God Continues The Conversation

Good morning…

Continuing yesterday’s conversation, God drew me to an article entitled 40 things to give up for Lent and beyond, a list published in 2015 by Phil Ressler.

Might we pick one inner quality to reflect upon during each of the forty days in Lent? There are forty days between Ash Wednesday and the Saturday before Easter, minus a mini-Easter every Sunday. Daily might we ask, “God, how do I see You transforming this specific quality of my human nature?” Pondering the LORD’s personalized answer, how freeing it will be to experience God shaking away our prickly parts.

I want you to know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is…His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:19, 21, CEV).

…Sue…

This Lenten season, might God be shedding these things in us?

Fear of Failure – You don’t succeed without experiencing failure. Just make sure you fail forward, even if you move one step back, two steps forward.
Your Comfort Zone – It’s outside our comfort zones where new discoveries are made. Will you take the risk?
Feelings of Unworthiness – You are fearfully and wonderfully made by your Creator. (Psalm 139:14) Feeling unworthy is a tug from God’s enemy.
Impatience – God’s timing is the perfect timing. Wait for it to evolve.
Retirement – As long as you are still breathing, you are here for a reason. You have a purpose to influence others for Christ. Our work is not always tied to a paycheck but it is always tied to God.
People Pleasing – I can’t please everyone ever. There is only One I am wired to please, and He already adores me just as I am.
Comparison – I have my own unique contribution to make and there is no one else like me. Why not be the best “me” ever?
Blame – I am not going to pass the buck. I will take responsibility for me.
Guilt – I am loved by Jesus and he has forgiven all of my sins. Today is a new day, the past is behind, and I am forgiven and free.
Overcommitment – Do less better and accomplish more.
Lack of Counsel – Wise decisions are rarely made in a vacuum.
Impurity – Live lives pure and without blemish.
Entitlement – The world does not owe me anything. God does not owe me anything. I live in humility and grace.
Apathy – Life is too short not to care.
Hatred – Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Hatred hurts me before I hurt others.
Negativity – I will put the best frame around other people. I will also minimize my contact with people who are negative and toxic.
The Spirit of Poverty – Believe that with God there is always more than enough and never a lack.
Going Through the Motions – The more you invest yourself, the more you will get back. What we reap, we will sow.
Complaint – Instead of contributing to the problem, be the solution.
The Pursuit of Happiness – God wants something greater and more lasting than happiness. It is called joy.
Bitterness – The only person I am hurting by holding on to this is myself.
Distraction – Life is filled with distractions that will take our eyes off the prize.
Giving up – God never gives up on us.
Mediocrity – If you are going to do something, then give it all you got.
Destructive Speech – Encourage one another and all the more as you see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:25).
Busyness – It is a badge of honor to be busy. But it translates to exhaustion, not abundance.
Loneliness – With Jesus I am never alone. He is with me wherever I go.
Disunity – If two of you agree on earth about anything, it will be done for them by the Heavenly Father (see Matthew 18:19).
The Quick Fix – Rarely does true transformation happen overnight.
Worry – God is in control and worrying will not help.
Idolizing – Don’t assign anyone a standard they cannot live up to.
Resistance to Change – Change is certain. It is not if we will change, but how we will change.
Pride – Blessed are the humble.
Small View of God – Don’t tell God how big your problem is, tell your problem how big your God is.
Envy – I am blessed. My value is not found in my possessions, but in my relationship with my Heavenly Father.
Ungratefulness – You have been blessed in a way greater than you realize.
Selfish Ambition – God has a mission for me that is bigger than me.
Self-Sufficiency – Jesus is my strength. I can do all things through him. (Philippians 4:13)
Sorrow – Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5b)
My Life – Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. (John 12:25)