Dear Ones,
Hope you have a great day and live your true self. Today I plan to do some studying and try another new recipe. We are going
to have fish that a friend caught and gave to us to enjoy. Emoji
Devotions from Judy’s heart,
It is good for all of us to know who we really are and not unconsciously live out our lives because of the expectations of someone else. We all need to die to our false selves so we can live authentically as our true selves. Recently, I was with Al and two women from church at a table where we were asked to discuss some questions after hearing Pastor speak. Now we could have said the answer that would put us in a good light, or be honest and forthright. The gal next to me went first and was so direct and honest, which made it easy for all of us to speak truth from our hearts.
It is so refreshing when we can speak how we really feel, even those feelings that are not so flattering but truthful. We don’t need others to think we are special, but we can express our feelings of anger, sorrow, distress as well as feelings of compassion and joy. We have a whole range of emotions and it is good to reflect on our feelings and seek to hear through them what the Lord is saying to us. It may be easier to put on a mask before the Lord and others, but it stunts our growth and we do not experience reality.
God knows exactly who we are and loves us as we are, but He also wants us to know who we are and live authentically. Marketers want us to believe our identity depends on wearing the right clothes, driving the right cars, etc., but we are loveable because God loves us. Let us be faithful to our true selves and not be captive to the voices around us that say we should be more. Actually, Jesus was disappointing to some who wanted him to be a King or ruler to free them from Rome, but Jesus lived faithfully in relationship to His Father.

We can begin knowing our true selves by listening in quietness and letting the Lord speak to us. Also, we can let ourselves be known by trusted friends, mentors and counselors. They can help us be honest and not be self-deceived. The bottom line, of course, is to die to the old self and “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Eph. 4:24)

Challenge for today: Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you courage and power to become who the Lord created you to be all along.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy