Tag Archives: freedom

Finding Yourself, By Denying Yourself

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In our search to understand who we are, we must walk in discernment & supernatural wisdom, as to not fall for finding our identity in a counterfeit formula or way.

If anything tells us that who we are is now static & unable to be anything different, then it is not truth. We are told biblically that we have the renewing of our minds, we are being transformed into the image of God, we can go from glory to glory, we are bearers of Christ’s image, becoming more like Him and new creations in Him. We are called to die to self, deny self, lay down self, just as Christ did for each of us. The danger is that we become lovers of self, self-absorbed, self-focused, instead of fixing our eyes on Christ.

If we begin to find our identity in any other book, belief, system or person other than the Word of God and in God Himself, we will never be fully satisfied or ever feel fully loved. We are not told to find ourselves, figure ourselves out, understand ourselves, know ourselves. We are called to find God, know God, seek God, trust God, confess God, believe God. We are also called to love others, bless others, give to others, heal others, forgive others. We are told to love ourselves, but that can only truly be done as we get to KNOW GOD and His love. Read the word. The more we discover God, the more we discover ourselves – not the other way around.

Food for thought:

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. II Corinthians 3:18

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24

“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.” Mark 8:35

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Breaking the Bars of Iron

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God is always doing a new thing! Around us, through us, for us, and IN us. While He loves us just as we are, right where we are, He also wants us to continue to move forward, to grow in our relationship with Him, as well as in our revelation of Him. He has so many wonderful and new adventures, discoveries, skills, challenges and more for us. That often takes some gentle nudging, a bit of shifting, tender wooing, and even more often than not – some powerful prodding! All done in love, because He never wants us stuck. Not in our selfishness. Not in our habits. Not in our pasts. Not in our personality tests. Not in our emotions. Not in what others have labeled us as, nor the destructive criticism we speak over ourselves. Not in lies or watered-down truths. Not in dangerous cycles or behaviors. Not in unhealthy patterns. And definitely not in our circumstances. 

His love is powerful and filled with so much life and goodness for each of us, that He loves us OUT of the chasms of complacency, the pits of pride, the ruts of fear and hopelessness, the caves of isolation, the dark corners of despair. He loves us OUT of our sin, and the blindness that keeps us there and unaware. He calls us out of captivity, where we have been enslaved by our emotions and insecurities. Why? Because He loves us too much to leave us there. This truth brings new meaning to the scripture: For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” He does not want to leave us as we were, or as we still are. He is our helper. He helps us be able to step out, rise above, take the risk, try new things, conquer the old, remove the chains, and break the cycles. Nothing can hold us back, cave us in, beat us down, or lock us up when we come into agreement with His powerful, life-changing love. He pull us out of our slimy pits of pain, breaks the bars of iron, because He holds the keys of freedom. He moves us out beyond our personalities, pity and pride that cage us in like iron gates with heavy locks. He loves, and even longs, to lift us out and set us free with His mighty right hand! He establishes our footing! Sets our feet on solid ground, and puts a NEW SONG in our mouths! Forever changed by His love. He doesn’t leave us there!

What new things does God want to do in your life? What old habits, cycles, attitudes, mindsets, and dangerous beliefs does He want to set you free of? His love is too strong, deep and wide to leave you stuck there. One way I have been able to “take His hand” and start agreeing with His truth and His powerful love is by listening to worship songs that speak about His love for me. I play them while I’m driving, drinking coffee, washing dishes, doing housework, on my computer, walking on the treadmill, getting ready for the day and winding down from the day. The words wash over some pretty stinking thinking, and wash away the residue of the day’s events that would like to get me stuck in worry, doubt, fear, stress, insecurities, self-pity and more. Soon I start to feel new again. He unlocks my perspective. He opens up doorways of hope. Breaks the bars that hold me back and I find myself believing, receiving and clinging to the LOVE OF GOD, ready and willing to walk into the NEW THING He wants to do in me, through me & for me today.