GOSPEL CORNER : DON’T LIVE UNDER THE PRESSURE OF TRYING TO IMPRESS OTHERS, HIDING HOW YOU FEEL, AND ACTING AS THOUGH EVERYTHING’S OKAY. 

03/01/23

JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES
Today’s Word

Today’s Scripture
“Everything they do is for show.”
Matthew 23:5, NLT

BE REAL
It’s easy to go through life making decisions based on what other people will think. Jesus said that the problem with the Pharisees was that everything they did was for show—what they wore, the money they gave, the seats of honor they took. They were doing it all to impress people, to build their own egos. The problem with living image-driven is that we can’t be authentic. We have to hide our weaknesses or others may think less of us. We have to play up to others to stay in their favor. We have to drive this, wear this, and be seen with these people. It’s great to look good, be successful, and carry yourself with confidence. But it crosses the line when you become driven by your image and run everything through the filter of how it’s going to make you look.

Don’t live under the pressure of trying to impress others, hiding how you feel, and acting as though everything’s okay. Get off that treadmill that will wear you out, stop your creativity, and steal your joy. Be real.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that You are looking for the real me, for me to be honest about my struggles, my weaknesses, and my fears. Thank You that I can be free from living image-driven and be the person You created me to be. I have nothing to hide. Make me, mold me, and change me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

SECTION TWO
In the healing of the woman with the issue of blood, you could say that the woman sneaked up behind Jesus and “stole” her healing! But was Jesus offended? Not at all! In fact, He was so pleased with her boldness that He just had to meet her.

Jesus did not seek her out to rebuke her. No, He sought her out so that He could affirm her with His love and assure her that He wasn’t angry with her for having taken a portion of healing virtue from Him. That’s why He even called her “daughter” and encouraged her to walk in her healing—”Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

Beloved, that’s the heart of your Savior. He freely gives out His healing virtue to anyone who will take it from Him. So reach out and take from Him right now and bring pleasure to His heart!