Daniel Moore: 0:05
The concept that we have a considerable amount of control over who we become and our achievements is empowering and holds a sense of boundless potential. However, the journey of self-improvement is not a linear path. It is a continuous process filled with highs and lows, successes and setbacks. Often we set goals and make progress, finding momentary satisfaction in our accomplishments, only to realize that there is still more to be done. This ongoing cycle of improvement can lead to feelings of inadequacy and the constant pursuit of an elusive state of perfection. This week, on Connecting the Gap, we continue our series on feeling unqualified, and we'll be back right after this.
Daniel Moore: 1:24
Welcome back to another brand new episode of Connecting the Gap. I'm Daniel Moore, your host. Thank you for joining us again this week. If you're not familiar with our show, check out our website, wwwconnectingthegapnet, and there you'll find out about all the platforms that we are on. Our YouTube and Rumble links are there. We're also on the Christian podcasting app, edify. You can also visit us on social, at facebookcom, forward slash, ctgaponline, and if you're a fan of our show or becoming a fan, please subscribe if you haven't done so already. Feel free to leave a comment on our platforms and please give us a thumbs up or a five-star review on Apple Podcasts that helps our podcast to grow and reach more people. We would be grateful to you for doing that. Well, as I said here earlier, we are in part eight of our series on feeling unqualified, and this week we're going to be talking about change is overrated.
Daniel Moore: 2:30
When my daughter Brooklyn was born, I had a lot to learn and really that's actually an understatement. I had everything to learn. I remember that during pregnancy, I would randomly worry about things you know, like what if something goes terribly wrong in the womb, is mom allowed to eat that? If she breathes outside air, is it going to trigger a sex change in the womb? Hey, that person over there is smoking a cigarette and they know she is pregnant. Should I go face plant them and call 911? It seemed like I had a never-ending list of worries and concerns about the safety of her embryo while she was being formed in the unknown.
Daniel Moore: 3:11
Then, after she was born, the nurses and doctors started talking about something called the Apgar test. I was thinking test, what test? She hasn't even opened her eyes yet and they want her to take a test. Well, I was then educated on how the Apgar test is a test that is based on a scale to see how healthy your baby is when it is delivered. So they took her to perform the test and when they returned, I asked them how did she do? Did she win the test? Well, I was informed that she was a healthy little baby. A sigh of relief, delivery completed. I remember thinking that I was so glad that we didn't have to worry about the delivery anymore. She was born and all of the worries were over. Well, what I didn't realize is that what I thought was the end of the anxiety of her getting here was just a starting gun and the beginning of the race.
Daniel Moore: 4:09
Now all of the other stuff started Dirty diapers throw up on my nice clean clothes just as I was getting ready to go to work, keeping all the baby stuff handy that you need to cohabit with your baby every day and, of course, the worst part of it sleep deprivation. It definitely opened up many opportunities for panic and moments of anxiety and lots of crankiness. We'd take her out in public and bugs would start swimming her head. We would throw a blanket over her and run for the house. You know, it's kind of funny looking back on it, but there was no way my daughter was going to get bitten by a blood-sucking mosquito and get transmitted blood disease. Now, keep in mind she was my first child that I was raising. I now have three children and you know how it goes. By the time you have the third child, it all changes. By then you are teasing them and telling them to put a bug in their mouth. By then you are teasing them and telling them to put a bug in their mouth. I would always tell them that it was just some added texture and protein in their diet.
Daniel Moore: 5:15
It's always the case with the first child that we have needless anxiety and worry. I suppose Then, before my daughter was one, she ended up getting colic. That started off many nights of her waking up, screaming, her belly as tight as can be, and we would take turns walking her around the house with her lying down on her arms on her belly and trying every other scientific remedy we could come across to try to make her better. We finally tested every formula on the market until we came to the last and most expensive one and it seemed to work. The first night we laid her down with the new formula and she went to sleep. It was quiet, too quiet, nothing but silence. And then the worries started flooding in. What if she spit up and died in her own spit? Did she fall asleep? Is she choking and can't stop? Maybe she's in there struggling to breathe and I'm just lying in here enjoying the peace and quiet. So much for going to sleep. I ran there to check on her and she was sound asleep. Nothing was wrong at all, or she was until I banged the door open and terrified of what I was going to find.
