Stop Doubting Yourself

WORD FOR THE DAY (NEW ZEALAND RHEMA)


'...Draw your strength from Him...' Ephesians 6:10 AMP

Don't be surprised when God calls you to step out in faith and do something you don't feel qualified to do. That tends to be His standard operating procedure. He does it so that you will lean more on Him, and less on yourself. Does that mean you won't make mistakes? No, it means you probably will. But instead of being discouraged, you'll see them as part of the learning curve and go on to greater things.

Often we look at a task and think, 'There's no way I can do that.' Hold on there; you're looking through the wrong end of the telescope! You're looking at yourself instead of God. When God called Joshua to take the place of Moses, He promised Him, '...As I was with Moses, so I will be with you...' (Joshua 1:5 NKJV). Now if God promises to be with you - and He does - then that is all you need. His strength is actually showcased through your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Whatever ingredients you lack in the natural realm, you can withdraw from your account in the spiritual realm: 'Be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].' What kind of might is available to you? Boundless might! And where do you draw it from? The ultimate source - God!

You are empowered and equipped as you work with Him, so stop selling yourself short. Armed with His might you have more capabilities than you think, and you are able to do a lot more than you've done in the past. So put your confidence in God and stop doubting yourself.


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REFLECTION:

It has been a while since I posted an online devotion. It is a timely topic in my life since I have been doubting about myself (a lot) lately. Is it the lack of self confidence or the mere stupidity that I don't want to move my feet and move on with the endless possibilities on what I could be? I wonder, I plan, I pray but I need to move. The main hindrance of my actions are my doubts. The worry of not being able to attain what I promised or what they promised to offer in return. I worry that I might disappoint or I might get disappointed. But then again, I have to remind myself, LIFE IS ABOUT TAKING RISKS and TRUSTING GOD IN THE MIDST OF IT!

I am reminded that with my abilities I can do nothing. I am worthless, incompetent and unqualified. My doubts reveal my actions. I should be confident that as a daughter favored by God, He will graciously give me the desires of my heart. I remember a part of Luke 6:38 <"A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap."> I believe God is my Father that desires to give me this kind of blessing. Not because I deserve it (because I don't) but because I am His OWN, and He LOVES me more than I could imagine.

God is WITH ME and HE MEANS IT!

Doubting myself means I am not trusting on God's purpose in my life. I may not like what I see in my life right now but WHAT DO I KNOW? I vision is short and full of anxiety. God's vision is full of promise and blessings.

I doubt myself. I doubt the future ahead of me. Today I am reminded that whatever happens I should hold on to God's promise that He will be with me NO MATTER WHAT.

God knows what He's doing. He has great plans for my life. Plans to prosper and not to harm. Plans to give me hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 -life verse)

Walking on Water (1)

Wednesday, 27 April 2011
'...He walked on the water... to Jesus.'Matthew 14:29 NKJV

The disciples were out fishing one night when a huge storm struck. At about 3am they were terrified by a figure approaching them on the water. '...Immediately Jesus spoke... "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid"...Peter answered... "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You"...So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water... to Jesus' (Matthew 14:27-29 NKJV).

This story teaches us, first, that if the Lord doesn't call us to do it, don't! There's a story about a man standing at the gates of Heaven. Peter says, 'Name one great deed you've done.' The man replies, 'Well, a gang of bikers was threatening a woman so I smacked them, kicked over their bikes and ripped out their nose rings.' Impressed, Peter asks, 'When did this happen?' The man answers, 'About 30 seconds ago!' To walk on water you must learn to discern between God's voice and your own impulses.

Second, it teaches us that to experience miracles, we must get out of our comfort zone. Exchange places with Peter. The storm is raging and he's afraid. The boat's secure and comfortable. Wouldn't you want to stay there? But you can't. God designed you to do more than simply avoid failure; He's calling you to step out in faith and accomplish things. You say, 'What's my boat?' It's anything you put your faith in when life gets stormy, like a job or a relationship. Your boat is anything that stops you from getting out of your comfort zone. Leaving it is the scariest but most rewarding step you'll ever take!

