YOU ARE ACCEPTED. YOU WILL "NEVER" BE REJECTED AGAIN UNLESS YOU CHOOSE TO BE.

YOU ARE FOREVER ACCEPTED

“…[God]…hath made us accepted in the beloved...[FOREVER]...” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

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Social-acceptance means you are safely welcomed and belong to a particular place, group, family, community, or relationship. In addition social-acceptance to places, groups, families, communities, or relationships also mean you are approved of, or favored, or validated by them.

 Self-acceptance means you love who you are right now and are happy with yourself. Self-acceptance is being aware of both your vices and virtues and being okay with BOTH.

Social-acceptance and self-acceptance intermix and impact the healthy state and well-being of the other. Social acceptance impacts your sense of belonging. Self-acceptance impacts your sense of being affirmed or validated within the environments you believe you belong.

Social-acceptance impacts how individuals perceive they fit or don’t fit into their social environments. Self-acceptance impacts how individuals perceive they personally met or don’t meet so-called required standards of self in the present moment.

Social or self-acceptance rely on the ability to respect the differences and diversity – that don’t fit into the so-called majority standard - within yourself and others. The whole ideology of acceptance is about belonging and fitting in. However, belonging and fitting is largely based on the acceptability of the main-stream standard of self and the personal, perceived standard of self. In other words, what “they” think and what “you” think.

The desire to be accepted by others and by one’s own self can influence how people dress, their idea of beauty, whether they’ll smoke, drink, or party, take illegal drugs, their prejudices, their virtues, their vices, and their various other pursuits. The desire to be accepted and affirmed is powerful. It strongly motivates one’s behaviors throughout their entire lives.

Acceptance of any kind begins with YOU. Social and self-acceptance can represent two different ends of a pendulum. One end seeks acceptance outside of one’s self (social) and the other end seeks acceptance within one’s self (self).

Self-acceptance is of the utmost important of the two and people struggle with this one the most. Approving who you are, right now (virtues and vices), at this very moment in your life, regardless of who or what you were in the past, is self-acceptance.

It is important to develop the ability to look not only at your virtues, but your vices as well and feel peaceful about areas you lack confidence or strength. This is an active process which requires a fair and objective evaluation of self; mentally (thoughts, feelings, behaviors, etc.) and physically (body image, characteristics, etc.).

This self-evaluation includes an assessment of one’s vices and virtues without rejection, denial, repression, disowning, hating, or falsehoods. Self evaluation is about being open and honest with what YOU like or dislike about yourself.

This self-evaluation is easier said than done. Most people can’t face the things they dislike or hate in themselves without self-criticism, or rejection of some kind.

However, the purpose of self-evaluation, with open honesty, is to enlighten you to areas within your power to change and to accept the things you can’t. You can however, improve in all areas.

It takes time, work, and a new internal standard for self-approval, in order to understand, know, and become aware of who you are NOW and who you want to become. Remember, an internal standard for self-approval is the image into which you want to personally conform yourself.

The image into which you want to conform yourself will be the driving force behind much of your behavior. Your personal thoughts are constantly speaking to you about how you do or do not measure up to “that” image through ongoing comparisons. “….For by your [own]…words you will be justified (made right), and by your [own]...words you will be condemned (made wrong)…” (Matthew 12:37 NASB).

The internal standard for self-approval is the image into which you want to personally conform yourself and it often demands some form of so-called perfection of “that” image.  There is absolutely, “….none that doeth good, no, not [even] ONE” (Romans 3:12 KJV). You and every single person on earth “… [have become]…..unclean and [their] righteousnesses (so-called perfection) are as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  “….there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not?” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). NO human being is perfect!!!

You have to kindly and compassionately ask yourself at some point: “Is this image realistic for me?” Trying to become some kind of “perfect” copy of the image into which you want to conform can create multiply insecurities.

