"The Truth" - A Devotional for Thursday

Matthew 5:5 (TM): “You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.”

I was in the grocery store the other day and saw the magazine "Men's Health". The guy on the cover had ripped abs and incredibly large, muscular arms. I looked down at my own stomach and realized that, while I wanted "six-pack" abs...I was going to have to settle for the "party keg" body shape for now. It's amazing how we can go from feeling extremely happy about ourselves to something much less. Sometimes we can feel downright miserable about who we are...our appearance, our abilities and gifts...even our brain power... all seem as though we are less than what we want to or should be.

I've got news once again that should make you happy...you can change that. I'm not talking about losing weight, sit-ups, plastic surgery, or the like. What I'm talking about is reality. Realizing that who you are is who God made you to be. You are His best work...

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."

We could all change something about ourselves...all of us...whether it is a physical trait or something inside our own personality or thought-life. Some of you today reading this devotional are disappointed that God made you the way He did. Don't be. Every hair on your head is intentional...the way you smile, think, and blink are all part of God's plan for your life. You are His masterpiece...the best God can do...

What is in you right now is extremely valuable...your gifts (and everybody has at least one) are meant for you to use to help others...to share with the world. You ARE somebody Christ can use...you ARE meant to be happy with His creation in you...you ARE valuable...you ARE important...you ARE blessed...and you ARE His child. No matter how you feel right now...that is the truth.

Want to live a happy life? Remember who you are in Christ...that's where your value is.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian