Welcome to Emmanuel UCC Dorrance   |   7768 Blue Ridge Trail   |   Mountain Top Pa 18707   |   570-868-5675
2020 Jan 3

From the Pastor’s Desk

Putting God’s Thoughts in Your Mind

Our enemy, the devil, is always accusing us. The Bible says he is the ​accuser of God’s children (Revelation 12:10). He constantly tells us, “You’re not good enough. God is angry with you. You can’t do anything right. Nobody loves you. You are nothing. You will never amount to anything.”

Have you ever had thoughts like these? Did you know that those thoughts are not from God? His thoughts toward you are good (Jeremiah 29:11). Those hateful thoughts are from the enemy of your soul who has come to kill, steal, and destroy everything about you (John 10:10).

The devil wants you to be so focused on the hurt, criticism, and derogatory comments that have come your way that you miss the good God has for you. That’s why it’s so important to read the Bible and put God’s thoughts in your mind. Every scripture you read contains God’s truth and brings life and hope into your life.

First Peter 2:9 says that you have been chosen by God Himself. People may overlook you. They may reject you. But that’s okay—the One who matters most chooses and accepts you. And you aren’t randomly chosen, either. God, on purpose, looked at you and said, “I choose him; He’s My son. I choose her; she’s My daughter. That’s who I want on My team.” The devil may tell you that you’re not good enough, but God says you are His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10).

Maybe you’ve been told you’re too small or too big. God says, “You’re just the right size for Me.” Have you ever felt you’re not talented enough or have nothing to offer? God says, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). No matter what you’ve thought or what people have said, the truth remains—you are talented, creative, and intelligent. You are amazing. You just have to believe it.

Whenever you feel that sting of rejection, instead of getting down on yourself and losing your sense of value, say, “Yes, I am disappointed. And yes, this hurts. But I’m not going to sink into self-pity or start thinking something is wrong with me. I know the One who matters the most. The One who controls the universe has handpicked me. No, I might not have been chosen by the coach, the boss, or a friend, but I am chosen by the Most High God. And He has plans for me that are good and not evil, plans to give me a future and a hope.”

When you start seeing yourself as handpicked by God—valued, loved, created with purpose—your attitude will change. And when it does, your life will change too. You don’t have to worry about getting even for all the wrong that’s been done to you. I’m sure you’ve had your fair share of hurt and disappointment, but God promises that He will pay you back double for your former shame (Isaiah 61:7). He’ll make the rest of your life twice as good as it would have been if all that had not happened to you.

You’ve got to dig your heels in, though. You have to refuse to allow what somebody did or didn’t do to steal your destiny or cause you to go through life feeling inferior. Your value does not come from people or accomplishments; it comes from your Creator. So put your shoulders back. Hold your head up high. And live with confidence. God will take what was meant for your harm and use it for your advantage (Genesis 50:20).

Trust Him. He is faithful.

If you keep this attitude of faith, God will always give you the last laugh. And He’ll get you where you’re supposed to be.

Blessings to you and your families,

Pastor Lou Aita
Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courtyards with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting And His faithfulness is to all generations. — Psalm 100:4-5 (NASV)