I find praying when I am alone in the car works really well). I told condemnation to leave me forever! I know that the Bible says there is "no condemnation in Christ." I told that condemnation to leave in the name of Jesus. I told condemnation I would no longer be listening to anything it had to say to me.
3. God gave me discernment to hear specific negative words or comments I was saying to myself. Whenever it happened I would take 1-2 minutes and pray aloud telling it to leave. I would no longer think about this, in the name of Jesus. God has forgiven me (if it was a sin) and I was certainly not going to allow any thought patterns or strong holds associated with this condemnation to continue, in the name of Jesus.
4. I would put myself back into that thought for a minute - purposely thinking about the situation that triggered the condemnation. I would ask myself, "How do you feel?" If I felt nothing, great! I was done. If I felt fear, sadness, anxiety, etc. I would identify the feelings and say a prayer like this, "Fear, sadness, worry associated with this negative thought you will leave NOW in the name of Jesus. You have no place here!" Now, think of the situation that triggered again, any negative emotions remaining? If there are, repeat this process until there are none and you feel absolutely nothing.
5. I worked on this process for about a week. Within a week there was no self-condemnation present in my head anymore. I mean, you know how people say they are thinking about nothing and they really have nothing going on in their head? That is the way it suddenly felt. Nothing. No negative comments, no self hatred, nothing. Wow! True freedom!

Just a few more thoughts on this process:
- You have to be willing to put effort into this. God wants you to have this freedom. But, you need to take the time (generally, 2-5 minutes will actually be enough time) to attack this problem head on each time a negative thought enters your head.
- When you are praying - pray aloud. Your words have power! You don't have to be loud when you pray. If a condemning thought popped into my brain and I was around others I would take a minute to use the restroom or walk to a quiet spot in room and whisper (still aloud) my prayer.
-Praise God as you are emotionally healed and freed from these words that have plagued you for years!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In this blog I have used material I learned at Wind and Fire Mission Base.
 Wind and Fire Mission Base, 3243 Wind and Fire Dr. Marion, IA 5230230

Who Am I?

If you grew up attending public schools, you probably made one of those "Who Am I" or "I am Special" poster boards for a class project. Remember the parts of the poster that were supposed to demonstrate your worth? (Your likes, dislikes, talents, how many brothers or sisters you had, what you wanted to be when you grew up, etc).
With this philosophy, we are brought up to believe our worth is defined by what we do or what we like. It is no wonder that our self perception is so distorted by the time we get older.
I found that my primary identity came from what I did for a living. When people would ask me how I was doing, I would think about how my job or personal accomplishments in my life. It is interesting to look at that. Isn't the question, how are YOU? Not, what have you accomplished recently; how successful are you in your work or relationships; etc. If we are really engaging in meaningful relationships we should really want to know HOW the person is doing, not WHAT they are doing.

I learned recently that God is not focused on WHAT I DO, but WHO I AM.

God does not determine a person's value by looking at what they have done in life or by his/her good works.

Did you know that you are actually God's treasure? We are His treasured possession! (Exodus 19:5Deuteronomy 7:6Deuteronomy 14:2Deuteronomy 26:18)

Walk in freedom - stop identifying yourself by what you do. Start embracing who God says you are. Start now. Watch this video from Casting Crowns.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In this blog I have used material I learned at Wind and Fire Mission Base.
 Wind and Fire Mission Base, 3243 Wind and Fire Dr. Marion, IA 5230230