Your True Self 1

Good evening my friends :)

I've been in much thought this past week about a verse in the 1st chapter of the book of John. I really wanted to spend a great deal of time on this verse so we could really dig into it, but time has not allowed so I will share it and my thoughts with you in short. The verse is John 1:12.

The New American Standard Bible states John 1:12 as follows:

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,...etc.

The Message Bible states the same verse as follows:

But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves.

This particular version caught my attention with the words - true selves. I began asking, "Am I my true self?"

Several years ago I would have answered that I was my "true self", but as I look back on the days of yesteryear, I realize that I am more my true self today than I have ever been. As a matter of fact, even 2 years ago, I was not my true self.

What allows a person to be their true self? How do we know if we are our true selves? What hinders us from being our true selves? Our child-of-God selves? I realize that God wants me to be completey who He created me to be. To be no one else. To mimic no one in personality, but to be me. I can have my own likes and dislikes. I can like 22" chrome wheels even if others make fun of me. I can like pink tennis shoes and hip hop style music even if I am 39 years old! I don't have to act "grown up" or carry a certain disposition about me because others around me appear a certain "way" and I define that "way" as my standard.

I've decided I just want to be me. I want to be who God created me to be and He wants you to be who He created you to be. No one else may dance the way you do, but you're unique. No one else may like your lime green VW, but if you like it, then be happy! Be confident in the person God created in you.

I believe God will have me "stuck" here for another week or so, so I'll be sharing more with you on this topic next week. Be who God created! Be yourself!

Love you all!!!!

Without Limits

Isn't it awesome and amazing how God doesn't just give us a little, but He gives to us without limits? Look at His love, it is unconditional. Regardless of our decisions in life, He still loves us. No matter how ugly we may become, His love doesn't change. He loves you the same today as He did when you were first conceived.


His peace? It surpasses all understanding. As Christians, we cannot explain to others the peace we have when we rest in Jesus. It isn't a peace that the world understands. It's a peace that only God gives. It's a peace that I desire to overwhelm me everyday of my life.


His joy? It's unspeakable joy. I love that about my God. Joy Joy Joy Joy down in my heart. Down in my heart to stay. Today, I choose joy. Tomorrow? I choose joy. Do you choose joy or do you choose to look at life's circumstances and allow them to cause you anxiety and fear?


And His wholeness? There are no limits. That means no matter how big the void, He can fill it. No matter how dark the hole is that you may be finding yourself, He is big enough to reach out and take hold of you, pull you out and make you live in the sunshine. Isaiah 59:1 states, Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy that it cannot hear. He hears from the quietest thought we have to the loudest yell we shout. No thought is unknown to Him. No cry we cry is unheard. Do you need to cry out to Him? Do it, He'll be listening.


One more choice He gives us everyday. The choice between life and death. We choose one or the other. What do you choose? Where do you look for joy and peace? I can promise you there is none like that of my Father. Choose His peace today, His life, His joy and His love. There's something about this God we serve. Something about Him. Something about Him.

Be blessed my friends. Be full of God's peace.