New Year, New You - Part 3 of 3 - Embracing You

Over the past weeks we have looked into the scriptures to gain a deeper understanding of God’s will for us, and begun the process of identifying our Godly Purpose by:

• Surveying where we are in our walk with God
• Praying for guidance and direction
• Evaluating our current relationships
• Identifying and changing the things in our lives that do not line up with God’s word.

We have also addressed recognizing the Godly transformation that is taking place in our lives by being more conscious of:

• Our thoughts and actions
• Our outer appearance
• Our reception by others

Most importantly, we have begun to accept the fact that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Marianne Williamson writes in her book, Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

So who are you? “…you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light,” according to 1 Peter 2:9.

As we conclude the series, “New Year New You,” I would like to focus on embracing, wrapping your arms around and taking hold of the person God made you to be. 

How do you feel about that? How do you feel about taking the time to love you, not in a selfish ungodly way; but in a way that brings glory to God, through your thoughts, your actions, your speech, your very being. Let me ask you:

• Is it easier for you to accept others and their abilities than your own?
• Are you still questioning your abilities?

 So how do you begin to walk in the life God as ordained for you?

Romans 12:6: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”

1. Make a list of your top 5 abilities 

2. Accept the gifts that God has blessed you with

3. Avoid comparing your abilities to the abilities of others

2 Corinthians 10:5: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

1. Remove negative thoughts

2. Find and memorize scriptures that demolish your self-doubt

3. If needed seek counseling to help you deal with issues of self-doubt

Romans 9:20-22: “But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?’

1. Accept who you are

2. Use the scriptures to enhance your positive qualities and gifts

2. Acknowledge the things that you are not able to change and move on

So, who are you? Are you not brilliant, amazing, and talented? Are you not a child of God? Yes, you are, I am, we all are, so embrace it, walk confidently in it, show it to the world simply by showing up! 

Psalm 2:7-8 says: “I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.”

Today I challenge you: Look in the mirror at the wonderful work God created and simply say to yourself, “I Love You!”

Remember, God is a God of grace and each new day provides us with the opportunity to begin again. Choose God and may the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life!!!

To learn more about Dr. Crystal and the services she provides, visit www.drcrystal.weebly.com.