Latest / Marriage Life and More and Bible Study / Unqualified - The Name Game, Pt 2 - 183

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Unqualified - The Name Game, Pt 2 - 183 · Marriage Life and More and Bible Study

• 0:09
  Daniel Moore: In the complex process of understanding our identities, it's crucial to remember that our perceptions and evaluations of ourselves are not solely determined by our own standards or the societal measuring sticks we hold up as we navigate the intricacies of self-worth.
• 0:25
  Daniel Moore: It's important to acknowledge that there exists a higher perspective, that of a divine force, a higher power.
• 0:31
  Daniel Moore: We'll be back with this week's episode of Connecting the Gap right after this, and a word from our sponsor.
• 0:37
  Daniel Moore: I'm sorry, they say that it is darkest Right before the dawn.
• 1:16
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• 1:29
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• 1:35
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• 1:40
  Daniel Moore: Welcome to Connecting the Gap.
• 1:43
  Daniel Moore: I'm Daniel Moore, your host.
• 1:44
  Daniel Moore: Thank you for joining us this week.
• 1:45
  Daniel Moore: If you're not familiar with our show, check out our website, wwwconnectingthegapnet, for all of our platforms, our YouTube and our Rumble links, and we're on the Christian podcasting app, edify.
• 1:56
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• 2:01
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• 2:10
  Daniel Moore: We would eternally be grateful to you for doing that and we hope that you enjoy this week's episode.
• 2:15
  Daniel Moore: Last week we started a brand new series, unqualified, and last week it was the Qualification Trap.
• 2:23
  Daniel Moore: Well, this week we're going to continue that series that we started, and this is part two of the series for Unqualified the name game.
• 2:42
  Daniel Moore: Picture this, picture this You're at a friend's baby shower, surrounded by baby decor and sipping on your sixth mini cup of punch.
• 2:50
  Daniel Moore: As the anticipation builds, you find yourself in a seemingly never-ending conversation with the highly expectant parents.
• 2:57
  Daniel Moore: You know that inevitable question is looming, the one that you dread more than a dentist appointment or a spider in your shoe.
• 3:05
  Daniel Moore: So what do you think we should name the baby?
• 3:12
  Daniel Moore: Well, secretly, you were hoping to not be confronted with that question, because lately it seems as if the going trend is for people to name their children.
• 3:16
  Daniel Moore: How do I say this?
• 3:18
  Daniel Moore: Creatively?
• 3:19
  Daniel Moore: You muster up your courage and try to mask your apprehension with a forced smile.
• 3:24
  Daniel Moore: Oh, I, uh, I don't know, just surprise me.
• 3:30
  Daniel Moore: You reply, hoping they'll catch on to your subtle avoidance technique, but alas, they persist.
• 3:36
  Daniel Moore: No, really, we'd love to know what you think.
• 3:38
  Daniel Moore: Give us your honest opinion.
• 3:41
  Daniel Moore: As a bead of sweat forms on your forehead, you can feel your anxious demeanor bubbling to the surface.
• 3:47
  Daniel Moore: Thoughts race through your mind.
• 3:49
  Daniel Moore: What if they say they want to name their precious bundle of joy lasagna or Sasquatch?
• 3:54
  Daniel Moore: How will you keep your expression composed?
• 3:57
  Daniel Moore: Can you even pretend to be supportive while secretly imagining this child getting beat up on the playground in junior high?
• 4:03
  Daniel Moore: Well, finally, with a deep breath and an overabundance of courage, you venture forward and ask tentatively well, what are you planning to name the baby?
• 4:12
  Daniel Moore: You brace yourself for the response that could potentially launch your face into a cringeworthy mode.
• 4:19
  Daniel Moore: And then it happens they actually reveal the name, and it's something decidedly creative and unique, something like Prince's Fire Truck or Sir Poops-A-Lot.
• 4:29
  Daniel Moore: Your mind goes blank, your mouth hangs open like an unintentional invitation for flies, and all you can manage to say is a stupefied huh.
• 4:37
  Daniel Moore: As you witness their bewildered expressions and the sudden shift in the room's atmosphere, you realize the impact of your candid reaction.
• 4:46
  Daniel Moore: You should have known deep down that the chances of them choosing a conventional name were as likely as finding a manatee rambling through the Sahara.
• 4:55
  Daniel Moore: Realizing this awkward situation, you come to a conclusion.
• 4:59
  Daniel Moore: It's not that you dislike their baby's potential name or wish to alter their decision.
