The Name Game - Episode 183

Daniel Moore: 0:09

In the complex process of understanding our identities, it's crucial to remember that our perceptions and evaluations of ourselves are not solely determined by our own standards or the societal measuring sticks we hold up as we navigate the intricacies of self-worth. It's important to acknowledge that there exists a higher perspective, that of a divine force, a higher power. We'll be back with this week's episode of Connecting the Gap right after this, and a word from our sponsor. I'm sorry, they say that it is darkest Right before the dawn. So remember, no matter what battle you are facing, what war is raging, the dawn is coming. Prepare for battle, prepare for victory. Be sure to visit our sponsor's website at wearewarriorsapparelcom. Welcome to Connecting the Gap. I'm Daniel Moore, your host. Thank you for joining us this week. If you're not familiar with our show, check out our website, wwwconnectingthegapnet, for all of our platforms, our YouTube and our Rumble links, and we're on the Christian podcasting app, edify. You can also visit us on social at facebookcom, forward slash ctgaponline. If you're a fan of our show, please subscribe and feel free to leave a comment on our platforms and give us a thumbs up or a five-star review on Apple Podcast. We would eternally be grateful to you for doing that and we hope that you enjoy this week's episode. Last week we started a brand new series, unqualified, and last week it was the Qualification Trap. Well, this week we're going to continue that series that we started, and this is part two of the series for Unqualified the name game.

Daniel Moore: 2:42

Picture this, picture this You're at a friend's baby shower, surrounded by baby decor and sipping on your sixth mini cup of punch. As the anticipation builds, you find yourself in a seemingly never-ending conversation with the highly expectant parents. You know that inevitable question is looming, the one that you dread more than a dentist appointment or a spider in your shoe. So what do you think we should name the baby? Well, secretly, you were hoping to not be confronted with that question, because lately it seems as if the going trend is for people to name their children. How do I say this? Creatively? You muster up your courage and try to mask your apprehension with a forced smile. Oh, I, uh, I don't know, just surprise me. You reply, hoping they'll catch on to your subtle avoidance technique, but alas, they persist. No, really, we'd love to know what you think. Give us your honest opinion.

Daniel Moore: 3:41

As a bead of sweat forms on your forehead, you can feel your anxious demeanor bubbling to the surface. Thoughts race through your mind. What if they say they want to name their precious bundle of joy lasagna or Sasquatch? How will you keep your expression composed? Can you even pretend to be supportive while secretly imagining this child getting beat up on the playground in junior high? Well, finally, with a deep breath and an overabundance of courage, you venture forward and ask tentatively well, what are you planning to name the baby? You brace yourself for the response that could potentially launch your face into a cringeworthy mode.

Daniel Moore: 4:19

And then it happens they actually reveal the name, and it's something decidedly creative and unique, something like Prince's Fire Truck or Sir Poops-A-Lot. Your mind goes blank, your mouth hangs open like an unintentional invitation for flies, and all you can manage to say is a stupefied huh. As you witness their bewildered expressions and the sudden shift in the room's atmosphere, you realize the impact of your candid reaction. You should have known deep down that the chances of them choosing a conventional name were as likely as finding a manatee rambling through the Sahara. Realizing this awkward situation, you come to a conclusion. It's not that you dislike their baby's potential name or wish to alter their decision. Rather, your fear stems from your inherent inability to feign enthusiasm when confronted with unexpected options. You're simply terrible at suppressing your genuine reactions, and no amount of polite nodding can disguise the bewilderment on your face. So next time, you vow to secretly uncover their chosen name through sneaky Facebook stalking or cryptic crossword puzzles. This way, when the reveal happens, you can privately process your emotions, practice your poker face in the mirror and avoid turning their joyous occasion into a comedy show. Remember, it's perfectly all right to have your own reactions to baby names. Just keep them tucked safely away in a private, judgment-free zone. After all, children grow to embody their names and there's always a chance that Prince's fire truck might just turn out to be the noblest of firefighters, or even a monarch who appreciates the finer points of driving big red trucks. Regardless of how silly the name was that they picked, it really could have still been worse, luckily for the friends and their soon-to-be newborns.

