Beware of the foxes

Scripture:

Song of Solomon 2:15
(NIV) Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.

Song of Solomon 2:15 (TM) Then you must protect me from the foxes, foxes on the prowl, Foxes who would like nothing better than to get into our flowering garden.

Observation:

The "little foxes" are an example of the kinds of problems that can disturb or destroy a relationship. The lovers wanted anything that could potentially cause problems between them to be removed. Often the "little foxes" cause the biggest problems in marriage. These irritations must not be minimized or ignored but identified so that, together, the couple can deal with them.

Application:

On Colorado's Long Peak, lies the remains of a giant 400-year-old tree. Age, storms and avalanches couldn't bring it down. What did? A tiny beetle you could crush under your foot. It ate right through the bark and devoured its heart.

Be careful, it's the little foxes that ruin the vineyards. Little attitudes; but if you practice them often enough, they become fixed attitudes. Little indulgences; but if you give place to them long enough, they desensitise you to sin. Remember when certain things bothered you? Now you don't give them a second thought. You're being desensitised!

Alcoholic start by telling themselves, "I can handle it." Every victim of Internet pornography (and they're getting younger every day), started with a look, got hooked on a fantasy and ended up uncaging a tiger that: (a) can devour them; (b) will never willingly go back into its cage.

Before a moral problem got out of hand in the Corinthian church, Paul hit it head on:

"I also received a report… One of your men is sleeping with his step-mother. And you're so above it all that it doesn't even faze you… You pass it off as a small thing, but it's anything but that. Yeast, too, is a 'small thing,' but it works its way through a whole batch… get rid of this 'yeast'" (1 Corinthians 5:1-7 TM). Strong language!

Why does God make such a big deal out of this anyway? Because sin hurts us and anything that hurts one of His children, makes Him angry.

I read the following LOVE LETTER from a website entitled "Journals of the heart." I went so well with God was speaking into my heart today so I wanted to include it here:

My precious branch, subtle little foxes come into your life with the intent of robbing our abiding relationship. You must be on constant guard and the best way to do this is to abide in Me moment by moment. It isn't hard. Just to think on My name or speak it is enough. After all, My name is above all names. My name is above all things. Therefore, when you struggle with the necessities of life and long to be with Me, just cry out or even whisper My name and see what I will do.

Ultimately these little foxes destroy, or cut off fruit. The destruction doesn't always show right away. In time however, like a beautiful bouquet, wilting takes place. Being disconnected from the vine like a vase full of flowers will eventually produce a disheartened soul. Your soul needs your spirit to be connected to the vine in such a way to receive infusions of My life-giving nutrients. When separated from Me, little foxes have a way of plucking the life out of our relationship and produce outward manifestations of dryness which represent the inner workings of the heart.

Dehydration takes place when you don't abide in Me, and as a result, the soul feels free to express itself with unkind words and deeds. This robs the garden I called you to be and brings barrenness, guilt and shame to the core of your being (Isaiah: 58:11). This is where the enemy of your soul compounds the situation with guilt, causing you to flee, instead of hiding in Me. Let it never be. Instead you must run to Me, not from Me. Don't hide in unfruitful or barren places. There is no covering there. Confess, repent and draw near. It is the only way to re-hydrate and build up your spirit man. Attach yourself to the vine of My presence and be renewed.

An understanding and revelation of My nature and that of My Father will keep you attached. And you get this by being in the Word and by being with Us. We are your safe place.

You see, the very moment I observe an area of darkness, a hindrance, or weakness trying to separate us I am there with My pruning knife to cut it away. Have I not said, "Nothing can separate you from Me?" The whole time I am pruning, I am cleansing with great mercy and grace. Each time I prune, new tender shoots of fruit-producing growth sprout up in abundance, strengthening our relationship and your own perception of self.

