Bringing to Life Who You Really Are

Aug 26

When you look at yourself and consider your worth and value, what/whom do you see? If you see what I see and know what I know, you will respond–with your efforts–in a way that reflects your worth and nothing less.

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We are usually aware of our shortcomings. The realization can hang heavy upon us, affecting our efforts to live a life of freedom, even after we’ve confessed them to Jesus. And sometimes, in addition to feeling burdened by sin, we can struggle with debilitating self-doubt that discourages us from following him. Even while God prepares work for us daily, we hang our heads and shuffle our feet. We don’t believe God has equipped us to do the work he has called us.

So, when we feel stuck, what do we most often do? Sometimes, we choose not to see what Jesus offers us to do with our lives. Sometimes, we choose to stay stuck. Sometimes, we choose distraction or worry, self-contempt or comparison. Even while God offers us a life filled with delight, beauty, and meaning, we sometimes feel like we can’t live the lives we want to live because we don’t measure up. And when this happens? Sometimes, we offer excuses for our behavior rather than grabbing Jesus’ hand and following wherever He leads.

To prepare our hearts for engaging with God in this Encounter, let’s find our way toward a comfortable place to sit. And then let’s put down everything we are holding, open our hands on our laps, and take some intentional breaths–full, deep, and slow.

Breathe in for a count of four.
Hold this breath for a count of four.
And then breathe out for a count of four.
Try to repeat this at least three to five times.

Next, surrender your attention, ideas, physical body, and energy level to God. Give him everything right now.

Lord, I consecrate (bring all under your authority) my body, thoughts, and attention. Fill this space–the space of my heart and my mind. Come into this room where I am, and lead me deeper into your heart so I can experience you now.

If it helps you concentrate and block out any possible distracting noises, consider playing instrumental music in the background. Here is a playlist that might help.

Now, consider these words for us, heard in prayer:

Who you think you are is not who you are. Live according to your true worth, not according to the false promise that pleasing the world's standards will bring you joy and set you free.

You are already free. But your heart stays entangled and makes you live like you are not free. So, you make choices that illustrate your mindset of bondage, making you live small.

Take a step with me, not alone. Adopt a posture of wholeness—your heart aligned with mine. You can feel it deep within you.

When you are disconnected from me and my love for you, the disconnection prevents you from living in faith. Do what I have made you to do–live fearlessly. Now. Today. Daughter, be mine.

Take another deep breath and let these words soak your heart.

Perhaps read the words again. What is he saying, really saying, to you?

Spend a few minutes engaging with God. Write down your conversation in your journal if that helps you stay with him and focus on being in his presence.

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Next, read the following scripture, John 8:1-11, allowing yourself to be present in the scene.

John 8:1-11, NIV

1 …Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

11 “No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Read the verses again, slowly and carefully. As you read, use your imagination to be present in the temple courts where this action is happening. See Jesus. Watch what he is doing. Listen to what he says and how he says it.

What do you notice about his posture? When–and exactly how–does he bend low? When does he stand–and why?
Hear the sound of Jesus’ fingers grating against the dirt. Imagine what it feels like for Jesus to be bent low like this; imagine his thoughts and emotions as he remains, his fingers moving along the ground.

Next, read the scripture a third time:

What do you notice about the people in this scene? Whom are you drawn to?
Give Jesus your heart and emotions–allow him to access those deepest places within you–as you contemplate this amazing scene with your open heart and mind.

Finally, imagine that you are the woman in this scene: she had committed adultery, and Jesus has just forgiven her. Her sins are completely wiped away, and he commands her to sin no more.

How do you feel as you stand accused?
What do you do–and how do you feel–when you see Jesus there, drawing in the dirt?
How do you feel when he defends you–and he tells you not to sin anymore?

When we are forgiven our sins and made free to live a new life, what is our response? Do we continue to cower, despondent and filled with shame? Or do we step out, trusting that God has good things in store for us to realize if only we act on his invitation?

Do we act? Do we trust him? Do we accept the freedom he offers and follow him and truly live?

To move this conversation with God from the theoretical to the practical, let Holy Spirit lead you to fill in the blanks to these final thoughts.

For each empty space, write the action you plan to take in response to God’s truth about you.

To say it more clearly, imagine Holy Spirit speaking the words written below to you and asking you to fill in the blanks.

For example, He says, “Daughter, if you are good enough then….” Write what action you will take because you claim God’s truth over you: you are “good enough” in your life.

Because I am good enough, I will _______________________________

Because I am beautiful, I will ___________________________________

Because I have been given specific talents and gifts, I will ______________

Because I am fiercely loved, I will ________________________________

Because I am protected and shielded from fear, I will _________________

Because I am free from worry and shame, I will ______________________

Because I am liberated from bondage from sin, I will __________________

Because I have a teacher, a rabbi, to follow, I will ___________________

Because I am never alone, I will _________________________________

If you’d like, share your “I will” statements with the beautiful community of Loop Collective. Let’s encourage each other to live lives of freedom–together.

Below are song ideas for worship.

Amen.