• 5:05
  Daniel Moore: Rather, your fear stems from your inherent inability to feign enthusiasm when confronted with unexpected options.
• 5:12
  Daniel Moore: You're simply terrible at suppressing your genuine reactions, and no amount of polite nodding can disguise the bewilderment on your face.
• 5:24
  Daniel Moore: So next time, you vow to secretly uncover their chosen name through sneaky Facebook stalking or cryptic crossword puzzles.
• 5:29
  Daniel Moore: This way, when the reveal happens, you can privately process your emotions, practice your poker face in the mirror and avoid turning their joyous occasion into a comedy show.
• 5:39
  Daniel Moore: Remember, it's perfectly all right to have your own reactions to baby names.
• 5:44
  Daniel Moore: Just keep them tucked safely away in a private, judgment-free zone.
• 5:48
  Daniel Moore: After all, children grow to embody their names and there's always a chance that Prince's fire truck might just turn out to be the noblest of firefighters, or even a monarch who appreciates the finer points of driving big red trucks.
• 6:01
  Daniel Moore: Regardless of how silly the name was that they picked, it really could have still been worse, luckily for the friends and their soon-to-be newborns.
• 6:11
  Daniel Moore: While our given names identify us, they don't define us.
• 6:15
  Daniel Moore: They don't describe us.
• 6:17
  Daniel Moore: They don't say anything about who we really are, about our dreams, our feelings, our passions or our potential.
• 6:24
  Daniel Moore: In the vast landscape of our identities, our names occupy only a small corner.
• 6:34
  Daniel Moore: We understand to some extent that our true selves are composed of intricate layers that extend far beyond the surface-level representation, encapsulated by a mere collection of letters.
• 6:42
  Daniel Moore: Yet, amidst a sea of introspection, it is worth asking ourselves how much time and effort have we truly dedicated to unraveling the intricacies that drives us and exploring the aspects that shape our existence?
• 6:56
  Daniel Moore: There comes a time when we have to come face to face with the realization that our identity isn't solely determined by our name, realization that our identity isn't solely determined by our name, our occupation or our accomplishments.
• 7:08
  Daniel Moore: It encompasses a complex mixture of beliefs, values, passions, experiences, hopes, fears and aspirations.
• 7:16
  Daniel Moore: Sometimes we find that the facets we thought defined us are merely mirages perpetuated by external expectations or societal pressures.
• 7:24
  Daniel Moore: However, it is precisely when our understanding of who we are becomes distorted or skewed that our emotional equilibrium is thrown off balance.
• 7:34
  Daniel Moore: The jagged edges of our perceived failures cut deep, accentuating our supposed flaws and amplifying the voices of self-doubt.
• 7:42
  Daniel Moore: We start questioning our worth, our potential and our place in the world.
• 7:47
  Daniel Moore: The pain that accompanies falling short stems not only from the disappointment in our abilities, but also from the implicit belief that our shortcomings validate and reinforce our perceived fundamental flaws.
• 8:00
  Daniel Moore: The gulf between who we think we should be and who we believe ourselves to be widens, leaving us feeling adrift and questioning our very essence.
• 8:10
  Daniel Moore: Yet in these moments of vulnerability and self-doubt, we often fail to recognize the fault that lies within our perception.
• 8:18
  Daniel Moore: We neglect to acknowledge that failures are nothing more than stepping stones on the path toward growth and self-improvement.
• 8:25
  Daniel Moore: The gaps that we perceive as indications of our inherent inadequacy are, in reality, gateways to learning and transformation.
• 8:33
  Daniel Moore: The truth is, our value as individuals cannot be defined by a flawless track record or an absence of missteps.
• 8:41
  Daniel Moore: Our potential isn't determined solely by our achievements, but rather by our unwavering determination to rise from our failures and embrace the lessons that they carry.
• 8:53
  Daniel Moore: In the complex process of understanding our identities, it's crucial to remember that our perceptions and evaluations of ourselves are not solely determined by our own standards or the societal measuring sticks we hold up as we navigate the intricacies of self-worth.
• 9:08
  Daniel Moore: It's important to acknowledge that there exists a higher perspective, that of a divine force, a higher power.
• 9:15
  Daniel Moore: This force is God, whose ways, thoughts and values differ significantly from ours.
• 9:21
  Daniel Moore: God's scale of judgment, his standards of evaluation and His measuring devices are not calibrated in the same manner as our own.
• 9:30
  Daniel Moore: They transcend the limitations of our human understanding, often defying conventional logic and reasoning.
