Gorgeous 4 God’s Glory:21 day journey to Self Love, Self Care & Divine Purpose

Grow up & Glow Up In God’s Grace 

Day 10: Develop inner essence 

Essence is the fundamental nature of something, while inner essence is the core identity and soul of an individual. It's the unique spirit that lies beneath the surface, shaping thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Reference scriptures - Pray that the Holy Spirit give you understanding of the precepts, context & personal application, read on your own study time; compare different translations for deeper meaning, specific illuminations & revelation

“Everything we could ever need for life and godliness has already been deposited in us by his divine power. For all this was lavished upon us through the rich experience of knowing him who has called us by name and invited us to come to him through a glorious manifestation of his goodness. As a result of this, he has given you magnificent promises that are beyond all price, so that through the power of these tremendous promises we can experience partnership with the divine nature, by which you have escaped the corrupt desires that are of the world.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭TPT‬‬

{There is soo much to unpack in this one but to break this one down brieflyGod exists beyond time. Christ was destined to be our Savior and Restorer, even before we needed saving. God planned our lives and placed within us everything we need to become like Him. Through faith in Christ, we are adopted as God's children and receive His divine nature. This nature, which is part of our spiritual DNA, allows us to be reconciled with God.}

“The entire universe is standing on tiptoe, yearning to see the unveiling of God’s glorious sons and daughters!”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭19‬ ‭TPT‬‬

{The intense anticipation of the unveiling of God's sons and daughters is similar to the revelation of Jesus Christ, as described in the final book of the Bible. The universe serves as the stage for this dramatic unveiling, where we, as adopted children of God through faith in Christ, will be filled, enveloped with His glory and will reveal it to the world. This promised inheritance is a result of our divine sonship.}

“Let us examine our path, ponder our ways, and return to Yahweh’s heart. Let us pray, offering up our hearts in our hands to our God above.”

‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭40‬-‭41‬ ‭TPT‬‬

{self examination is just the beginning and truly the point is to recognize where we fall short and understand the fact that we can’t and are not meant to do it alone so it should prompt us to bring it to the Lord in surrender acknowledging our weakness so that his strength can take over so we present our surrendered hearts to God as an offering}

“Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves [not Christ]. Do you not yourselves realize and know [thoroughly by an ever-increasing experience] that Jesus Christ is in you–unless you are [counterfeits] disapproved on trial and rejected?”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

{This verse emphasizes the point that we should be examining ourselves based on the standard of faith and fruits displayed and we should be ever increasing therefore ever improving}

“And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

{We were created in the image of God so we should be growing in the glory of God and should reflect God & the more we reflect God the more HIS created universe will respond to us} 

“So devote yourselves to lavishly supplementing your faith with goodness, and to goodness add understanding, and to understanding add the strength of self-control, and to self-control add patient endurance, and to patient endurance add godliness, and to godliness add mercy toward your brothers and sisters, and to mercy toward others add unending love. Since these virtues are already planted deep within, and you possess them in abundant supply, they will keep you from being inactive or fruitless in your pursuit of knowing Jesus Christ more intimately.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭TPT‬‬

{look at this verse as a divine equation to true development faith + goodness= understanding; goodness + understanding =  self control; understanding + self control= patience; self control + patience= godliness; patience + godliness= mercy; godliness + mercy= love}

“In a large house there are dishes and bowls of all kinds: some are made of silver and gold, others of wood and clay; some are for special occasions, others for ordinary use. Those who make themselves clean from all those evil things, will be used for special purposes, because they are dedicated and useful to their Master, ready to be used for every good deed.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭GNT‬‬

{This verse speaks to the fact that EVERYONE who was created was created for a reason, purpose specific plans and uses but those who independently out of free will devote and consecrate themselves to be clean from all evil things will be called to higher levels or new levels of glory and WILL be used for special purposes and ready for every good deed}

“She watches over the ways of her household and meets every need they have. Charm can be misleading, and beauty is vain and so quickly fades, but this virtuous woman lives in the wonder, awe, and fear of the Lord. She will be praised throughout eternity. So go ahead and give her the credit that is due, for she has become a radiant woman, and all her loving works of righteousness deserve to be admired at the gateways of every city!”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭27‬, ‭30‬-‭31‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Don’t neglect your relationship with God, and don’t forget to develop His character in your inner being as you go about your extremely busy life.”

