We are nothing without Yahweh
Certainly Imputed
(#239 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But the Almighty chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; the Almighty chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. The Almighty chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him. It is because of Him that you are in the Messiah Yahshua, who has become for us wisdom from the Almighty —that is, our righteousness, set-apartness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in Yahweh.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)
If any of you are wise, if any of you have understanding, then let this mind be in you. What mind? The mind that understands and accepts that no goodness, effort, esteem, talent, or gifting is of you (“self” created). If you are “good,” you were made so by the spilling of blood. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights. (James 1:17) Everything you have been given, anything that helps you excel, has been given to do one thing. And what is that one thing? To serve for good. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of the Almighty, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in the Messiah Yahshua for good works, which the Almighty prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
To help this one thing become real to you, let me suggest a short prayer to repeat over and over until this truth becomes part of your DNA. “Father, I recognize that all of my talents; all of my gifts; all of my skills; as well as my generosity and wisdom; anything that is good in me; comes from You! None of it is actually mine. It was given to me by You, O Yahweh, for one purpose, and that is to honor You. May my life glorify You.”
If this is real to you, then repeat one more prayer: “Father, thank you for the spilled blood of Yahshua. Forgive me for not remembering the truth. Forgive me for robbing You of Your esteem. Set my heart (center of intellect) and soul (emotional character) into a right relationship with You. Remind me daily why I have anything good in my life.”
You are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify Yahweh in your body and in your spirit, which are the Almighty’s. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Yes, remember that. Have that mind in you. It is a dangerous thing to forget the proper order of things, to forget the price that was paid so you could be what you are. It would be a fearful thing to be reminded with a Heavenly chastening. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of the Almighty underfoot, counted the blood of the Covenant by which He was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says Yahweh. And again, “Yahweh will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living Mighty One. (Hebrews 10:29-31)
Listen very closely loved one. Quiet your mind and listen. The amount of mental strife you suffer is directly related to your belief in the delusional non-reality that there is some personal (self-achieved) “good” in you, and that you are worthy of anything from anyone. Your lust for personal vindication, in any area of life (conscious activity), is a denial of the Sovereignty of Yahweh! Make the shift!
Consider every day a wonderful new journey. Shout to your Savior; “I want to be the best Your blood could buy; And I want to honor the reality that I was created to glorify You.” So be it!