Insecurities impact self-acceptance and you will end up NOT liking or hating some part of yourself, physically or mentally, because you are not yet or may never measure up to the image you desire. The more you don’t measure up, the worst your self-confidence gets as you continually compare yourself to that desired image.

This kind of comparison -against that desired image - can go on for a lifetime and you will NEVER approve, accept, or enjoy who you are or who you were meant to actual become. If you are never conformed into “that” image in which you desire; most likely you will NEVER reach a place of self-acceptance.

You will spend your life believing you were NOT acceptable. You will never know the joy or happiness of being affirmed and accepting yourself as God intended.

According to statistics, 85-90% of the world’s population is affected by low self-image. In most cases, caregivers were the first RESOURCE for love, but were only finite human beings, who may have earnestly intended to love unconditionally, but fell short. .  “…All have sinned (including you) and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23).

Whatever areas, that important people, such as your caregivers, did not accept you and continually tried to change you – impacted your self-acceptance. Criticizing behavior is different from criticizing the individual.

 For example: “You are Stupid” is criticizing the person. “That was a stupid thing you did” is criticizing the behavior. Again, 85-90% of the world’s population is affected by low self-image.

People will spend a lifetime internally motivated to meet some standard of self-approval based on an image they feel they need to conform into in order to be affirmed and validated at last.

Usually people will seek this approval through social-acceptance from individuals who are finite and lack a healthy self-image themselves. “… [ALL have become]….. unclean and [their] righteousnesses (so-called perfection) are as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  

They do this not realizing that trying to elicit social-acceptance from finite individuals, who also lack self-acceptance, got them into this predicament in the first place. “….there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not?” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). NO human being is perfect!!! Again, 85-90% of the world’s population is affected by low self-image. 

For the believer, there is hope. God said about Jesus, “…This is my beloved Son: ….” (Mark 9:6 KJV). “[Thus, God]…hath made [YOU]… accepted in the beloved” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV). So, “…BE CONFORMED TO the IMAGE of His Son…” (Romans 8:29).  “…BEAR the IMAGE of the heavenly man…” (1 Corinthians 15:49 NIV).  HOW? “… [by faith]…we all ...are BEING TRANSFORMED into his IMAGE …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV).

Your old internal standard of self-approval is changed and now the image in which you want to conform is Jesus Christ. So “… BE…TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND …” (Romans 12:2 KJV). What you think affects your image. “…as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (PROVERBS 23:7 KJV).

“IN” Jesus, you already possess everything you will ever need to be conformed into the HIS image. “….For IN HIM we live, and move, and have our being (image, identity); …we are …his offspring….” (ACTS 17:28 KJV).

Your internal standard for self-approval is Jesus Christ, the image into which you have ALREADY become. “…if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).You no longer have to strive to be conformed to “that” image. “….all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). You believe you are already “that” image. “….IN HIM we …have our being (image, identity) ….” (ACTS 17:28 KJV). “…It shall be done to you according to your faith…" (Matthew 9:29 NASB).

When you don’t accept yourself, what is the culprit? The culprit is that somewhere along life’s journey you learned to listen to someone else’s critical voice and then your own voice, took over, in an endless tirade of disapproval of self.“….For by your [own]...words you will be justified (made right), and by your [own]...words you will be condemned (made wrong]…” (Matthew 12:37 NASB). 85-90% of the world’s population is affected by low self-image.

God said, “….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). When “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

“…The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave (bound, wrapped) to … [the sin nature and its critical mindset]…. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate., but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t.

I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.  I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am!

Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [heart] sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“…[God]…hath made [YOU]… accepted in the beloved” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV). Jesus is God’s “beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17). “….IN HIM we …have our being (image, identity) ….” (ACTS 17:28 KJV). “….old things are passed away; behold, all things are become newWhen God made man he said “… it was very good….” What happened? “…through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had made…was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). “… one sinner destroy[ed]… much good…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). The devil, that MAJOR sinner, only comes around “… to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” (John 10:10 KJV).