Yes, each and every time I touch you, your revelation of Me grows and a deeper abiding is the result. This brings delight to your heart and gives you courage. I press you onward to your high calling in Me. It cuts off any harmful effects of the past and puts them where they belong; in the past. Remember; don't let the little foxes push you away. Defy them; defeat them by coming after Me in hot pursuit. Counteract the schemes of the enemy by running to the only safe place—Me.

Prayer:

"Lord, please help me to be aware of the "little foxes" that will slow, surely and effectively destroy the vine, which represents my connection with you, the Vine. When that relationship is effected, so is the fruit that comes from that connection and relationship. I want to see fruit in my life, fruit that comes from me "abiding in You and Your Word abiding in me." That is my choice and purpose for this day. Holy Spirit, please show me the foxes in my life so I can catch them and destroy them. In Jesus name, amen!"

His GREAT power

Scripture:

Ephesians 1:19-21 (TM)
oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him--endless energy, boundless strength! (20) All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, (21) in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever.

Ephesians 1:19-21 (NIV) and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, (20) which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, (21) far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Observation:

is a part of Paul's prayer for the Ephesian saints. It is not difficult to see that Paul's prayer begins at verse 15. It is not quite so easy to see precisely where it ends. His prayer is that the Holy Spirit will enlighten the minds of his readers, so that they will grasp in a greater way the unseen blessings which God has provided in Christ, and are revealed in the Scriptures.

Paul's prayer is that the Ephesian saints will be divinely enabled to grasp the infinite power of God in Christ. This text focuses on God's power in two major categories: (a) God's power over all other powers and authorities; and (b) God's power exercised on behalf of the church. Verses 21 and 22a deal with the former, while the rest of the verses pertain to the latter.

Our text paves the way for Paul's teaching in Ephesians chapter two. If, in chapter 1 Paul speaks of the Lord's resurrection and ascension, in chapter 2 he speaks of the believer's resurrection and ascension, in Christ (compare 1:20 with 2:6). Further, while in chapter 1 Paul speaks of Christ's ascension as resulting in His being given authority over all other powers (1:21-22a), in chapter 2 he speaks of these authorities as those which once held us captive (see 2:1-3).

Paul's words at the end of chapter 1 imply that the Christian's assurance of the certainty of purposes and promises of God which constitute the Christian's hope rests upon our recognition of His power to achieve them.

Application:

The world fears the power of the atom, yet we belong to the God of the universe, who not only created that atomic power but also raised Jesus Christ from the dead. God's incomparably great power is available to help you. There is nothing too difficult for him.

The Bible is a "David and Goliath Book." It teaches you that with God on your side, all you need is a sling and a rock, and you're bigger than any problem. The question is, do you really believe that?

When Moses first encountered God, a bush burned (Exodus 3:2). Years later when he came back to the same spot, an entire mountain burned (Deuteronomy 4:11). No matter how wonderful your past experiences with God have been, He'll always take you on to something greater. He'll always exceed your expectations.

But, if you're believing God for things that you can do yourself, you're limiting Him. Why? Because His Word says, "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him" (2 Chronicles 16:9).

If your vision for the future is truly from God, it'll always stretch you beyond your present resources. Actually, the difference between your vision and your resources, is your opportunity to experience "the exceeding greatness of his power."

Refuse to settle for what you can do, or you'll never get to see what God can do! Furthermore, if you think He won't ask you to do what you can't do, think again. Jesus told one man to walk on water, and another to come out of his grave - and they did!

It's when you experience things that are beyond your human ability, that you know God's at work demonstrating "the exceeding greatness of his power" in your life.

I am reminded today that since Jesus controls the universe and holds it all together, He can hold my life together and bring me through any situation that I may face. His exceeding great power is in me and available through me. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in me. He can resurrect hopes, dreams, visions, families, finances, churches, nations, health, hope, and whatever it may be that you are facing today. His power is available to you.

