The paradox of our life in Christ

Born to die. Die to live.
Sin to forgive. Forgive to grace.
Sacrifice to give. Give to receive.
Suffer to heal. Heal to obtain.

Broken to whole. Whole to multiply. 
First to last. Last to first.
Pride to humility. Humility to glory.
Temporal to eternal. Eternal to limitless.

“Who told you that you were naked?” Genesis 3:11

This is the first question of the bible when Adam failed God in Genesis 3:11. Its a question that rings loud and clear in many of our minds and hearts on a daily basis. God’s heart was broken and saddened beyond what you and I could ever imagine. You can hear the pain in His heart and voice when He asked Adam this question. God loves you and wants you to know the incredible value He places upon your life. If any of the questions below pop into your head, remember what God says in His word. Read the Bible on a daily basis to help you overcome self-defeating thoughts that the devil fires at you!

Who told you that I didn’t love you? I love you so much that I gave my Son to die on the cross for you!

Who told you that there is no forgiveness for what you've done? I have forgiven all of your sins and trespasses through Jesus my Son!

Who told you that you are not important? I paid a great price to save you through Jesus my Son!

Who told you that you were not good enough? I made you righteous through Jesus my Son!

Who told you that you will be condemned? I saved you from all condemnation through Jesus my Son!

Who told you that you are stupid? I made you wise through Jesus my Son who is Wisdom!

Who told you that there is no happiness in life? I give you fullness of joy in Jesus my Son!

Who told you that you were ugly? I have made you a beautiful treasure in Jesus my Son!

Who told you that you are a failure? I love helping underdogs like you succeed in life through Jesus my Son!

Who told you that you can't do it? I will help you do ALL things through Jesus my Son!

Who told you that you will never change? I will make you a NEW creation and give you a new start in life through Jesus my Son!

Who told you that there is no life after death? I give you eternal life in Jesus my Son who rose from the dead and will raise you up into everlasting life!

Who told you that heaven and hell are on earth? I make a new earth and new heavens where you will live with Jesus my Son!

Who told you that you were naked? I have covered all of your nakedness, shame and guilt with the life of my Son!

Breath Prayers

One of John Wesley’s favorite metaphors for prayer was “breath.” God breathes into us the divine word and will; we respond in prayer by breathing out our responses in both word and deed. Below are sample breath prayers:

* I love you Lord.
* I choose to follow You in all my ways.
* O God of compassion, have mercy on me.
* Thank you, Lord, for loving me so completely.
* Reveal to me, O Lord, your will in this matter.
* Teach me gentleness, faith and love.
* Lord, baptize me with love.
* Jesus, let me receive Your grace.
* Reveal my sin, O Holy Spirit.
* Teach me thy ways, O Lord.
* O God, I feel empty. Please fill me.
* Open my eyes, Lord, that I might see You.
* Thank you, Lord for the beauty I see all around me.
* Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive my praise.
* Keep me close to your heart, Jesus.
* Holy Spirit, guide my steps.
* O Lord, let me feel Your presence.
* My soul hungers and thirsts for You.
* Holy Spirit, lead me into the truth.
* O Lord, You are my treasure.
* Teach me faith, O God, and grant me hope.
* Fill my heart with Your compassion, O Lord.
* Lord, help me to be strong in this situation.
* Holy Spirit, live in me today.
* Grant me Your peace, O God.
* Gracious Master, remove my fear.
* Lord Jesus, help me feel loved.
* Praise you, my Lord Jesus. I love you.
* Fill me with your Spirit, O God.
* Holy Spirit, protect me from the evil one.
* Lord, I am weak. Make me strong.
* Just for today, Lord, grant me a pure heart.
* Lord, I’m leaning on Your everlasting arms.
* I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
* I worship You, O Lord.
* Make me more like You.
* Lord, let your love pour over me like rain.
* Make me feel secure in your love, O God.
* Drive away my fears and fill me with light.
* My hope is in You, Lord. I am satisfied.
* O Lord, I ask for wisdom and courage.
* You are the bread of life o Lord, please fill the void in my soul.
* May Your will be done in my life today.
* Father, lead me to walk in the light right now.
* Lord Jesus let me see through Your eyes.
* Draw me nearer to you, Lord Jesus.
* There is none like You, O God.
* Not my will, but Thine be done.

The next time you feel like GOD can't use YOU, just remember...

Noah was drunk
Abraham was too old and told white lies
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was deceitful and a manipulator
Leah was not beautiful
Joseph was abused and hated
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was fearful and felt inferior
Sampson was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran away from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Zacariah was a pessimist
John the Baptist ate bugs
Thomas was a doubter
Peter denied Jesus Christ three times
Some disciples were illiterate
The disciples fell asleep while praying
Mary Magdalene was a prostitute
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced more than five times
Zaccheus was small in stature
Paul was a religious man who persecuted Christians
Timothy was constantly sick with stomach ulcers
Lazarus had a death experience and was brought back to life