Friday, December 21, 2007

JMD Devotional 266 2 Corinthians 10:12 Comparing Myself to Others

There was an evening get together the other day; a little social at someone’s home to discuss our church’s vision and outreach. When I got home from the event, I wondered why that little bit of activity left me feeling so worn out. Something else was going on in the background that was taxing my resources. As I went to bed, God brought this scripture to mind:

2 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV) We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.

Being around other people wears me out because I am unconsciously and continually making comparisons. I get really uncomfortable in these social situations. I am so over-sensitive that I won’t make a good impression; and afraid that I will not measure up to my peers. It is somewhat pathetic that I feel I have to say, do or purport to be something impressive just to be accepted. Why can’t I just relax and be myself? Am I afraid of being exposed as ‘average’? Can I let others lead and give my support without trying to modify what they are doing? Why are men only comfortable from a position of superiority? When I can’t find that exalted spot, I go to plan B (I tend to try to become totally invisible). My perception always tends to see other people as having better status, jobs, homes and cars; rather than rejoicing at their success a pit forms in my stomach. There is sin in comparing myself to others. It is the antithesis of contentment. It betrays a lack of trust in God’s plan for my life. I strive much too hard to be more than I am; to prove myself to other people. This keeps me from really engaging them and from being a part of what they are doing. Such comparisons only bring isolation and misery. It kills teamwork.

2 Corinthians 10:12, 17,18 (NIV) We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
[Self-testimonials are nothing but vanity. Proverbs 27:2 (NIV) Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips. Ultimately, the only opinion that matters, and the only one to strive to impress is God.]

Galatians 6:3-6 (NIV) If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
[We are all debtors, I owe much to my pastors, teachers, family, authors and to the Body of Christ at large. If my nose is too large, I can’t see anybody else!]

Comparisons are futile. God went to a lot of trouble to make each one of us unique, in a specific time, place and status. I need to move my focus off of myself and on to my Maker, Master and Friend. This striving has to go! I am an odd duck; but God made me for a purpose, and I need to patiently abide in a trusting relationship with Him as it is revealed and played out on His schedule.
He is sovereign, I don’t need to be in the driver’s seat. I have to be O.K. with sitting on the bench.

Isaiah 40:25-31 (NIV) "To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.
Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength,
not one of them is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Dear God,
I try so hard to portray myself as a man who’s ‘got it all together’; but You intimately know my deficits. I am uncomfortable in my own skin. Please help me to accept myself, my short comings, my status and my circumstances. You know how I want to do great things; but discipline, humility, consistency, trust and patience come first. Help me to be more concerned about Your kingdom, Your will, and the needs of other people than myself. The feelings of inferiority that I bear are a distortion: please correct my self-perception: I am not an accident, You did not make a mistake; there is a plan for my life; I am significant because You deliberately sculpted my soul. It is O.K. to be me. May I find rest in our relationship.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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JMD Devotional 265 Ephesians 6:11,12 Unholy Staff

Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

There is always more at work than meets the eye. Though it seems like we need little provocation, agents exist that distort our perceptions, amplify perceived offenses, breed conflicts and seduce us to self-centeredness and rebellion. Yes, our own flawed psychology can also account for all of these things. Neil Anderson, in “The Bondage Breaker”, asserts that we humans, made in the image of a triune God, are a mini-trinity of spirit, soul and body. There is never a time that all three parts do not play a role in who and what we are. Our perceptions can be distorted by physical illness, emotional baggage and by exterior spiritual influences in any combination. Effective treatment needs to consider our physical, emotional and spiritual needs in order to treat the whole person. The Bible warns of an unholy staff of sinister agents out to destroy your witness and influence in the world; the more we step out from under God’s rules for living the more exposed we are, as if we stepped out from under His umbrella: our rebellion gives the enemy license to oppress us. Obedience to God keeps us under divine protection.

Dear God,
I thank You for medical doctors and psychologists and counselors who help treat the human condition. I also acknowledge that science has its limits; so I come to You in my ignorance of spiritual things; I depend on Your help and protection and guidance where I am so blind. Help me to tune out evil advice and seduction, to quickly say no to temptation, to remain loyal to Your kingdom. Forgive me for the rebel I have been, for consorting with the enemy of my soul, for being so gullible and faithless. May I not consider anything that the Devil may put on the table to entice me; help me to love You supremely.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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JMD Devotional 264 Ephesians 6:10,11 Thick Skin or Correct Clothing?

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.

The school of hard knocks has taught us other ways of surviving the assaults we experience. How many times have coaches, dads and other authority figures told us to develop a thick skin when a word or gesture hurt us? The world’s prescription for pain is either to grow a callous or to retreat from it. Many are taught that the best defense is a counter-attack; and have so well honed the skill as to become bullies verbally and physically without any provocation. But none of this is God’s way. We are not to become insensitive, we are not to retreat and fail to engage and we are not to be volatile and initiate a first strike: we are to stand in Christ wearing God’s armor. We wear armor because humility and sensitivity and all that we are is worth protecting!