“….God saw every thing he had made…was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

However, God required “ONE” thing from his “…very good…” creation: “….of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou SHALT surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17).  “… [But]… the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall NOT surely die…” (Genesis 3:1 KJV). As you can see “… the devil …was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies…” (John 8:44 NLT).  The devil is a liar and came into Adam and Eve’s life “… to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” them (John 10:10 KJV).

God DID NOT say not to “touch” the tree nor did he call it the “tree in the midst of the garden.” However, Eve replied in this manner to the lying devil “…but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, 'Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest ye die” (Genesis 3:3 KJV). What God actually said was, “….of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

When the lying devil (serpent) changed God’s Word from - “….thou SHALT surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17) to“…Ye shall NOT surely die…” - man’s image drastically changed. “….. AT THAT MOMENT their eyes were opened…Then the Lord God asked…“What have you done? …“ …” (Genesis 3 NLT). Did they die? Yes. They immediately became “…dead in trespasses and sin” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV). “…through one man sin entered into the world, and DEATH through sin, and so death passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). “… one sinner destroy[ed]… much good” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). .

“….For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned…” (Matthew 12:37 NASB). The devil’s words revealed he was a liar from the very beginning and hated God’s truth. God said “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). Fruit won’t lie and will always tell the truth. The devil’s words were false and proved to be wrong.

It also proved his heart was full of evil intent. His own words condemned him as a liar. “…by your [own]…words you will be condemned…” (Matthew 12:37 NASB). Satan’s words proved and condemned him as liar; “…the Father of lies…”

The bible said lying was his native language, which tells you from what kind of spirit his words spring from. His heart is corrupt and full of destruction. His speech is full of falsehoods and contains no pure communication at all. “…the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart…  “…[it is] …out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45 RSV). “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of…” (Luke 6:45 NIV). He is “…the Father of lies…”

However, after listening to the devil’s lying words, Eve ate the fruit and gave some to Adam. “…And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat…” (Genesis 3:6 KJV). This verses highlights the origin of low-esteem, which started with listening to the words of a LIAR.

“External” desire, through the knowledge of good and evil, was suddenly awaken. “….the woman SAW that the tree was good for food…” (Genesis 3:6). “… For everything in the world—….the lust of the eyes—….comes not from the Father but from the world…” (1 John 2:16-17 NLT). The tree evidently, was pleasant to gaze upon. “….and …it was pleasant to the eyes…” (Genesis 3:6). In addition, it possessed the power to make her prudent. “…a tree to be desired to make one wise...” (Genesis 3:6). “….when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, IT BRINGS FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:15 NASB). “…for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

The devil immediately disputed the Word of God and said: “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil…” (GENESIS 3:5 NLT).

Satan’s lies opened the Pandora box of various “external lusts” that mankind is laden with today. Eve was unable to resist. “.. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:16-17 NLT).

Not only does Eve eat the fruit, but she gives it to her husband also. “…and although they know the ordinance of God …those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them…” (Romans 1:32 NASB).

Every single thing the devil says and does through his words or from his actions is to discredit and dishonor, the living, holy God of creation and “… to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” mankind, his esteemed creation, whom God loves (John 10:10 KJV).

That’s why the heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it?…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  “For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts… wickedness…  All these evil things come from within...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

Therefore: whatever you did, whoever you were, whatever your mistakes, however long you did wrong; whoever you did wrong, whatever you are guilty of, regardless of life’s rejections, or in spite of our many, many, many flaws and  shortcomings “…Where sin increased, [GOD’S]…grace abounded all the more…” (Romans 5:20 NASB). God’s “…grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB).  His “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV). GOD’S “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). Therefore, “….old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

 “… [God] …hath made [YOU]… accepted in the beloved” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV). Jesus is God’s “beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17). “….IN HIM we …have our being (image, identity) ….” (ACTS 17:28 KJV).