• 9:37
  Daniel Moore: Until we grasp and embrace this divine way of thinking, it is natural to view our failures and successes as the sole indicators of our value.
• 9:47
  Daniel Moore: In this limited perspective, our worth becomes intricately tied to our achievements and our sense of self fluctuates uncontrollably, based on external validation or fluctuating circumstances.
• 9:59
  Daniel Moore: This narrow perspective can be dangerously misleading.
• 10:03
  Daniel Moore: It traps us in a relentless cycle of constant comparison, forever seeking external affirmations that inevitably shift and change.
• 10:12
  Daniel Moore: It leads us to falsely conclude that our qualifications, competence and worthiness are solely contingent upon our perceived successes or failures upon our perceived successes or failures.
• 10:25
  Daniel Moore: An identity rooted in feelings of inadequacy becomes a treacherous path, as it blinds us to the beauty and uniqueness of our being.
• 10:31
  Daniel Moore: It robs us of the confidence to embrace our strengths and talents and hinders our ability to fulfill our potential.
• 10:39
  Daniel Moore: It becomes a barrier to self-acceptance, self-compassion and personal growth.
• 10:46
  Daniel Moore: Understanding the way God thinks isn't about replacing our own sense of self-worth entirely, but rather expanding our perspective to include God's divine wisdom.
• 10:55
  Daniel Moore: It means recognizing that our value is not solely tied to human accomplishments or the accolades of the world, but rather to an inherent divine worthiness that transcends external measurements.
• 11:06
  Daniel Moore: In realizing this, we can find reassurance that our identity is not determined by the ever-shifting sands of societal judgments.
• 11:15
  Daniel Moore: Instead, we can rest in the unchanging truth of our inherent worthiness, as seen through the lens of God.
• 11:21
  Daniel Moore: This week, I want us to consider our interpretation of our identity.
• 11:26
  Daniel Moore: Do we really know who we are?
• 11:29
  Daniel Moore: Does this align with who God says we are?
• 11:32
  Daniel Moore: What do we do about the space in between?
• 11:36
  Daniel Moore: You know that's complicated, because we are complicated.
• 11:41
  Daniel Moore: Thankfully, the Bible anticipates these complications.
• 11:46
  Daniel Moore: Let's take a journey back in time nearly 4,000 years ago, to the story of Moses as told in the book of Exodus.
• 11:52
  Daniel Moore: Picture a desert landscape where the scorching sun beats down and the winds whisper ancient tales.
• 11:58
  Daniel Moore: In the midst of this barren land, a peculiar sight caught Moses' attention a bush on fire, blazing with crackling flames.
• 12:06
  Daniel Moore: But what amazed him even more was the fact that this bush, engulfed in flames, remained unconsumed by the fire.
• 12:14
  Daniel Moore: It was a divine spectacle.
• 12:16
  Daniel Moore: Curiosity led Moses closer to the extraordinary sight and as he approached, a voice boomed from within the burning bush, ordinary sight.
• 12:25
  Daniel Moore: And as he approached, a voice boomed from within the burning bush Moses, moses.
• 12:28
  Daniel Moore: It called out and Moses, surprised and undoubtedly shaken, responded here I am.
• 12:43
  Daniel Moore: The voice revealed itself as none other than God, the ultimate source of divine authority and power.
• 12:45
  Daniel Moore: God had chosen this extraordinary encounter to deliver a message to Moses.
• 12:49
  Daniel Moore: He called upon him to take on a monumental mission to confront Pharaoh, the all-powerful ruler of Egypt, and demand the liberation of God's people, the Israelites, who had been enslaved there for generations.
• 13:02
  Daniel Moore: Overwhelmed by the weight of the task ahead, moses sought to understand the nature and identity of this divine presence.
• 13:10
  Daniel Moore: He asked a question who am I to tell them?
• 13:14
  Daniel Moore: You have sent me.
• 13:15
  Daniel Moore: In other words, moses was seeking to grasp the name and essence of the being who was sending him on this immense journey.
• 13:23
  Daniel Moore: In response, God revealed his name as I Am, or Yahweh, a name that signifies his eternal, unchanging and self-sufficient nature.
• 13:34
  Daniel Moore: After the revelation of God's name as I Am, it is only natural to wonder if Moses, standing there in disbelief and awe, expected a third word to complete the sentence.
• 13:46
  Daniel Moore: It seems Moses might have been awaiting the traditional grammatical structure that provides a subject or identity after the verb to be.
