But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” -1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

It’s amazing how God teaches us as He uses us to teach our kids.

My son was pretty upset that some of his classmates called him “littlest.” He said that his feelings were hurt, and that it wasn’t true.

So, I told him that though other people may be physically bigger, we are giants and more than conquerors through God. I reminded him of little David, the youngest of Jesse’s sons. Though even the prophet Samuel thought that one of David’s taller, handsome older brothers must be God’s choice to be the next king of Israel, they were not.

God told Samuel that no, outward appearance was not His criteria for the measure of a man, but what was within. David was God’s choice to succeed Saul, for David had a heart after God’s, and he went on to become Israel’s greatest king. He also wrote over 70 psalms, drew up the plans for the Temple his son Solomon would build…and Jesus Himself descended from David’s line!

So Samuel anointed David as the chosen one. Later, David’s older, taller brothers cowered before Goliath like the rest of Israel’s soldiers. It was little David who looked at Goliath the way God sees us: he looked not at the intimidating outer man, but the victory over him to God’s glory.

I told my son that God makes us perfectly in all shapes and sizes, and that when we compare ourselves to others, we look away at the very blessings in how God made us in His image.

That was one of those times when, the second the words left my mouth and I heard them with my own ears, that I said, “Yes, Lord, I hear that you’re telling that to me, too.”

When we are obedient conduits with hearts after Him, we walk tall in God, no matter how we measure up in worldly terms.

And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. -Revelation 12:9 (NASB)

Perhaps one of the most bizarre videos I’ve ever seen in my life was a VHS copy of 1980s megastar Mr. T’s “Be Somebody or Be Somebody’s Fool” (1984), a collection of cheesy and cringe-worthy skits and setups for life lessons he would impart to viewers. There were musical numbers, ’80s musicians, and some really terrible acting.

Some of the lessons were not executed well, but despite that, a few of the segments taught young viewers about things like how to recoup from a fall, respecting your mother, and to not cave to peer pressure.

(If you think you can stand it, you can see the whole video on YouTube.)

If there were one consistent theme I’d say ran through the whole video, it would be that one should live with awareness and discernment of one’s situation, and one’s sense of self.

For true believers, discernment when dealing with the world in each moment, and sense of identity in Christ, are crucial to navigating life. Without them, we’re just dinghies being tossed about by the wind and waves of life, trying to find the next thing that might give guidance and meaning to our lives…only to be left wanting again.

Indeed, I can testify that without a sense of identity in Christ, you can be duped by the ruler of this world. I was duped for 40 years, seeking but never finding…till Jesus opened my eyes. Become an agent and be somebody in Christ, or be the Deceiver’s fool.

> *And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. -‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:17‬ ‭(NASB)*

When you’re getting down on yourself and doubting who you are and what you do, that’s “stinkin’ thinkin’,” as a guest pastor told us. And you can already guess whose whispers you’re believing when you take that road.

This same guest pastor shed light on a verse from some of this agent’s favorite in Scripture, on the full armor of God. In the verse above, the Greek for “word” is not *logos* (the written word of God), but *rhema* (the spoken word of God).

In the context of self-doubt and other destructive lines of thought, we can speak God’s truth so that the sword of the Spirit may cut through the falsehood and illusion: that we are more than conquerors; victorious because of Christ’s victory at the cross; made wonderfully and fearfully in His image; and not any of the lies the Adversary would love us to believe.

You are His beautiful creation, forgiven and free, and speaking His truth can dispel even the worst stinkin’ thinkin’.

## Today’s soundtrack

“Beautiful” by MercyMe reminds us of our true identity in Christ.

If this song speaks to you, consider buying it on Amazon Music »

Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. -James 3:5-6 (NIV)

Remember the old childhood saying that “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me?” That’s what came to mind when my son, who’s in kindergarten, told me a girl in his class hurt his feelings with her words.

And the other day, when I was reprimanding him for a poor conduct report from school, he angrily looked at me and told me he wanted a new dad. Ouch.

I spoke with him about the power of words. They can maim. They can kill. They leave scars. But most importantly, when viewed through the eyes of compassion, hurtful words reflect the speaker’s hurt and brokenness.

Regardless, we have a choice before we utter such words, because they actually do hurt when spoken and received. Words will only not hurt us when we remind ourselves of our identity in Christ, forgiven and free. But we get hurt when we forget that and get caught up in the escalation of the flesh and pride and anger.

So yes, sticks and stones will break our bones. But, words will only hurt us when we set aside our spiritual armor and identity in Christ, and live in the flesh. Thank you, Lord, for helping us live above our circumstances!

He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. -Psalm 107:14 (NIV)

I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. -Job 42:2 (NIV)

Ever seen photos of an adult elephant chained to a post? The chain is comically small, logically too weak to possibly hold the elephant back. In truth, the elephant could snap it in a heartbeat and go in freedom…but it’s been trained since childhood that chains couldn’t be broken. And that was true when the elephant was smaller.

And so it is in our lives. We’ve been living in chains of guilt, shame, sin, greed, and more. But God has a greater purpose for His children, which won’t be thwarted by mere earthly bindings.