Daniel Moore: 6:11

While our given names identify us, they don't define us. They don't describe us. They don't say anything about who we really are, about our dreams, our feelings, our passions or our potential. In the vast landscape of our identities, our names occupy only a small corner. We understand to some extent that our true selves are composed of intricate layers that extend far beyond the surface-level representation, encapsulated by a mere collection of letters. Yet, amidst a sea of introspection, it is worth asking ourselves how much time and effort have we truly dedicated to unraveling the intricacies that drives us and exploring the aspects that shape our existence? There comes a time when we have to come face to face with the realization that our identity isn't solely determined by our name, realization that our identity isn't solely determined by our name, our occupation or our accomplishments. It encompasses a complex mixture of beliefs, values, passions, experiences, hopes, fears and aspirations.

Daniel Moore: 7:16

Sometimes we find that the facets we thought defined us are merely mirages perpetuated by external expectations or societal pressures. However, it is precisely when our understanding of who we are becomes distorted or skewed that our emotional equilibrium is thrown off balance. The jagged edges of our perceived failures cut deep, accentuating our supposed flaws and amplifying the voices of self-doubt. We start questioning our worth, our potential and our place in the world. The pain that accompanies falling short stems not only from the disappointment in our abilities, but also from the implicit belief that our shortcomings validate and reinforce our perceived fundamental flaws. The gulf between who we think we should be and who we believe ourselves to be widens, leaving us feeling adrift and questioning our very essence. Yet in these moments of vulnerability and self-doubt, we often fail to recognize the fault that lies within our perception. We neglect to acknowledge that failures are nothing more than stepping stones on the path toward growth and self-improvement. The gaps that we perceive as indications of our inherent inadequacy are, in reality, gateways to learning and transformation. The truth is, our value as individuals cannot be defined by a flawless track record or an absence of missteps. Our potential isn't determined solely by our achievements, but rather by our unwavering determination to rise from our failures and embrace the lessons that they carry.

Daniel Moore: 8:53

In the complex process of understanding our identities, it's crucial to remember that our perceptions and evaluations of ourselves are not solely determined by our own standards or the societal measuring sticks we hold up as we navigate the intricacies of self-worth. It's important to acknowledge that there exists a higher perspective, that of a divine force, a higher power. This force is God, whose ways, thoughts and values differ significantly from ours. God's scale of judgment, his standards of evaluation and His measuring devices are not calibrated in the same manner as our own. They transcend the limitations of our human understanding, often defying conventional logic and reasoning. Until we grasp and embrace this divine way of thinking, it is natural to view our failures and successes as the sole indicators of our value.

Daniel Moore: 9:47

In this limited perspective, our worth becomes intricately tied to our achievements and our sense of self fluctuates uncontrollably, based on external validation or fluctuating circumstances. This narrow perspective can be dangerously misleading. It traps us in a relentless cycle of constant comparison, forever seeking external affirmations that inevitably shift and change. It leads us to falsely conclude that our qualifications, competence and worthiness are solely contingent upon our perceived successes or failures upon our perceived successes or failures. An identity rooted in feelings of inadequacy becomes a treacherous path, as it blinds us to the beauty and uniqueness of our being. It robs us of the confidence to embrace our strengths and talents and hinders our ability to fulfill our potential. It becomes a barrier to self-acceptance, self-compassion and personal growth.

Daniel Moore: 10:46

Understanding the way God thinks isn't about replacing our own sense of self-worth entirely, but rather expanding our perspective to include God's divine wisdom. It means recognizing that our value is not solely tied to human accomplishments or the accolades of the world, but rather to an inherent divine worthiness that transcends external measurements. In realizing this, we can find reassurance that our identity is not determined by the ever-shifting sands of societal judgments. Instead, we can rest in the unchanging truth of our inherent worthiness, as seen through the lens of God. This week, I want us to consider our interpretation of our identity. Do we really know who we are? Does this align with who God says we are? What do we do about the space in between? You know that's complicated, because we are complicated. Thankfully, the Bible anticipates these complications.

