JUST A LITTLE FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If I were to put a theme on what has recently been going on in my spiritual life, I would have to say that the theme would be spiritual healing, and learning to discern God’s voice. I’ve been taking the time to work on my relationship with God, as well as finding peace, and joy, and finding confidence in who I am. Usually I look at all of these changes, at the person I have become, in a positive light. I’m going to be honest with you and tell you that yesterday was different. Yesterday was a really hard day. I know that when you’re making changes in your life, when you’re cleansing yourself of all that has held you back in the past, it can be difficult. It can be hard to let yourself heal. Some days are easier than others, and yesterday was a hard day. It was almost as though Satan was just whispering in my ear all day, “Alex, you are not good enough. You’ve made mistakes, and you can’t be forgiven…” When I type that now, and read over it, I realize what a huge lie that is, but at the time, it couldn’t have seemed more true. Who is Satan to tell me I’m not good enough, when I have Jesus telling me that I am good enough, that I am exactly who he wants me to be…When I have Jesus telling me that it is by grace I have been set free. Even though I know that if I would have taken the time to listen, I would have been able to hear what Jesus was telling me, for some reason, I stupidly chose to ignore it, and centered my thoughts around how I was never going to be “good enough.” Last night, when these thoughts were literally consuming me, I decided to go talk to my dad. My dad is one of the best men that I know. I am incredibly blessed was an wonderful earthly father. I told him how I was feeling, and he had so much wisdom that he shared with me that I want to share with you. I feel like, at some point, everyone has times when they are feeling bad about themselves, or feeling bad about something that they’ve done. That said, if you’re ever feeling that way, please just take the time to think about what I’m going to share with you. This is what he said to me after I explained to him how I felt: “Thats a tough one Alex, because its so untrue. You are believing lies that you are telling yourself. There is nothing in God’s truth that gives any validity to that feeling of self judgement that you are laying on yourself. You are forgiven. You are free. And God’s grace will never end for you. Do not believe the lies that you are telling yourself, and that others might have told you about yourself. This is the downfall of many people. They are lies. That is not who you are. Is any of this sinking in? You and beautifully and wonderfully made. The most famous people in God’s Word were pretty sorry individuals. Peter denied his friend in cowardice, Moses was a murderer, Jacob a liar, John deserted Paul, Thomas had a faith problem, Jesus’ own earthly family thought he was a lunatic, David was an adulterer and a murderer, Paul persecuted Christians, Matthew was a dishonest tax embezzler..it goes on, and on, and on. Every human on earth, regardless of their apparent strengths, is weak and vulnerable.” Jesus was using my dad to speak words of wisdom to me last night. He was using my earthly father to share with me what my heavenly father has been trying to tell me for so long. This was exactly what I needed to hear, and it’s something that I need to strive to remember and take into account everyday. If you’re ever feeling bad about yourself, recognize that all the negative thoughts you are feeling are lies. Recognize that those thoughts are from Satan, and that Jesus is trying to bring you words or affirmation, and words of healing. Take the time to listen to Jesus, and he will reassure you that you are loved, you are good enough, and you are forgiven and you are free.
I wrote a post on the Icarus Deception by Seth Godin over on my other blog. The book continues to rock my idealistic world, yet it powerfully speaks to this one man choir as nothing else has before.
The best thing I can write here about The Icarus Deception is that you go out and buy a copy for yourself. Shoot, I’m going to buy several copies just to give out because I believe in what he is trying to accomplish. If you live in Nashville give me a week to get some, and we’ll meet at The Well for a book discussion. If you don’t live in Nashville reply to this post with your address, and I’ll mail you a copy for free. Seems simple enough doesn’t it? No strings attached whether you hate it or love it. If you hate it take it to the closest Goodwill, and if you love it pass the inspiration on.
Would love to read and meet up at The Well sometime. Keep me updated. I will try to get the book in the next week or so.
That’s what I’m talking about. I’ll make it happen.