Sep 8, 2009

Not My Own

For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, everything got started in him, and finds his purpose in him. Colossians 1:16 (msg)
My soul needed to hear these words, I wrote it a while back, but I still go back into my journal and read it when I need a reminder. For those who have not read it before, may it minister to you as well today.

I remember coming to a place in my Christian walk, where I realized it’s not about me. It’s not about wanting to satisfy my own desires, it’s not about what I want to do, or how I want to do it. It’s not about using my talents or gifts to bring glory to myself, it’s not about what others can do for me.

It’s all about him, my creator, my Jesus, my Savior, my Lord of Lord, and King of Kings , it’s all about what He desires of me. It’s about what He wants me to do, and how He wants me to accomplish it. It’s about using the gifts and talents He has blessed me with to bring glory unto His holy name. It’s about what I can do for others, as a servant of the most high God why, because I am not my own.

Two things came to mind..
♥ When I focus on myself, I am blinded to what I’m really here for.
♥ I was made by God and for God, and without him nothing in life makes sense.


Today I look back at that woman, she has come a very long way, she has discovered her true self, and her true worth,
who she really is, whom she belongs to, and why she was specially designed for God‘s purpose. She has taken off her dress of selfish desires, and pride, and has cast them into God’s fire of righteousness, and in return, he has adorned her with the most beautiful dress of humility, along with pearls of wisdom, and has given her a heart to serve and encourage others.

It’s not about using God to fulfill your purpose, or your desires, it’s allowing him to use you to fulfill his purposes, and his desires. I am not here because I chose to be here, It was his will for me to be here for such a time as this. Through all the hardships, even with an incurable chronic illness that lingers in my body, he shows me that my purpose here on earth is not finished.

I continue to find more of his purpose for me, and my life, through a personal relationship I have with him each day, and also through the best personal self help manual ever written the bible. It’s not about pleasing anyone, or worrying what others may think, It’s knowing that when our journey here on earth is over, we will come face to face with the only one whom we should be pleasing. The only one whose opinion about us really matters, and that is our Father in heaven, and one day we will hear him say..

Well done good and faithful servant” Matthew 25:21. "And God will open wide the gates of heaven for you to enter into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:11

Our Prayer...Dear Lord, I am not my own, today I cast all my selfish desires, and pride into your fire of righteousness. Have your way in my life, so I may fulfill all that you have called me to do for such a time as this... Amen

By: Lorie A. Yocum Copyright © 2008-2009
All Rights Reserved Used With Permission Only



58 comments:

Cherdecor said...

I think that you just wrote about MY LIFE, not yours, Hahahahaha! You wrote so eloquently about yourself but I could see myself in all your words. At the time, I would have said, "I am living my life for Christ and not for myself!"

I am wondering now, what am I still doing that is wrong? God has a way of letting me know. Some people learn by revelation and some people learn by tribulation. The latter is me!

Thank you for a wonderful post!

From the Heart said...

Lorie,
Another beautiful post. It really makes you stop and think "why am I here", "what am I supposed to be doing", and I believe you have answered those questions for me. I am not my own, I belong to Jesus and He is my friend, my savior, my guide, healer and my soon coming King.

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and may God richly bless you for all that you do for Him. You are certainly a blessing to me and I'm sure to others as well.
Here's a hug for you,
AliceE.

From the Heart said...

Lorie,
I meant to tell you that I really like the picture your used. My husband has rebuilt grand pianos on his own since 1981. Before that he worked for a piano company that rebuilt pianos. One day he just decided he wanted to learn to do grands and with the help of some other people he did. I will have to do a slide show of some of the pianos he has rebuilt (if I still have the pictures). I do have one of the very first ones he did. He has partially retired and feels that he can no longer do what he really loved to do. He could not play but he could sing and knew exactly when a piano was right or not. I guess you would call him an artist in his field. He would not appreciate me telling this but he has done good work and I am so proud of him.
AliceE.

Edie said...

((Hugz)) to you Lorie. You are such a sweet blessing. I love this post. God has really given me much more understanding of this in the last few years than ever before. He has shown me how He as designed me and given me a strong desire to use those gifts, talents, and abilities to Spread the Word and Glorify Him.