Daniel Moore: 11:46

Let's take a journey back in time nearly 4,000 years ago, to the story of Moses as told in the book of Exodus. Picture a desert landscape where the scorching sun beats down and the winds whisper ancient tales. In the midst of this barren land, a peculiar sight caught Moses' attention a bush on fire, blazing with crackling flames. But what amazed him even more was the fact that this bush, engulfed in flames, remained unconsumed by the fire. It was a divine spectacle. Curiosity led Moses closer to the extraordinary sight and as he approached, a voice boomed from within the burning bush, ordinary sight. And as he approached, a voice boomed from within the burning bush Moses, moses. It called out and Moses, surprised and undoubtedly shaken, responded here I am. The voice revealed itself as none other than God, the ultimate source of divine authority and power.

Daniel Moore: 12:45

God had chosen this extraordinary encounter to deliver a message to Moses. He called upon him to take on a monumental mission to confront Pharaoh, the all-powerful ruler of Egypt, and demand the liberation of God's people, the Israelites, who had been enslaved there for generations. Overwhelmed by the weight of the task ahead, moses sought to understand the nature and identity of this divine presence. He asked a question who am I to tell them? You have sent me. In other words, moses was seeking to grasp the name and essence of the being who was sending him on this immense journey. In response, God revealed his name as I Am, or Yahweh, a name that signifies his eternal, unchanging and self-sufficient nature. After the revelation of God's name as I Am, it is only natural to wonder if Moses, standing there in disbelief and awe, expected a third word to complete the sentence. It seems Moses might have been awaiting the traditional grammatical structure that provides a subject or identity after the verb to be.

Daniel Moore: 13:56

However, this perceived pause in God's response may serve a deeper purpose to convey a message not only to Moses but to all of humanity the importance of not skipping over the significance of I am. It is a reminder to avoid flippantly filling in the blank of our own identities, without due consideration. In our lives, we often rush to define ourselves by attaching labels, roles or achievements to our names. We feel it's necessary to grasp onto external identifiers such as professions, relationships or societal expectations. We fill in the I am with descriptors like doctor, parent, artist or success-driven. But perhaps Godden's tension was to remind us that our identities go beyond these surface-level associations. The pause in his response prompts us to search our hearts, urging us to dive deeper into the essence of who we truly are. It encourages us to explore the core values, the beliefs and qualities that shape our being, rather than attaching ourselves solely to societal constructs or fleeting accomplishments. We are invited to embrace our authentic selves.

Daniel Moore: 15:11

By pausing at I Am, god shows the infinite nature of His being, the self-sufficiency and unrestrained power that resides within Him. In doing so, he invites us to discover our own divine essence, to connect with the divine spark present within each of us. He challenges us to explore our unique passions, talents and inner truths, calling us to a deeper revelation of who we are in Him. Embracing the message behind God's choice to pause at I Am can bring about a huge shift in our understanding of identity. It urges us to reject the notion of defining ourselves solely by external measures and warrants a more contemplative approach to finding out who we are. It encourages us to cultivate a sense of worth and purpose rooted in our innate essence, rather than fleeting external circumstances.

Daniel Moore: 16:07

Let's think about those two words. I am Such a tiny, underwhelming phrase. It's barely two syllables long, yet it is the most potent, revolutionary statement ever made. Within it is a power that can peel off the past, pilot the present and frame the future. This is intensely practical. God chose this phrase to describe Himself precisely because identity and self-perception are foundational concepts in life. That's a huge component of God's I Am revelation to Moses.

Daniel Moore: 16:45

The depth of God's name, as I Am, goes beyond the limitations of language and our human understanding. It signifies the incomprehensible vastness and completeness of His divine nature. God's name doesn't require a third word because it encompasses everything and everyone. He exists in and fulfills every need, desire and longing we could ever fathom. He is the embodiment of fullness and completion, transcending our limited comprehension and defying any attempt to fully describe or encapsulate His essence. No matter how many superlatives or exaggerations we use, they fall short before the magnitude of God's being. It is impossible for human language or concepts to fully capture His infinite nature. For human language or concepts to fully capture his infinite nature. He is beyond comparison, beyond measure and beyond our comprehension. God's name, as I am, reveals that he is present in every moment, in every place and to everyone. He is not confined to a specific space or time. Rather, he permeates every corner of existence, radiating His love, wisdom and power. He satisfies our deepest longings and provides for our every need, for His limitless nature encompasses the entirety of creation.

