I am currently reading the book "Telling Yourself the Truth" by William Buckus and Marie Chapian and my conceptions on many common problems have changed for the good, PRAISE GOD! Since I am not completely done with it, I can´t provide the just of what it says, but from where I am at.
Be aware of what you tell yourself (self-talk)!!! Many many times people (me included) will put themselves into such a miserable state (depression, anger, anxiety, and other uggy feelings) with the statements they tell themselves. Devaluing self, devaluing situation, or devaluing the future events cause depressive thoughts. Ex. 1. Devaluing self = I am not attractive, I am not smart, I am nothing. 2. Devaluing situation = Since I lost my job, it is all over for me. Ugg, my sickness is untolerable! Devaluing future events = I am never going to get married. I will never be happy. Life is miserable. The more we tell ourselves these lies, the more we believe them and behave like them. "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Prov. 23:7).
Why am I sharing this with you? Honestly, to set you free from the bondage of such lies. To help you realize that the spoken Word of God, the Bible, is true and will be the only shield of such lies! You can enjoy happiness, joy, and peace in whatever situation as long as you believe and hold dearly to what the truth says!!
There is so much more I am learning ... next chapter, Anger! Grrrrr!!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Writing...
Hello, to those who follow my blogs! Each time I write, I seem to feel guilty for my lack of informing you of all that is going on and all that God is teaching me. There is just sooo much and if you personally know me, I have the tendency of going to and fro especially surrounded by people. To sit and write is a little stretch. So I ask now, for your forgiveness in this area. I will try to do better. With much love and thankfulness for your time! Melissa
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Thoughts of a Missionary!!
(1/16/10)
What does it mean to be a missionary? It is one sent to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Isn’t it very similar as being a Christian, one to follow the example and commands of Jesus (Christian = little Christ)? And didn’t Christ command each one of us to share the love of Christ and the truth when he resurrected into heaven? “Go, make disciples…”or the set claim that “…you will be my witnesses” no question about it!
What does it mean to be a missionary? It is one sent to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Isn’t it very similar as being a Christian, one to follow the example and commands of Jesus (Christian = little Christ)? And didn’t Christ command each one of us to share the love of Christ and the truth when he resurrected into heaven? “Go, make disciples…”or the set claim that “…you will be my witnesses” no question about it!
To be honest with you my human, flesh, weak side, cries in fear when called to share Christ. I mean what if they reject me? What if they disagree with me and leave, never to talk to me the same as before? Deep within I want to be accepted by all people. Sharing God’s love and truth isn’t and won’t be accepted by everyone, but it is what I am told to do. It is a responsibility I know I have as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ.
As Christ followers, we are free from the burden of the fear of men. “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Gal 1:10).
As Christians, we are also accepted and loved. “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." Or “For God so loved the world…” Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with hi” (John 14:21,23) and “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to Go” (Romans 15:7).
As Christ followers we commit our lives to Him, giving up our comfort so that Christ may be the one to lead and direct our every step. So then, “those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good” (1 Peter 4:19). Right?
Do you realize that YOU have the answer to eternity? Do you realize that YOU can bring life to the dead? Do you realize the precious gift of Salvation YOU have? Perhaps, like myself, you never took that time to contemplate on it, wrapped up with the company/business of others, living the crazy busy life, or entangled by the love of this material world and not worry to share about ‘sin’ about the separation of God and man, and about eternal damnation. Do you realize how real it is? No more frosting on the cake! The truth is that the flesh does not want to tell others the gospel of Jesus because it must bring in the fact that all man are sinners, missing the mark of God’s perfect law, hated, despised, rejected by a HOLY and just God . In His perfect character he cannot accept the filthy rags that weigh us down. And yet there is good news! This is just the first step! Realize who you are and your failure before our Holy God, fall to your knees in humility, and then you shall find that there is One who freely offers the gift of life, Jesus Christ. This gift, to accept such an offer brings life, brings hope, brings inner joy and peace even when the world seem to fall apart.
Do you realize that YOU have the answer to eternity? Do you realize that YOU can bring life to the dead? Do you realize the precious gift of Salvation YOU have? Perhaps, like myself, you never took that time to contemplate on it, wrapped up with the company/business of others, living the crazy busy life, or entangled by the love of this material world and not worry to share about ‘sin’ about the separation of God and man, and about eternal damnation. Do you realize how real it is? No more frosting on the cake! The truth is that the flesh does not want to tell others the gospel of Jesus because it must bring in the fact that all man are sinners, missing the mark of God’s perfect law, hated, despised, rejected by a HOLY and just God . In His perfect character he cannot accept the filthy rags that weigh us down. And yet there is good news! This is just the first step! Realize who you are and your failure before our Holy God, fall to your knees in humility, and then you shall find that there is One who freely offers the gift of life, Jesus Christ. This gift, to accept such an offer brings life, brings hope, brings inner joy and peace even when the world seem to fall apart.
Why stay silent any longer? You have the answer, trust God in prayer to open your mouth and speak of Jesus Christ. Believe it and live it out! Do not be afraid any longer. Christ, the Son of God had brought us the Holy Spirit to speak through us. Let Him do all the work. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” (Eph 3:20) Let it go and simply let God... relax in Him. For it is what he commands us to do! Share what you have, for eternity is counting on it!
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