Even though I still don't know exactly how all the time, He is taking me there one step at a time, and that is still progress. Thank you for this. Soli Deo Gloria - for the Glory of God Alone

Renna said...

Thank you, Lorie, that was very encouraging and thought provoking!

Charlotte said...

This is something we all need to learn. It is not about us. It's about Him. The choir sang a beautiful song this morning, one I have sang in the past with the choir in our prior church. Not To Us, O Lord. The words are beautiful. "Not to us - but to Thy name be glory...." I loved singing this song, and I loved listening to it this morning. We all need to be reminded.

Anonymous said...

Dropping by to get a blessing from your blog.

Sheryl said...

Wow, that is just what I needed today! Thank you. I want it to be the desire of my heart to please Him first. Still working on it.

Love ya,
Sheryl

Peggy said...

Blessings Joyful sister... I just love that song and this was excellent reflection and thoughts on "it is not about me" from your growth as a Christian. Perfect scripture verse from Colossians!
This was so inspired and inspiring as well as thought provoking! I
want to be a woman used by God...
a broken vessel. What an aMazing self examination for each of us!
Enjoy your Spiritual Sunday and may God use you this week as He has His way in you! Love the last scriptures, too & "our" prayer!

Keeper of the Skies Wife said...

Hi Lorie~
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
I so enjoyed reading your post! I'll be back.
Betty

Unknown said...

I found you through another, what a beautiful post, it spoke to me as if God were speaking. Thanks you so much. I love your music as well.

Sharon said...

You are such a inspiration, It is not all about me today, what a fantastic and needed reminder.
I feel like edie, he is taking us one step at a time.
God Bless you my sister
Sharon

Cathy said...

That is just beautiful, as usual, Lorie. And that song is very pretty. Oh, I was able to add a couple of songs today, somehow!
Hugs,
Cathy

God Chaser said...

A wonderful post s always- I am not my own and it has been a journey to get to this understanding but once you do and surrender to god how awesome life with god becomes and how great when you lok back and see where he has bought you from. The dress you now wear how lovely it is and how well it fits you and my sister you wear it well. Blessings

God Chaser said...

ps I love the picture

Leaon Mary said...

Your light so shines Lori!
Because I know you as you are, I can't even imagine thee other woman you described. But she either exists or existed in every woman. Your words are so touching and REAL.
The truth sets us free.
Love Lea

Josh said...

I couldn't have said it better! You hit on the very things that God has been dealing with me on lately. I find that when I do manage to focus only on Him that things seem to go a lot more smoothly. I also find that he provides me with new and exciting ministry opportunities. I love serving, and it's great when you can focus your time and energy on God and on fulfilling His purpose.

Kathi said...

Thank you Lorie, for the gentle reminder to keep my eyes on Him and not me. Kathi

Nicole said...

You're right, it's not about me. You can know that in your head for possibly years and it make it to your heart sometime later. God is working on my heart and I am thankful for that.

Even with the recent purchase of our new home I did not want what "I" wanted but what God wanted for me. When I surrender His desires become my desires and joy follows!!! I want to go where He leads otherwise there is no peace and His purposes can not be accomplished in me like He desires. I believe Evan and I's very presence in that part of town will draw others to Himself! Thank you Jesus!

Wonderful post!

God Bless,
Nicole

ByLightOfMoon said...

You share a beautiful blog. I saw your post for Cora and what a beautiful idea for the tablecloth blessings and your camp looked fabulous! I wish you healing prayers also and is it funny, as I scrolled down your blogroll, I reconized so many names whose blogs I adore also. Funny how we go around in circles.
smiles, cyndi

Sharon Brumfield said...

I thought I had lost you and then I found that somehow your blog just got moved on my list. When I am reading post I go down the list. When I got to most recently added..you were gone! But, I have found you again. :)

I know that I have such a long way to go. And yet, in evaluating where I am....I have come a long way. It is good to evaluate ourselves every once in awhile to see if we are moving forward or sitting stagnant. Don't want to be luke warm and get spit out. ;)
It is not about me....but I so want to be sitting at His feet and not out doing my own thing.
Thank you for this post. You are right, His work through you is not finished yet!

Debra said...

I want to thank you too. You do so much for others. Your life is an inspiration, and your words help me stay on the path.
Love, Debra

GOD'S LADIE said...