Daniel Moore: 18:08

The third word represents something deeper and more intrinsic to our identity. It encompasses our values, beliefs, passions and unique qualities that set us apart from others. It is a word that captures the essence of who we are as individuals. Having a third word allows us to define ourselves. In a complex world where labels and stereotypes often fall short of capturing the intricacies of an individual's personality, we use this third word to anchor our identities, to offer a glimpse into our inner selves that may be missed by simply knowing our name or superficial traits. By finishing the sentence I am blank we attempt to encapsulate our essence into a single, tangible term. This third word becomes a point of reference through which we understand and relate to ourselves. How would you complete this sentence? I am blank. How would you fill in the blank? How would you describe yourself? It's not as easy as it sounds. How would you describe yourself? It's not as easy as it sounds.

Daniel Moore: 19:15

When we attend church, we are often presented with various descriptors and attributes of God. We learn about His love, holiness, justice and goodness, and we become familiar with theological terms such as omnipresence, omniscience and omnipotence. These teachings give us handles to understand and relate to God, shaping our perception of who he is. However, amidst this focus on understanding God, we often neglect to truly know and define ourselves. This lack of self-awareness creates a dangerous disconnection. While we might be able to describe and define God, do we extend the same effort to describe and define ourselves? Do we examine if our understanding of God aligns with how we perceive and define our own identity? Interestingly, we constantly define ourselves, perhaps without even realizing it.

Daniel Moore: 20:10

We fill in the blanks when asked who we are, albeit automatically or subconsciously. These definitions or these quote-unquote third words reveal a lot about who we truly are at our core. I'm calling it a third word, but obviously we usually fill in that blank with more than a single term. Our third word might be a phrase. It might be a list. It might be a fear or feeling. It might be a list, it might be a fear or feeling. It might be a memory or trauma. It might be an accusation lodged deep in our psyche. We've been filling in those blanks all of our lives, but we seldom stop to question whether we've gotten our third word right. When you were in school, you would take those fill-in-the-blank tests where only one answer was right. In those tests, the teacher held the authority to determine the correct answer, which was the subjective nature of the process.

Daniel Moore: 21:06

Similarly, when it comes to our lives and self-perception, the question arises who has the right to fill in that blank space? There are various influences that can attempt to shape our identity. It could be ourselves, our friends, our parents or the circumstances that we face. Each of these options may have their own perspective, opinions and expectations of who we should be and expectations of who we should be. However, the real-life questions of self-perception and identity strike at the very core of who we are. Ultimately, the right to fill in the blank belongs to ourselves. We have the inherent authority and responsibility to define our own identities.

Daniel Moore: 21:51

While external factors may influence our self-perception, it is crucial to recognize that we have the power to choose how we see ourselves and the narratives that we construct about our lives. The answers to the I am questions of life hold immense significance. They shape our beliefs, mindset and actions. They guide us in determining our values, goals and purpose. Our self-perception can either empower or restrict us, impacting the course of our existence. It is important to approach these questions with introspection, self-awareness and authenticity.

Daniel Moore: 22:31

Society's expectations, peer pressures or external judgments may attempt to influence our answers, but it is crucial to stay true to ourselves. Acknowledging and embracing our unique qualities, strengths and desires helps us create a genuine and fulfilling sense of self. While external influences are inevitable, it is ultimately our choice to accept, reject or reinterpret them. We are the authors of our own stories and have the ability to navigate and shape our lives according to our own values and aspirations. We're going to take a break here for a moment. When we come back, we're going to continue this week's episode on the Name Game. We'll be back right after this?

chataboutjesus.com: 23:26

As Americans, we enjoy a broad range of freedom. We can write critical letters to the editor, worship as we please, speak up against injustice and walk the protest line for all sorts of issues. But while we may enjoy political, religious and personal freedom, we can still be in bondage in the most crucial aspect of life, the spiritual life. Jesus, the Son of God, amazed his listeners when he told them Everyone who sins is a slave to sin, but if the Son of God sets you free, you will be free. Indeed, jesus was speaking to educated, moral and religious people and just like those people who questioned Jesus, we also may be morally religious but spiritually be ruled by sin. It is only when we receive God's Son, jesus Christ, as our Savior that we will obtain personal freedom To learn how Jesus Christ can liberate you spiritually. Call us at 888-NEED-HIM or go to chataboutjesuscom.

Daniel Moore: 24:35

I've seen it before, afraid of what's in store, but this time I'm ready to go. Welcome back to this week's episode of Connecting the Gap. I'm Daniel Moore, your host. Thank you for joining us this week. We are in part two of our series on Unqualified, and this week's episode is called the Name Game.

Daniel Moore: 24:58

Here are some third words I hear all the time from both my mouth and my own mind Unqualified, stupid, strong, driven, screwed up, loyal, stuck, overwhelmed, blessed, capable, disappointed, broken, hopeful, jaded content. Which of these do you identify with? Circle them mentally. What word of your own would you write in? How often do you say or think that about yourself? Which word or words did you expect to circle a year from now? How, about 10 years from now? Which ones will, or have, you taught your kids to circle? Now, for fun, change that word. The third word. It changes everything.

Daniel Moore: 26:03

The evaluation of oneself compared to the image presented to others and the desired self can be complex and multifaceted. It is not uncommon for individuals to present themselves differently to others or create a persona that is intended to hide their perceived deficiencies or weaknesses. This can lead to a sense of pretending or putting up a false front. However, it is important to recognize that the journey of learning who you are and self-acceptance is a lifelong process. It is normal to have insecurities in areas where we feel inadequate. Acknowledging these vulnerabilities is not a sign of weakness, but rather a step towards growth and being authentic. When considering God's assessment of ourselves, it is important to remember that God's love and acceptance are unconditional. It is believed that we were created in God's image, with inherent worth and purpose. God knows us intimately, including our flaws and imperfections, yet loves us unconditionally. Aligning our self-image and self-description with who we were created to be involves a deep understanding of ourselves and a willingness to embrace our true selves. It requires a willingness to cultivate a relationship with God to gain a deeper understanding of our true identity. It is also important to consider that our self-perception may not always align with God's view of us. Our own insecurities, perceptions and worldly influences can distort our understanding. Cultivating a true relationship with God and digging into His Word can help us more closely align our self-image with who we were created to be.

Daniel Moore: 27:48

Getting those third words right will take a lifetime, but if you ignore them, you'll waste a lot of your life posing, pretending, posturing, performing, perfecting, pleasing and proving, yet you'll never find your real self. Getting to know your real self can be complicated. Years ago I wanted to get the Eminem look. For those of you who don't know who he is, he is a rapper from the 90s. I sat in the chair for a couple of hours getting this new bleach treatment and my hair was bleached blonde, as could be. I did that look for a while and then I let it grow back out to my original color, which was a light brown. My wife never liked the bleached look. I think she probably actually hated it. I had other people that said I think you should go back to blonde. On you, the brown doesn't look very natural.

Daniel Moore: 28:46

Well, sometimes I wonder if our image and identity have been treated and retreated and bleached and burned so many times that the original color is beyond recognition, even to ourselves. Disillusionment gets layered upon disappointment, which gets layered upon failure, and our real selves end up buried so far down we don't remember who we actually are. Far down, we don't remember who we actually are. Filling in our third words gets complicated because our fractured past has turned us into walking contradictions. Are we who we dream of becoming or are we who we act like we are now? On the other hand, we still think big. We know God has built us for bigger and bolder things and deep inside, the calling still flickers. Achieving our goals is tougher than we thought it would be. We've tried and failed and tried again and failed again. Now we're not sure if we are capable of raising our kids or navigating credit card debt, much less tackling world change. Maybe our dreams were never meant to be, or maybe we just aren't strong enough or brave enough, or some other enough to achieve them. Maybe we are unqualified.

