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Saturday, March 27, 2010
No More Shame
This blog is a combination of my experience, scripture, and Billy's teaching material. Shame causes us to focus on ourselves rather than on the glory of God. The problem that must be overcome is that for God's light to shine through us we must be transparent. And if we are transparent then the cracks, nicks and imperfections can be seen by others. Paul tells us to focus on the treasure inside, which is God,not the vessel. (1 John 2:28,"And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in SHAME at His coming. Read this as if the Lord is coming to you every day, and every day you have the choice to run to Him or away from Him...shame will determine what you do. My friends in my group at prison are quick to confess that they had a problem with anger with each other or the "system", they are willing to admit that it is their problem and then seek prayer and forgiveness as well as search for the root that causes this sin to continue. It is not easy for anyone to express weakness but especially for men and even more for men who have their lives controlled by the State. John Piper in his book, "Don't Waste Your Life", says" What you love determines what you feel shame about. If you love for men to make much of you, you will feel shame when they don't. But if you love for men to make much of Christ, then you will feel shame if he is belittled on your account." Friends, that is why we must admit our weakness and ask God to clean us up. He is in the restoration business and He loves to take shame off of us. Remember He died for you to have this gift.
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3 comments:
wow. I feel like I'm reliving some of the same lessons dad walked me through about 6 years ago with the Father's Love, Orphan thinking, and being stuck looking at my weaknesses. I'm scrounging for motivation to place my heart into something consistently encouraging, and self cherishing; something that will restore my joy and long-term vision, while cleaning up my areas of laziness and unproductivity. Blah. Blah. Sometimes it's easy to say it, and then feel guilty for not doing it. How do you focus on being productive and not feel like an orphan when you fail, or when you just take baby steps.....Never the less, God is faithful, His love covers, and can and will create life and light in dark places.
Jennifer,
Greetings from the source of all sand.
The root of the shame is what I'm looking at during my extended sabatical here.
It's taking allot of focus and quiet to delve into the memories I had long displaced.
I am hoping that by discovering the wounds that became the shame, I can maybe, just maybe, get one step ahead of my behavior. You know the "think before you speak", issue.
Shame, self-esteem, ego. What a tangled web they weave.
I always like to go back to what the German mystic, Meister Eckhart said, Our desire for healing, for knowing the Father has to be the same desire as a person whose hair is on fire desires water.
Brad, one thing that the Lord honors for me is by worshipping him I am lifted away from the worry of my little world. I think that is the truth behind praying ceaselessly. It is the praise and worship prayers that draw us toward Eternity. You can make it simple with one prayers, like thank you. Or the classic one is just repeating Jesus.
David,
These are strange times and yet we all seem to be so hungry for more of the Lord that we are trying to get all of the "stuff" out. I pray that you find that oneness with the Father that Jesus and Billy blessed us to have. It is for you too my sweet Brad
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