Be the Me God wants me to Be!

   Be the Me God wants me to Be!
                                       (Reference: SOUL PRINT by Mark Batterson)

You need to be yourself and the ”me God wants me to be.” Too many times we look at others and become jealous. Let me tell you something—we ALL have issues! Each of us has unique strengths and unique weaknesses. In the history of the world, no one has ever had your fingerprint. You are NOT an accident. God tells us in the Psalms: “We are fearfully and wonderfully made.” God loves His special creation—man and woman. You can worship God in a way no one else can. In this case, worship refers to honoring God with the gifts He has given you, to the people he puts in your life, as only you can.

Psalm 139:16
“All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Embrace each new day! It is the ONLY ‘this day’ that will ever be! To use a quote from a Sprite can, “Another Day, Another Adventure!”

You are important. You are very important! You are the only you that God will ever create!
Be the you He wants you to be!

Are You For Real?

"Are you for real?" is an introspective question I am asking myself. I encourage you to read this blog in a personally-questioning way.

As I seek out the real me, I have to consider all the personas that I would like to portray. If I am being honest with myself, I have different personas for different people. I have different personas for different roles. Taking it one step deeper, I am not always honest with God. Finally, I confess that I even try to fool myself sometimes.

I am not suggesting that I have multiple personalities at all. However, I believe that-sometimes-I act differently according to the situation. Perhaps talk differently. My deep desire is to keep it real ALL the time. But, that ain't happening.

Let's explore more...
If I am around highly-educated people, I wish to speak correctly. There's nothing wrong with that. As a matter of fact, I need to speak correctly all the time--with a few minor exceptions.

If I am at church, I certainly don't want to look like someone who is a sinner. someone who doesn't have it all together....Then I remember Jesus' words--I looked up Mark 2:17 (NLT) to get them right. When Jesus heard this, he told them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor--sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners."

Then there is the prideful part of me which always wants to be right. I really don't like people telling me I am wrong. I want it done my way. when I want it. I mean, can't people see that I am right? I've been around you know--57 years. Huh!
The Bible speaks much about pride. Here's one that hits home....
Matthew 23:12 (NLT) But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Other times, I need someone to encourage me. Thank God for placing those encouragers in my life at the right time. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

I don't want to be a worry wart, and I don't want to be a scardie-cat. So, I claim the following verses.
Philippians 4:6 (NLT) Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

This did not go as I planned....As I searched out the "true me", I was led to the scriptures. The final realization is: I am a work in progress. But, I must fight spiritually by praying, being in the word, going to church, and seeking God. I must allow God to change me to be the me He wants me to be.
2 Corinthians 5:17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Some Psalms

Here are some verses from Psalms that God has used to strengthen, teach, convict, or enlightenment me in my recent studies. All scripture shown is from the NLT version of the Bible.

Psalm 1:1-3; 1. Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 2. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. 3. They are like trees planted along the river bank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

Psalm 3:3; But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.

Psalm 7:17; I will thank the Lord because he is just; I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

Psalm 8:1-5; 1. O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. 2. You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you. 3. When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers--the moon and stars you set in place--4. What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? 5. Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.

Psalm 13:3; Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.
Psalm 13:6; I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me.