• 13:56
  Daniel Moore: However, this perceived pause in God's response may serve a deeper purpose to convey a message not only to Moses but to all of humanity the importance of not skipping over the significance of I am.
• 14:09
  Daniel Moore: It is a reminder to avoid flippantly filling in the blank of our own identities, without due consideration.
• 14:15
  Daniel Moore: In our lives, we often rush to define ourselves by attaching labels, roles or achievements to our names.
• 14:23
  Daniel Moore: We feel it's necessary to grasp onto external identifiers such as professions, relationships or societal expectations.
• 14:32
  Daniel Moore: We fill in the I am with descriptors like doctor, parent, artist or success-driven.
• 14:39
  Daniel Moore: But perhaps Godden's tension was to remind us that our identities go beyond these surface-level associations.
• 14:46
  Daniel Moore: The pause in his response prompts us to search our hearts, urging us to dive deeper into the essence of who we truly are.
• 14:54
  Daniel Moore: It encourages us to explore the core values, the beliefs and qualities that shape our being, rather than attaching ourselves solely to societal constructs or fleeting accomplishments.
• 15:07
  Daniel Moore: We are invited to embrace our authentic selves.
• 15:11
  Daniel Moore: By pausing at I Am, god shows the infinite nature of His being, the self-sufficiency and unrestrained power that resides within Him.
• 15:19
  Daniel Moore: In doing so, he invites us to discover our own divine essence, to connect with the divine spark present within each of us.
• 15:28
  Daniel Moore: He challenges us to explore our unique passions, talents and inner truths, calling us to a deeper revelation of who we are in Him.
• 15:37
  Daniel Moore: Embracing the message behind God's choice to pause at I Am can bring about a huge shift in our understanding of identity.
• 15:46
  Daniel Moore: It urges us to reject the notion of defining ourselves solely by external measures and warrants a more contemplative approach to finding out who we are.
• 15:56
  Daniel Moore: It encourages us to cultivate a sense of worth and purpose rooted in our innate essence, rather than fleeting external circumstances.
• 16:07
  Daniel Moore: Let's think about those two words.
• 16:08
  Daniel Moore: I am Such a tiny, underwhelming phrase.
• 16:13
  Daniel Moore: It's barely two syllables long, yet it is the most potent, revolutionary statement ever made.
• 16:20
  Daniel Moore: Within it is a power that can peel off the past, pilot the present and frame the future.
• 16:27
  Daniel Moore: This is intensely practical.
• 16:30
  Daniel Moore: God chose this phrase to describe Himself precisely because identity and self-perception are foundational concepts in life.
• 16:38
  Daniel Moore: That's a huge component of God's I Am revelation to Moses.
• 16:45
  Daniel Moore: The depth of God's name, as I Am, goes beyond the limitations of language and our human understanding.
• 16:50
  Daniel Moore: It signifies the incomprehensible vastness and completeness of His divine nature.
• 16:56
  Daniel Moore: God's name doesn't require a third word because it encompasses everything and everyone.
• 17:03
  Daniel Moore: He exists in and fulfills every need, desire and longing we could ever fathom.
• 17:09
  Daniel Moore: He is the embodiment of fullness and completion, transcending our limited comprehension and defying any attempt to fully describe or encapsulate His essence.
• 17:20
  Daniel Moore: No matter how many superlatives or exaggerations we use, they fall short before the magnitude of God's being.
• 17:27
  Daniel Moore: It is impossible for human language or concepts to fully capture His infinite nature.
• 17:33
  Daniel Moore: For human language or concepts to fully capture his infinite nature.
• 17:37
  Daniel Moore: He is beyond comparison, beyond measure and beyond our comprehension.
• 17:46
  Daniel Moore: God's name, as I am, reveals that he is present in every moment, in every place and to everyone.
• 17:49
  Daniel Moore: He is not confined to a specific space or time.
• 17:52
  Daniel Moore: Rather, he permeates every corner of existence, radiating His love, wisdom and power.
• 17:58
  Daniel Moore: He satisfies our deepest longings and provides for our every need, for His limitless nature encompasses the entirety of creation.
• 18:08
  Daniel Moore: The third word represents something deeper and more intrinsic to our identity.
• 18:12
  Daniel Moore: It encompasses our values, beliefs, passions and unique qualities that set us apart from others.
• 18:20
  Daniel Moore: It is a word that captures the essence of who we are as individuals.
• 18:25
  Daniel Moore: Having a third word allows us to define ourselves.
