Books galore

I've been reading a lot the past 2 weeks. It's like the opening of a dam. I've got a few books going on all at once. One thing I realised abt myself tho - I'm reading slower now, wif more pauses for reflection n "chewing n digestion". The fact tt I read n take notes at the same time may be another factor slowing me down! :)


I've been reading this on n off. Came to a passage last nite which was like a light bulb moment for me (Oprah anyone? :P) n I just had to post it up. Here it is:

REJECT THE PITFALL OF BELIEVING LIES ABOUT YOURSELF
The ultimate lie we believe when accepting lies about ourselves is "I don't have what it takes and there is no way I can get it." It's fine to recognize where we are weak or lacking, but we must do it before the Lord, acknowledging that He supplies all we need.

We fall into this deception by judging our worth according to the world's standards rather than God's. The world's system of competition and comparison is destructive and brings feelings of intimidation and inadequacy as it pits one person's God-given gifts and potential against that of another. God says we are all unique and valuable. The pitfall is in trying to live up to what we think we should be and not be what the Lord says we are.
... ...
We all want to be somebody. The truth is, GOd created each one of us to be somebody and no life is an accident or unwanted in His eyes. He has given us each a distinct purpose or calling. It is not humility to deny the Lord's extraordinary qualities in us, it's low self-esteem.

High self-esteem means seeing yourself as God made you, recognising that you are a unique person in whom He has placed specific gifts, talents, and purpose unlike anyone else. ... This is the absolute truth about you whether you can see it or not and whether or not anyone else recognises it: "Each one has his own gift from God" (1 Cor 7:7 NKJV).

You have to be able to see that without money, without a job, without your talent, without having your hair done or make-up on, without being thin, without nice clothes, house, car, or family, you are worth something. When you allow God to show you what He thinks of you and let it sink in and penetrate every fiber of your being, whatever is added or taken away doesn't make or break you. [pinky's emphasis]

I have learned to value myself as God values me by deliberately thanking Him for any positive things I see. "Thank You, Lord, that I am alive, that I can walk, that I can talk, that I can see, that I can prepare a meal, that I can write letters, that I am neat, that I love my children, that I know Jesus. Thank You God that You have made me to be a person of worth and purpose." As we praise God for specific things, we are inviting His presence to bring transformation. It's the best medicine I know for believing lies about yourself.
... ...
If you've been told, "You're hopeless. You can't make it. You don't have it!" by a parent, brother, sister, friend, or stranger, take a long look at those words, and recognize who is behind them. Say to the devil, "Satan, I no longer will listen to lies about myself. I am not a cosmic accident as you would have me to believe. I have worth. I have purpose. I have gifts and talents. God says that about me and I will not contradict my heavenly Father. I rebuke your lies and I refuse to hear them."

The Bible says, "A house divided against itself will fall" (Luke 11:17 NIV). This means that a person who has turned against himself won't make it. A large amount of your emotional pain may be caused by believing untrue things about yourself. Many times God was the only one who believed in me, but that was enough. I know now that because I believe in Him and He believes in me, I can make it. So can you!

What the Bible says about believing lies about yourself

He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.
Ephesians 1:4

Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth He has made mention of my name.
Isaiah 49:1 NIV

The very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Luke 12:7 NKJV

God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.
Acts 10:34-35 NIV

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9 NKJV