Hallelujah! I AM NOT MY OWN. Thanks so much for reminding me! My, how those words resonate to me after reading those beautiful words of inspiration. Thank you for the beautiful post my sistah!
May HE always smile upon you,
LaTonya

Rilda said...

What a treasure to discover it is all about Him and none about me. It makes life so much better cause knowing Him as my everything brings gives me a humble heart. Thanks for sharing from your heart dear one. I think we are born to add value to the world. Blessings and love, rilda *U*

Krista said...

I love that song. I had never heard it before. That was a lot of encouragement and I needed it today!

Not my own,
Krista

Jennifer C. Valerie said...

Wonderful and moving post. I've been away from your blog for too long. How is life my friend?
Jenn

Alene said...

Beautiful sistah! Oh I'm speechless. You encourage me and so many. I thank you for this post. I thank you for your sweet prayers as well. Lorie, keep writing girl!

HOPE said...

So well written from the heart, Lorie.

I recall upon my trusting the LORD as my Saviour..

My life is not my own..I've been bought with a PRICE...the precious blood of the LORD Jesus.

Surrender...the highest call of our hearts...and wil!

to let Him have His way with us...

Praise God for the work he does in each individual life that yields to HIS will.

Thank you for sharing and showing others the joy of a surrendered life!

HOPE

Michele Williams said...

I enjoy your writing so much. Such a beautiful post. You truly are an encourager! God bless you!

Juri said...

I always know when I come to your blog I will leave it with a lot to think about!! I love your posts, and this one was yet another wonderful one!

Juri

debrah said...

I am so glad that I read your post today...this is a continuing of a conversation that the Lord is having with me. You have such an eloquent way with words. Again I was blessed by your post.
In His Love,
Debrah

Ruthie said...

That's a beautiful song - I've not heard it before. Nice post.
Blessings.

Shonda said...

Lorie,
I remember when that "it's not about me" hit me too. I too struggled with perfectionist tendencies. This past summer the Lord took me thru a pruning process to remove much of it with the remodeling of our kitchen. Not everything unfolded the way I wanted it to. When I see some of those imperfections in my kitchen, I'm reminded that I am not perfect, but the Lord uses me when I submit to HIM for HIS purposes. Oh my--thanks for stirring that again in me as I needed the reminder. It's all about HIM, nothing about me.

Engrafted by His Grace-
Shonda

Anonymous said...

Hey Lori,
I am doing a lot better I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

You are always such an inspiration to me. You words are so encouraging to me.

Thank you for being a friend to me in the blog world. It means so much to me.

Debbie

marine's words said...

hey you beauitful girl I have tagged you let me know if you wnat to play") marina

marine's words said...

took me a while to see that I am not my own. marina

Joyfulsister said...

Dear Friends..
I praise and thank the Lord for each of you who share your hearts with me. I was so blessed to hear how friendships have been formed by meeting each other here in this comment area. And this has been my prayer that we can all be an encouragement to one another.

Hugz Lorie

cinnamongirl93 said...

I can totally relate to what you wrote. Like some of your other readers I can see myself in your post.
Thank you for reminding me ever so gently!

Marsha said...

This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing these thought provoking words.

And I appreciate your kind comments the other day on my blog during my illness. Bless your heart.

Have a blessed weekend.

jhunnelle said...

the fourth paragraph was my old self:)

Ohh, i want you to mentor me, but you're so far (lol)

I'll be busy these coming days because of my mission training but as long as my time permits me, i will surely visit your site.

You are an encouragement to me.

Love yah
jhunnelle

Rilda said...

Praise God my sistah friend! God alive inside to bring agreement with Father, Son and Holy Spirit for His perfect will to be daily done. Forgiven, teachable and Scripture filled as His faith is ours as we are one in Him and evil is killed. I love You!! rilda *U*

Dino said...

I was left admiring of his blog, and his words, get in is like being in a place of peace.
I admire his fortitude. It is not easy today manage ideas of thought so noble. I don't hide, who have not accustomed to pray.
I hope that the Lord always gives the strength to continue in its mission.
I apologize for my bad English.

Dino

Maxine said...