• 18:29
  Daniel Moore: In a complex world where labels and stereotypes often fall short of capturing the intricacies of an individual's personality, we use this third word to anchor our identities, to offer a glimpse into our inner selves that may be missed by simply knowing our name or superficial traits.
• 18:46
  Daniel Moore: By finishing the sentence I am blank we attempt to encapsulate our essence into a single, tangible term.
• 18:55
  Daniel Moore: This third word becomes a point of reference through which we understand and relate to ourselves.
• 19:01
  Daniel Moore: How would you complete this sentence?
• 19:04
  Daniel Moore: I am blank.
• 19:06
  Daniel Moore: How would you fill in the blank?
• 19:08
  Daniel Moore: How would you describe yourself?
• 19:11
  Daniel Moore: It's not as easy as it sounds.
• 19:13
  Daniel Moore: How would you describe yourself?
• 19:14
  Daniel Moore: It's not as easy as it sounds.
• 19:15
  Daniel Moore: When we attend church, we are often presented with various descriptors and attributes of God.
• 19:20
  Daniel Moore: We learn about His love, holiness, justice and goodness, and we become familiar with theological terms such as omnipresence, omniscience and omnipotence.
• 19:30
  Daniel Moore: These teachings give us handles to understand and relate to God, shaping our perception of who he is.
• 19:38
  Daniel Moore: However, amidst this focus on understanding God, we often neglect to truly know and define ourselves.
• 19:44
  Daniel Moore: This lack of self-awareness creates a dangerous disconnection.
• 19:48
  Daniel Moore: While we might be able to describe and define God, do we extend the same effort to describe and define ourselves?
• 19:55
  Daniel Moore: Do we examine if our understanding of God aligns with how we perceive and define our own identity?
• 20:03
  Daniel Moore: Interestingly, we constantly define ourselves, perhaps without even realizing it.
• 20:10
  Daniel Moore: We fill in the blanks when asked who we are, albeit automatically or subconsciously.
• 20:15
  Daniel Moore: These definitions or these quote-unquote third words reveal a lot about who we truly are at our core.
• 20:22
  Daniel Moore: I'm calling it a third word, but obviously we usually fill in that blank with more than a single term.
• 20:29
  Daniel Moore: Our third word might be a phrase.
• 20:32
  Daniel Moore: It might be a list.
• 20:34
  Daniel Moore: It might be a fear or feeling.
• 20:36
  Daniel Moore: It might be a list, it might be a fear or feeling.
• 20:39
  Daniel Moore: It might be a memory or trauma.
• 20:41
  Daniel Moore: It might be an accusation lodged deep in our psyche.
• 20:47
  Daniel Moore: We've been filling in those blanks all of our lives, but we seldom stop to question whether we've gotten our third word right.
• 20:51
  Daniel Moore: When you were in school, you would take those fill-in-the-blank tests where only one answer was right.
• 20:56
  Daniel Moore: In those tests, the teacher held the authority to determine the correct answer, which was the subjective nature of the process.
• 21:06
  Daniel Moore: Similarly, when it comes to our lives and self-perception, the question arises who has the right to fill in that blank space?
• 21:14
  Daniel Moore: There are various influences that can attempt to shape our identity.
• 21:19
  Daniel Moore: It could be ourselves, our friends, our parents or the circumstances that we face.
• 21:24
  Daniel Moore: Each of these options may have their own perspective, opinions and expectations of who we should be and expectations of who we should be.
• 21:36
  Daniel Moore: However, the real-life questions of self-perception and identity strike at the very core of who we are.
• 21:40
  Daniel Moore: Ultimately, the right to fill in the blank belongs to ourselves.
• 21:44
  Daniel Moore: We have the inherent authority and responsibility to define our own identities.
• 21:51
  Daniel Moore: While external factors may influence our self-perception, it is crucial to recognize that we have the power to choose how we see ourselves and the narratives that we construct about our lives.
• 22:02
  Daniel Moore: The answers to the I am questions of life hold immense significance.
• 22:07
  Daniel Moore: They shape our beliefs, mindset and actions.
• 22:10
  Daniel Moore: They guide us in determining our values, goals and purpose.
• 22:15
  Daniel Moore: Our self-perception can either empower or restrict us, impacting the course of our existence.
• 22:22
  Daniel Moore: It is important to approach these questions with introspection, self-awareness and authenticity.
• 22:31
  Daniel Moore: Society's expectations, peer pressures or external judgments may attempt to influence our answers, but it is crucial to stay true to ourselves.