Discovering our true selves is a crucial step in our journey towards Christlikeness. Truly knowing or continuously discovering ourselves is a cornerstone of our spiritual journey. The Bible encourages us to examine ourselves, to scrutinize our hearts and minds & As we delve deeper into the heart of God, we uncover our identity and purpose because it is hidden in him and his nature. By understanding our unique strengths, weaknesses, and spiritual tendencies, we can better navigate life's challenges, resist temptation and align ourselves with God's purpose.

Self-examination is essential for spiritual growth. By taking an honest look at ourselves, we can identify areas where we need to grow and change. This self-awareness allows us to break free from worldly patterns and embrace the divine destiny God has planned for us. With continual refreshing from the Lord, you can purposefully devote ourselves to engage in our many responsibilities and fulfill the purposes God has for you. Once we embrace our God-given purpose, we step into our true calling. A deep understanding of ourselves, rooted in a knowledge of God, is crucial for spiritual transformation. Proverbs 31 reminds us to prioritize our relationship with God, even amidst our busy lives. By seeking His guidance and cultivating His character, we lay a solid foundation for all that we do. This foundation will empower us to fulfill our destiny and make a lasting impact on the world. God is a patient and loving Father who desires our growth and development shoot he preplanned it. His journey for us often involves what looks like detours and challenges because we are not sovereign we do not fully understand their importance. These trials are not meant to discourage us, but to develop our spiritual strength and wisdom. Trust in His timing and purpose, even when the path seems unclear. Remember, God is working all things together for our good.

Embrace your authentic identity as an image bearer of God, remaining fluid enough for him to shape and with each step walk into God's purpose for your life, trust in the transformative power of His love and let your light shine brightly.

Pray 🙏🏽 & Ponder 🤔 Prompts

Pray that the Holy Spirit open your spiritual eyes and mind to perceive anything he is speaking to you as you pray and ponder these questions 

• * How am I responding to the trials and challenges in my life? Am I growing closer to God or drifting away?
• * Am I truly seeking to know God's heart and will for my life?
• * Am I actively pursuing spiritual growth, or am I complacent in my faith?
• * What specific steps can I take to strengthen MY relationship with God?

Begin your meditation by finding a comfortable position. Sit or lie down in a way that allows your body to relax completely. Close your eyes gently.

Start with a deep breath. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, filling your lungs with fresh air. Hold the breath for a moment, feeling the expansion of the chest. Exhale slowly through your mouth, releasing any tension or stress.

Visualize yourself as a tiny caterpillar, nestled comfortably within a cocoon of green leaves. You are safe and protected, but you also feel a stirring within, a longing for something more. As you breathe deeply, you begin to feel a transformation taking place. You can sense the cocoon loosening, and you start to wriggle and stretch. With each breath, you grow stronger and more vibrant.

You emerge from the cocoon, not as a caterpillar, but as a magnificent butterfly. You spread your wings, feeling the warmth of the sun on your delicate body. You soar through the sky, higher and higher, leaving the ground far below. You are filled with a sense of wonder and awe as you witness the beauty of the world from above. You see the vibrant colors of the flowers, the sparkling waters of the rivers, and the majestic mountains stretching out before you.

But as you soar, you encounter challenges. Strong winds buffet you, threatening to knock you off course. Predators swoop down, intent on making you their next meal. Yet, you remain steadfast, trusting in the Lord’s guiding hand.

As you face these trials, you feel a sense of peace and security. You know that the Lord is always with you, protecting and guiding you. You draw strength from His love, which is a constant and unwavering source of comfort.

You continue to soar, your wings carrying you higher and higher. With each beat of your wings, you grow stronger and more resilient. You embrace the challenges, knowing that they are shaping you into the beautiful butterfly you are meant to be.

Take a deep breath, filling your lungs with the energy of transformation and the peace of the Lord. Hold the breath for a moment, feeling His love surrounding you. Exhale slowly, releasing any remaining tension.

When you are ready, open your eyes slowly, bringing the sense of peace, strength, and divine love with you into your day. Remember, the Lord is always with you, guiding and protecting you on your journey.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today, humbled and seeking Your guidance. Illuminate our hearts, revealing any areas where we may be falling short. Grant us the courage to confront our weaknesses and the humility to seek Your strength. May our hearts be broken over sin and filled with Your love.

We pray for wisdom to discern Your voice amidst the noise of the world. Empower us to live lives that reflect Your character and bring glory to Your name.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.