Authenticity – #WeAreAzureHills

Scripture Meditation:

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

–Psalms 139:1-3 (but read it all)

Prayer:

Dear Father,

I praise you that I you know me fully, yet you love me deeply. Give me the courage to fine safe people in my life where I can be authentic. Give me grace to walk with those whose struggles are different than mine. Teach us to walk in grace and authenticity.

Thank you.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection Question:

1. Are you authentic in your conversations with God? Do you tell him your pain, your praise, your fears your hopes?
2. Tim Keller wrote, “To be fully known and truly love, is a lot like being loved by God.” Do you have friends who love you fully? Do you feel safe revealing your inner most self to them?
3. Can someone be authentic with you? Do you listen with grace or with judgement when someone reveals their “real” self to you?

 Challenge:

In Prayer: Talk to God about your deepest secrets. This might be a lingering sin that you’re reluctant to confess, a secret longing, a diminishing faith, or a hope that you feel is a longshot.

• Build one more trusting relationship. Share a secret hope or longing with a safe friend, family or colleague. Listen carefully if they share in return. Believe them when they express their feelings, even if their feelings are different than how you would feel.

 

Photo Challenge:
Post your picture with #authenticity #WeAreAzureHills for today and let us catch a glimpse of God’s presence in your everyday life.