Resisting

I know I said that I was learning a verse every two weeks, but I told you about it mid way of the last verse. So, it's time for me to start a new one. If you are joining me, please feel free to jump in at your own pace. Before I tell you my new one, let me practice my first two on you and see if I got 'em:

She will have no fear of bad news; her heart is steadfast trusting in the Lord. Her heart is secure, she will not fear. In the end she will look in triumph on her foes. Psalm 112:7-8

When you eat or drink of do anything else, always do it to honor God. 2 Corinthians 10:31

(shoot, it's 1st Cor, not 2nd)

Now to the new verse for me. I knew this was my next verse for over a week, but I had a cool confirmation with it Sunday morning at Trinity. I'm going to memorize Galations 1:10 which says this: "Am I not 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. "

Over the last few weeks I have felt the

Lord speaking to me about my insecurities - note the lines dealing with fear in the first verse. I realized that I was very much after people's approval instead of resting in the acceptance and approval of the Lover of my soul. Remember, the whole point of me memorizing scripture right now is to resist the accuser as he whispers and shouts lies to me, and for me to put my confidence in my Redeemer and the truth he died for me to live in.

In the worship service yesterday, Dave started a series on the 10 commandments beginning with #10 - thou shall not covet. As he was breaking it down for us there were a couple of nuggets that stood out to me like glow in the dark neon signs:

- Coveting is not trusting in God's current provision.

- Covetousness is when we trust us more than we trust God.

Now, while Dave was referencing mostly material things, I knew the Lord was telling me that this applies for seeking affirmation and applause from people too. At the closing of every service, we are given several possible options as a next step to walk out our faith during the week. That's when the clincher came. One option was to read Luke 18:18-30, which Dave briefly discussed, and to ask the Holy Spirit to show me what I value more than Christ and His kingdom.

Whoa!

The reason that's such a ton of bricks for me is because I KNOW that His divine power has given me all I need. I KNOW that in Christ I am accepted. I KNOW that I am dearly and deeply loved. I KNOW that in Christ I am chosen. I KNOW that I have His approval. So then why am I valuing other people's praise more than the favor of my Saviour? I'm not sure but I'm ready to trade that need and change my desire. I'm ready to break through the lie that I need every one's approval. I'm ready to stop worrying if this or that person will like me. I'm ready to stop stressing over whether or not I'll be accepted by so-and-so.

This goes so hand in hand with the last half of my previous verse - "when you do anything else, always do it to honor God." So, here's the truth checker for me: am I doing ____ to win the approval of men or of God? Dang! Busting down 2 issues at a time - pride and insecurity! Only my loving Jehovah can call me out like that and offer such grace that brings healing and growth, not condemnation and shame. It's why I love Him so!

So, how about you? What verse are you working on to fight some lies with? What truth do you need fresh in your mind to be convinced of?

Lord Jesus, what a mess I am and how patient You are!! Thank you Jesus that we may approach You with boldness amidst our chaos. It is Your kindness Lord that leads us to repentance! Thank you for the privilege and relief of repentance. Jesus transform me by renewing my mind with the truth of Your great love and acceptance. How much more approval can I need than that of the Maker of heaven and earth?! You God, are matchless. I long for all I do to honor You alone.