***** Water Walking. The one important thing I have been learning lately. This lesson keeps on popping up like popcorns in my life. I think God wants me to do something and get out of my comfort zone. The thing is, there are so much that I am afraid of that I don't know where God is leading me. Because I have learned that there's a thin line between obedience and impulses. I want to know if it is God willing or not.

I am in my comfort zone right now. I am not embracing the truth and facing the people I should have had talked to a long time ago. It was stupid of me but fear kept on hanging my sleeves. I couldn't move forward if I do not settle the things of my past. I have had, in a sense, left behind a few things unnecessary for my growth (in God's direction and beautiful revelations). But still.. I am still inside the boat. I know I am. God is telling me I am. I want to get out of this boat. I want to do something. It is in my heart to walk in water.

Rules for Living

Sunday, 13 March 2011

'His... power has given us everything we need for life...'2 Peter 1:3 NIV

Here are three rules for living. First, learn to control the climate around you. Negativity is contagious; look out for its 'carriers'. Love them, lift them, but don't let them infect you. Filter what people say to you through God's Word. '...God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power (ability and a can-do attitude) and of love (which always looks for the best) and of a sound mind (which is stable and consistent)' (2 Timothy1:7 NKJV).

Second, learn to laugh at yourself. A woman who'd been given a lovely plant took it home, watered it, fertilised it and set it in the sun. A year later she discovered it was silk - and she still laughs about it. When you're secure in God's love and approval you can laugh at yourself; it's a mark of spiritual maturity.

Third, learn to factor God in. Ever hear of the 90/10 rule? When 90 per cent of the circumstances are uncontrollable, focus on the 10 per cent you can do something about. Paul did that. '...We were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God...' (2 Corinthians 7:5-6 KJV). Note the words 'Nevertheless God'. When you're facing a mountain always remember: God can move it, He can level it, He can tunnel through it, or He can help you climb it. All you have to do is factor Him in by seeking His face and consulting His Word. 'Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom...' (Colossians 3:16 KJV). Keep a rich deposit of Scripture within you and draw on it daily.


**** I know I need to be reminded of these things. By now I am beginning to be upbeat and positive again. I couldn't change the situation but I can always change my attitude. I just had a bad week. My robots kept on having a mind of its own. My workmate asked me, "How can you smile in this kind of situation?" I told him, "I couldn't fix it by being grumpy. Might as well give myself a break." Positive attitude really does pay off. You can work well, relate well and do better. Nothing beats a nice smile in a horrific situation.

Also in those times, I laugh. Yes, I could be really hard at myself but at the same time I can now fully accept that I can make mistakes, and its okay. We all do make mistakes. The thing is if I am secure on God's love that in whatever I do even if I fail He can still love me, why not as well just give credit to experience and laugh about it. God still loves me.

And Yes, what is the best thing to do in every situation? It is to involve God in everything you do. I keep it do a point to remember that I cannot change a lot of things. God has the power to settle a lot of my mistakes. BUT it is not an excuse not to do anything at all too. All these things give it to God and do the things I reckon I could change.God will do most of the things for me. This devotion taught me that 90% of my circumstances are uncontrollable, don't look at these things. Rather, focus on the remaining 10% and do something about it.

I am awed by the fact that I can do a good and happy life. I should just go for it, smile, laugh and give it all to God.

You Must be Faithful

Saturday, 12 March 2011

'...He was faithful to God, who appointed him...'Hebrews 3:2 NLT

Faithfulness is more than just a nice concept; you must be faithful to something or someone. Actually, it's in making and keeping commitments to others that we demonstrate our faithfulness to God. '... And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord...' (Colossians 3:17 NKJV). That means to be seen by Him, to bring glory to Him, and to be rewarded by Him.