Daniel Moore: 30:03

When individuals fill a gap between their weaknesses and their dreams, and between their current identity and their perceived identity according to God's plan, they often struggle with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. These thoughts can lead to a negative self-perception, where they may label themselves with words that reflect their sense of being unqualified. Here's a few examples of how people wrestle with this gap and the self-identifiers that they may use. Example 1, pursuing a creative career. You know, someone dreams of becoming a successful artist, but they struggle with self-doubt about their talent and abilities. They may call themselves untalented, uncreative or inexperienced. These labels reveal their perceived weaknesses and contribute to the belief that they are not capable of achieving their dreams. Example 2, starting a business. An aspiring entrepreneur wishes to start their own business, but lacks the confidence and knowledge to do so. They may refer to themselves as incompetent, unbusinesslike or unqualified. These descriptors show their insecurities and reinforce the gap between their dreams and their perceived abilities.

Daniel Moore: 31:21

An example three overcoming personal challenges. A person desires to overcome personal challenges such as addiction or mental health issues, but feels overwhelmed and defeated. They might label themselves as weak, helpless or hopeless, emphasizing their perceived inadequacies in dealing with their challenges. This self-perception can make it even harder for them to work towards their dreams. In these examples, they demonstrate how individuals may struggle with the discrepancies between their weaknesses and their dreams, often magnifying their flaws and shortcomings. Overcoming this gap requires self-examination, resilience and a shift in mindset. It is important for individuals to recognize that weaknesses do not define them and that personal growth and improvement are possible. Seeking support from others, setting realistic goals and focusing on personal strengths can help individuals journey towards closing this gap and realizing their true potential.

Daniel Moore: 32:25

When individuals experience a gap between their realities and their dreams, it can impact their relationship with God and following the life that he has designed for them. This gap often stems from feeling inadequate or unqualified in various aspects of life, including their spiritual journey. Often, people attach certain qualifications or expectations to what it means to have a relationship with God. They may believe they need to be good enough, righteous or have their lives in perfect order before they can approach Him. This mindset can make it hard for them to truly embrace their faith and live the life God has created for them. Additionally, societal pressures in comparison with others can contribute to feeling unworthy of God's love and grace. Many people have given up on the idea of having a relationship with God because they believe they don't meet the lofty standards they have set for themselves or that they perceive society has set for them.

Daniel Moore: 33:29

However, the core message of the gospel is that God's love and grace are not dependent on our qualifications or achievements. It is not about what God wants from us, but rather what he wants for us. The gospel teaches that God's love is unconditional and he desires a relationship with us as flawed and imperfect beings. Over time, individuals need to learn and internalize this truth. We must understand that God's invitation to know Him is open to everyone, regardless of their weaknesses, past mistakes or societal expectations. Embracing this realization allows individuals to release the burdens of self-imposed qualifications and experience the freedom, joy and purpose that come with a genuine relationship with God by focusing on God's unconditional love, seeking His guidance and growing an understanding of His character.

Daniel Moore: 34:23

Through studying the Bible and connecting with believers, individuals can overcome the challenges associated with the gap between the realities and their God-given dreams. In their journey, they will gradually come to realize that God wants the very best for their lives and that he is walking alongside them every step of the way. In Revelation 22, 17, god extends an invitation to all saying Come. This verse beautifully embodies the idea that God wants us to approach Him just as we are, without needing to change who we are first. It emphasizes that God's invitation is inclusive and open to anyone, regardless of their background, mistakes or feelings of unworthiness. Unfortunately, the world and even some believers say things to us that suggest we need to change ourselves before we can approach God. This mentality implies that we have to meet certain qualifications or standards to be deemed worthy of His love and acceptance. This perspective can internalize feelings of unworthiness and create a barrier to experiencing the fullness of God's grace and love.