You may feel like Paul did: “The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

God has made you “alive together with [Christ]…” (Colossians 2:13 ASV). “…ye are [part of]… a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people …[and God]… hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV).“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

“…If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former CONVERSATION the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind…” (Ephesians 4:21-23 KJV). “…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:1 KJV). AND “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). 

 “…To be conformed to the image of his Son...” “KNOW” Christ is “IN” YOU (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “…if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you…” (Romans 8:11 KJV). You can say, ^“…Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you…” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV).

“…We all ..are BEING TRANSFORMED into his IMAGE …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV). You can, by faith or dependence upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to, “…BEAR the IMAGE of the heavenly man…” (1 Corinthians 15:49 NIV).

Therefore, BECAUSE OF JESUS….RIGHT NOW, AT THIS MOMENT, “[God]…hath made [YOU]… accepted in the beloved” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV). JESUS HAS MADE YOU ACCEPTED FOREVER.

REAL LOVE AWAITS YOU AND IT WILL "NEVER" FAIL YOU!!!

                                                             

YOUR SOURCE OF "REAL" LOVE

“[God’s]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13:8 NIV).  

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 “God’s “…love is patient, [God’s]…love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [God’s]…love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, [God’s]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

Love is the most essential need mankind has and it impacts the inner life more than any other human issue. Most people navigate through life secretly broken by heartache. Without real love, the human psyche is not whole nor is it healthy. The experience of “Lack of love” is entrenching and often fills the heart with sadness. Even if one is inundated with an adequate amount of fame, prestige, good looks, family, friends, notoriety, wealth, or the promised illusion of being somebody because of what you do; those things or people are NOT an adequate source of REAL love.

Without real love, you could be deceived into thinking it is your “trinkets, your posse, and your stuff” that makes you somebody, or makes you significant, or makes you whole, or makes you worthy of love. Unfortunately, when you are deceived into thinking your significance relies on your “trinkets, your posse, and your stuff”; then it will be your “trinkets, your posse and your stuff” that attracts others, not YOU; at least not the REAL, inner you.

Without realizing it, highlighting your “trinkets, your posse, and you stuff” will satisfy your ego, but NOT your heart or your need for REAL love. All your “trinkets, your posse, and your stuff” did not make you whole and inside your heart; you are begging and desperate for REAL love.

Too many people approach life broken, pursue dreams broken, become wealthy broken, enjoy fame broken, get involved with others broken, and perceived themselves as broken. The lack of REAL love is the culprit.

REAL Love places VALUE on your live. Value makes you significant. Significance means you are considered important to someone. Being considered important to someone gives your life a special meaning. That special meaning is that YOU MATTER and YOU MATTER because you are REALLY loved.

Human love has its rewards, but either it doesn’t last or it isn’t consistent. Human love can die, stop, leave, be wishy-washy, moody, or change its mind about you. Human love comes through human beings yet they are ONLY temporary RESOURCES anyway. No human being was meant to be here on earth forever.

Your husband, wife, child, family, friend, associate, or any other human acquaintance was sent into your life as a temporary RESOURCE only. You are to enjoy them, love them back, be thankful for them, and make memories with them, but NEVER forget they are a RESOURCE and not the MAIN SOURCE or REAL LOVE. God allows human RESOURCES in your life as long as you need them.

When Elijah no longer needed the brook; it dried up. It was only temporary. “…the Lord said to Elijah, “Go to the east and hide by Kerith Brook, near where it enters the Jordan River. Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to bring you food.” So Elijah did as the Lord told him and …The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. But after a while the brook dried up, ….” (1 KINGS 17:1-7 NLT).

