Lately my husband and I have been visiting churches and enjoying meeting so many new people in our area.
One church we visited recently had the friendliest group, stirring worship, and an invigorating guest speaker. Almost every church we go to has something favorable to recommend, and this church was no exception.
As I listened intently to the speaker, agreeing and nodding with his encouragement to us all, my heart and mind came to a screeching halt.
There it was again… every time I hear it, it’s literally like nails on the chalkboard. I can’t even remember what was said before or after… all I heard was those blaring words we often hear in many churches… “Though we don’t deserve it … ” followed by some benefit bestowed upon us.
Ok, it’s true. I get a little riled up about this.
Maybe it’s because through 25 years of counseling and coaching people, I have seen how this subtly deceptive belief of being undeserving lies at the heart of so many problems. It undermines confidence like few things can. It anchors our feet to the ground when we are supposed to be soaring.
I also get riled up because God has done so much to make us worthy and deserving, but we continue to buy and spread the lie.
To feel we don’t deserve God’s blessings and abundance does not make us humble, it makes us impotent. And when we are impotent, we are not empowered or at peace.
And if we are not empowered or at peace, then we are child’s play for the enemy who wants to wipe our faces on the floor.
Now, I don’t know if this is an issue for you, but if it is, may I be a strong encouragement to you?
You are worthy and you do deserve the blessings of God.
Maybe an argument can be made that you did not deserve salvation and forgiveness and redemption before you received Him.
But if He died for you so you could have eternal life and kingdom living, then don’t you deserve it?
To deserve something is to be entitled to it, to have it coming. Jesus said He came so that we would have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance, to the full, till it overflows. (Jn 10:10 AMP)
If He came to give this to you, are you not to claim ownership of it? Are you not to expect it to come to you? Was this a cruel joke?
Yes, I understand. To say we are not worthy or we don’t deserve it often means, “I did not earn this great thing myself, therefore I don’t deserve it.”
Well folks, that is worldly thinking. It is the world, not God, that says we only deserve what we earn ourselves.
Set your minds and keep them set on what is above, not the things that are on the earth. (Col 3:2)
Think about it … Adam and Eve deserved to be in the Garden – because God put them there. They did not build it, pay for it, or work for it. The fact that God GAVE it to them was all that was necessary for them to be entitled to it.
One final question: for those of you who have little children, do you want them feeling like they don’t deserve a meal when you offer it to them? Or would rather they just come to the table happy and accepting and leave grateful and satisfied?
In Mt 18:2-6 we are encouraged to be as little children. Receive in freedom and gratitude all that God has for you.
Please say with me today, and every day… “I deserve all that God has given to me. I deserve all that He has won and all that He has done.”
Believe me it will give our Lord great pleasure and also open the door to even more of what He wants for you.
Please, please, please… purpose in your hearts to be done with this debilitating notion. It is not of God. Agree with Him. He has made you worthy and you deserve His best.
You do not have to take it!
(This is a post from my Java, Jammies, and Jesus)
This JJJ is a little more aggressive than usual, but I believe I need to issue a call to action.
You see, there has been a recurring pattern that needs to be exposed and once you see it, you may feel the call to rise up, too.
Many people come to my site, read my writings, and some make the decision to invest in and grow my finances using tools available for you if you go to Skrumble.com. To one degree or another the pattern is the same… initial revelation, enlightenment, the sensation of feeling “lighter than a feather,” and increased hope and courage to do whatever it is the reader or client needs to do.
This is wonderful! God’s revelation brings elevation and a breath of fresh air. Several people have used the same phrase to describe their experience, “I feel lighter than a feather!”
And then circumstances come along…. and then more… and now the reader or client is tempted to doubt the new thoughts God had them thinking… is it really God?
Am I really as loved, esteemed, and as favored as I’m learning?
Are my sins REALLY forgiven?
Am I really cut out for this?
Is favor just momentary feel-good fluff?
Well, let me reinforce this old familiar perspective: old habits
die hard.
When a mind has been set in a certain direction for a long time, itis like deeply embedded ruts in a road. Remember the pioneers and the wagon trail?
The explosive quality of revelation can shoot us out of those ruts,making the shifts we need easier. But our brain, and this is proven scientifically, does not like change, and will do whatever it has to to make our lives reflect what it is used to believing.
The new revelation is perceived almost like an inaccurate, incorrect thought, which the brain sets out to correct.
If anyone wants to read more about this, a good book is, “WhoSwitched Off My Brain?” by Dr. Caroline Leaf.
So, here is my encouragement and then call to action:
1. Know that doubts don’t mean the truth isn’t true, and it doesn’t mean there is something wrong with you! The transformation process takes time and diligence. In the beginning, a down after an up is normal.
2. When old thoughts and voices rise up and want to reclaim theirplace… draw your sword. Speak OUT LOUD what you know to be true and put your stake in the ground. If you can’t remember what’s true, it might help to go back through some of my posts, read my book, or better yet… sit in the presence of God and get loved on!
3. Get angry at the lies, not at people, or even thecircumstances. God promises and provides abundant life. The enemy
robs, steals, and destroys. When it comes to lies, get good at spotting them as quickly as possible, and TAKE NO PRISONERS!
4. If you can, join with people around you who are like-minded and going through similar changes, discovering similar things. Accountability and encouragement is crucial to success.
There’s so much more to say, but I hope this helps.
Recently I proposed to you that much of our frustration can be resolved, and dare I say, even eliminated once we have a mindset of FAVOR. (Click here for that post.)
Because the Lord has so thoroughly convinced me of this, it has become my mission to share the power of this transcendent gift.
Getting rooted and established in His favor has caused a huge shift in how I see myself, the world, and why I am even here.
Also, in all my years of counseling and coaching, I have never seen breakthrough in my clients’ lives like I am these days. It’s quite astounding!
Maybe it’s because one very specific reason Jesus came was to restore us all to a favorable relationship with Him!
Look at this verse. This was not just some doctrinal statement… this is personal, to be taken personally.
2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (Amplified Bible)
18But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself [received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself] and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him].
19It was God [personally present] in Christ, reconciling and restoring the world to favor with Himself, not counting up and holding against [men] their trespasses [but cancelling them], and committing to us the message of reconciliation (of the restoration to favor).
20So we are Christ’s ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ’s personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] and be reconciled to God.
A mindset of favor is to trump all other competing mindsets.
Verbally thanking Him will increase your faith!
So today, thank God for His favor. Thank Him that He favors you!
Thank Him for coming into this world FOR YOU, to cancel out ALL your sin… past, present, and future.
Thank Him that not only do you HAVE His favor, but you ARE highly favored. Ask Him to grow this seed of truth within you, change your mind as to how you see yourself, and then, expect Him to do it!!
Continuing on…. So, what does lead us to happiness?
Ps 1: 2 says it plainly: Delighting in God and His law. Meditating on Him and His words day and night.
Now this may seem daunting, but think about it… who is God, but LOVE! What is His law… LOVE! So, God has made things very simple for us, hasn’t he? It’s all about love.
Love God. Love ourselves. Love others.
The difficulty most of us have is in trying to love others without first having a deep intimate love for God and RECEIVING the deep intimate love that He first gave us.
That is why being in His presence is so vital to our lives, our relationships, and our work. I want to flow in love, not work at it, don’t you?And isn‘t being in the presence of Love, what all our hearts crave?
Indeed, all the studies done on happiness concur that having healthy, loving connections with others was one of the top contributors to happiness, definitely above money or things or even satisfying work.
But we are often thwarted in attaining those quality connections because the quality of our connection with the One who made us is often wanting.
He is the Source.
I spent years feeling unhappy about huge chunks of my life, and thankfully, God used that to woo me to Him, to pursue His presence.
And now, I happily admit, I am addicted.
Delighting in Him and His ways is easy, satisfying work. He is now my counsel. He’s the voice in my ear. So much so, that I no longer avoid the ungodly, the sinner, or even the scoffer!
In fact, I often purpose to be smack dab in the middle of them! How else can I form caring relationships with those who need love?
But this is not a job. This is a RESULT of His love flowing in and through me… which is a RESULT of sitting with Him, not in the seat of scoffers, letting Him love on me.
So, Tip for today: Seek the presence of God and let Him be your counsel. Let Him be the voice you hear and the advice you cling to. Meditate on, ponder about, and receive His love for you…. all day and all night long. Do you think that will help you be happier?
Can I be candid with you? It’s a little difficult for me to get started this week. The skies just let loose a torrent of rain, casting a dull gray veil on what would otherwise be vibrant greens, purples, and reds. Hmm.. Interesting.
You see, for a while now, I have felt like those vibrant spring colors. I’ve been in an impenetrable bubble of God’s favor. As He and His favor flows through me, around me, and before me, I am like a giddy little kid. I love to see His favor abound.
But as I talk to more and more people about God’s favor, I am confronted with the conundrum that for many favor sounds great, but their struggles are real, their hearts are heavy, and their hope has all but disappeared.
Where is favor then?Can we only experience it when things are going our way?
Well, as I write this, I want to share with you, I am having to answer that question personally.
I recently became aware that a person who matters much to me deceived me, and it hurt. Badly. And it still does. I was reminded of many conversations I’ve had with others who don’t know what to do with such pain.
Where is favor when your heart is broken, when your trust is violated, when you feel so betrayed that you can’t stop crying?
I almost did not write you. How can I encourage you with a Monday morning zing, when I feel so zapped?
Because the truth is, God is good, and He has an answer. Even as I write this, it is coming.
I see there’s only one thing to do: ASK.
