How to accept yourself

There are two creatures that amaze me-the caterpillar and the butterfly. In a sense, they are both butterflies.  I once read a quote said, “Nobody looks at a butterfly and says ,”Hey, look at that converted worm!” Reality says the butterfly has been utterly transformed.  From dull gray to delicate yellow. Is there any creature that reflects our identity as believers in Christ? Death to life. Peasant to princess.
Adjust our vision, Lord.
If we have are believers in Jesus, we know (but struggle to believe) that God HAS a life planned for us. The life He longs to gives is new beauty, not former shame.

It’s not even a makeover! It’s a MAKE NEW!
Proud? He can give us His humility and security.
Vain? He can give us His beauty and peace.
Weak? He can give us resurrection strength.

Every day, I have to have to answer the question “Will I accept myself?”  If you are a human, you will instinctively see the slimy caterpillar as your “mini-me”. You will think of yourself as only suited for the ground. You feel like you are a creature meant for lowly living-primarily in the dark.
Ask Jesus to help you see the truth of your new identity. He does not see you as a worm!
Picture the old chrysallis husk cracking open and falling off. This is your past. Maybe yesterday?
Now, imagine our wings. Our wings are light and free, yet strangely out of proportion! Our remake reflects God’s design for us.
I have always loved butterflies and never knew why. I think it’s because they are transformed beyond imagination. They seem secure and quietly content in their new form. I want to live like that-my function being reflected by my form!
Believe truth and look up to your heavenly stylist. The strength of His smile shines on you. Open your wings!
Now fly because you can.

Is there MORE for you?

One of the greatest gifts God has given us is vision for the future. Call it dreaming, hoping, or planning-it’s that powerful sense that says,”There is more.” Joshua was a faithful visionary-acutely aware of his need for strength to fulfill his calling. The weight of his task heightened his dependence on God.

A new year is here! What’s your vision for yourself, your family, your church, or your business? It will require actively facing forward, not dwelling on the past, & leaning into God’s strength. The God of history has a plan for your future. His plan for you will be good!!

Talking to Yourself

What if we actively believed this? What if we lived each day knowing His completed work has been poured into us by faith? Many believers strictly identify themselves as “broken” “depressed” “anxious” “no good” or “unloveable”. It’s human nature to call to mind our wounds instead of meditating on His wounds. He exchanges His complete victory for our incomplete faith. Colossians 1 & 2 is saturated with the identity of Christ.

Today, we can end critical self-talk with one little phrase “I am complete in Him!” 

How can I have joy?