Wednesday, May 25, 2011

"See Yourself As God Sees You"

How do you think God sees you? From what I've witnessed, it appears that there are many who either are in the dark about that, or they think God holds a dim view of them.

The body language and facial expressions are downright frightening at times. Anger. Fear. Annoyance. Pride. If I didn't actually know that deep down there was a believer in there somewhere I'd have never guessed.

Personal expression does not always tell the entire story. The facts are that God sees the believer in a way that the believer may not be able to process due to different factors and extenuating circumstances. Sometimes a person just can't receive love. Others have difficulty with issues of faith. Still others see themselves as unworthy. This doesn't mean they aren't saved, it just means they have some growing to do.

2 Corinthians 6:18 (AMP) - "And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

That's the truth. God doesn't lie.

What then has to happen to get from "not feeling it" to acknowledging this great truth and appropriating it for your own life?

God says we must separate ourselves from what we used to be, and how we used to identify ourselves. Simply put, stop associating ourselves with what we used to be, and start accepting ourselves as we are now.

You see, regardless of how you "feel", if you have become born-again, you ARE a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). This is undeniable. It is indisputable. It matters not if you "feel" it, it is a supernatural fact. Sometimes it takes a bit for our natural mind to catch up to our new supernatural spirit.

Make sense? Think of it as how Paul explains it:

Romans 12:2 (AMP) - "Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]."

If you have accepted Jesus Christ into your life than the perfect will of God has been established in you. It's the best of God done in your favor. Now you need to digest and fathom it.

So...what Paul is saying here is that you have to come out from the old ways as far as your thinking goes. Your soul (mind) did not get born again, but only your spirit. Start to bring your thinking into subjection to your new reborn spirit. Paul says in verse 1 that this is "your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship."

Remember that you are a partner with God. He did not save your soul or jam Jesus down your throat against your will. You had to partner with Him. He did His part, now you have to fulfill your "reasonable" part.

Some folks do that, but they can't let go of the past too quickly. Sometimes so strongly that they still resemble what they were more than what and who they actually are.

I urge you (like Paul did) to do that. It is not becoming to a believer to act like a non-believer.

Reach out for the joy and happiness. Let the Holy Spirit get down deep into your mind, your soul, the very seat of your emotions and feelings.

1 John 3:1 (AMP) - "SEE WHAT [an incredible] quality of love the Father has given (shown, bestowed on) us, that we should [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are!"

Sense the joy and exhuberance in that! AND SO WE ARE!

Yes, you are! See it. Just be it.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

No comments:

Post a Comment