Daniel Moore: 6:27
I remember thinking that the process of childbirth for me was over once the baby was born and then the worries and anxiety would go away. In all reality, it is actually a lifelong process and the older and more independent they get, the more challenging it becomes. And you know, there's a lot of truth in that. When they are little, you can try to protect them the best you can from the bugs, but as they get older you can't really roll them up in their blankets like a burrito and run a 50-yard dash to the house and keep them from becoming their dinner, or keeping them safe from the bad drivers on the road or those college roommates that are a bad influence. We can all think about how easy it is to get married and have kids. But having kids usually isn't just a goal that you check off your to-do list. It isn't something that you treat like a project and when it's completed you take a rest and see that it wasn't just good, but it was very good, and pat yourself on the back for your accomplishment.
Daniel Moore: 7:29
Having kids isn't a project, it is a process. You know, god could have created us to be born adults instead of infants, you know, with a little wisdom, but without all the arthritis, but without all the arthritis. But the process of having children and raising them from infancy to adulthood can teach us valuable lessons about the nature of God. The stages of childhood, from toddlers to teenagers, reveal God's intention for growth, development and maturity in our lives. Toddlers, with their endless energy and curiosity, remind us of the joy and wonder of exploring the world around us. They teach us patience, compassion and the importance of nurturing and protecting the vulnerable. Toddlers need guidance, love and care to thrive, just as we need God's guidance, love and care to grow spiritually. Teenagers, on the other hand, display the struggles and challenges of adolescence the rebellion, the identity crisis, the push for independence. These turbulent years are a reflection of our own journey towards figuring out who we are and how to function as early adults. Just as teenagers test boundaries and make mistakes, we too stumble and fall on the path to maturity. If God had created us as fully formed adults, bypassing the stages of childhood and adolescence, we would miss out on the valuable lessons and experiences that shape us into the people that we are meant to be. We wouldn't appreciate the growth, the resilience and the wisdom that come from overcoming obstacles and facing challenges.
Daniel Moore: 9:12
Colossians 2, verses 6 through 7, says so. Then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. This passage emphasizes the ongoing nature of our spiritual walk with Jesus. Just as receiving Christ as our Lord and Savior is not the end of our journey but the beginning, our faith in Him must be lived out daily through a process of growth and maturation. When we first come to know Jesus, it is a significant moment of transformation in our lives. However, it is not the final destination, but rather the starting point of a deepening relationship with Him. We are called to continue in Him, to abide in His presence, to be rooted in His Word and to be built up in Him over time. Living in Christ means allowing Him to shape and mold us, to teach us, to guide us and to transform us more and more into His image. It requires a commitment to spiritual growth, to seeking Him in prayer and studying His Word, to surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who can encourage and challenge us in our faith. As we are rooted and built up in Christ, we are strengthened in our faith, becoming more secure in our identity as His children and more steadfast in our beliefs. This process of spiritual growth and maturity leads to a life that overflows with thankfulness and praise for all that he has done in us and through us.
Daniel Moore: 10:54
Sometimes we get anxiety and worry because we think things aren't changing fast enough. We look at our failures and weaknesses and we continue to be frustrated. You know why can't things be faster? Why can't we be more valuable to God quicker? You know, if this would hurry up, wouldn't we be more qualified to do what God has called us to do when we follow and serve Him? Well, we have to remember that when it comes to fixing us and our shortcomings and to get us to the point where we are the most useful to the kingdom. God has his own timetable. Sometimes that is hard for us to hear, because we are a culture that is project-oriented.
Daniel Moore: 11:36
Myself, I like the excitement of getting things done. I'll have things on a list and when I complete them and check them off my list, I feel accomplished, successful and productive. Sometimes I may even complete a secondary project that I didn't even plan on doing. When I do that, I add it to the list and I check it off, also feeling completely invincible what you mean. You tell me you don't do that also. Well, however, there are times that I may get myself into a complex situation that seems to be taking me forever to complete, and you know when that happens I may fight it for a while to complete it, but if it takes too long, I have a tendency to just give up on it and lose motivation on it pretty quickly.
