OK Team,
Here we are at Day 3. Little did we all know that this reformation would bring so much stuff up to the surface so quickly.
I had been pondering the effects of self judgements as well as judgements of others for a few weeks now. It will be a life long journey towards this Reformation.
This morning I felt like the Lord wanted me to remind you that we are not trying to obtain perfection. We need to expect that we will make errors on this journey and we will make mistakes. So what?!!!! I of all people hate making mistakes, and God has been trying to help me with this fear. What exactly am I afraid of?
Here is are 2 portions from the book I am reading.
Confucius, a Chinese theical teacher and philosopher who lived from 551-479 BC, said,
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
The writer of Proverbs said it this way:
"Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity" Prov.24:16
When asked how he felt about his ten thousand failed attemps to create the ligth bulb, Thomas Edison repsonded, " I have not failed. I have just found ten thousand ways that don't work. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another stop forward."
Perfectionism is a torment based on fear. Fear is the fruit of not experiencing love. The perfectionist fears judgement.
As we move on this journey of reformation, we need to understand that we are deeply and unconditionally loved by God. It is so great that we cannot begin to comprehend it. The only way we can be truly transformed is as we accept this love, and in turn give grace to ourselves and others.
I encourage you to let yourself make mistakes, knowing that it is not failure. It is an opportunity to learn and grow.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
Each time you are facing discouragement, draw near to Jesus, so close that you can hear His heart beating with passionate love for you. Then, ask Jesus what He thinks, ask Him who He says that you are. Hang onto those thoughts as you journey through your day. They will bring hope and lift your heart.
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7 comments:
Thanks for that encouragment Cheryl!!! I love you.
Holly
The treadmill and I are getting along just fine. I have really been enjoying my time walking while listening to Kevin's ipod.
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I appreciated your comment on allowing ourselvies to make mistakes. God has really challenged me in this area. I often hold back due to the fear not getting it all right....which is of course rooted in pride. Yet, another thing God is bringing to the light so it can be dealt with!
Blessings (how goes the flossing?)
Shari
Day 3 was a very good day for me, on a few occasions I became aware of judgemental thoughts that were surfacing in my heart...the great news is that a) I noticed them and b) I took immediate action to bring all thoughts into subjection to God's kindgom principles. My hope is that in doing this over and over again, it will lesson those thoughts coming into my heart. Like the good soil it will have fewer and fewer weeds spring up.
I pray for God to bless our hearts as we seek after his.
Josie
Thank you Cheryl. I'm actually having a lot of fun. So far.
Brittany has challenged me to see who can read the whole bible first. We are having some friendly competition.
It was suggested at our Intercession Meeting to pray in tongues for an hour everyday. I haven't done it for a whole hour but, I have done it every day (except one). Whenever I have a moment alone - in the car - even in the tanning bed. (I do not recommend praying in tongues while laying on your back with gum in your mouth - you could choke.) :)
Have a wonderful day!
Love, Rhonda
Cheryl
God has had to teach me as well about perfectionism....can't say the whole "fear of man" thing never rears it's ugly head, just that I have learned to not let it stop me from doing what I want, or God wants me to do.
Maybe one day, it won't be an issue, but until then, my victory comes in mot allowing it to rule!
God is good and His healing does bring freedom!
Thanks,
Jen
On Saturday I had the opportunity to dance with my parents at the Mission Fest event in Toronto. The people there didn't seem as free as I have seen at some events but I believe that there have been some good seeds planted. As I danced I prayed for their freedom.
It was a "busy" day. We relaxed with friends, but then had to prepare for a Birthday party in the afternoon at McDonald (about 18 kids). They had a blast, including my grandson, Isaac, who kept up to the "big kids" pretty good considering he is only 17 months.
Not really a good day to accomplish goals. It was pretty much dictated by someone else's schedule. Sometimes the "busy" is unavoidable - it comes with accepting the invitation. Don't add more things, just go along for the ride!!!
Thank you for your comments on perfectionisn. We are often hardest on ourselves.
Cheryl
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