Dear God,
Attacks seem to come from all directions; but You are my refuge. I have so learned the wrong ways to protect myself that my friends and family have trouble getting through to the real me. I am not the insensitive and angry and aggressive man I sometimes appear to be: please pumice off the calluses and make me responsive to my loved ones and people in need, for Jesus’ sake.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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JMD Devotional 263 Ephesians 6:23,24 Acid Test

Peace be to the brethren, and love joined with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Grace (God's undeserved favor) be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying and incorruptible [love]. Amen (so let it be).

There is a pop song from our secular culture that goes, “I thought it was love but it’s over…”, that reflects the prevalent confusion over just what love is. All too often it is used as a synonym for sex, a strong ‘like’ or infatuation. The ‘love’ manufactured by the world is a very selfish love, as evidenced in half of all marriages ending in ‘no-fault’ divorce. The same sad phrases are used as ‘justification’ for dissolution: “we drifted apart” (i.e. quit caring for each other’s needs), “irreconcilable differences” (i.e. two selfish and unyielding individuals), “incompatibility” (i.e. my mate does not accept my unfaithfulness). ‘Love’ has been so diluted and misused that we need to use an array of adjectives so it will be clearly understood when we are talking about the real thing. There would be no need for ‘true love’ if it were not for ‘false love’. The acid test for love is self-sacrifice. If under pressure it dies or corrupts, it was never genuine love at all. If a recipient’s rejection or misuse of the love given to them causes the lover to change (and thus corrupt their love) it was not true love. Like a gift; it really was not a ‘gift’ if it is taken back because certain conditions were not met; no, that defines payment, a contract and expectations: a ‘prostitution’ of love. Love is only true love if it is given unconditionally with no strings attached and no expiration date and no disclaimer.

Dear God,
So many times I have loved to be loved, which was not true love at all. My neediness has fostered manipulative tactics and relational suicide again and again. I cannot love You or anyone else like I ought to without being filled with Your love (Agape). I’m too selfish, desperate and wanton! It has all been about me (it makes me feel sick to admit this). How can You love me where I am, retched and undeserving? Apart from You I am NOTHING. You see me as I was, as I am and how I will be, fully matured in Christ: how I wish I could get a glimpse of that glory we will share! My rags will turn to riches, pure and clean and radiant because of You in me. Put me through whatever misery is required to refine the dross out of my soul so that in the end my love is Your love through and through.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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JMD Devotional 262 Ephesians 6:1-4 Wholesome Home

CHILDREN, OBEY your parents in the Lord [as His representatives], for this is just and right.
Honor (esteem and value as precious) your father and your mother--this is the first commandment with a promise--that all may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth. Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord.

Children’s spirit’s are delicate mechanisms. A watchmaker does not repair a Rolex with a big wooden mallet and a crowbar; he uses jeweler’s screwdrivers and other tools appropriate for the trade. As a dad, I had a tendency to be overbearing, fearing that the seeds of my rebellion would sprout in the lives of my children. But if a farmer plows the field twelve months of the year, nothing good will grow; you have to permit nature to run its course within limits, even if it means giving some weeds amnesty. I over-prepared them for the rigors of the world, which made me harsh and demanding; when my role should have been one of nurturing. Fathers have tremendous power and potential in the lives of their children for good and for evil; our ‘sword’ is to defend our family, to be used outside and not within; keep it sheathed at home. Disarm the ballistic armor that a careless word or an unkempt room can set off; overlook small offenses, and focus on communication that makes your family glad to have you around. Meekness is strength held in check, under control, and its primary application is in the home. Children should not be afraid of their dad; a good father is a sanctuary from the world.

Dear God,
I have learned so much so late; I could have been a much better dad. Please forgive my misguided efforts, and help me to build relationships with my grown children as You heal our old wounds. I now know why parents spoil their grandchildren; wisdom comes with age, and had we known lessons earlier, we would have spoiled our own children, too. (There is no where else they can get this!) Spoil me with Your mercy, goodness and love!
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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JMD Devotional 261 Ephesians 6:10 Relational Strength

Vs 10 (NIV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Vs 10 (KJV) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Vs 10 (AMP) In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].

To comprehend verse 10 in context, we need to see what Paul was talking about leading up to his conclusion. The dialog began in chapter 5 verse 21 with “(AMP) Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).” He went on to talk about our relationships, beginning with our spouse, the Church, our children, our parents, those who work for us and those we work for. We are admonished to render our service readily, as to the Lord, and not to (mere) men. Relationships demand a lot out of us: they tax us on multiple levels, they involve risk, and so much can go wrong. Exercising the due care a relationship requires is difficult, which may explain why many choose to be aloof. We are called to sacrifice our anonymity for the welfare of others in the name of Christ. God supplies the power, we do not have the resources to do this in our own flesh: only IN CHRIST can we be so unselfish.

Dear God,
Please keep me vitally united to You. When people irritate me I realize that I’m running on old dry batteries that are futile to recharge. Life requires the amps that only Your Holy Spirit can supply. Keep me hooked up and connected, first to You, and then help me share Your life-energy with others. You define all of my relationships; may they be centered in You and flow from Your will for my life. Empower me to become more involved with others. For Your Kingdom’s good. Energize me!
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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