Daniel Moore: 12:23
You know, throughout this whole series we have been talking about our identities, our third words, our strengths and our weaknesses. We've been talking how all of this takes place daily in our lives, while we are trying to accept who we are at the moment, while we are becoming who God wants us to be. The proper word for all of this is process. The Christian walk is not about reaching a certain point and then stopping, but rather about continuously seeking to grow closer to God and become more like Christ. It is a journey of faith, of constantly learning and evolving, of facing challenges and obstacles and of continually turning to God for guidance and strength. The key to this ongoing relationship with Jesus is surrendering ourselves to Him, allowing Him to work in us and through us. It requires open hearts and minds, a willingness to be transformed and renewed, and a commitment to following God's will in all aspects of our lives. As we walk with Jesus, we will inevitably face struggles and setbacks, but we can take comfort in knowing that he is always with us, guiding and supporting us along the way. By embracing this continual process of growth and change, we can experience the fullness of God's love and grace in our lives and find true fulfillment and purpose in living out our faith.
Daniel Moore: 13:51
You know it's easy to say that we need to have patience in the process, to talk about the benefits of weaknesses, to acclaim the virtues of embracing who we really are, but I think we all know why we are in such a hurry to change. That's because mistakes are painful. They really hurt. They are painful, embarrassing and messy. That's the nature of making mistakes and probably one of the main motivators for change. The only bad thing is our spiritual walk with God, and pleasing Him should be our main motivator to change. When discussing spiritual motivation for change, it is often emphasized that aligning one's actions with the will of God is a noble and virtuous pursuit. This approach to personal transformation is important as it reflects a deep sense of faith and devotion.
Daniel Moore: 14:47
However, the reality of human behavior suggests that true change often only occurs when we are faced with significant challenges or discomfort. This is a common experience of reaching a breaking point or a moment of realization that prompts us to reevaluate our lives and seek change. This pattern of waiting until circumstances become unbearable before taking action is a recurring theme in human behavior, often referred to as quote-unquote learning the hard way. Sometimes we interpret the pain of our mistakes as punishment from God, and you know, sometimes I really don't see it that way. I think the pain of our mistakes can actually be a gift to help us realize our potential for change.
Daniel Moore: 15:35
Why do you think God wants us to make those changes in the first place? It's more about us than about Him, and while it is true that God wants us to glorify Him and reflect Him accurately, he isn't a capricious despot. He doesn't need us to measure up to a standard of perfection in order to feel good about himself as God. God's understanding of what can harm us and others is complete and compassionate. He recognizes that certain actions or behaviors have the potential to drain our fatality, cause pain and distress to ourselves and those around us, and it also damages our connection with Him. Therefore, he identifies these destructive patterns as sin, guiding us away from them to protect and nurture our well-being.
Daniel Moore: 16:24
It's crucial to understand that God's call to change and move away from sinful behaviors is not driven by a need for personal gain or benefit. Away from sinful behaviors is not driven by a need for personal gain or benefit. He does not request obedience and holiness from us for His own sake, but for our own welfare and that of those that we interact with. By avoiding sin and embracing righteousness, we can experience a life that is more harmonious, fulfilling and aligned with His divine plan for us more harmonious, fulfilling and aligned with His divine plan for us. Sin and its various forms leads to confusion, complications and setbacks in our lives. It erodes our sense of self-worth, creates barriers in our relationships and hinders our spiritual growth. Recognizing the harm that sin inflicts upon us, we naturally strive to rectify our mistakes and seek redemption from their consequences. God's guidance and support enable us to break free from the destructive cycle of sin, leading us toward a path of healing, restoration and reconciliation. In essence, god's call for obedience and holiness is rooted in His deep love and concern for our well-being. By aligning ourselves with His principles and avoiding harmful behaviors, we can cultivate a life of purpose, fulfillment and positive impact on those around us. Ultimately, god's desire for us to overcome sin stems from a desire to see us thrive and flourish in His grace and compassion.
Daniel Moore: 17:56
The concept that we have a considerable amount of control over who we become and our achievements is empowering and holds a sense of boundless potential. However, the journey of self-improvement is not a linear path. It is a continuous process filled with highs and lows, successes and setbacks. Often we set goals and make progress, finding momentary satisfaction in our accomplishments, only to realize that there is still more to be done. This ongoing cycle of improvement can lead to feelings of inadequacy and the constant pursuit of an elusive state of perfection. And the constant pursuit of an elusive state of perfection.
