Jan 29 IF JESUS DIDN'T THINK WE COULD LIVE THE LIFE HE DESCRIBED, HE WOULDN'T HAVE TOLD HIS FRIENDS THEY'D DO GREATER THINGS THAN HIM.

Affirmation: My self-esteem is growing day by day.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

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Wholehearted Guidepost from Brené Brown Cultivate Creativity. Let go of Comparison.

DIG Deep

GET DELIBERATE

Take the "I am a creative being" sign you made earlier and find a place to hang it where you will see it every day. You can even make copies and hang it wherever you need to be reminded that you are a creative being (e.g., your office cubicle, your car, your bathroom mirror).

GET INSPIRED

The definition of courage in this course is sharing your story with your whole heart. Feel free to take a photo of your "I am a creative being" sign and show us where you put it by posting it on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #OLCBreneCourse! You can also share with a supportive friend or family member anything else that inspired you this week: a valuable phrase from the lesson, creative work from your journal, or an inspiration from your everyday life.

GET GOING

In your journal, make a list of three to five creative endeavors you would like to try this year. It can be a ceramics class, taking up an instrument, trying a new recipe, or €”anything that fires up your creative side. I would like to learn the ukulele, take a kitchen knife skills class and make paintings.

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Mastering the 7 Decisions from Andy Andrews 

The Persistent Decision 

7. I WILL PERSIST WITHOUT EXCEPTION.

I possess the greatest power ever bestowed upon mankind. I hold fast to my dreams. I stay the course. I do not quit.

I acknowledge that most people quit when exhaustion sets in, but I am not “most people.”

I am stronger than most people. Average people compare themselves with other people, and that is why they remain average.

I compare myself to my potential. I am not average. I see exhaustion as a precursor to victory. By persisting without exception, my outcome—my success—is assured.

It is my wish that you have gained something positive and productive from reading about these seven decisions.

I strongly believe that there is nothing you can’t do if you have the proper mindset and conviction.-Andy Andrews

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.

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Reading for Today

Walk in Grace. Live in Love. by Bob Goff

Jan. 29

IF JESUS DIDN'T THINK WE COULD LIVE THE LIFE HE DESCRIBED, HE WOULDN'T HAVE TOLD HIS FRIENDS THEY'D DO GREATER THINGS THAN HIM. 

They also will answer, "Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty 

or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?" He will reply, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did 'not do for me."

MATTHEW 25:44-45 

 

In the Bible, there's a story where Jesus wiped some mud on a blind man's eyes, and the man saw colors for the first time. Jesus strolled up to a guy who had never walked before and said, "Get up, take up your mat and go home." Jesus felt the touch of a woman who'd been bleeding for twelve years, and He turned to her and said: "Your faith has made you well." And she became well.

 

Jesus showed up on the scene and healed people. But before He healed them, He saw them. He saw their immediate need, sure, but He also saw what was behind it, because Jesus was attentive to those most overlooked. It's hard to believe we can do greater things than Jesus when we think about His miracles, but it starts by taking Him at His word and then seeing people the way Jesus did. How can we go about healing people if we don't see them through a gaze of love?

 

Of all the things Jesus did, I'm struck by what a miracle it was that He always had room for more. He seemed to pick up friends wherever He went: some who were hungry, some who were hurting, and some who were on a hunt for a new identity. Wherever they were, when they came with humble hearts, He said they were welcome.

 

This is the life Jesus wants for us: to see people, feed them, and welcome them. He wouldn't have told us we'd do greater things than Him if He didn't think we could.

 

Who do you see in your life who needs to be met by the love of God?