Which one sounds like you? 1. You’re overcommitted beyond your resources 2. You say you’ll do something, but you don’t follow through. 3. You are consciously or subconsciously worrying about the future. 4. You’re afraid to speak freely in a relationship because the other person reacts poorly to your honesty. 5. You’re overly focused on your shortcomings with unrealistic expectations. 6. You are worried about what others are thinking about you 7. You’re focused on what you lack instead of being grateful for what you have. 8. You’re carrying a responsibility you believe you can’t fulfill. 9. You’re taking ownership of someone else’s responsibility. 10. You feel powerless in a situation and expect a negative result

Are you currently working through a specific book of the Bible?

Being a “child of God” is our identity. Our “calling” is something we are called upon to do. It is our function or “job” in a community, but this is temporary. Our “calling” or “assignment” can change. Gideon was “called” a “Mighty Man of Valor” because that was a job (calling) he was given by the Lord and the Lord spoke into Gideon the grace and strength he needed for the mission. Gideon’s job is done, he’s not fighting in Heaven, but he’s still a son of God, with a new position in the Kingdom of Heaven (whatever that might be). The scriptures tell us that the Lord gives us gifts and callings (assignments) to serve in His Kingdom and the body of Christ on Earth, but we will not need these gifts or assignments forever. If you base your identity on a gift, calling, or occupation (i.e., prophecy, warrior, pastor, etc.) you risk basing it on your performance, role, or assignment, rather than your relationship with God. This is a recipe for burnout, identity crisis, pride, and broken relationships. A healthy understanding of “purpose” needs clarity, because most people use the word “purpose” to talk about their “function” (i.e., what they do). However, our “purpose” is the reason we were created, which is to love and be loved by God. This is relationship and is tied to our identity as sons and daughters. The problem is, when people think of “purpose” in terms of “function” they usually connect “who I am” with “what I do” and base their identity on their calling/function. For example, the man whose whole self-concept is wrapped up in his career and role as provider for his family. What happens if that role, gift, or function is suddenly taken away from such a person? People have become lost, depressed, and even taken their own lives over such a loss. THAT is why I say it’s important to distinguish between identity and calling, and to keep identity simple. If we keep our identity simple and rooted in Christ, it cannot be moved or taken away from us no matter what happens to us. The wise man builds his house upon THE Rock.

Recently I heard someone say, “doubt is JUST an emotion and not something to feel bad about. It's not a sin.” We ALL have doubts from time to time, so let me explain the TRUTH. 1) Doubt is NOT an emotion - Even in therapy world, doubt can be described as a mental state of “cognitive dissonance” - This means your mind is divided between 2 thoughts - You feel uncertain or confused when you doubt - BUT… those feelings come from NOT knowing what to THINK… - You're not sure what you believe - This is “being double-minded” (James 1:6-8) - More on Thoughts & Feelings HERE 2) We don't need to “feel bad” or ashamed - God knows our weaknesses (Psalm 103:14) - He is EXCEEDINGLY patient and compassionate (Psalm 103:8) - There is NO condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1) 3) Doubt IS a Sin - Whatever is NOT of faith IS sin (Romans 14:13). - Faith is “complete trust or confidence in someone or something” (Oxford Languages dictionary) - Sin simply means to “miss the mark." - Doubting God’s Word and integrity “misses the mark” of righteousness (right standing with God). EXAMPLE: If you doubt someone's character without good reason, you would apologize when you realized your mistake (e.g., “I’m sorry for doubting you”). The fact that you would apologize means doubting that person was wrong. How much MORE when applied to God? When we doubt what God says, we are questioning His integrity and character. When we doubt His Word, we are treating Him like a liar. WHAT TO DO: According to the scriptures, when we confess our sin, God forgives us and cleanses us from that sin (1 John 1:9). Doubt is a sin we need to acknowledge and turn away from so we can overcome it and believe God with all our hearts. When we trust God, we don't have to be torn between two thoughts anymore. Our lives can be changed by single-minded focus on His promises and whole-hearted belief in His words.

The words we say matters! Just saying “I will not quit!” Can get you enough energy to run a 100 mile race when never running more than 5 miles in your life Do this in 3 steps: 1) never give your pain a voice… - if we speak those pains, then you give them PoWeR! 💥 - how you feel is always OUTSTANDING! In my weakness, I am made strong (2 Cor 12:9-11) 2) never die in the chair -quitting is OFF the table But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) You will run and not grow weary (Isaiah 40:31) 3)end of day, say one thing you are grateful for -Don’t forget who/what we are grateful for Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) VERSES: In my weakness, I am made strong (2 Cor 12:9-11) But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) You will run and not grow weary (Isaiah 40:31) Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) The words you say matter!!! 💥