• 22:40
  Daniel Moore: Acknowledging and embracing our unique qualities, strengths and desires helps us create a genuine and fulfilling sense of self.
• 22:48
  Daniel Moore: While external influences are inevitable, it is ultimately our choice to accept, reject or reinterpret them.
• 22:56
  Daniel Moore: We are the authors of our own stories and have the ability to navigate and shape our lives according to our own values and aspirations.
• 23:05
  Daniel Moore: We're going to take a break here for a moment.
• 23:08
  Daniel Moore: When we come back, we're going to continue this week's episode on the Name Game.
• 23:13
  Daniel Moore: We'll be back right after this?
• 23:26
  chataboutjesus.com: As Americans, we enjoy a broad range of freedom.
• 23:29
  chataboutjesus.com: We can write critical letters to the editor, worship as we please, speak up against injustice and walk the protest line for all sorts of issues.
• 23:38
  chataboutjesus.com: But while we may enjoy political, religious and personal freedom, we can still be in bondage in the most crucial aspect of life, the spiritual life.
• 23:47
  chataboutjesus.com: Jesus, the Son of God, amazed his listeners when he told them Everyone who sins is a slave to sin, but if the Son of God sets you free, you will be free.
• 23:58
  chataboutjesus.com: Indeed, jesus was speaking to educated, moral and religious people and just like those people who questioned Jesus, we also may be morally religious but spiritually be ruled by sin.
• 24:10
  chataboutjesus.com: It is only when we receive God's Son, jesus Christ, as our Savior that we will obtain personal freedom To learn how Jesus Christ can liberate you spiritually.
• 24:20
  chataboutjesus.com: Call us at 888-NEED-HIM or go to chataboutjesuscom.
• 24:35
  Daniel Moore: I've seen it before, afraid of what's in store, but this time I'm ready to go.
• 24:41
  Daniel Moore: Welcome back to this week's episode of Connecting the Gap.
• 24:45
  Daniel Moore: I'm Daniel Moore, your host.
• 24:47
  Daniel Moore: Thank you for joining us this week.
• 24:48
  Daniel Moore: We are in part two of our series on Unqualified, and this week's episode is called the Name Game.
• 24:58
  Daniel Moore: Here are some third words I hear all the time from both my mouth and my own mind Unqualified, stupid, strong, driven, screwed up, loyal, stuck, overwhelmed, blessed, capable, disappointed, broken, hopeful, jaded content.
• 25:26
  Daniel Moore: Which of these do you identify with?
• 25:30
  Daniel Moore: Circle them mentally.
• 25:32
  Daniel Moore: What word of your own would you write in?
• 25:35
  Daniel Moore: How often do you say or think that about yourself?
• 25:39
  Daniel Moore: Which word or words did you expect to circle a year from now?
• 25:45
  Daniel Moore: How, about 10 years from now?
• 25:48
  Daniel Moore: Which ones will, or have, you taught your kids to circle?
• 25:53
  Daniel Moore: Now, for fun, change that word.
• 25:57
  Daniel Moore: The third word.
• 25:59
  Daniel Moore: It changes everything.
• 26:03
  Daniel Moore: The evaluation of oneself compared to the image presented to others and the desired self can be complex and multifaceted.
• 26:11
  Daniel Moore: It is not uncommon for individuals to present themselves differently to others or create a persona that is intended to hide their perceived deficiencies or weaknesses.
• 26:21
  Daniel Moore: This can lead to a sense of pretending or putting up a false front.
• 26:25
  Daniel Moore: However, it is important to recognize that the journey of learning who you are and self-acceptance is a lifelong process.
• 26:33
  Daniel Moore: It is normal to have insecurities in areas where we feel inadequate.
• 26:38
  Daniel Moore: Acknowledging these vulnerabilities is not a sign of weakness, but rather a step towards growth and being authentic.
• 26:45
  Daniel Moore: When considering God's assessment of ourselves, it is important to remember that God's love and acceptance are unconditional.
• 26:53
  Daniel Moore: It is believed that we were created in God's image, with inherent worth and purpose.
• 26:59
  Daniel Moore: God knows us intimately, including our flaws and imperfections, yet loves us unconditionally.
• 27:06
  Daniel Moore: Aligning our self-image and self-description with who we were created to be involves a deep understanding of ourselves and a willingness to embrace our true selves.
• 27:16
  Daniel Moore: It requires a willingness to cultivate a relationship with God to gain a deeper understanding of our true identity.