If you don't love those around you, you don't really love God. Jesus put it this way: '...In as much as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me' (Matthew 25:40 NKJV). The Greek word for faithful means 'to be trustworthy and reliable'. When you give your word, can you be trusted to keep it? Many of us just aren't reliable. We can't be counted on to do what we say. It doesn't matter how gifted you are, if you're not trustworthy God cannot use you. And God will test you! How? By assigning you to do something for a period of time that you don't want to do, something that's not fun or exciting, something that may require you to submit to someone else's authority, something you chafe under. Then He will say to you, 'Just be faithful.' And faithfulness is not merely showing up day after day - it's showing up with a good attitude.

God rewards that kind of faithfulness. Jesus said, '...If you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?' (Luke 16:12 NIV). Simply stated, if you want to be successful, you must be faithful.


**** When I saw this devotion there is one thing in my mind "It could have been better if a certain someone reads this! It will show him what faithfulness is all about!"

BUT when I finished reading I recognized my lack of faithfulness. God's word is not ONLY for the people I am thinking about ONLY because they were unfaithful to me before. It is also an issue about me and my selfishness.

I know I have been unfaithful to God whenever I quit the responsibilities entrusted to me. I am no longer a person who can be trusted because of my past. But God gave me a second chance, His redeeming love made me realize where I got it wrong and honor whatever commitments I have today. What I have done to someone or to some commitments I have to do it for the Lord. I have to be trustworthy on what I have and what is entrusted to me. I have to keep my word and be faithful to everything that I say. I shouldn't commit into something I couldn't stand up for.

Faithfulness is about God and how well I could keep up with the words I say to Him and obeying him. A word not said is better than broken promises. I am praying to be faithful.

Have you lost your peace of mind?

Wednesday, 20 October 2010

'He restores my soul...' Psalm 23:3 NIV

When life overwhelms us we usually look for one of two things. We may look for somebody with all the answers. The trouble is, when you look to someone for that which only God can provide, you set that person up to fail and yourself up to be disappointed. Alternatively, we may look for somewhere with fewer problems. Paul Harvey wrote, 'After Hurricane Andrew devastated South Florida, Patricia Christy vowed she was going to leave on the first plane. She was determined to get as far away from the horror of hurricane damage as she possibly could and have a restful vacation.' Harvey said, 'I just heard from Patricia Christy. She was standing in line for fresh water on the Hawaiian Island Kauai, having just gone through Hurricane Iniki!' Sheep get anxious when storms come, predators roar, or they're forced to move to unfamiliar territory. How do they handle such times? By moving closer to the shepherd! Have you lost your peace of mind today? Read the following Scriptures; they'll help you move closer to your Shepherd: 'But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them...' (Psalm 5:11 NKJV) 'The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms...' (Deuteronomy 33:27 NIV) 'You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.' (Isaiah 26:3 NKJV) 'The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.' (Nahum 1:7 NKJV) For 'The Lord remembers us and will bless us...' (Psalm 115:12 NIV)


***This is how I feel today!!

I've lost my peace and clear thinking. I don't want to be like this because I know it is not healthy. God is the true peace giver. If I will acknowledge God's provision of peace of mind I will have rest and not be burdened with all these affairs. God loves me all the same and it will never change. My happiness does not depend on a person or on material things or my career because it is not everlasting.

Lord I am sorry. Today I've realized that happiness comes from you. Father, please give me peace of mind and clear heart and conscience. I trust in you. You will comfort me. You will love me unlike any other. Lord cleanse my mind and heart. Give me rest. In Jesus name amen.

