Stop Shorting Yourself
Stop Shorting Yourself
We stop short of experiencing what God has for us. We are short sighted and can only see what is right in front of us. We short change ourselves and deny ourselves the abundance of what Christ came to offer us. Stop shorting yourself.
It all begins with the gospel message of Jesus. It is the gospel that brings us salvation and asks us to step into the transformation that only Jesus can bring about. Many of us have come to a realization that we need Jesus. We become aware that our sin is great and we do not deserve forgiveness, so we accept the precious gift of God’s amazing grace. We invite His only Son into our heart and we declare that we will make Him Lord of our life. If we are honest, we have to admit that it wasn’t long after that momentous decision that we become like the Israelites – complaining, questioning, and wandering. We put everything before Him and justify our lack of commitment to the One who gave His life for us. We cling to our old ways – but declare that we love Him so.
Maybe you are thinking that is not you, but it sure was me for most of my life. It still is me some days. Weather we want to admit it or not, it is all of us - if we are not immersing ourselves in God’s word. God’s word is active and permeates into our spirt; it cuts like a sword; teaches us; convicts us; instructs us; corrects us and completes us. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) We are cutting ourselves short if we are not reading it and studying it on a regular basis. It is the truth of God’s word that leads us from conforming to this world and instead transforming to the righteousness of our Lord.
Ephesians 4:22-24 (LB) tells us: Then throw off your old evil nature—the old you that was a partner in your evil ways—rotten through and through, full of lust and sham. Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. Yes, you must be a new and different person, holy and good. Clothe yourself with this new nature.
Romans 12:2 (LB) Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you.
Okay – so we are to get rid of our old ways, attitudes and thoughts and constantly change for the better. We are not to be like the world (conform), but we are to be different (transform) by the renewing of our mind. We are to be walking in His ways – not our own. Our opinion, our way is not valid anymore. We must learn to lay down ourselves, rid ourselves of “ME”, so we can be filled with Him.
He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30 (LB)
How do we do that? How can that possibly take place? What can change us?
The Word…
Jesus - the Living Word
The Bible – God’s written Word.
Stop shorting yourself. If you have asked Jesus into your heart, and have the gift of the Holy Spirit residing in you - then make it a priority to get into God’s word.
Make it personal. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you, invite Jesus to come and be with you as you read. Lay yourself down and let Him strip you of you – so you can be filled up by Him.
Immerse yourself in the Word.
(Please like and share this with your friends and family. Let's encourage them to get in the Word an join us on this journey to living the abundant life.)
A Message from Pam:
During May, we are talking about getting into the Word so that the Word can get into us. But we want to go deeper and share ways that might help you study God's word. Emily Smith is going to teach us how to study and gain understanding of God's word. Join us May 31st on the Master What Matters Facebook page at 8 p.m. for Live Conversation with Emily! Don't miss a blog post or a Facebook or Instagram post. Stay connected. (Did you know if you hover over the "like" button on Master What Matters' Facebook page you can click "See First" so that Facebook will show you every post? Do it! It's awesome."
Do you know Jesus? If you just aren't sure, download the Plan of Salvation and read through the scriptures. I would love to chat with you about it. Feel free to reach out to me.
You are invited to visit the Marketplace where you will find the book - Saved by Grace, Now What? and graphic tees. Connect with Master What Matters via our Facebook page, Facebook group, Instagram, and subscribe to us on YouTube (just look for the Master What Matters logo).
Invite your friends! Let's travel this journey together and get to know Jesus more and more!