• 27:24
  Daniel Moore: It is also important to consider that our self-perception may not always align with God's view of us.
• 27:31
  Daniel Moore: Our own insecurities, perceptions and worldly influences can distort our understanding.
• 27:38
  Daniel Moore: Cultivating a true relationship with God and digging into His Word can help us more closely align our self-image with who we were created to be.
• 27:48
  Daniel Moore: Getting those third words right will take a lifetime, but if you ignore them, you'll waste a lot of your life posing, pretending, posturing, performing, perfecting, pleasing and proving, yet you'll never find your real self.
• 28:04
  Daniel Moore: Getting to know your real self can be complicated.
• 28:08
  Daniel Moore: Years ago I wanted to get the Eminem look.
• 28:12
  Daniel Moore: For those of you who don't know who he is, he is a rapper from the 90s.
• 28:17
  Daniel Moore: I sat in the chair for a couple of hours getting this new bleach treatment and my hair was bleached blonde, as could be.
• 28:24
  Daniel Moore: I did that look for a while and then I let it grow back out to my original color, which was a light brown.
• 28:31
  Daniel Moore: My wife never liked the bleached look.
• 28:34
  Daniel Moore: I think she probably actually hated it.
• 28:36
  Daniel Moore: I had other people that said I think you should go back to blonde.
• 28:40
  Daniel Moore: On you, the brown doesn't look very natural.
• 28:46
  Daniel Moore: Well, sometimes I wonder if our image and identity have been treated and retreated and bleached and burned so many times that the original color is beyond recognition, even to ourselves.
• 28:58
  Daniel Moore: Disillusionment gets layered upon disappointment, which gets layered upon failure, and our real selves end up buried so far down we don't remember who we actually are.
• 29:09
  Daniel Moore: Far down, we don't remember who we actually are.
• 29:13
  Daniel Moore: Filling in our third words gets complicated because our fractured past has turned us into walking contradictions.
• 29:17
  Daniel Moore: Are we who we dream of becoming or are we who we act like we are now?
• 29:22
  Daniel Moore: On the other hand, we still think big.
• 29:26
  Daniel Moore: We know God has built us for bigger and bolder things and deep inside, the calling still flickers.
• 29:32
  Daniel Moore: Achieving our goals is tougher than we thought it would be.
• 29:36
  Daniel Moore: We've tried and failed and tried again and failed again.
• 29:41
  Daniel Moore: Now we're not sure if we are capable of raising our kids or navigating credit card debt, much less tackling world change.
• 29:49
  Daniel Moore: Maybe our dreams were never meant to be, or maybe we just aren't strong enough or brave enough, or some other enough to achieve them.
• 29:59
  Daniel Moore: Maybe we are unqualified.
• 30:03
  Daniel Moore: When individuals fill a gap between their weaknesses and their dreams, and between their current identity and their perceived identity according to God's plan, they often struggle with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
• 30:15
  Daniel Moore: These thoughts can lead to a negative self-perception, where they may label themselves with words that reflect their sense of being unqualified.
• 30:24
  Daniel Moore: Here's a few examples of how people wrestle with this gap and the self-identifiers that they may use.
• 30:31
  Daniel Moore: Example 1, pursuing a creative career.
• 30:35
  Daniel Moore: You know, someone dreams of becoming a successful artist, but they struggle with self-doubt about their talent and abilities.
• 30:43
  Daniel Moore: They may call themselves untalented, uncreative or inexperienced.
• 30:48
  Daniel Moore: These labels reveal their perceived weaknesses and contribute to the belief that they are not capable of achieving their dreams.
• 30:56
  Daniel Moore: Example 2, starting a business.
• 31:00
  Daniel Moore: An aspiring entrepreneur wishes to start their own business, but lacks the confidence and knowledge to do so.
• 31:07
  Daniel Moore: They may refer to themselves as incompetent, unbusinesslike or unqualified.
• 31:12
  Daniel Moore: These descriptors show their insecurities and reinforce the gap between their dreams and their perceived abilities.
• 31:21
  Daniel Moore: An example three overcoming personal challenges.
• 31:24
  Daniel Moore: A person desires to overcome personal challenges such as addiction or mental health issues, but feels overwhelmed and defeated.
• 31:32
  Daniel Moore: They might label themselves as weak, helpless or hopeless, emphasizing their perceived inadequacies in dealing with their challenges.
• 31:41
  Daniel Moore: This self-perception can make it even harder for them to work towards their dreams.