 When the children of Israel no longer need the manna; it stopped. It was only temporary (40 years). ”…Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day.” That evening vast numbers of quail flew in and covered the camp. When the dew evaporated, a flaky substance as fine as frost blanketed the ground. The Israelites were puzzled when they saw it. “What is it?” they asked each other. And Moses told them, “It is the food the Lord has given you to eat...Each family had just what it needed. The Israelites called the food manna. It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey wafers. So the people of Israel ate manna for forty years until they arrived at the land where they would settle. ….” (Exodus 16 NLT).

When the burning bush, the speaking donkey, the crafty serpent, or Jahaziel served their purposes; it or they were done. Their assignments were only temporary. “…And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and …the bush was not consumed….” (Exodus 3:2 KJV).

“…Then the LORD opened the donkey's mouth, and it said...” (Numbers 22:28 NIV).

“…Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman…” (Genesis 3:1 KJV).

 “…, the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel …He said, “Listen… all This is what the Lord says…” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

When human love dies, stops, leaves, becomes wishy-washy, moody, or changes its mind about you - it is normal to have a human reaction about it. A human RESOURCE is always a GIFT from the MAIN SOURCE. If you knew they were a temporary RESOURCE eventually you’ll be okay, but if you thought they were a MAIN SOURCE you might not be okay. “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

“…. He (God) does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and THEY that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…(Psalm 50:12 KJV).

When temporary RESOURCES are removed from our lives whether for a little while or permanently we grieve over the lost. But remember, “…The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. …” (Job 1:20-22 NASB). “…. He (God) does as he pleases with… the PEOPLES (or resources) of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT).

When you KEEP FOCUS on the "MAIN" SOURCE, missing a temporary RESOURCE may be a little less bleak. “[YOUR] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

When one RESOURCE stops for me, God supplies another. For that I am forever GRATEFUL. When I was recovering from brain surgery one of my RESOURCES stopped providing for me. You will be surprised, when you are down and out, who God uses to supply your need and who He doesn’t use. This particular RESOURCE stopped their love, support, and care.

They shut me out, cut me off, stop talking to me unless necessary, and acted as if they hadn’t been a vital part of my life for years and years. On top of trying to recover from my illness; it made me feel rejected, abandoned, unloved, uncared for, without grace, and without mercy.

It also made me think about the times they had wronged me; over and over, but I was led by the Holy Spirit to continue to show them grace, mercy, kindness, forgiveness, love, and faithfulness. Now, I thought, it was my turn for that kind of sacrificial love from them, but it didn’t happen. Initially it seemed unfair and it hurt terribly.

Of course, the famous question came up that we always ask when we just don’t understand something: WHY? I was called to be the mouthpiece for God’s heart and many of my experiences help me see things from God’s perspective.

I was upset because a RESOURCE, whom I had every God-given right to expect love and support from, appeared to be dried up. “…the brook dried up….” (1 KINGS 17:1-7 NLT). I was led to think about how many people did that to God ALL the time.

“…Christ died for [your] sins according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV). “…Christ [first]…suffered for us in the flesh …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV). “…he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed…” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV). “…his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness—“ (Isaiah 52:14 NIV). “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). God, “…spared not his own Son, [from suffering,] but delivered him up for us all…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). ^“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

God’s love through Christ was full of grace, mercy, forgiveness, incredible love, longsuffering, patience, kindness, and sacrifice. It was costly for him to love YOU. “Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away…” (John 19:1-16 KJV). “…Christ died for [your] sins according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).

Many of Gods’ people, as soon as they feel they have all they need in life, they forget God; the one who blessed them with REAL LOVE and GRACE in the first place. God is often not on their priority list. Many of God's people have become selfish consumers of his blessings. They get what they want from God and then forget about him.  “…But when you had eaten and were satisfied, you became proud and FORGOT ME….” (Hosea 13:6 NLT). “… [YOU]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…And because you have FORGOTten ME and turned your back on me, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: You must bear the consequences…” (Ezekiel 23:35 NLT).

“…Does a young woman forget her jewelry, or a bride her wedding dress? Yet for years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).

After all of the REAL LOVE and sacrifices God has made, his people STILL forget about him and abandoned him, especially through chasing their OWN human desire. Chasing human desire results in abandonment: “…But my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned away and ABANDONED me….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT). “…They ABANDONED ME and did not obey my word….” (JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT).

 “….They ABANDONED the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after other gods (IDOLS)…” (Judges 2:12 NLT).

“…They ABANDONED the Lord to serve Baal (THEIR HUMAN DESIRES)…” (Judges 2:13 NLT). “….They ABANDONED the Lord and no longer served him at all…” (Judges 10:6 NLT).

“…Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually ABANDONED ME and followed other gods (HUMAN DESIRE)…” (1 Samuel 8:8 NLT). “…He ABANDONED Lord, the God of his ancestors, and he refused to follow the Lord’s ways…” (2 Kings 21:22 NLT).

“…For my people have ABANDONED ME and offered sacrifices to pagan gods (HUMAN DESIRE), …” (2 Kings 22:17 NLT).“…He ABANDONED the Law of the Lord, and all Israel followed him in this sin…” (2 Chronicles 12:1 NLT).

“…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).

How would it feel to be abandoned by your own people, who were meant to be a RESOURCE of REAL LOVE? After all, they were a gift from God and therefore BELONGED to you through a particular type of relationship? They belonged to you, especially or rightfully by blood, or by vows, or through the bond of friendship love, or by Christian love-bonds. “….You (also) belong to God…” (1 John 4:4 NLT).

When you lose a RESOURCE through death, abandonment, or because they changed their mind about you; God understands exactly how you feel.

Some of you have not called on God in so long; he is an intimate stranger. YOU have abandoned HIM in many ways; whether you are aware of it or not and don’t REALLY know him; you just know ABOUT him. You haven’t really talked to him that much privately and you have not personally sought after him in days, weeks, months, or maybe years.

However, people seek Him when they want answers after one of HIS gifted RESOURCES dies, leaves, stops, or no longer supplies THEM with what they need or desire. Suddenly it’s God’s fault. “….During that time all Israel mourned because it seemed the Lord had ABANDONED them….” (1 Samuel 7:2 NLT). The truth is; THEY had abandoned God.

 When people realized it was them that abandoned God and not the other way around: “…They cried out to the Lord for help, saying, “…We have sinned against you because we have ABANDONED you as our God...” (Judges 10:10 NLT).  “…You have ABANDONED ME and served other gods…” (Judges 10:13 NLT).

 “…The people of Judah had ABANDONED the Lord, the God of their ancestors, ….” (2 Chronicles 24:24 NL

God gets the blame for dried up RESOURCES that belong to him anyway: “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and THEY that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV).

When RESOURCES dry up; think about the following scriptures: “For my people have done two evil things: They have ABANDONED ME— the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!”  “… "Cursed are those ….who rely on human strength….” (JEREMIAH 17:5 NLT).

 (JEREMIAH 2:13 NLT). “…Your wickedness will bring its own punishment. Your turning from me will shame you. You will see what an evil, bitter thing it is to ABANDON the Lord your God and not to fear him. I, the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!” (JEREMIAH 2:19 NLT). “…Listen to the weeping of my people; it can be heard all across the land. “Has the Lord ABANDONED Jerusalem?” the people ask. “Is her King no longer there?” “Oh, why have they provoked my anger with their carved idols and their worthless foreign gods (CHOSEN HUMAN RESOURCES)?” says the Lord…” (JEREMIAH 8:19 NLT).

“…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV).

It’s okay to be sad and have normal human reactions about temporary RESOURCES that are suddenly loss, have abandoned you, or have become wishy-washy. However, remember, “…Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more than he does his… (temporary RESOURCES) father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—yes, more than his own life—otherwise he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26 NLT).

When Job’s temporary RESOURCES died, stopped, and dried up; this is how he responded: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God …” (Job 1:20-22 NASB).

“…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV).