The deal is sealed

Thursday, 14 October 2010

'...Having believed, you were marked... with a seal...' Ephesians 1:13 NIV

If you are having doubts about your salvation, understand this clearly: the moment you trusted in Christ as your Saviour, His blood cleansed you from all sin. At that point 'you were marked... with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit... guaranteeing [your]... redemption' (vv. 13-14 NIV). The Bible says, 'You should not be like cowering fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God's very own children, adopted into his family - calling him, 'Father, dear Father!' For the Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us we are God's children. And since we are his children, we will share his treasures - for everything God gives to his son, Christ, is ours too.' (Romans 8:15-16 NLT) In the book of Ruth we read that 'the custom... in Israel concerning redeeming... [was] one man took off his sandal... gave it to the other, and this was a confirmation...' (Ruth 4:7 NKJV) Notice, the 'redeemer' put on another man's sandal, signifying his willingness to stand in his place. That's what Jesus did for us at the cross. He stood in our shoes so we could stand before God in His - redeemed and righteous! Don't let doubt steal your joy. Refuse to go by your feelings. Make up your mind to believe what God says, for until you do you'll be plagued by uncertainty. Study God's Word until you can say with assurance, '...I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.' (2 Timothy 1:12 NKJV) Are you trusting in Christ as your Saviour? Then your salvation is not in doubt. The deal is sealed!


***I am a person who doubts. I must say there were certain times where I doubt God, Is He real? If He is, is He even interested in me? The sinful me? The unmoving, untrusting, stubborn me? That is my doubt all along. I am never sure anyone could accept me as I am. It's as if I am only a second option in everything. Now in my situation, I do not know where God is but still I am trusting Him. I hate my life now having no career, no money, no ambition. It just kills my soul. I want to trust God that He has a great future planned for me I just can't see the bigger picture yet. I do hope God will open doors for me. Open my eyes perhaps. Lord, please help me overcome my unbelief. In these moments where I am certain of my salvation but uncertain of my future please help me to look in you more than look in the situation. Let me focus in You. Amen.

'But God' moments

Saturday, 09 October 2010

'...it was not you who sent me here, but God...' Genesis 45:8 NIV

Are you in the dark about the direction God seems to be leading you? Jon Walker says, 'The choice to do His will before we know the specifics... develops trust of His character... This is where many people get into a battle of wills... wanting Him to reveal His plan first... That's not how He works. God wants you to decide in advance to trust Him... believing that His will is best for your life... He knows your hesitancy. He won't be surprised if you say, 'I don't know that I'm willing to step out in faith without knowing everything that's going to happen, but I'm willing to be made willing.' One reason God doesn't give you the full picture... is you may be overwhelmed... it may appear impossible... but that's the point - there's no way you can fulfil your mission without Him.' When Joseph was reunited with his brothers in Egypt, he told them, '...do not be angry with yourselves... it was not you who sent me here, but God...' (Genesis 45:5-8) Joseph's brothers sold him out, 'but God' used it to preserve the Jewish race. The Israelites were in slavery, 'but God' sent Moses to lead them to the Promised Land. Jesus died on the cross, 'but God' used His death to save a lost world. Oswald Chambers calls God 'The Great Engineer, creating circumstances to bring about moments... of divine importance, leading us to divine appointments'. Think back; can't you recall some 'but God' moments of your own where you'd reached the end of your rope and He came through for you?


*** Yes I have a problem with trust. I am uncertain about the future and this made me uneasy about my faith. I am just so scared of the things that will happen next.I know I can't control all the things around me and I may not be in the best position right now but the Lord is teaching me something. I am in the phase of life where God is opening my eyes so that I can trust Him. I am not sure yet what are God's plans but yes he definitely has something in-stored for me.

I have to remind myself about the story of Joseph. he suffered a lot to gain a lot. All he did was to be faithful to God, be good and obedient. I can be the best person I can be with God's grace. I do hope to have a Joseph heart and mind.

Lord create in me a heart that will trust you completely. Sorry Lord for my lack of faith. Increase my faith Lord. I am open to receive your blessings help me so that I can be capable to receive these things from you. Widen my horizon Lord, give me more than what I have got and lead me the way where you want me to be. I want to do your will in my life. Help me to discern if it's from you and it's your purpose for me. I love you Lord and I give my life completely to you. In Jesus name. Amen.