I was trained and raised with shame and guilt, two powerfully effective tools to keep me in check. They were emotional and mental chains that bound me in a godless existence, and it wasn’t till decades later that Jesus blasted those chains to bits. He showed me that condemnation was no longer my prison.

But sometimes we can pick up our old chains, as weird and twisted it may be. There are those in my life who wield guilt and shame expertly, and I sometimes find myself reverting to my old self, putting myself back in chains. It’s at that moment that we can look up to God, and not down at the ground, and remember what He did for us…and to see those who oppress us with His compassion. We can pray for them.

Old chains aren’t what they used to be. Thank you, Jesus!

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age, as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. -Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)

If you’re tired of being tired, giving till you’re depleted, and feeling used and abused…or maybe wondering why everyone around you is always upset with you for no reason…I want to share a revelation God has been unfolding to me since He pulled the sackcloth off my head in 2013. It’s shedding light on my past and upbringing that have shaped who I’ve become, but more importantly, on how Jesus has begun rebooting me into the person I never could be on my own.

Until 2015, I had no concept of boundaries in relationships…personal, business, or otherwise. I thought boundaries were just demarcations between countries, areas on a playing field, and so on. But what boundaries do for all things–including relationships–is define where entity X begins and ends, and where entity Y begins and ends.

Just like with properties in a neighborhood where fences mark the boundaries of one person’s home in relation to another, we need clearly defined boundaries in our lives. Without them, unnecessary chaos and drama ensue.

When you grow up with no concept of boundaries, you will either run all over other people, not knowing why they’re getting so bent out of shape, or you will get run over, not knowing why life is so hectic, and why you don’t have any breathing room for yourself. I’ve been in the latter camp, still extricating myself from it.

God has shone His light on my codependence, where not having any boundaries, coupled with a low self-esteem, was the perfect match for letting others overrun me with unreasonable demands and dominance. I’ve been running on fumes for decades, alive only by the grace of God! I give Him all the glory and the credit for breaking those chains, and to not continue the cycle to the next generation!

Fences (boundaries) are a friendly and loving way to define what is okay and acceptable. Walls (barriers) are different, built up for the express purpose of isolating yourself and keeping others out.

People without boundaries who are on the aggressive side will react poorly to your stated boundaries as if they were walls, since their area of control and influence over you has now been pushed back. But trust that God is with you as you set up your fences, and will carry you through the raging storms those aggressors may rain on you.

The truth is: what happens to us is only what we allow to happen to us. We should clearly define our boundaries, and if others choose not to respect them, we enforce our boundaries, lovingly asking the violators to see themselves outside our gates. Know that God wants us to live and thrive as His representatives and ambassadors to His glory, and we are not to be dominated or dominant over anyone. We are the children and servants of Christ alone.

I recommend you read “Boundaries” by Drs. Cloud and Townsend, which helped change my life!

Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. -Acts 9:18 (NLT)

Looking in the mirror is a whole different experience once Jesus is your Lord and Savior.

Before I was saved, I didn’t know I was in the dark. I didn’t know I had a burlap sack over my head. I thought the way I saw the world was right.

In 2013 came the lowest point of my despair, and like many at their ultimate point of brokenness, I cried out to the Lord. I surrendered my life to Jesus, and He began a remake of my life like I never imagined possible. When the Holy Spirit took residence in my heart, I was filled with a raging fire to learn more about Him, to follow Him all the days of my life, and to do my best to make Him famous. And He can do the same for anyone who will believe!

I used to look in the mirror and see someone who was never good enough. Never worthwhile, and never with any ultimate purpose. Jesus changed all that. He revealed to me that I am a beloved child of the One True King, and in His care, with an amazing purpose in the Great Commission. I pray that if you or someone you know doesn’t see that when looking in the mirror, to consider Jesus. He will show you the reflection of His amazing creation in you that you could never see on your own.

Prayer

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for helping me look in the mirror afresh, a new and true mirror image whom You put before me to see myself as You do. To take me to yet the next level. To remind me of my identity in Christ when I forget. To remind me that, when I step outside myself and look back in, I can see that I am unconditionally loved, and I have that opportunity to do the same outwardly. To continue to learn that the loving response isn’t necessarily backing down or giving in, but to do as Jesus would do.

Thank You for showing me the amazing potential and plans and future and hope You have promised me…it’s so comforting and encouraging to have a peek ahead in the story of my life! Please equip me with Your strength and grace and wisdom and joy so I can make you smile in every moment, and please forgive me when I stumble. Please continue to bless my house, and all my loved ones.

Finally, Lord, please hear my prayer, prayed in agreement with my mirror image, knowing it will be done (Mark 11:23-24). Thank you for making a way where there seems to be no way (Isaiah 43:19). Thank you for fighting for me; please remind me to be still and to stop struggling in my own strength (Exodus 14:14).

