Hello friend
I initially wanted to title this month’s scripture writing plan — “You Are Enough”. As I pondered this I realized that this would not be totally true and that in using this title I would mislead you and others (and would be deceiving myself). I have seen the words, “You Are Enough” on t-shirts, coffee mugs, journals and even pictures for your walls. These words have even been spoken over me on several occasions by people who love me and wanted to give me encouragement. I have spoken these words over myself and over others – with only encouragement as my motivator. After all, it is a nice saying and it does make us feel better about ourselves and the circumstances that we find ourselves in.
Feeling better about ourselves and wanting others to feel better are not good enough reasons to not speak the truth. If it is not the truth then the feelings will be fleeting and we won’t be feeling good about ourselves for very long.
You Are Not Enough
The fact of the matter is we are not enough. If we were enough, there would be no need for a Saviour. Jesus would have died for no reason and we wouldn’t have a God who loves us and who we need to help us navigate our lives journeys. God gives us this wisdom in 2 Corinthians 3:5 (NKJV) – “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God” . When we start to believe that we are sufficient in ourselves the sin of pride is given an open door. We need to be watchful when it comes to pride as the bible tells us that pride will cause us to stumble and fall. Proverbs 16:18 (NIV) “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall”.
Taking The Pressure Off
It is not my intention to upset you with this. It is also not my intention to cause you to feel defeated. My intention and hope is that this truth will actually encourage you. When we really ponder this concept of not being enough it helps us to let go of any guilt, shame, and disappointment in ourselves that we may be carrying. It takes the pressure off. When we believe the lie that says “I am enough” we end up setting ourselves up for failure. This lie causes the pressure to build up inside and after awhile we will explode. Some of us will dive into perfectionism and some of us will curl up in a ball and wave the white flag of defeat. Neither of these are healthy and both have a detrimental effect on our over all well being.
Can you see how this well meaning saying has the ability to do the opposite of what it is actually telling us?
Confident Through Christ
If I could rewrite the saying it would take only two minor adjustments – two words. Let us exchange the word “you” for “Christ” and the word “are” for “is”. Say it out loud with me, “Christ Is Enough”. I love this as it puts us back in line to what scripture tells us. God doesn’t want us feeling bad about ourselves, He is wanting us to see ourselves as He sees us. I can tell you, I had spent way too many years trying to make my life “work”.
Relying on myself and my own ways was a never ending cycle of defeat. I finally was able to walk out of that defeated mindset when I realized that it is only through Christ that I can live the victorious life that God promises me in His Word. My confidence doesn’t come out of the success or failures that I have in life. It also doesn’t come out of what others think of me or even what I think of myself. True confidence can only be found in one place – confidence through Christ.
Stay Connected
How do we gain this confidence through Christ? Where do we find it?
The bible instructs us to stay connected with God.
John 15:5 (NIV) ~ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Being connected with God means that we are to have an active relationship with Him. When we are in a healthy relationship with someone we are involved in that persons life. We share our heart in conversations and we listen while the other person shares their heart with us. This is the type of relationship we need to develop with God. Attaining this relationship requires that we spend time with Him daily reading His word and in prayer.
Confidence Found In His Word
I want to extend an invitation to you to participate with me in this months scripture writing plan – “Confidence Through Christ”. This month we are going to focus on gaining our confidence through Christ. We are going to be encouraged, edified and maybe even challenged. My hope is that God will use this month’s scriptures to draw you close to Him and to encourage you. I pray that you will be able to see yourself through Gods eyes and that you will find freedom from trying to be enough on your own. My hope is that by the end of the month we all will want to wear t-shirts that say — “Christ Is Enough” as we drink our lattes in mugs sporting the same slogan.
What Is A Scripture Writing Plan
A scripture writing plan is basically spending 10-15 minutes everyday writing out a passage of scripture. It is a plan that I have created that you can follow everyday to glean more from the Word of God. It is a simple and effective tool that can help you enrich and grow your relationship with God. In addition, it will help you to learn and apply more of God’s Word in your daily lives. This month we will be writing scriptures out of both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Directions
Each day read and write out the corresponding scripture with the day of the month. Keep the following questions is mind as you write the scripture down.
- What is the Word saying?
- What does this mean to me personally?
- How can I take action on it?
- How does this enhance my view of God?
You can use any bible translation that you like. I prefer using the Amplified, NIV, or NLT. Two fabulous websites that has numerous translations to choose from are Biblegateway.com and biblehub.com (click on the links). I enjoy reading from the various different translations as it gives me a deeper perspective and a greater understanding.
If you are needing some further instruction on scripture writing plans and how to follow them please read the post in the link – Scripture Writing – What is it and How to implement it.
Prayer
I want to encourage you to end your daily writing sessions with a prayer. If you like you can pray the following:
Father God, I am so grateful for Your Word and that You freely share it with me. Thank you for the guidance that it gives to me. I ask that You forgive me for trying to live this life on my own – without Your help. I have bought into the lie that “I am enough” and I see now how that has had a detrimental effect on my life. Thank you for opening up my eyes to the truth – my confidence comes through You and not through myself. I understand that the truth is what sets me free and even when it is not comfortable to hear – I am grateful for it.
Lord, I ask that You teach me Your ways. If there is any area in my life that I am going solo, I ask that You reveal it to me. Today, I surrender my will, my wants, and my control over to You. I ask that You help me seek You for all things – including my confidence. Reveal to me wisdom and knowledge and help me to live a life that is pleasing to You. I pray that You will encourage me through Your Word and that my relationship with You will continue to grow. My hearts desire is to honour You with my life, help me to do just that. Lord, help me to be a blessing today. In Jesus’ Name ~ ~ Amen
Additional Scripture Writing Plans
I have included several links to additional scripture writing plans
God’s Love
What Does the Resurrection Mean to Us
Identity in Christ
Patience and Perseverance
God’s Promises
Abiding in Christ
Be Brave
Are you doing this writing plan? Let me know how it is working for you. I would love to hear from you as well as pray for you.
Be blessed💞💞💞
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What a great message!
Thank you for stopping by. Blessings 💞💞