When it comes to identity, Henri Nouwen said most of us believe one or all of these lies: 1) I am what I have. 2) I am what I do. 3) I am what other people say or think of me. 4) I am nothing more than my worst moment. 5) I am nothing less than my best moment.
Full Answer
When we believe these lies about who and what we aren’t, there can be grave and stifling effects. These lies and labels hide the truth of who we are meant to be and snuff out the life we are meant to live. Whether these lies are rooted in shame, fear, or a misunderstanding of God’s nature, they all have the same destructive result.
If the enemy can get you to believe a lie, or take on a label you ought not to, then your whole picture of life will become distorted. You are not the only one who has fallen prey to lies.
The human personality is primarily comprised of three aspects-the intellect, the emotion, and the _____________. Though many people downplay the existence of a soul, the arts, which appeal to areas of life greater than biological impulses, are important parts to every culture.
“You shouldn’t tell God your struggles or doubts.” As a Christian you may have been led to believe that you shouldn’t worry God with your struggles in life.
The enemy knows that when we take authority, God’s power is revealed: healing is brought forth, demons flee, souls are set free, lives are healed, we come into our true selves and the kingdom of God is at hand.
Jesus only did as his father instructed him to do; that is where His authority lies. It has little to do with us and all to the with the one who gives it. When we embrace the father’s authority, we become a force to be reckoned with. Every time we exercise our authority we are spreading God’s fame and government across this Earth. The power of the name of Jesus comes to life every time we use your authority. The enemy is quite threatened by this authority given to God’s people through the Holy Spirit. So, he puts fear and distraction in the hearts of men to stifle that authority which comes from God. The enemy knows that when we take authority, God’s power is revealed: healing is brought forth, demons flee, souls are set free, lives are healed, we come into our true selves and the kingdom of God is at hand. It is that same authority that removed the sting of death and the grave. Your authority is your victory.
When we believe these lies about who and what we aren’t, there can be grave and stifling effects. These lies and labels hide the truth of who we are meant to be and snuff out the life we are meant to live.
His response to us has always been to come. Come and drink. Come and eat. Come and see. Come and follow. Our one job is to respond to his love manifested through grace — that is it. God will never confront you with your past to propel to your future.
We tend to be entrapped by the thought that our problems are a burden to others, so we take matters into our own hands. Too many of us are carrying burdens alone and it is crippling. It is a path that leads to isolation and weariness. Whether you have one friend or a battalion of friends, we are better together than we are alone.
There is this constant theme in the Bi ble where God goes off the beaten path to encounter those who are alone. God found Hagar in the wilderness and provided shade for her head and rest for her weary soul. Jesus found Peter while he alone in the mundanities of life and called him to be a disciple. He talked to the Samaritan woman at the well. He highlighted Ruth in the field. He met Paul in prison. He met Hannah in the temple. He met with lepers on the road of isolation and the demon possessed in caves of banishment.
However, they chose to give an obedient ‘Yes’ to God. God is looking for those who—though they cannot see how they fit into the equation—are willing-obedient. Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealth when God called you.
The people who know you best are the ones who share in the little things. Invite God in, share your simplest, most heartfelt requests, make Him a part of your daily life. Your relationship with Him will be so much stronger for it.
When you decide to enter into a relationship with Christ, it’s like the soldiers of the enemy come out to make sure that doesn’t happen. Life doesn’t get easier, but it does get better. There is nothing like living for God. There’s nothing like knowing you don’t have to go through life alone anymore.
Just Let Go by Courtney Walsh is now available (Tyndale, June 5, 2018).
Courtney Walsh is a novelist, artist, theatre director, and playwright. Just Let Go will be her eighth inspirational romance novel. Her debut, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children. Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.
If you take a look at the human body or in nature... ...it’s obvious God is a lover of details. Just as parents care about the things their children care about, God wants to be in the nitty-gritty of our lives. Think about the other important relationships in your life.
No matter where you are in your Christian walk, it’s important to remember that pastors are people too, and our faith isn’t in them, our salvation isn’t through them. Are they a huge part of our journey? Of course, and they can leave a lasting, indelible, life-changing mark on our lives. But because they’re human they can also let us down. If you put your faith in a man rather than in the Lord, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
The enemy knows that when we take authority, God’s power is revealed: healing is brought forth, demons flee, souls are set free, lives are healed, we come into our true selves and the kingdom of God is at hand.
Jesus only did as his father instructed him to do; that is where His authority lies. It has little to do with us and all to the with the one who gives it. When we embrace the father’s authority, we become a force to be reckoned with. Every time we exercise our authority we are spreading God’s fame and government across this Earth. The power of the name of Jesus comes to life every time we use your authority. The enemy is quite threatened by this authority given to God’s people through the Holy Spirit. So, he puts fear and distraction in the hearts of men to stifle that authority which comes from God. The enemy knows that when we take authority, God’s power is revealed: healing is brought forth, demons flee, souls are set free, lives are healed, we come into our true selves and the kingdom of God is at hand. It is that same authority that removed the sting of death and the grave. Your authority is your victory.
When we believe these lies about who and what we aren’t, there can be grave and stifling effects. These lies and labels hide the truth of who we are meant to be and snuff out the life we are meant to live.
His response to us has always been to come. Come and drink. Come and eat. Come and see. Come and follow. Our one job is to respond to his love manifested through grace — that is it. God will never confront you with your past to propel to your future.
We tend to be entrapped by the thought that our problems are a burden to others, so we take matters into our own hands. Too many of us are carrying burdens alone and it is crippling. It is a path that leads to isolation and weariness. Whether you have one friend or a battalion of friends, we are better together than we are alone.
There is this constant theme in the Bi ble where God goes off the beaten path to encounter those who are alone. God found Hagar in the wilderness and provided shade for her head and rest for her weary soul. Jesus found Peter while he alone in the mundanities of life and called him to be a disciple. He talked to the Samaritan woman at the well. He highlighted Ruth in the field. He met Paul in prison. He met Hannah in the temple. He met with lepers on the road of isolation and the demon possessed in caves of banishment.
However, they chose to give an obedient ‘Yes’ to God. God is looking for those who—though they cannot see how they fit into the equation—are willing-obedient. Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealth when God called you.