Prayer:

"Lord, I thank you for the exceeding greatness of your power. I have a hard time remembering at times that the same God that delivered the Israelites from the bondage of the Egyptians, miraculously brought them across the Red Sea, provided food for them for forty years, and kept their shoes from wearing out...lives in me. The same God that helped David defeat Goliath, that provided for Elijah, that healed Naaman, that raised Lazarus from the dead, that walked on water, lives in me. The same God that delivered Daniel from the lions den, and delivered the Three Hebrews from the fiery furnace, lives in me. The same God that took the impossible situation that Esther found herself in, and turned it around for His purposes, which was the deliverance of His people, lives in me. The same God that causes demons to tremble, lives in me. The same God that created this world, set it all in place and KEEPS it in place, lives in me. Help me to remember that today and every day. I commit my life and ways to you Lord. In Jesus name, amen!"

“Open my eyes, Lord”

Scripture:

Ephesians 1:17-18
(TM) But I do more than thank. I ask--ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory--to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, (18) your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for Christians,

Ephesians 1:17-18
(NIV) I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. (18) I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

Observation:

Paul wrote this letter to the Ephesian believers and all other believers to give them in-depth teaching about how to nurture and maintain the unity of the church. He wanted to put this important information in written form because he was in prison for preaching the Good News and could not visit the churches himself. The words "in Ephesus" are not present in some early manuscripts. Therefore, this was very likely a circular letter. It was first sent to Ephesus and then circulated to neighboring local churches. Paul mentions no particular problems or local situations, and he offers no personal greetings.

Paul had been a Christian for nearly 30 years. He had taken three missionary trips and established churches all around the Mediterranean Sea. When he wrote Ephesians, Paul was under house arrest in Rome (see Acts 28:16). Though a prisoner, he was free to have visitors and write letters.

In our verse today, Paul prayed for the believers to know God better. How do you get to know someone? By reading biographical information or historical data about him? That will help you know a lot about that person, but it won't enable you to actually know him. If you want to get to know someone, you have to spend time with that person; there is no shortcut. The same holds true with God. Reading the Bible, great works of theology, and devotional material is wonderful, but there is no substitute for knowing God personally. What about you? Do you really know God, or do you just know about him? The difference is in spending time with him. Study Jesus' life in the Gospels to see what he was like on earth two thousand years ago, and get to know him in prayer now. Personal knowledge of Christ will change your life.

Application:

The most frequent miracle Jesus performed was opening blinded eyes.

In one case He touched a blind man who exclaimed, "I see men as trees, walking" (Mark 8:24). In other words, "I'm better than I was. I can see something, but I can't quite discern what it is." So Jesus touched him again, clearing his perceptions, removing his limitations, setting him free to become the man God called him to be.

There's a lesson here for each of us. Without a vision you'll stumble through life, blind to:

(a) who God is, and what He can do;

(b) who you are, and what you can accomplish in His strength.

Edison saw incandescent light before the first bulb ever glowed. Bill Gates saw a PC in every office and home even while experts were announcing, "Not in our lifetime." Forty years before the first Israelite ever set foot in it, Moses saw the Promised Land (Hebrews 11:27).

God can be doing all sorts of things around you, yet you don't see them because you're spiritually blind. Remember the two disciples on the road to Emmaus? It was only after Jesus had walked with them for seven miles, explaining the Scriptures to them, that we read: "Their eyes were opened and they recognized Him" (Luke 24:31).

How does God reveal Himself to us? In cathedrals and conferences? Sometimes. But mostly He opens His word and our understanding, and we begin to see Him at work in a way we never have before.

So take a moment today and pray Psalm 119:18, "Lord, open my eyes that I may see."

Prayer:

"Lord, please open the eyes of my understanding. May I see You like I have never seen you before. May my eyes be focused and clear so I can see what you have for me today. I desire to see You at work in and through my life today, I acquiesce to Your Spirit, in Jesus' name, amen!"

