New for December
Throughout December, I’d like to do two things. First, I’d like to celebrate Christmas, my favorite time of year, that moment when God placed eternity’s plan into the hands of a carpenter and a peasant girl. In a couple days, I’m going to start focusing on Christmas. Second, I’d like to reach out to those of you who are experiencing financial struggles. Throughout the world, many are now experiencing financial turmoil. Many of you are experiencing lack, some of you for the first time in your lives. Throughout December I want to add something to our daily devotional. Starting tomorrow, I want to speak a word of encouragement each day to those of you who are experiencing money problems, poverty or financial distress.
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” — Matthew 7:3
Most people underestimate the damage done by the fall. As Kim and I have resolved to be honest with ourselves, with God and with each other about what is really inside, we find layer after layer of damage. Even so, I know that I am still blind to many of my own faults, because I keep on discovering more faults in me that were there all along.
Our second identity is the identity we deny, we suppress, we pretend doesn’t exist, we minimize, we rationalize, we excuse in ourselves but see plainly in others. Like a treacherous ocean undertow, this second identity forms a powerful undercurrent of false and painful messages in our minds.
“You are all alone.” “God will never love you.” “It’s your fault.” “God will never make you happy; you need to find happiness on your own.” “You will never amount to anything.” “It’s hopeless.” “You are not safe.” And so on.
Below the surface of our civilized veneer, this powerful second identity dominates how we experience life. At every opportunity it throws fears and doubts, temptations and anger into the center stage of our minds. With great effort we wrestle to control these things. Sometimes we succeed. Sometimes we fail.
This is our ugly self. It is the self we don’t want to look at. But, if we are to grow as Christians into the place God wants us to be, we must look at it. But here’s the good news: If Daniel had never entered the lion’s den, there would be no story of deliverance. Once we face the ugly reality of who we are, we will find a deeper truth – the truth that sets us free.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
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