Daniel Moore: 18:33
Despite our efforts to fix ourselves and address our weaknesses, we often find that the pursuit of self-improvement does not automatically result in happiness. The paradox of perfection emerges as we strive for an idealized version of ourselves that may never be fully attainable. The perpetual chase for an unattainable state of perfection can leave us feeling unfulfilled and dissatisfied as we constantly compare ourselves to an unattainable standard. It is important to recognize that true happiness does not solely rely on self-improvement or the elimination of our flaws. While change and growth are essential components of personal development, they should not be pursued blindly for the sake of change itself. It is vital to understand that our weaknesses do not necessarily dictate our happiness and that true contentment comes from acceptance and living authentically In essence.
Daniel Moore: 19:31
While striving to be the best version of ourselves is commendable, it is essential to acknowledge that the pursuit of perfection alone does not guarantee fulfillment. Change should be approached with intention and reflection, focusing on personal growth and well-being in our relationship with God, rather than an unattainable state of flawlessness. Rather than an unattainable state of flawlessness, embracing imperfection and finding joy in the journey of self-discovery can lead to a more meaningful and satisfying life. Therefore, perfection is not the cure. Change is good, change is necessary, change is inevitable, but change for the sake of change is overrated. It's overrated because there is more to life than self-help and self-improvement. There is something far more profound, permanent and fulfilling. Beyond the idea of self-help and self-improvement lies an amazing and enduring source of fulfillment that transcends earthly achievements. This deeper sense of purpose and contentment can be found in exploring new dimensions of our relationship with God.
Daniel Moore: 20:43
While the spiritual journey may not lend itself to being ticked off of a checklist, it is the very essence that infuses meaning and significance into all of our pursuits and endeavors. Our relationship with God should not be reduced to a mere means to achieve our personal goals, but rather it should be the foundation upon which our aspirations and our ambitions are built. When we align our priorities in accordance with our spiritual connection, our goals become vehicles that propel us toward a closer relationship with God, rather than ends in themselves. Thus, irrespective of our successes or failure in achieving these objectives, the ultimate measure of accomplishment lies in deepening our reliance and intimacy with God. Discovering the essence of knowing Jesus is transformative, offering a sense of wholeness and satisfaction that surpasses any earthly pursuit. As beings created with an innate longing to connect with the divine. Turning to God not only fulfills this inherent need, but also unveils a wellspring of enduring contentment and fulfillment. In the embrace of this divine relationship, we unearth the source of true and lasting joy, surpassing the temporary gratification that worldly achievements may bring. Change is temporarily gratifying, but relationship is perpetually satisfying. That's the point of the process.
Daniel Moore: 22:17
Colossians, chapter 2, verse 6, says so. Then, just as you receive Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him. This verse emphasizes the importance of remaining in a close personal relationship with Jesus. It is not about striving for perfection on our own, but about relying on Jesus and living our lives in Him. Jesus did not die on that cross so that he could solely focus on self-improvement and criticism of others. Instead, his sacrifice was intended for us to have a deep and intimate connection with him. By abiding in Christ and allowing him to work in us, we can experience true transformation and growth in our faith. He is the source of our strength, growth and transformation, and the point of the process is ultimately to be with him. We're going to take a break here for a moment. When we come back, we're going to continue this week's episode of Feeling Unqualified, and we'll be back right after this.
chataboutjesus.com: 23:28
You and I live in an age of tremendous global unrest. Everybody longs for peace, but for millions today it is only a dream, for every country fighting another country. There are places where civil unrest threatens to dramatically change the political, social and religious landscape. No wonder leaders are so frantic in their attempts to gain and maintain peace at almost any cost. Frantic in their attempts to gain and maintain peace at almost any cost. But the lack of international peace is merely symptomatic of our greater need for personal inner peace, the peace that comes only from Jesus Christ, whom the Bible calls the Prince of Peace. On the night before his death and subsequent resurrection, jesus Christ could assure those who believed in him peace. I leave with you my peace I give to you. Do you have the peace of Jesus Christ? If not, please call 888-NEED-HIM to discover how you can find peace today. That's 888-NEED-HIM.
