Tuesday, February 27, 2007

What Do You See in the Mirror?-part 2

It seems that this issue really hits a chord with women. I am so glad that many of you were encouraged by my summary of Chip Ingram's study on this topic. I will finish up where I left on last week.

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But just knowing the truth about how God sees us isn’t enough and doesn’t change your life.


We must BELIEVE GOD’S VIEW IS TRUE

Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of
what we do not see.”

Can you imagine what would happen if you believe it is true?

Three things to help us believe:


1) Faith is built on God’s word

Hebrews 10:17 “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

When you expose yourself to the Word of God, faith grows.

2) Faith grows when you renew your mind.

Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

We must be conscious of how we spend our time. We can waste so much time on worldly endeavors. Instead, spend that time learning God’s view of you through Bible study and memorizing scripture and you’ll be transformed.

There are 168 hours in every week.
1 hour of church vs 167 hours of the world’s impact
Which is going to influence you more?

Develop a plan to remove the distorted mirrors in your life and replace them with the mirrors of God’s word. Affirmations from God’s Word & praying God’s Word.


Ways we can celebrate the unique person God has made us to be:
1) Unwrap your spiritual gift
I Corinthians 12:4-10
Every believer has at least one. It is incredible to see what happens when God uses those gifts to touch lives.

2) Use Your God-given Talents
Exodus 31:3
“I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts, to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in a all kinds of craftsmanship.

Different talents
- Many of you bury them.
- Sometimes you don’t see it as a talent, but it is unique and somebody needs it.
- Just make them available.

3) Leverage Your Past Experience
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

Parenting. Divorce. Cancer. Sexual abuse. Miscarriage. Etc.
God doesn’t waste pain.

II Corinthians 1: 26-31 -- The comfort and grace God gave you through your pain,
He wants you to use that for others.

God usually works in our weaknesses. Do we most often respond to someone who says, “Hey, I can’t help you with this” or someone who has experienced it and shares from personal experience?

Let’s move beyond our gates of safety and give it away. Get focused on others. Ministry is how God makes what’s true of us, true in us.

Loving others is the key.
Gallop poll:
Only 10% of laymen in churches are using their gifts in church.
50% have no interest in doing so.

So in brief review:
Your plan:
1) Refuse to believe you are inferior.
2) Fill your mind with how God sees you (Scripture).
3) Jump in and give to others.

7 comments:

Alicia said...

So, your Gallop poll seems to indicate that 40% of laymen are interested in using their gifts, but aren't. We have ministry fairs at our church to connect people who would like to be using their gifts with ministries that need their willingness and skills. Many other churches do similar things. Our church seeks to avoid the "duct tape mentality" f throwing whatever person is available wherever a job needs to be done regardless of gifts or burden.
BTW, it looks like you keep my crazy hours. :^)

Susie said...

I just love this! I am out of paper so I can't print it right now. I am still personally struggling with no. 2 of using my god-given talents. I do lead a weekly bible study in my home, but I want to do more. I guess I will keep praying and seeking, but in the meantime, keep serving.

Lisa Spence said...

Are you a night owl or what? 1:39 am!

I agree; we must know the Truth of God's Word and change the way we think..."be transformed by the renewing of your mind"...because as I think, I act.

Cyndi said...

"Can you imagine what would happen if you believe it is true?"

Wow, what a thought. I believe SO many other things are true... the virgin birth, His resurrection, a literal six day creation, the list goes on and on. WHY would I have a tiny shadow of doubt about how He sees me? What a thought. This was such a great post!

Susanne said...

I love those two points on faith. That really is where it starts. Great series, Kelly.

Candy said...

Very interesting post! I enjoyed it.

Elise @A Path Made Straight said...

I found the statement...God doesn't waste pain...to be overwhelmingly poignant. This is what paralyzes most of us - past pain.
To make that the catalyst for leaping into our future of serving Him, with faith, is so inspiring!
Thank you so much!