Lost in the presence of God

Scripture:

Acts 22:14-17 "Then he said, 'The God of our ancestors has handpicked you to be briefed on his plan of action. You've actually seen the Righteous Innocent and heard him speak. (15) You are to be a key witness to everyone you meet of what you've seen and heard. (16) So what are you waiting for?
Get up and get yourself baptized, scrubbed clean of those sins and personally acquainted with God.' (17) "Well, it happened just as Ananias said. After I was back in Jerusalem and praying one day in the Temple, lost in the presence of God,

Observation:

In this text, Paul is recounting how he was raised a strict Pharisee and discusses his "pedigree." He then shares with his audience how he hated Christianity and was used to torture Christians. One day he was on the road to Damascus to persecute Christians when he had an encounter with Jesus. He was blinded and was changed by the power of Jesus. In fact, he was blinded and was instructed to find a man named Ananias to pray for him and disciple him. Paul told his story in a way that glorified Christ and dignified the Christian movement. Here is a dramatic "before-and-after" account of the transformation of a human being. It is witnessing at its very best. Paul described the man he was and the man Christ had enabled him to be. At each stage of his evolving witness he clarified that it was Christ who had changed him. The careful recounting of his conversations with the Lord established the truth. Jesus Christ was alive, and He was the guiding Lord of Paul's life. A man said to his pastor, "You've gone from preaching to meddling!" Preaching is meddling, sooner or later. We all have areas in our lives we want to reserve away from the searching eye and remedial penetration of the Savior. There are times that relationships, expenditures, and unhealed memories, as well as values, customs, and ways of reacting, are excluded from the Master's reformation.

Application:

How does this apply to me today? In this midst of his discourse Paul says, (16) "So what are you waiting for?
Get up and get yourself baptized, scrubbed clean of those sins and personally acquainted with God.' (17) "Well, it happened just as Ananias said. After I was back in Jerusalem and praying one day in the Temple, lost in the presence of God".

Well, first of all God asks Paul, "what are you waiting for? Get up and get..." (baptized). This is realization. I must realize that I am have as much of God in my life right now as I want. For me, the Lord is asking today, "what are you waiting for" to grow in this day? Get up and get after it. This is about discipline. Too often I (we) complain about what we haven't been able to do or accomplish. Whose fault is it? Who or what am I going to blame? My lack of discipline in my daily choices is usually the culprit. Daily choices in: the food I eat, the lack of exercise, not REALLY spending time with the Lord, not REALLY allowing God's Word to breathe life into me, the lack of FRUIT of the Spirit in my life, etc.

Paul was then told by God to get up get himself baptized and "scrubbed clean of those sins" This is repentance. I need to live in a perpetual state of repentance. Not allowing sin to dominate my life or my MIND. "Forgive me Lord for my selfishness, foolishness, and carnality. I truly want to please you."

Thirdly, Paul was told to "personally get acquainted with God." This is relationship. It is easy to go through the motions in our walk with God. When we do this, we can begin to drift in our fervency, zeal and commitment to Jesus Christ, we lose the joy and excitement of our salvation, and we leave our first love. Forgive me Lord for emphasizing religion and not a personal relationship with Jesus.

Finally, Paul said that he was "lost in the presence of God." This is renewal (revival). When is the last time that I truly became lost in the presence of God in: my corporate worship at church? Whose fault is it? It isn't the worship leader or the song selection, it is about my heart. How about in my personal worship? Do I get away from everything that could hinder me? Do I turn off the TV and seclude myself from anything that will divide my heart and attention from God? I want to be...no much, much more...I need to be... lost in your presence daily! At the very least, a lot more than I find the occasion to currently.

Prayer:

"Dear Jesus, I need you today, as I do everyday. However, I sense the need even greater right now. As I read in my text today, Paul was changed by an encounter with you. He found himself lost in your presence. The reason he was able to be lost in your presence is because he realized that he was wrong and a sinner. I know and realize this evening that I am a sinner. I need your grace, mercy and forgiveness. Outside of you, there is nothing good in me. But thank you for depositing good within me through your grace. After Paul realized his need of you, he repented of his sins, he developed and maintained a relationship with you, and then he was renewed. The key for Paul was recognizing that you are not looking for religion by personal relationship. Forgive me for not taking the time to get lost in your presence on a daily basis. I have no one to blame but me. I need greater discipline in my life. With your Holy Spirit energizing, nudging, and directing me, I will get back to that daily encounter with you where I become lost in you presence. That is what you desire, and that is what I want to desire. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness and patience with me. I love you Lord, and look forward to more intimate times together with you as I re-examine my daily choices and disciplines. In Jesus name, amen!"