Daniel Moore: 35:34

The third words we use to describe ourselves can have a significant impact on how we perceive ourselves and our relationship with God. If we constantly label ourselves with negative words like unworthy, inadequate or unqualified, it can indeed tangle our self-perception and hinder our ability to recognize the truth about who we are in God's eyes. On the other hand, cultivating positive words like loved, accepted, chosen and redeemed can reshape our mindset and allow us to embrace God's grace and unconditional love. By recognizing and embracing these positive affirmations, we can break free from the negative self-perceptions we may have internalized or experienced the fullness of God's acceptance and purpose for our lives. Identifying and understanding our tangled third words can be a process that requires us to examine ourselves and may require us to seek support from mentors, counselors or even your pastoral leadership. By untangling and replacing negative thoughts with positive and affirming truths, we can begin to align our self-perception with God's perspective of us and experience the freedom and joy that come from embracing our identity as His beloved children.

Daniel Moore: 36:50

We all have weaknesses. We call them all sorts of things like hang-ups, slip-ups, screw-ups, mistakes, problems, sins, errors, faults, inner demons or addictions. Whether we like it or not, they have a lot to do with how we see ourselves and therefore how we live our lives. The pivotal question is what are we supposed to do about our weaknesses, well being real and authentic is a crucial aspect of our spiritual journey and personal growth. It involves being honest with ourselves and others about our struggles, sins and shortcomings, and others about our struggles, sins and shortcomings. It also entails acknowledging who God is, as well as comprehending both our true identity and what we are not. Authenticity extends to our self-esteem, recognizing that our worth is not defined solely by our accomplishment or perceived flaws. In our pursuit of who we really are, it is important to acknowledge that there are areas in our lives we may struggle to fix or overcome on our own. This realization can lead us to rely on God's grace, guidance and transformative power. Embracing who we are in light of who God is means understanding that our identity is rooted in His love for us and His purpose for our lives.

Daniel Moore: 38:13

The gap between who we are and who we sense we were meant to be can be daunting, but it is in this space that we can connect with God most intimately. It is in acknowledging our weaknesses and seeking His strength that we find the courage to step into that gap and pursue our dreams and desires aligned with His will. Charging into the gap, even when faced with challenges or opposition, is an act of faith and reliance on God's power. It is an acknowledgment that we may encounter difficulties and opposition, but we trust that God is with us every step of the way, guiding and empowering us to fulfill the dreams and desires he has placed within our hearts. In this journey towards embracing our true selves and pursuing our God-given dreams, it is essential to remember that we are not alone. God is our constant companion, providing the strength, wisdom and resilience needed to face the obstacles that come our way. Authenticity, trust and perseverance are key as we navigate the gap and strive to live out the fullness of our purpose in Christ.

Daniel Moore: 39:22

So what are your third words? Second, and more importantly, what are God's third words for your life? And thirdly, and most important of all, how in the world do you live right now, caught in the dichotomy between dual realities? Well, as we continue this study over the next weeks, we're about to find out. It is a truth that brings immense hope and comfort to know that God has better third words for us than we may have for ourselves.

Daniel Moore: 39:56

In our moments of self-doubt, feelings of unworthiness and the gap between our weaknesses and our dreams, we can turn to God for a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of identity. God sees beyond our flaws and shortcomings. He calls us loved, chosen, forgiven, redeemed and called with a purpose. His words are filled with love, grace and hope. He knows the depth of our hearts and the potential within us that we may not fully recognize ourselves In His eyes. We are not defined by our past mistakes or our limitations. Instead, god sees us through the lens of His unconditional love and the transformative power of His unconditional love and the transformative power of His Spirit. By embracing the third words that God has for us, we gain the strength and confidence to overcome the challenges that stand in our way. We find hope in His promises and assurance that he will walk with us every step of the journey. God's better third words reminds us that we are not alone in our pursuit of becoming who we were meant to be. So let us lean on his words, opening ourselves to receive his unwavering love and acceptance. Let us trust in his perfect plan for our lives, even when the path seems uncertain. With God's better third words, we have the hope and faith to pursue our dreams, persevere through obstacles and live a life that reflects His purpose and glory.

Daniel Moore: 41:20

Well, that's going to end this week's episode. I'm Daniel Moore. Thank you so much for listening. This show really wouldn't be possible without you. 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. That's all for this week and we'll be back next week. And we believe that God's Word never fails us. God's Word has stood the test of time and through Jesus' death on the cross, he has connected the gap.

Aria: 42:10

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