Beautifully said, Lorie. Fixing our eyes on Jesus. It's the only way. And isn't this a lesson we all have to learn? May He continue to use you to His glory.

Joyfulsister said...

Hi Dino,
Thank you so much for sharing your heart with me today. And thank you for signing my guestbook as well. It is such a blessing to meet new friends through my journey and I understood what you were trying to say, Have an awesome week ahead.

Blessings Lorie

Joyfulsister said...

Hi Rilda,
Oh I have missed you my sistah!!! I love when you share your hear with me, the Lord just gives you such depth and wisdom treasures.

Hugz Lorie

Sharon said...

Dropping by to say hey!!! I pray all is well your way.

God Bless

Leaon Mary said...

Thinkin of you Lori and wanted to drop in and say hello.

Loved your thoughts here. It truly is all about Him.

Blessings and holykisses,
xox
Lea

Angela said...

Our Prayer...Dear Lord, I am not my own, today I cast all my selfish desires, and pride into your fire of righteousness. Have your way in my life, so I may fulfill all that you have called me to do for such a time as this... Amen
amen amen amen

Each Sunday I set aside a post that is called. It's Not About Me...

It's all about Him!! I LOVED this post...thank you so much for sharing.

AliceE said...

From the Heart said...
A beautiful post showing Who you belong to and giving Him your all. We should all learn from this and cast ourselves at His feet and let Him take full control of our lives. I feel that some of that is happening with me because of some recent things He has done in my life.
Thanks for sharing your heart,
AliceE.
Wed Sep 09, 04:00:00 PM

Cathy said...

Cathy said...
Beautiful, sweet friend ~ Love and Hugs ~
Wed Sep 09, 04:30:00 PM

Andrea said...

Andrea said...
It is definitely not "all about me" and I am so thankful I finally got that, too.
Beautiful post. Hope you are doing well. I am storming the heavens on your behalf.
Blessings andrea
Wed Sep 09, 04:37:00 PM

RCUBES said...

RCUBEs said...
Like what Paul said, "if we have to boast, boast in the Lord." I love the way you ended this post with a beautiful prayer that I prayed with you. Sister, like what you said, glory to God! He alone deserves our praises and thanks. Love and blessings to you.
Wed Sep 09, 04:54:00 PM

Crochet Lady said...

crochet lady said...
I found the words about focusing on self to be so true. When I start looking at me and all that I am or all that I am not, I completely miss the mark and the focus of loving God and loving my neighbor and having the strength to do what he has called me to do.

Thanks for your words.
Jen
Wed Sep 09, 05:44:00 PM

Denise said...

Denise said...
Amen, such beautiful words from a beautiful heart. I love you. Praying that you are feeling well.
Wed Sep 09, 05:49:00 PM

Joy said...

Hi Lorie...I come here to find the inner peace...to find the Lord talking through you through to me. I know there is a purpose and a place as why I come to visit from time to time...besides your friendship. I know there is a message for me...even as hard as it can be to hear/read it. I was feeling a little sad and depressed about my life and where it has taken me...and then it states: "its not about me" and how true that is! so why am I feeling so sad that this situation I want so much...may never come to reality for me? I guess it's human nature for me to feel this way. I need to remember who's really in control and if it's his will and his way...it will happen. if not...then I need to find a way to let it go. thank you for you wisdom, your understanding and your comforting ways. I truly appreciate you!

Nancie said...

Hi Lorie,

Thanks for sharing this lovely post with us. Thank God for the wonderful work He is doing in you daily and through you. It's encouraging to know that through all the hardships, even with an incurable chronic illness that lingers in your body, He shows you His purposes for your life here.

This is a precious reminder to me that my life is not my own but it belongs to God, to fulfil His purposes for me here. I pray for grace to honour Him in my life.

May God continue to keep you close to Him, use you for His glory and make you a blessing to many! Take care.

Hugz,
Nancie

Warren Baldwin said...

I like your statement "♥ When I focus on myself, I am blinded to what I’m really here for." That is so true. In fact, there are numerous problems we create when we focus on ourselves: pride, selfishness, ingratitude, etc. You did a good job on this post.

God Chaser said...

All i can say is thank you. I really needed this. It is amazing how the Holy Spirit works-ever amazing me more and more. Blessings