_edited_edited.jpg)
Careful what you say about yourself - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) March 3, 2023
By now, we each understand how crucial it is to be careful about the ways in which we communicate about God and our fellow human beings. It is imperative not to slander or blaspheme the Lord and regarding people, applying the Royal Law will place a guard on our lips and thoughts, so we don't speak about them in a way that is contrary to God's word.
Did you know you need to be cautious how you talk about yourself as well? It is very common for individuals to make disparaging comments about themselves. These are comments that belittle and undervalue one's self. Some make such self-deprecating comments out of a desire to appear modest. For many others, they speak this way because they genuinely do not understand that they're a big deal in God's eyes.
Whatever the reason, as God's child you need to have a healthy amount of Godfidence. Please note that this confidence doesn't stem from how good-looking, intelligent, or wealthy you are. It has nothing to do with ego and it is definitely not pride. Instead, your confidence must come from knowing you were created by God in His image and that He loves you.
And that makes you a big deal to the Lord. So much so, He sent His only son - Jesus Christ - to die for you. The devil knows this and it can't get over the fact that we receive constant forgiveness and grace from God. It, on the other hand, was kicked out of heaven for one sinful act. Plus, if you weren't a big deal, satan wouldn't work so hard to trick you and make you believe you're not as important to God as you really are. The devil does this because if it can make you see yourself as less then you aren't as much of a threat to its desires to harm you and everything around you.
The Lord taught me this lesson when I once, in prayer, said, "I am nothing." He immediately corrected me and said," You're not nothing." In an instant, scripture flooded through my mind, reminding me just how much God loves and values me. Specifically, Isaiah 43:4 - Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. And that is but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how God truly feels about you and I!
Never again did I make that mistake in my speech or thinking. And neither should you. The devil understands how crucial each and every person is. It knows that our souls are worth so much to God and it fights tirelessly to make us feel less than we should.
But God has said, "You are mine." (Isaiah 43:1). He has said He knew you before you entered your mother's womb and came to live here on earth (Jeremiah 1:5). You therefore matter more than you could ever imagine. Each of us does. And we need to never forget it. We can't allow the enemy to use the media, our thoughts or the words of others to make us think we are less. We are the children of God. The ones He redeemed for Himself. Each time the devil's lie comes into your mind to steal, kill and destroy, fling your wordstones and make it flee (James 4:7). Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, instructs Psalm 107:2. Say out loud, I am the redeemed of the Lord! Through Christ, I am the righteousness of God. I am His beloved. To God, I am His favorite and I wouldn't have it any other way!
God bless you and IJMN, may He remind you of how much He loves and values you in a mighty way, IJN, Amen.
See you at Noon EST for fellowship!
For more, please read:
CLOSING PRAYER
Another hour of fellowship done, Lord and only because You keep Your word. You said Your children will worship You and indeed, that is what we have done by Your grace.
Thank You!
Thank You for the privilege of gathering to praise You and obey You by praying for the needs of people. Thank You for we know that if You hear us then You answer us. Thank You because these wonders are available to us not because we are righteous but because You have an inexplicable love for us.
Thank You, dear Abba Father for wanting us to be Yours and Yours alone. Thank You for deeming us of so much value that You stretched out Your righteous right hand to us.
Thank You so very much! May Your blessings and mercies surround all who fellowshipped in truth and fearful reverence for You. May they be covered by Your grace and may Your peace reside in them. I extend this to those who will show up at a later time and thank You so much for honoring my request.
Great God. Praise be to Your Holy Name! IJMN, Amen.