His Princess

I have this book that I just recently started reading again with my devotions. My mom got it for me a few years ago when our family was going through some struggles. It's a simple book really, but it has made a big impact on how I perceive God's perspective toward me.

The book is called "His Princess: Love Letters from Your King" by Sheri Rose Shepherd. It's a really small book, but full of "letters" from God and how He longs for us. Each one is also accompanied by a verse! Although the book was directed toward women, the same "letters" and concepts apply to everyone!

Lately I have been struggling in certain areas with just wanting to have the approval of everyone, and it's so not right and not realistic at all. Some of the things I've read in this book have sort of helped me to think of how God would view what I would do to "fit in." These are a couple of exerpts of some of the letters (all of these one's fit into the same theme).

You don't have to fit in.

"I know you want to be accepted by others, but you were not made to fit in. You were created to stand out. Not to draw attention to yourself, but to live the kind of life that leads others to Me. Remember, it is your choices that will pave your path to life. I will not force you to do anything. I have given you a free will to walk with Me or to walk away from Me. I want you to know that you can put on your crown at any time and let people know that you belong to Me. You have royal call on your life. I want you to remember you wear the crown of everlasting life, and through you I will do abundantly more than you would ever dare to dream. Love, Your King and Crown Giver." [Galatians 1:10]

Run to win.

"You are destined to win. I know how tired you often become, just be trying to do and say all the right things. Take that pressure off yourself, because I did not put it there. The world may judge you by what they see and hear, but I look within your heart, My child. I see your desire to please Me, and I see your struggle to please others. If you want to win this endurance race, you must let go of your need for the approval of others and seek My will and My pleasure. Simplify your life, and let go of the burdens that weigh you down. You'll find that My grace will lighten your step, and My favor will even draw others to join you. Yes, at times you will stumble and fall. But don't worry. I'm here to help you get back up again-as often as it takes. Make it your daily passion to run with Me, and I will carry you over the finish line of your faith. Together we will win! Love, Your King and your Companion." [1 Corinthians 9:24]

Freedom is a choice.

"I long to give you the keys to be free from the things that bind you and see you break through to a blessed life in Me. But your freedom is a choice...your choice. You can be totally free in Me or try to set yourself free. I promise I am the only One who can give you the life-giving keys you need and want. The keys are hidden in My Word, empowered by your prayer, and completed by the work of My Holy Spirit living in you. Choose the way, My love...choose life. Love, Your King and your Freedom." [John 8:36]

It seems that these days everyone longs to be different and yet at the same time everyone goes about doing it the same way. It is popular and "the thing to do" to rebel. That's how everyone is showing they are different. So, I've decided now that if I want to be different, it is not by doing anything rebellious, but instead living a simple life of following God. That's how we shine to be lights. And that's when people notice a true difference. Temptations still come and different struggles will always happen, but it's how we handle them that shows if we are different. This is a new step. How will you be different today?

Tip of the Day: compliment someone else :)