Don’t compare yourself to anyone

Scripture:

Galatians 6:4 Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others.

Observation:

When you do your very best, you feel good about the results. There is no need to compare yourself with others. People make comparisons for many reasons. Some point out others' flaws in order to feel better about themselves. Others simply want reassurance that they are doing well. When you are tempted to compare, look at Jesus Christ. His example will inspire you to do your very best, and his loving acceptance will comfort you when you fall short of your expectations.

Application:

You'll often discover your calling in your difference from others - not your similarity. Romans 12:6-7 in the Message says, "… let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without… comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't"

Here's the score: Those who deserve a place in your life will never be threatened by your strengths or your uniqueness. They'll have the maturity to understand that it takes many different players and many different sounds to make up an orchestra. On the other hand, those who don't belong in your life will always try to pour you into their mould; because that's the only way they can measure you or control you.

Not everybody will understand you - they're not supposed to. Don't waste the only life you'll ever have by trying to win the acceptance of people who don't appreciate your integrity, or discern your worth. Love them, pray for them, and move on. Jesus said, "A servant is not greater than his master. If people did wrong to Me they will do wrong to you too" (John 15:20 NCV).

Any time you have to give up being what God made you to be, in order to be accepted, the price is too high. Walk away. Why? Because, in the final analysis, you'll be judged by one standard only: what God called you to be, not what others want you to be!

Prayer:

"Lord, I thank you for who you created me to be. There are always temptations to covet someone else's personality, fame, or position in life. But godly contentment is accepting and excelling at who You made me to be. I thank you for the potential that you have placed within me. I choose to strive to fulfill that potential and become all you desire for me to be. I will not compare myself to anyone else, in Jesus' name, amen!"

Live Creatively

Scripture:

Galatians 6:1-3 Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. (2) Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. (3) If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.

Observation:

No Christian should ever think that he or she is totally independent and doesn't need help from others, and no one should feel excused from the task of helping others. The body of Christ-the church-functions only when the members work together for the common good. Do you know someone who needs help? Is there a Christian brother or sister who needs correction or encouragement? Humbly and gently reach out to that person offering to lift his or her load

John 13:34-35 "Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. (35) This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples--when they see the love you have for each other."

To love others was not a new commandment (see Leviticus 19:18) but to love others as much as Christ loved others was revolutionary. Now we are to love others based on Jesus' sacrificial love for us. Such love will not only bring unbelievers to Christ; it will also keep believers strong and united in a world hostile to God. Jesus was a living example of God's love, as we are to be living examples of Jesus' love.

Application:

Our verse today challenges us to live creatively by doing the following things: when someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, and don't speak a critical word against him; Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed; share their burdens. Then God says, "If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived." We live creatively by reaching out to those who have failed, restore them, and forgive them.

Jimmy drank too much at the party and embarrassed his wife Lisa. Next morning he felt bad and asked her to forgive him. She said she would, yet she kept bringing it up. One day, in discouragement, he said, "I thought you were going to forgive and forget." She said, "I have, I just don't want you to forget that I have forgiven and forgotten." Do you forgive like that?

Keeping score only works in competitive sports; it's disastrous in relationships. There's so much good in the worst of us and so much bad in the best of us, that we'll spend much of our lives learning to forgive and forget. And forgetting is harder when the offence is great. Small offences can be forgiven quickly; big ones require a healing process. But until you make the decision to forgive, the process can't even begin. How can you "Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you"? Paul answers in Colossians 3:12-13, "Clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others". To practice this kind of forgiveness you must focus on a person's worth, not their weaknesses. You must turn your heart away from what was, to what can be. And you must live creatively, looking for ways to forgive and to love.

