Study With Mack- More Than Pretty

I think it’s worth saying that COVID-19 has had a lot of us looking a bit busted. Raggedy nails, unkempt eyebrow, hair that needs attention…many of us may be feeling lost in the appearance department. For our last edition of Study With Mack, we walked through “More Than Pretty,” a devotional based on gospel superstar Erica Campbell’s book of the same name.

Day 1: Be Honest

Scriptures: II Corinthians 5:21; Psalm 139:14; Revelations 12:9

God KNOWS me and you. No matter where you are, He is. Satan by nature is a deceiver, intent on separating us from God. We are empowered by knowing better about who we are – and knowing that God knows best.

Day 2: The Messy Part

Scriptures: II Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 91:4; Romans 8:1

In Christ, we are liberated to walk above where we once were. We don’t come to him to leave the way we came.

Day 3: Deceived and Distracted

Scriptures: John 8:44; John 10:10; Genesis 3:1-4

The Bible characterizes the devil as a liar. The enemy will use people and your past as tools to get in your mind and deceive you about your purpose and validity. Be affirmed that when you are new in Christ, the old news in your life is moot.

Also, understand that the devil actively seeks whom he may devour. Sometimes the lies we hear sound good! These are devices that appear to build us up but are really intended to separate us from God and change the course of our lives. Get to know the voice of the Lord so that you can discern the real from the fake, no matter what it sounds or looks like.

Day 4: Look In God’s Mirror

Scriptures: Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:10; Psalm 33:13

We know that God is a master planner who moves intentionally. Therefore, our very existence is a manifestation – a reflection – of God’s divine intent. So, why do we look in the mirror and see the opposite? (See Day 3). Not only does God see you, He sees you for what you are. He spoke you into the atmosphere and you – yes, YOU – happened. And He didn’t press the undo button either. You have a purpose because you were made ON PURPOSE.

Day 5: I Am the Right Size

Scriptures: I Corinthians 3:16-17; III John 1:2; I Corinthians 6:19-20

Just as we shouldn’t be ashamed of our mortal size, we shouldn’t shrink ourselves, as the world conditions us to do, for God made us this size in the Spirit for a reason. Also, don’t wait until you see a certain number on a scale to love and appreciate yourself. What you do with your body matters, because God lives there it. It is a resource to be used, not abused.