Gary's Core Message
September 17, 2019
Gary shares his core message for life: that there is a better life found in Jesus, and we are called to build a better world. Truth is, they go hand in hand.
If you invite God into even a fraction of your day, you could be transformed.
If you’re interested in quick encouragements, then you will enjoy our 86 Seconds videos. Each one is a mini-devotional from Gary Wilkerson as he points out simple but profound truths in scripture that can change the way we approach each day. These reminders of the Word’s power will help you live as salt and light to the world.
Start giving 86 seconds of undivided attention to Jesus today.
Gary shares his core message for life: that there is a better life found in Jesus, and we are called to build a better world. Truth is, they go hand in hand.
Already have a plan for your steps? This desire to control your future often stems from insecurity. Find peace in knowing you are loved and accepted by God and rest in his plan for your life.
Do you ever feel like you're out of place or don't belong? This lack of self-confidence is really birthed out of a lack of self-love. To love yourself isn't selfish—it's a confidence in knowing your value and worth in God's eyes.
Dishonesty comes from a root fear of not being adequate or enough. Which is why you must remind yourself that it's not about what people think or being perfect. Live in the fullness of who God made you to be and be honest with those in your life.
When things are out of control, anger can set in, leading to disappointment and confusion. The first step to freedom is to surrender to God, asking for his way instead of your own. Certainly, be passionate in life but with open hands to the Lord.
Often we justify bitterness or rejection of relationships, but it poisons us and can even spread into our good relationships. God wants us to be healed so that we can treat other people with the same kind of love he has for them. He wants us to walk through life unfettered by resentment.
Resentment can put distance between us and others and even lead to broken relationships. If we are no longer close to someone, it's important to consider why. God calls us to be agents of peace in a troubled world, and bridging past hurts can be one step toward obeying that call.
Often our response to criticism is fight or flight, lashing out or running away from people. If we find our value and security in God, though, we will be able to sort through criticism with clear eyes and a discerning mind. This godly response will not only preserve our relationships but also help others heal and grow too.
When we suspect that we are inadequate or if we have been wounded by unloving words in the past, then we may often find that our response to criticism is fear and anger. If we allow God to heal those wounds, we will find peace and discover that we are able to have healthier relationships with other people.
How do we define success in life? Gary Wilkerson talks about how answering that question will either lead us on a path of constant disappointment or one of unshakable peace. We must redefine abundant life in God's terms.