Daniel Moore: 24:47
Welcome back to Connecting the Gap podcast. I'm Daniel Moore, your host, and we're in the second half of this week's episode. Episode number eight of Feeling Unqualified Change is Overrated. Have you ever seen monkeys at a zoo picking bugs from each other's fur? You know it's kind of gross and kind of tender at the same time. However, it mostly is gross. Sometimes we do the same thing.
Daniel Moore: 25:16
As followers of Jesus, we sometimes engage in nitpicking and critiquing one another in an attempt to eliminate every last trace of our sinful nature. We may believe that this is our duty as Christians, thinking that it is the pinnacle of charity and spiritual growth. We might feel compelled to use our magnifying glasses and tweezers to focus on minor faults and imperfections in ourselves and others in the pursuit of finding perfection. However, while we are preoccupied with these internal struggles and criticisms, the world around us is suffering and in desperate need of the love and grace of God. People are yearning for the hope and transformation that Christ offers, but our self-absorption and obsession with achieving perfection can hinder our ability to effectively share God's love with others. We may be too consumed by our own shortcomings, such as temper problems, pride issues, pornography, addictions or any other things in our life to effectively reach out to those who are hurting and in need of God's grace. It is important to remember that we do not need to be perfect in order to share the love and message of Jesus with the world. In fact, it is through our brokenness and vulnerability that the light of Christ can shine most brightly. Rather than focusing solely on our own flaws and shortcomings, we need to turn our attention outward, towards loving and serving others, extending the same grace and forgiveness that we ourselves have received from God. It is in our authenticity and willingness to show love, despite our imperfections, that we can truly reflect the transformative power of the gospel to a hurting world.
Daniel Moore: 27:02
Please don't misunderstand me. With saying this, I'm not excusing sin. We should be on a continual quest both to better ourselves and, at the same time, to be a blessing to others. The goal of human existence is not self-perfection, but rather a deep and meaningful relationship with God. As human beings, we were created to walk with God, to know Him, to follow Him, to listen to Him and to obey Him. These are the true purposes for which humanity was formed. But you know, instead of focusing on critiquing and picking apart ourselves and others, our primary focus should be on developing and nurturing our relationship with God. It is through this intimate connection with our Creator that we can experience true fulfillment and purpose in life.
Daniel Moore: 27:52
It is important to remember that God has a unique timetable for each of our lives, and His priorities may not always align with our own. While we may be fixated on certain aspects of ourselves that we wish to change or improve, god may be working in ways that we cannot see or fully understand. We may feel stagnant or stuck in our journey of faith, but in reality, god is constantly at work within us, bringing about transformation and growth where we allow it. It is often in hindsight that we can recognize the incredible ways in which God has been working in our lives all along. We may not see immediate and drastic changes in our top areas of concern, but God is quietly and faithfully molding us into the image of His Son. Trusting in His perfect timing and surrendering to His guidance allows us to embrace the journey of transformation and spiritual growth, knowing that he is always at work in us, even when we may not see it.
Daniel Moore: 28:54
You know, when I gave my life to Christ in my teenage years, I thought it was a project that was completed. I read that Jesus said on the cross. It is finished in John 19.30. I also saw that Paul wrote. So I thought cool, from now on, when I see a pretty girl, if anyone is in Christ he is the new creation in 2 Corinthians 5.17. So I thought, cool, from now on, when I see a pretty girl, I won't have any lustful, tempting thoughts about her. Well then, a girl walked by me. You know, I hadn't been a child of God for 24 hours yet and boom, that same feeling came over me again. Only now I knew it was wrong. Now I felt bad about it. But you know what? It was still there and I couldn't understand why it was so depressing. And you know, I'm sure you felt this frustration also, and maybe on a much more sophisticated level.
Daniel Moore: 29:50
For example, maybe you read in Ephesians 5 how you need to love your wife more. You think, okay, I need to love my wife as Christ loved the church. So you go home and you wash the dishes. She seems unimpressed. You don't even get a thank you. She doesn't make love to you right there in the kitchen. So you think I tried that. I did that love thing I heard about. It didn't work.