You may say, "Why should I forgive?"
(1) Because God's Word tells you to.
(2) Because you yourself will continue to need forgiveness.
(3) Because you weren't built to carry the stress that goes with resentment.

Prayer:

"Lord, please help me to live creatively today. I refuse to nurse grudges, or to allow bitterness to simmer in my spirit man. I want to reach out, restore, and forgive and keep my mouth shut about those who have fallen. Use me today to show Your love to hurting people today. Holy Spirit, direct my steps, guide my heart, and lead my words. In Jesus' name, amen!"

You are an ORIGINAL

Scripture:

Galatians 5:26 That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.

Observation:

God is interested in every part of our life, not just the spiritual part. As we live by the Holy Spirit's power, we need to submit every aspect of our life to God: emotional, physical, social, intellectual, vocational. Paul says that because we're saved, we should live like it! The Holy Spirit is the source of your new life, so keep in step with his leading. Don't let anything or anyone else determine your values and standards in any area of your life.

Everyone needs a certain amount of approval from others. But those who go out of their way to secure honors or to win popularity become conceited and show they are not following the Holy Spirit's leading. Those who look to God for approval won't need to envy others. Because we are God's sons and daughters, we have his Holy Spirit as the loving guarantee of his approval. Seek to please God, and the approval of others won't seem so important.

Application:

Are you so busy analyzing your vices that you don't have time to appreciate your virtues? Are you so caught up in scrutinising others, that you don't value what God's given you? God never intended you to compare yourself with anybody. Listen to our verse for today: "We will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original."

By making comparisons: (a) you imply that God made a mistake by making you as you are; (b) you allow others to define your idea of attractiveness; (c) you give them control of your self-esteem. That's too much power to give anybody! Paul says, "Since we find ourselves fashioned… excellently… and marvellously… let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be" (Romans 12:6 TM). Focus on the talents and abilities God's given you, and stop coveting what you don't have. Base your self-esteem on the fact that God made you exactly, precisely, intricately, wondrously and uniquely who you are. You're without comparison, a genuine 'one off!'

What you are is God's gift to you; what you do with yourself is your gift back to Him. Until you stop comparing yourself to others you'll never be able to give birth to the unique gifts He's placed within you. So, thank God today for making you who you are, and begin believing that He's transforming you day by day into who He wants you to become.

When you understand that God loves you unconditionally, two things will happen: First, you'll learn to accept yourself as you are, and second, you'll learn to accept others as they are too. Stop and ask yourself today, "How do I really feel about myself?" Before you answer, read the following ten things from Author Bob Gass… slowly and carefully: better yet, put them somewhere where you can read them daily.

(1) Never think or speak negatively about yourself, for that puts you in disagreement with God.
(2) Meditate on your strengths; learn to encourage yourself, for most of the time nobody else will.
(3) Never compare yourself with anyone else. You are unique, one-of-a-kind, an original. Don't settle for being a copy.
(4) Focus on your potential, not your limitations. Remember the "greater One" lives in you! (1 John 4:4)
(5) Find something you like to do, and are 'gifted' to do well, and do it over and over.
(6) Have the courage to be different; be a God-pleaser, not a people-pleaser.
(7) Learn to handle criticism; let it develop you instead of discouraging you.
(8) Determine your own worth - before others do it for you.
(9) Keep your flaws in perspective; you're still a work in progress. (10) Focus daily on the one and only source of your confidence - God! Work on your relationship with Him.

Prayer:

"Lord, I thank you today for who I am. I have envied and coveted other personalities in the past, and you have shown me today that was wrong, in fact it was sin. I ask you to forgive me today. I accept who you are making me to be, and i will be the best ME that I can be. I am an original, and you have given me talents and abilities that I need to accomplish the potential that you have put within my life. You have an eternal purpose and destiny for my life and I will strive today to follow that plan. In Jesus' name, amen!"