“Lord, do you have a word for me? My heart is aching and I’m drawing blanks here.”
Yes, He does …. And here it is:
“Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
And so, find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.” (Prov 3:3-4)
Oh yes, refreshment to my soul and music to my ears.
There is a reservoir of mercy and truth within us. Like the colors of spring, they are there, in brilliant display, but the heavy rains can so obscure their vibrancy.
God is now showing me that during times of heaviness and pain, we need mercy for others and ourselves more than ever. We have been forgiven of all wrongs, and so, freedom lies in doing the same for others. I must tap into His mercy.
This is also not the time to forsake, or resist His truth. And what is that when we are in pain?
God loves us, we are special and important to Him, and even in this situation, He has a favorable outcome that He can and WILL work in our hearts and often, in the hearts others.
That is a powerful aspect of His favor!
Though people fail us, we can depend on Him. He is the lover of our souls. With that love He freely gives to us, we can in turn love the ones who hurt us.
As I meditate on this verse, and ask the Lord to deepen it within me, I notice my soul lifting, my hope being restored, and His love consuming me. I am rediscovering this rich deposit of His favor and freedom is flooding my heart.
I can count on a favorable outcome of His design. Oh, happy day!
Say … will you look at that. The sun has come out … the gray is gone… it is glorious. Have a fabulous week!
The richest of blessings to you!
Maryann
Where is favor when your heart is broken?
Good Morning and Happy Monday!
May I be candid with you?
It’s a little difficult for me to get started this week. The skies just let loose a torrent of rain, casting a dull grey veil on what would otherwise be vibrant greens, purples, and reds. Hmm.. Interesting.
You see, for a while now, I have felt like those vibrant spring colors. I’ve been in an impenetrable bubble of God’s favor. As He and His favor flows hrough me, around me, and before me, I am like a giddy little kid. I love to see His favor abound.
But as I talk to more and more people about God’s favor, I am confronted with the conundrum that for many favor sounds great, but their struggles are real, their hearts are heavy, and their hope has all but disappeared. Where is favor then?
Can we only experience it when things are going our way?
Well, as I write this, I want to share with you, I am having to answer that question personally.
I recently became aware that a person who matters much to me deceived me, and it hurt. Badly. And it still does. I felt my heart break into a thousand little pieces, and wondered if it would ever mend and feel whole again.
Where is favor when your heart is broken, when your trust is violated, when you feel so betrayed that you can’t stop crying?
I almost did not write you. How can I encourage you with a Monday morning zing, when I feel so zapped?
Because the truth is, God is good, and He has an answer. Even as I write this, it is coming.
I see there’s only one thing to do. And it’s not to talk about it with a bunch of friends, (though I am thankful to have an understanding husband who is always available when I need him.)
Complaining bitterly to others is no remedy for me, and it only compounds the hurt the more it’s repeated. For me, the only thing to do is seek the Lord, enter His presence, and ask Him for a word, a vision, a thought… anything. He knows what I need at every given moment, especially when I feel overcome with pain.
So, I asked, “Lord, do you have a word for me? My heart is aching and I’m drawing blanks here.” And here it is – an old familiar passage, a perfect verse for me. How faithful is He!
“Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
And so, find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.” (Prov 3:3-4)
Oh yes, refreshment to my soul and music to my ears.
I realize once again, that within us, there is a reservoir of mercy and truth. Like the colors of spring, they are there, in brillant display, but the heavy rains can so obscure their vibrancy. God is now showing me that during times of heaviness and pain, we need mercy for others and ourselves more than ever. We have been forgiven of all wrongs, and so, freedom lies in doing the same for others. I must tap into His mercy.
This is also not the time to forsake, or resist His truth. And what is that when we are in pain? God loves us, and even in this situation, He has a favorable outcome that He can and will work in our hearts and often, in the hearts others. That is a powerful aspect of His favor! Though people fail us, we can depend on Him. He is the lover of our souls. With that love He freely gives to us, we can in turn love the one who hurt us.
As I meditate on this verse, and ask the Lord to deepen it within me, I notice my soul lifting, my hope being restored, and His love consuming me. I am rediscovering this rich deposit of His favor, and freedom is flooding my heart.
I can count on a favorable outcome of His design. Oh, happy day!
Say … will you look at that. The sun has come out … the gray is gone… it is glorious. Have a fabulous week!
The richest of blessings to you!
Maryann
Maryann Ehmann
God has always been my Source. It just took me a while to know it and agree with it!
But as I’ve done so, He has transformed my life, and the life of every single family member. From lack to plenty, sickness to health, worry to peace, guilt to freedom, darkness to light…
This is His mission for you, too.
Oh, and yeah… this is a picture of me NOT in jammies!
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Have I Ever Told You….
You’re My Favorite!
The Importance of Feeling Special
God wants you to feel special, and one of the best ways He does it is by giving you His favor!
