Aren't you glad today is Friday? I am. Keevin is coming home this evening and I have some honey-do things for him to do in this new/old home. I have enjoyed my new dwelling place this week. We don't have TV connection yet so I have spent time with the house, getting to know it. It's funny how TV distracts us. The word distract means to draw the mind away in another direction.. The TV not only distracts us but it sucks us in and keeps us there. I love to watch TV and I allow it to control my mind. I allow it to keep me from doing other things that need to be done. And along with watching TV is allowing myself to be influenced by its unhealthiness. When we do get TV connection I want to commit to turning it on only in the evenings to catch the news and watch NCIS and few other shows. But the rest of the time can be of better use to God. I enjoy writing on my book during the day, so I should be able to get more done on it by this commitment. House work will be kept up to date, also.
I've been wondering if any of you out there have had any break-throughs regarding your confidence? Have you used God's word to boost the real you? I talked about the TV sucking us in but other things can do the same. Lacking self-esteem and being self-confident can pull us into ourselves. It is dark way down deep inside ourselves. Depression, anxiety, fear, anger, jealousy, etc--all of these keep us going inside ourselves trying to figure out what we can do differently or trying to redo the past. The truth is the past is done and over and cannot be redone. It doesn't mean you can't be forgiven of your past or that you can't forgive someone else of a past offense. Forgiving is very liberating.
I mentioned that self-confidence pulls us inside ourselves. That's because we are relying on ourselves to come up with the answers. Look at the definition of confidence: trust; reliance; assurance. Those are the attributes we give and feel toward God. Self-confidence draws us away from God. That's why this blog is called confidence done right--God's right way (Isaiah 32:17). As soon as one gives up on letting self direct the life and allow God to direct, the life of that person blooms. That's how God designed us. Philippians 2:3 (GWT) says: "Don't act out of selfish ambition or be conceited." God didn't design us to guide ourselves. Have you ever wondered why you don't have many friends or any good friends? Philippinas 2:4 (GWT) says: "Don't be concerned only about only about your own interests, but also be concerned about the interests of others." And notice that the last verse speaks to your concerns--it's ok to have your own concerns. Just don't be consumed by them so as to not see others and their needs.
How does one get out of your own self? It feels like a prison, doesn't it? Jesus can help you get out. Hebrews 4:14-16 (MSG): "Now that we know what we have--Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God--let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all--all but the sin. so let's walk right up to Him and get what He is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help." Jesus is more than your high priest. He is your friend, your confidant. He was tempted and suffered every kind of thing you and I have been through--He knows what you are experiencing and has advise for you. So--do what the verse says to do--walk right up to Him. Stand up and say: "Jesus, here I am. I need you to help me do life Your way. I am ready to do whatever You say." And friend, stay in contact with Him. Talk to Him about everything. Read His word and find out what He says about your situation. Most topics can be found in the concordance in the back of your Bible. Biblestudytools.com and Gotquestions.org offer answers.
Friend, I want you so comfortable in your own skin that you don't even have to think about yourself and your flaws. Matthew 5:5 (MSG): "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought." I love that verse. This would be a good one to add to your 20 core memory verses!
Now on to 21 Day Journal Note # 28. I think it appropriately fits todays conversation.
21 Day Journal Note # 28
FREEDOM
You, O Lord are freedom! I confess to you that I am a slave to the enemy. Mostly through my bad self-talk and not conferring with You constantly with decisions and thoughts. I admit that I throw my thoughts to the wind and the evil one picks them up.
Father, please help me to redirect my wind-tossed thoughts back to You. To direct my daily living habits towards Your desires and plans. I want to honor Your way and live freely.
Galatians 5:16-17 (NLT) says: So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just the opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict.
I thank you Jesus that Your Spirit gives me desires. I am now constantly choosing to follow Your ways.
end of journal note.
Hand write this one once a day x 21 days to rewire your brain and discover freedom from yourself. Be good to yourself by allowing Jesus to give you advise--and truly take His advise. He Loves you very much!!
Hope this helps my friend.
Jesus' healing and peace to all, Wynndy
