For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
– Romans 8:24-25
According to the book of Romans, HOPE... is actually looking at something that you can't see.
(I know what you're thinkin'... Burk you are throwing that crazy Yoda-isms at us!!) haha
I'm really not, but ask yourself... How do you do that? You do it by looking at the promises of God in His Word until with your inner eyes (the eyes of your spirit) get a clear picture.
Here's an example, one of the hardest things I have to overcome and face, is the fact that the inner image I have of myself is being a Failure / not somebody of value . Having all the talent in the world, and never being successful with any of it... (Most people don't even know this about me) It doesn't matter how hard I try to change that perspective of myself, it won't go away.
So I find myself always striving to try and be successful... Be the next "Big Thing". Do something that will leave a mark in this world.... and you know what?
I have had a lot of success in my lifetime, and a lot of it came through the talents the Lord has blessed me with... but it's the thoughts and the inner perspective of myself that I have to battle against.
I finally had to admit that as long as my inner image of myself was that of a failure, my outer self was going to match it. (WOW!! That preaches) Remember, it's faith that changes things, and without the inner image of HOPE, faith cannot work.
So I have decided to search my Bible for every scripture I could find on victory, success, hope, joy, peace and God's love for us... and in my search I have found tons of "Soul Food" to chew on.
When I'm having one of those down moments I pull out those papers and meditate on every one of those scriptures and pray. What am I doing? I am grabbing hold on a different inner image.
This is not something you can do overnight. (Heck, I've been doing this for years now...) It takes time. Especially if the inner image you're changing has been there for years.
But you can do it!! I have faith in you... Go to the Word of God today and begin to change the images inside you. Change them from images of depression to images of hope. Images of discouragement into encouragement... Map out a plan in your heart and allow God to strengthen your faith to build on it!
I'm being really transparent with you today.... I just want you to know, we're going to make it!!! and hopefully, these lil' tid bits of "Soul Food" can help sustain!!
Until next time, have a wonderful weekend.
Blessings,
Burk
You are the most talented individual I know. You are a success.
ReplyDeleteAhhh the irony!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI was 18 years old...being dragged to another conference. Standing there, I was pissed and didn't wanna talk, sing, dance or prayer.
On the drive to the conference, I told God...OK, This is it! If you can't show me what is REAL...something that is not the B.S. of the CHURCH - then I am going to devote my life to raising HELL!
Back at the conference, My mom says, "They are going to have a young man...Rap!" I said, "oh yeah" She said, "He's WHITE!" I smiled and said "YO YO VANILLA" .....................then YOU got up there in front of the entire group and KILLED IT with "EEBOBO"
You were also over the youth (Bob Terrel Meeting) We hung out a little and IT WAS THAT TIME WITH YOU AND WATCHING HOW YOU WERE NOT ASHAMED OF BEING DIFFERENT THAN MAINSTREAM CHURCH AND YOU TRULY LOVED THE FATHER.....COME HELL OR HIGH WATER!!!!! IT SHOWED ME THE REAL!!!!!!
SO, a lot of water has gone under this bridge because of your faithfulness!
I have been trying to look you up for awhile now...and after reading your blog, you've gotta love TIMING.
We can't fix self image but we can BURN a trail of fire so bright that others looking for the path ...can not question the legecy.
GODSTOCK 1996 MAN!!!!!!!!!! LOL
Blessings to you Brian
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Jay Sharp
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