I surrender all to You in faith and obedience–even the very dreams and visions You give me–because You have shown that this is the path to Your blessings (Genesis 22:16-17). Please continue to show me the way as I continue to refine my walk in alignment with You. Please assure my often weak, flesh heart–especially during trying times–that it is so loved by You here on earth, and strengthen it with utter and indomitable assurance in the face of the enemy’s whispers. In Your Son’s holy and powerful name I pray, Amen!

Today’s soundtrack

Third Day’s “Revelation” praises God, the only One who can give us the revelation of His truth in our lives, our identity in Christ, and our true purpose and calling here on earth.

Put on your new nature, created to be like God–truly righteous and holy. -Ephesians 4:24 (NLT)

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. -Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

Imagine a suit you could put on that would hurt you. It would wear you down, cut you, and injure you. But it would only do so if you chose to put it on. The longer you wear it, the more you’re broken down. When you’re wearing that suit and look in the mirror, you’ll see a distorted image of a defeated person. That suit turns you into Goliath to beat yourself up.

When we make a mistake, no matter how big or small, we can choose to repent (turn away) from it, ask for forgiveness from God and anyone affected, and we can continue our walk in Christ, unencumbered. Or, we can turn our mistakes into the worst millstones around our necks. We can choose to step into an torture suit of our own choosing and beat ourselves up to the devil’s delight.

God calls us to a life of victory, hard won by His Son at the cross for us. He didn’t die so we’d keep looking inward and torture ourselves, giving the enemy a serious stronghold in our minds. No, He gave us a direct line to Him when the temple veil was torn. We can bring our burdens to His feet in confession and repentance, then get up with His easy yoke and light burden!

The twisted feature of this Goliath is that it’s one you become yourself–to defeat yourself. This Goliath is like a torture suit you put on…one that harms you as long as you wear it. Throw that old, tired Goliath outfit in the trash (and no more fishing it out of the trash!), put on your new self, and move on to God’s glory.

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. -Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace. -‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭(NLT)

Hi everybody, I’m ________, and I’m a serial people pleaser.

For decades, I walked apart from God, constantly striving for the approval of others: friends, people I wanted to be my friends, coworkers, and family. I couldn’t see how I incorrectly tied self worth and esteem to the outward approval of others. I also couldn’t see, till much later, that people pleasing is the perfect dance partner for takers and abusers.

God changed all that a few years back when He opened my eyes and turned my world upside down. Everything I thought I knew was wrong, because it was shaped by flesh experiences and senses and “common sense.” In many ways, I was trained how to live by the people and world around me, and that can be a very harsh teacher, teaching some wrong thinking with painful results.

With many, I had become codependent for years or even decades, training them that their unacceptable behaviors were acceptable, because I’d go along or not voice opposition to them, for the sake of not making waves. To please them and not upset them.

Well, God wants us to WAKE UP and realize just how twisted those priorities are. There’s a difference between being selfless and hurting all parties involved by enabling sinful behavior. By doing so, we become accomplices in the crime, which does nothing to God’s glory.

There’s only One whose approval we seek, and He has told us that we are pre-approved! Because He loves us so, He sent His Son to die for us, so while we walk this earth, we walk and talk to make Him smile…to glorify Him in every interaction and reaction to others. And when we do that, some people will not be pleased. Some will be very, very upset.

And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. -Romans 8:17 (NLT)

But we can rest assured that He is with us as we stand firm and tall, because we are more than conquerors. We are His children, co-heirs to Christ’s throne. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are not made to cower and enable anything not glorifying God. We are servants of Christ, One who lived and walked boldly in the truth.

Walk a new walk with me. Face up to wrongdoing and wrong behaviors. It’s not easy, but with God’s support behind you and through the fire, I testify that He will make you stronger and better than you have ever known, to His glory.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. -Psalm 40:2 (NIV)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. -1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

It’s easy to let everyday life in this world weigh us down and wear us down.

It’s easy to take on the burdens of work–or lack of work–and home life and all our other demands on your shoulders. It can be so great that you can hardly breathe or move. It can be so great that it drains your energy and spirit to the point of sluggishness and resignation.

It’s easy to believe the lies about who we are, to believe we’re our mistakes. It’s easy to let the dirt of slander, abuse, and sin cake on us, like layers of mud and dirt.

But beneath all that is the light of God’s love that shines in you…and the lightness of His yoke.

What’s easier than all the things we take on as we lose focus on God is the yoke of Christ. The second we feel the burden of pain and sin, or God’s light we reflect being obscured by dirt and shame, it’s time to get on our knees and surrender all of it to God.

You may think you don’t have time…that you need to keep pressing on…but without refocusing on Him and His priorities for you, you will fail alone. And the enemy may even fool you into thinking God hasn’t been with you!

God made in you a beautiful creation He so loved that He died for you! We get farther and farther away from it as we press on our own mistaken paths in our own strength. I implore you to stop and remember the blessed creation He made in you, and to let Him transport all of your burdens so that you may walk with Him in the light–and with the lightness and peace of His yoke. When we remember how God sees us, every burden and pain falls away to reveal the value and beauty He put in us.

Today’s soundtrack

MercyMe’s “Beautiful” reminds us that we are His beautiful works, made for more than what we’re going through now.