On Our Hearts: People Pleaser Pitfall

Is my hair just right? Do these shoes go with my outfit? Am I standing in the right spot? Did I say the right thing? What are they going to think if I do that? How many times have these type of thoughts passed through your mind? Every time you leave the house you probably check your make-up or your outfit in the mirror at least once. If you've ever walked into a crowded room you've probably wondered how you were going to be received and what others were thinking. It's hard not to care about what others think of us. Society tells us that we need to have the whitest teeth, the trendiest purse, and the perfect body.

But do you care what God thinks about you? Are your attitudes and actions pleasing to Him? If you're a Believer in Christ you know that Jesus is our redeemer and we don't need to be perfect for Him to love us. But what if we spent less time trying to please strangers and more time trying to please God?

Dear Father God,

Thank you for creating us perfect in your eyes. On this earth we are imperfect and often fail in how we act, how we dress, and in what we say. Thank you for loving us just where we are. We ask that you help us to keep our focus on you. When we start to look to the world for validation, remind us that we have a King in heaven who doesn't require our clothing to be immaculate, You clothe us in Your garment of salvation. When we fuss about not having the right talent or skill, remind us that we are expertly made in Your sight. And if we stumble and reveal all of our flaws, give us Your grace and humbleness to cover our blemishes.

Amen

"As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2

On Our Hearts: No More Excuses

This week our prayers are going to focus on the lies that we are deceived into believing about ourselves. The devil's persistence in trying to break us down may be strong but it is no match for God's absolute truth. This week we're going to expose just some of the devil's lies that cloud our thinking and interfere with us having a triumphant life in Christ.

Are you full of excuses? I can't do it. I don't have time. I'm not good at that. I don't know how. Are you using these same excuses with God? I can't pray in public. I don't have time to volunteer at church. I'm not good at sharing the gospel. I don't know how to lead a worship team. Do you honestly think God would put you in a position of expanding His kingdom without the proper equipment? The devil wants you to think so. However, the truth is God has fully prepared each of us for His calling. Look around, where are you needed? What is the Lord waiting for you to do? What have you put off out of fear or selfishness? Get off the bus, sister, it's time to put your feet to the pavement and walk His talk.

Heavenly Father,

We've made every excuse in the book as to why we can't serve You right now, and for that we repent. We've let our own apprehension get in the way of fulfilling Your will. Lord, we're asking You now to show us just exactly where we are needed. Right now. Up front, behind the scenes, in the trenches - Lord, wherever You want to put us is where we will go. Let us be an agent of Your glory, an associate of Your righteousness, and a partner of Your mercy. Lord, we trust that You have furnished us with all that we need to accomplish the task. You are a big, big God. You are able to work through even the meekest of individuals. You can create a lioness out of the most timid of does. Lord give us that courage to step out of our comfort zone, to take that risk and reach out to others. Prepare us heart, soul, and body for the work that You would have us do. We're ready, Lord. Show us the way.

Amen

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

On our Hearts: Insecurities

Father

Why do we worry what others think about us? Why is it so hard to accept others opinions or critiques about us? Ultimately You made us, You love us, we should be confident in ourselves. Whether it is our physical appearance- hair, nails, clothes, or our personalities, our attitude, our approach, our faith. We often worry if we will fit in, be good enough. Am I ‘that’ mom that all the other mom’s look at and scratch their heads at? Father this is just our insecurities.

Father we pray that we stop worrying what others think. Remind us that these are just the outward things, they mean nothing. What brand of clothes we buy, where we get our nails done, what vehicle we drive, how big our house is, or how successful our husbands are. In the end none of this will matter, the only thing that matters is our belief in You. We pray that we, as mothers, can direct our efforts to teach our children the true focus of life and not get so caught up in the madness of it all.

Amen

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2