April 24: "I AM." WHEN YOU HAVE ALL THE POWER, YOU DON'T NEED ALL THE WORDS.

Affirmation: I choose to be authentic. I will let go of what other people think.

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Ponder, Personalize, Practice: Today the focus is on Psalm 23:6. Think about God’s goodness and mercy. How have you experienced His goodness in your life this week? Over the years? Think about God’s mercy…when have you been in need of His mercy? Finally, meditate on the promise “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

1“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. ‭‭Psalm‭ 23‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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Wholehearted Guidepost from Brené Brown 

Cultivate Authenticity. 

Let go of what other people think.

Find a photo of yourself when you were your authentic self… maybe it was when you were young and before you were influenced by what others thought. Maybe the photo is more recent when you have learned to be authentic and understand that you are enough.

Brené Brown suggests you write “I am Enough” on your hand. Take a selfie and use it as your phone background to remind yourself every time you pick up your phone.

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Mastering the 7 Decisions from Andy Andrews 

The Responsible Decision 

The Buck Stops Here!

Each of you must be responsible to do your creative best with your life. Gal. 6:4

If decisions are choices…and our thinking dictates our decisions—then I am where I am because of my thinking.

The Responsible Decision for Personal Success represents the beginning. Taking responsibility for your past will segue you into an extraordinary future of your choosing.

My thoughts will be constructive---NEVER destructive.

Responsibility is about HOPE and Control. Make better choices.

Take responsibility. Be Authentic. 

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Reading for Today

Walk in Grace. Live in Love. by Bob Goff

April 24

"I AM." WHEN YOU HAVE ALL THE POWER, YOU DON'T NEED ALL THE WORDS. 

God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you."' 

EXODUS 3:14 

Parents know their words have power. When they say their kid's name, it's game over. When you broke the expensive vase or thought you won the war with the vegetables on your plate, you heard your name. A fit in the toy store came to a screeching halt when you heard your name. When parents say the middle name, kids know they're in some troubled territory. 

Our parents didn't have to elaborate. Because of their position of authority in our lives, and because we knew we were dependent on them for snacks, they didn't have to give a speech. Just saying our name would do. 

God knows this about names. He had a meeting with Moses in the desert and told him he would go back to Israel to lead his people out of slavery. God told him to march into the dictator's house and inform him all the workers would be leaving. Moses understandably wanted some information to take with him. He thought maybe if he knew God's name, maybe a little backstory, it would help his case. 
But God has all the power, and when you have all the power, you don't need all the words. God simply responded, "Tell them 'I AM."' 

God created the universe, and He created beauty; He battled death and won. We know He has all the power and He uses it for good. God's not towering over you with His hands on His hips when you mess up. He knows your name, and get this-He calls you His beloved child. Wear that name today like it's yours, because it is. 

What "I am" do you need to trust in today?