Daniel Moore: 30:18
Well, remember, it's a process If you've been zoning out for months, staring at your phone every night after dinner. Washing the dishes one time probably won't undo all of that. Or how about this one? Someone hurt you once and you thought you had forgiven them, but then you hear that they got a promotion at work and you find yourself vaguely upset and it makes you realize that deep inside, you secretly still hoped that they'd have to pay for what they did to you. It wasn't like you wanted them to die in a car wreck or anything, but you definitely didn't want them to climb the ladder of success. It's discouraging. You know, I thought I was over that. You think in dismay, I thought I was bigger than that.
Daniel Moore: 31:06
Well, walking with God is often not a straightforward journey from one point to another. It is a process that can be filled with twists and turns, ups and downs. At times, this process can feel disorienting or confusing, and if we do not have a proper understanding of the timing involved, we may become disillusioned and defeated. One common misunderstanding is viewing salvation as a one-time event. In the past, we may say things like, yeah, I was saved when I was 16, or yeah, I've been saved for 20 years, treating it as a singular event rather than an ongoing process. Well, in reality, salvation is not just a past event, but a continual journey of growth and transformation in our relationship with God. As we walk with God, we are constantly being redefined and sanctified, becoming more like Christ each day. This process of sanctification can be gradual and, at times, imperceptible, leading us to feel discouraged or uncertain about our progress. However, it is important to remember that God works in His own timing and His plans for our lives may not always align with our own expectations.
Daniel Moore: 32:25
The Bible talks about salvation in all three primary tenses past, present and future. In Ephesians, chapter 2, verse 8, it states For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. This verse refers to the past tense of salvation, emphasizing that through God's grace and our faith in Him, we have already been saved. This initial act of salvation is a foundational aspect of our relationship with God, setting the stage for our ongoing journey of faith with God. Setting the stage for our ongoing journey of faith. In 1 Corinthians 1.18 it says For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. This verse focuses on the present tense of salvation, highlighting the ongoing work of God in our lives as we continue to be transformed and renewed by His power.
Daniel Moore: 33:22
Salvation is not just a one-time event, but a continual process of being saved and sanctified by God's grace and in 1 Peter 1, verses 4 and 5, it is mentioned and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you who, through faith, are shielded by God's power. These verses point towards the future tense of salvation, highlighting the ultimate fulfillment of our salvation that is yet to come. As believers, we have the assurance of an eternal inheritance and the promise of salvation that will be fully realized in the future, when Christ returns. Salvation begins with our initial acceptance of God's grace through faith. It continues as a process of ongoing transformation and renewal in our lives and it culminates in the future inheritance and ultimate fulfillment of our salvation and the presence of God for eternity. As believers, we can find assurance and hope in the comprehensive and eternal nature of God's saving work in our lives. We were saved, we are being saved, we will be saved. There's no doubt about it. Walking with God is a lifelong experience and beyond.
Daniel Moore: 34:45
Romans, chapter 8, verses 1 through 2, says Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus because, through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. This passage emphasizes the truth that, as believers in Christ, there is no condemnation for us. We have been set free from the guilt and punishment of sin through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. By understanding and embracing this truth in Romans 8, we can see that we are already forgiven and loved by God with an unconditional and unfailing love. Now here's how we can apply this to the idea that we'll never be more forgiven or loved than we are right now. Number one it says there's no condemnation. The verse clearly states that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. This means that God's forgiveness is complete and final.
Daniel Moore: 35:41
We are not held captive by our past mistakes or sins, because in Christ we are forgiven. This forgiveness is not based on our own efforts or good deeds, but on the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Secondly, we're set free. Through Christ, we have been set free from the power of sin and death. This freedom is not temporary or conditional, but is a permanent reality for those who are in Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin, but we have been given new life through the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. This freedom is a testament to God's love for us and His desire for us to live in victory and abundance. You know, these verses remind us that as believers, we are already forgiven and loved by God. This forgiveness and love are not limited by our past or present actions, but are based on the grace and mercy of God. Through Jesus Christ, we can take comfort in the fact that we are fully accepted and cherished by God, and there is nothing we can do to earn more forgiveness or love than what he has already been freely given to us.
