LESSONS LEARNED

I haven't written anything in a while and my soul is longing to put pen to paper (or in today's modern age maybe I should say - fingers to keys). Oh well, hopefully, you know what I mean. I have had this yearning to get some thoughts down for several weeks but, for whatever reason, just have not been intentional enough to sit down and start typing. This morning I decided to be intentional about several things - spend time with my Beloved Savior in His word and deep prayer; work on my budget; read The Missing by Beverly Lewis on my new kindle (thanks to a lifelong bestie); and journal some thoughts! I did get sidetracked a bit when Kate called and asked if I wanted to go have a peek at their first home they are purchasing.

Now here I sit at my computer pondering my time with Jesus this morning. The devotion I read this morning was about facing fears and putting ourselves out there - not being embarrassed or ashamed to seek help. I have faced many fears and shame in my life and I have learned a HUGE lesson from these feelings.

Lesson #1: Shame is not from God!!! Shame is from the enemy. He bogs us down with negative feelings and thoughts of not being worthy - losing friends - not being accepted. The TRUTH is: We are unworthy without the shed blood of our Savior! When we live under the forgiveness of Jesus we are accepted and loved!!!

This is what the Lord says: Forget what happened in the past, and do not dwell on events from long ago. I am going to do something new. It is already happening. Don't you recognize it? I will clear a way in the desert. I will make rivers on dry land. Isiah 43: 18-19

Lesson learned: Face the lie with the truth!!!

Lesson #2: Embarrassment and humiliation keeps us from reaching out to others. Once again, the enemy thrills at our embarrassment - he reinforces our fear of humiliation. I have heard him whisper in my ear, "you can't let that be known or every time someone looks at you they will think . . .". The TRUTH is: There is power in the light of Jesus.

All day long my disgrace is in front of me. Shame covers my face because of the words of those who insult and slander us, because of the presence of the enemy and the avenger. Psalm 44: 15-16

Lesson learned: Flee from the enemy into the arms of Jesus.

Lesson #3: Satan works hard to dull our spiritual connections. During my younger days of living under shame, embarrassment and humiliation I listened to the enemy. I now realize I was listening to the enemy. I even listened to him when he said "you don't need to voice your concerns, God know whats in your heart - there is no need to put those requests on the table, you have already told God about them." The TRUTH is: There is power in prayer!!!

So admit your sins to each other, and pray for each other so that you may be healed. Prayers offered by those who have God's approval are effective. James 5:15

Lesson learned: Seek prayer from others. Stay connected to the One who has the power - not the deceiver.

Blessed is the person who does not

follow the advice of wicked people,

take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers.

Rather, he delights in the teachings of the LORD

and reflects on his teachings day and night.

He is like a tree planted beside streams -

a tree that produces fruit in season

and whose leaves to not wither.

He succeeds in everything he does.

Wicked people are not like that.

Instead, they are like husks that the wind blows away.

That is why wicked people will not be able to stand in the judgment

and sinners will not be able to stand where righteous people gather.

The LORD knows the way of righteous people,

but the way of wicked people will end.

PSALM 1

Abba -

May I only seek advice and direction from fellow believers.

I want to be deep in You! I want to begin my day with You and Your Word and end my day with You and Your Word!

Bless my efforts - may my life show Your fruit!

I pray that you know my ways - that I always stay in Your shadow and that my life will be a reflection of You always