Fortunately, “…the LORD thy God is a merciful God…” (Deutoronomy 4:31 KJV). “…mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). “…it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT).

Let’s look at how God’s mercy plays out over the abandonment of his people. “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt. But the more I called to him, the farther he moved from me, offering sacrifices to the images of Baal and burning incense to idols. I myself taught Israel how to walk, leading him along by the hand. But he doesn’t know or even care that it was I who took care of him. I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love. I lifted the yoke from his neck, and I myself stooped to feed him. “But since my people refuse to return to me, they will return to Egypt and... They will destroy them, trapping them in their own evil plans. For my people are determined to desert me. They call me the Most High, but they don’t truly honor me. “Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? How can I let you go? How can I destroy you …My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows. No, I will not unleash my fierce anger. I will not completely destroy Israel, for I am God and not a mere mortal. I am the Holy One living among you, and I will not come to destroy. For someday the people will follow me. I, the Lord, will roar like a lion. And when I roar, my people will return …And I will bring them home again,” says the Lord….” (HOSEA 11 NLT). MERCY!!!

“And now, O our God, what can we say after all of this? For once again we have ABANDONED your commands!” (Ezra 9:10 NLT). 

“….They refused to obey and did not remember the miracles you had done for them. Instead, they became stubborn and appointed a leader to take them back to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. You did not abandon them…” (Nehemiah 9:17 NLT).

“…But in your great mercy, you did not destroy them completely or abandon them forever. What a gracious and merciful God you are!” (Nehemiah 9:31 NLT).

“…The Lord says, “Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; my (MERCIFUL) love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever….” (HOSEA 14:4 NLT).  ^“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

“God’s “…love is patient, [God’s]…love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [God’s]…love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, [God’s]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

RESOURCES are temporary whether they are used to provide something for you for a few minutes or for several years. God sent the bread from heaven, to his children, for forty years and then it stopped.

“…Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day.” That evening vast numbers of quail flew in and covered the camp. When the dew evaporated, a flaky substance as fine as frost blanketed the ground. The Israelites were puzzled when they saw it. “What is it?” they asked each other. And Moses told them, “It is the food the Lord has given you to eat. ...Each family had just what it needed. The Israelites called the food manna. It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey wafers. So the people of Israel ate manna for forty years until they arrived at the land where they would settle. ….” (Exodus 16 NLT).

God is your main SOURCE  of REAL LOVE and everything ELSE. When the temporary RESOURCES dry up or stop like the manna in the wilderness: you STILL have the permanent, everlasting BREAD OF HEAVEN.  ^““…I AM THE LIVING BREAD WHICH CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN…” (JOHN 6:51 KJV). “…Man shall not live by [HUMAN] bread alone, but by every word (SPIRITUAL BREAD) that proceedeth out of the mouth of God….” (MATTHEW 4:4 KJV).  “….give me only my daily bread…” (PROVERBS 30:8 NASB). “…Give us this day our daily bread…” (MATTHEW 4:11 KJV). “…Give us day by day our daily bread….” (LUKE  11:3 KJV). “….THE BREAD OF GOD is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE: HE THAT COMETH TO ME SHALL NEVER HUNGER…” (JOHN 6:33-35 KJV). “…The Lord is my shepherd; I SHALL NOT WANT…” (Psalms 23 KJV).

“…Your unfailing [REAL] love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. YOU SATISFY ME more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy…” (Psalms 63:1-5 NLT).

“…God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). GOD says, “…I… satisfy  …” (Jeremiah 31:25 NASB).

ONLY GOD CAN SATISFY YOUR NEED FOR REAL, permanent and everlasting LOVE: “…YOU SATISFY ME MORE THAN THE RICHEST FEAST …” (Psalms 63:1-5 NLT). HE IS YOUR SOURCE FOR REAL and EVERLASTING LOVE AND THERE IS NO OTHER. “[YOUR] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).