feeling like a failure...?

I feel like I've failed...

The words of a loved one... looking back over Christmas break... his good intentions... gone undone...

I feel like I haven't done anything...

I look back and see... one who spent time filled with joy... pursuing relationships... and hear... the often repeated word... Fantastic...!

failure... a tough feeling... a harsh word... a word of condemnation... judgment...

The One who came... the One whose birth we just celebrated... did not come to judge... or condemn...

...there is now no condemnation 

for those who are in Christ Jesus...

Romans 8:1

He did not come to stomp... crush... our spirits...

"... A bruised reed he will not break,

and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out...."

Isaiah 42:3

The enemy... he taunts with words of failure... accusation... stealing joy... sapping strength... for the coming season...

"... The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy..."

John 10:10

Now... it's not that Jesus doesn't rebuke... convict... when it comes to sin... but His voice comes with love... life... and an invitation to repent... an invitation... to something better...

Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

Mark 10:21

The enemy... tries to steal what has been given... for rest... growth... preparation... and use it to discourage... taint memories and blessings of a holy season...

Are you feeling like a failure...? as you look over the last year...? intentions... plans... gone unmet... undone...?

The voice you hear is not His... it's the one who wants to steal... what's been given...

Listen to the One who invites... who loves... and works... all things... for the good of those who love Him... who have been called according to His purpose...

Put away your intentions... and resolutions... repent... and hear His invitation...

Follow Me...