Daniel Moore: 36:51
You know, finish what you start. That's a popular mantra, but when it comes to our walk with God, we didn't start this in the first place God did. If it had been up to us to start things, we would still be far from God. But God drew near. He sent His Son. In Romans 5.8, it says while we were still sinners, christ died for us. You know, god stepped into the middle of our chaos and disobedience, our running and roaming and denying the very one who made us.
Daniel Moore: 37:23
He interrupted the cycle and said in 2 Corinthians 12, 9, that my grace is sufficient. Remember, earlier I quoted Colossians 2, 6, and it says so then, just as you receive Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him. You receive Christ Jesus as Lord. Continue to live your lives in Him. This verse reminds us that living in Christ is not a burdensome obligation but a joyous privilege. It is an invitation to walk in intimate relationship with Jesus, allowing His teachings and example to shape our thoughts, our actions and our character.
Daniel Moore: 37:57
Living in Christ means acknowledging Him as Lord and surrendering our lives to His will. It means finding our identity and purpose in Him rather than seeking validation and fulfillment in the things of this world. It means standing firm in our faith, rooted and built up in Him and overflowing with thankfulness for the grace and mercy that he has shown us. As we navigate life's ups and downs, we can take comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone. Christ is with us, guiding us, sustaining us and empowering us to live out our calling as His disciples. May we embrace this invitation to live in Christ with gratitude and humility, allowing His love to transform us from the inside out.
Daniel Moore: 38:45
Our struggles don't necessarily mean that we are distant from God. Sometimes, when we are struggling the most, we are actually closest to Him. We are more aware than ever of our desperate need for Him, and he responds with grace and patience. Hebrews 12, 1-2 says Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. This set of scriptures reminds us that the Christian life is like a race that we are called to run with perseverance. We are encouraged to remove any obstacles that hinder us and to stay away from sin that can entangle us.
Daniel Moore: 39:34
But the key to finishing the race well is by fixing our eyes on Jesus. He is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, the one who went before us and showed us the way. When we feel like we have reached the end of ourselves, it is an opportunity for grace to take over. We can surrender our struggles, doubts and fears to Jesus, trusting in his power to carry us through. He is more invested in our transformation than we are, and he will lead us step by step towards the finish line. As we look to Jesus and allow him to take the lead in our lives, we can have confidence that we will finish the race well. He is patient, loving and committed to us and he will empower us to persevere and ultimately receive the prize of eternal life with him. So let us trust in him and keep our focus on him as we run our race with endurance.
Daniel Moore: 40:32
Finish what you started, the world says, but God says the opposite. Just continue what I've already finished. Enjoy what I've already won. Jesus died for you and he rose for you and he declared that you are forgiven and free. Keep walking, do another lap. He's teaching you, you are growing, you are getting closer to him. You're not perfect yet, but you're in a process and that's what matters the most.
Daniel Moore: 41:04
Well, that's going to wrap up this week's episode, episode eight of our series on feeling unqualified. This week's episode was entitled Change is Overrated. Well, I hope you enjoyed that. We'll be back next week with another episode as we continue our 12-part series here on Connecting the Gap. I'm Daniel Moore, the host. Thank you so much for listening. This show wouldn't be possible at all without you listening and subscribing and making comments on each episode each week. If you're a fan of the show, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and please subscribe to us on your favorite platform. The links are in the show notes below. Well, that's all for this week, and as we say each week, we believe that God's word never fails us. God's word has stood the test of time. Enter Jesus' death on the cross. He has connected the gap.
Aria: 41:55
You've been listening to Connecting the Gap podcast. In this world, there are many disconnects that cause chaos in our lives. This podcast is birthed from the desire to share hope and restoration of the power of the gospel by being transparent and open in our biblical walk with God. Each week, we take a few moments as we navigate God's Word and peer into other people's testimonies and encourage each other to connect the gap. We upload a new audio podcast every Thursday and a video version of it on YouTube and Rumble. We are also on the Christian podcasting app Edify. You can subscribe to our podcast on many of the available podcasting platforms, including Apple Podcast, spotify, amazon Music, iheart Radio, tunein Radio and more. We are also available on your Alexa-enabled devices. If you would like to contact our ministry for any reason, visit our contact page and send us a message. We hope you are blessed by this ministry. This is a production of Connecting the Gap Ministries.
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