God’s Mission
Luke 12:7
So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
~ Jesus
Hebrews 12:1-11
Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Pondering Point
What is hindering your walk with God? What is slowing you running the race marked out for you? While sin easily entangles us, other things hinder us as well. One hindrance can be attitudes we hold toward ourselves. They might need adjusting in order to align with God’s word about us.
Today is a good day to introduce a list gleaned from author Mark DeJesus’ book, God Loves Me and I Love Myself.
Eight Practical Ways to Love Yourself as God Loves You
- Ask: "How would I approach someone else I love who is going through the same battles? What would my mindset be"? Apply that to yourself.
- Create New Self-Talk. Build a new narrative about yourself, Rid yourself of harsh language and discouragement. Build self-affirmations and encouragement based in God’s Word.
- Practice Self-Acceptance: Though you don’t plan to stay where you are, it’s okay to accept and start where you are at.
- Practice Patience: Be patient with yourself (“this will take as long as it takes”). Let go of the pressure and negativity.
- Practice kindness for yourself over your life. What does God’s love and kindness say to you about your situation?
- Get clarity. Get clear on what it is that you want.
- What is the one next step? (maybe that you are avoiding)
- Take care of your temple (heart, soul, mind, strength)
Prayer
Father God, help me to identify and reject any unhealthy attitudes toward myself. Show me how to build a new biblical narrative of myself. I want to love You, my neighbors and myself well. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.