The Limitation of 'self help'

I'd like to flag up a less obvious, kinda quiet, culturally accepted ideal - if we just tried a bit harder or exercised more discipline we'd be able to accomplish oh just so much more!!! Self improvement strategies and how to 'be all you want to be' and 'get the most from life you can' is one of the fastest growing markets in the West. Our search for improvement is big business! Some of these tools can be useful in helping us negotiate life. It is healthy to be able to say 'no' at times to others or more often ourselves. It can bring life into our life, to rest, to forgive, to let go and more. However all our efforts are of limited value because the one thing strikingly consistent in humanity is our inconsistency... Many books, CD's or video's sit in a drawers gathering dust while our intention to change is seduced by another fad or worse still these things serve to reinforce our own negativity about ourselves. I think its part of the enemies plan, to fuel frustration, self loathing and discouragement... oh and did I mention big business? 

So what do we do with this? There most certainly is a need to press through stuff, to implements changes which will help us to waltz in rhythm with the music of our maker. To quote John Ortberg 'We are God's project not ours'. But that's the point, the changes we work through need to be Spirit led. In Zechariah 4:6  we're reminded 'No not by power nor even might but by My Spirit says the Lord God Almighty'! Boy doesn't that take the pressure off! I don't know about you but I'd rather eat my own personal elephant one Holy Spirit inspired bite at a time. I want to work in harmony with Him so my 'self' is changed for God's glory for eternity.

Be encouraged - 'We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthen us' Philippians 4:13. 

Hgs Ruth x

AMEN...! But do you agree really?

Photo courtesy of istock images

You probably know the word Amen means 'I heartily agree'. I find as I catch the news, other people's conversations in coffee shops, or read things, I'm evaluating what's been communicated all the time. It sort of happens automatically probably because all these dynamics of communication are quite obvious and in the external realm. But what about the internal... I wonder what are you communicating with yourself? The start of a new year often carries with it a sense of personal audit, goal setting and self reflection. With this in mind I've been very aware of some of the internal agreements I've been making and some aren't so good.

You see many of my close friends are women who've achieved great success in there various careers which is great and I genuinely admire and applaud them. I however do not earn an income for the work I do, blogging, writing, speaking, running self esteem courses. Recently a number of people in conversations have (totally unintentionally I'm sure) kinda dismissed what I do saying 'yes well, you don't work so...' I have to be real with you here guys, over the last few weeks I've been feeling like a failure. I've been working this through with my Jesus and He reminded me I am defined by how God sees me and who He says I am. So what - if the world looks at me and sees and I quote 'just a housewife' (if you're a stay at home Mum or house keeper I salute you)!

People, the power of agreement is well documented in scripture; when we agree with the wrong stuff it can seriously affect our spiritual health. Our enemy is alert, cunning and subtle in the strategies he uses to bring us down. Joyce Meyer says 'we need to agree with Heaven not Hell about who we are'. What have you been saying yes and amen to? Song of songs 2:4 speaks of God's provision and our identity found in His love - 2 Cor 5:17 reminds us we are new creations free from the past and Eph 5:8 tells us we are children of light. Deut 28:13 says we are winners not losers, the head and not the tail. Rom 8:37 tells us we are more than over comers / conquerors in Christ. Perhaps the most important area we evaluate this new year is the one between our ears.  Lets start this year agreeing with what God says - He's always right!

hugs Ruth x


p.s. If you're running an event you'd like me to speak at email me at lovedrops with your details and I'll get in touch love Ruth x