• 31:46
  Daniel Moore: In these examples, they demonstrate how individuals may struggle with the discrepancies between their weaknesses and their dreams, often magnifying their flaws and shortcomings.
• 31:58
  Daniel Moore: Overcoming this gap requires self-examination, resilience and a shift in mindset.
• 32:04
  Daniel Moore: It is important for individuals to recognize that weaknesses do not define them and that personal growth and improvement are possible.
• 32:12
  Daniel Moore: Seeking support from others, setting realistic goals and focusing on personal strengths can help individuals journey towards closing this gap and realizing their true potential.
• 32:25
  Daniel Moore: When individuals experience a gap between their realities and their dreams, it can impact their relationship with God and following the life that he has designed for them.
• 32:34
  Daniel Moore: This gap often stems from feeling inadequate or unqualified in various aspects of life, including their spiritual journey.
• 32:44
  Daniel Moore: Often, people attach certain qualifications or expectations to what it means to have a relationship with God.
• 32:52
  Daniel Moore: They may believe they need to be good enough, righteous or have their lives in perfect order before they can approach Him.
• 32:59
  Daniel Moore: This mindset can make it hard for them to truly embrace their faith and live the life God has created for them.
• 33:07
  Daniel Moore: Additionally, societal pressures in comparison with others can contribute to feeling unworthy of God's love and grace.
• 33:15
  Daniel Moore: Many people have given up on the idea of having a relationship with God because they believe they don't meet the lofty standards they have set for themselves or that they perceive society has set for them.
• 33:29
  Daniel Moore: However, the core message of the gospel is that God's love and grace are not dependent on our qualifications or achievements.
• 33:35
  Daniel Moore: It is not about what God wants from us, but rather what he wants for us.
• 33:40
  Daniel Moore: The gospel teaches that God's love is unconditional and he desires a relationship with us as flawed and imperfect beings.
• 33:48
  Daniel Moore: Over time, individuals need to learn and internalize this truth.
• 33:53
  Daniel Moore: We must understand that God's invitation to know Him is open to everyone, regardless of their weaknesses, past mistakes or societal expectations.
• 34:03
  Daniel Moore: Embracing this realization allows individuals to release the burdens of self-imposed qualifications and experience the freedom, joy and purpose that come with a genuine relationship with God by focusing on God's unconditional love, seeking His guidance and growing an understanding of His character.
• 34:23
  Daniel Moore: Through studying the Bible and connecting with believers, individuals can overcome the challenges associated with the gap between the realities and their God-given dreams.
• 34:33
  Daniel Moore: In their journey, they will gradually come to realize that God wants the very best for their lives and that he is walking alongside them every step of the way.
• 34:42
  Daniel Moore: In Revelation 22, 17, god extends an invitation to all saying Come.
• 34:49
  Daniel Moore: This verse beautifully embodies the idea that God wants us to approach Him just as we are, without needing to change who we are first.
• 34:58
  Daniel Moore: It emphasizes that God's invitation is inclusive and open to anyone, regardless of their background, mistakes or feelings of unworthiness.
• 35:07
  Daniel Moore: Unfortunately, the world and even some believers say things to us that suggest we need to change ourselves before we can approach God.
• 35:15
  Daniel Moore: This mentality implies that we have to meet certain qualifications or standards to be deemed worthy of His love and acceptance.
• 35:24
  Daniel Moore: This perspective can internalize feelings of unworthiness and create a barrier to experiencing the fullness of God's grace and love.
• 35:34
  Daniel Moore: The third words we use to describe ourselves can have a significant impact on how we perceive ourselves and our relationship with God.
• 35:41
  Daniel Moore: If we constantly label ourselves with negative words like unworthy, inadequate or unqualified, it can indeed tangle our self-perception and hinder our ability to recognize the truth about who we are in God's eyes.
• 35:55
  Daniel Moore: On the other hand, cultivating positive words like loved, accepted, chosen and redeemed can reshape our mindset and allow us to embrace God's grace and unconditional love.
• 36:07
  Daniel Moore: By recognizing and embracing these positive affirmations, we can break free from the negative self-perceptions we may have internalized or experienced the fullness of God's acceptance and purpose for our lives.
• 36:20
  Daniel Moore: Identifying and understanding our tangled third words can be a process that requires us to examine ourselves and may require us to seek support from mentors, counselors or even your pastoral leadership.
• 36:38
  Daniel Moore: By untangling and replacing negative thoughts with positive and affirming truths, we can begin to align our self-perception with God's perspective of us and experience the freedom and joy that come from embracing our identity as His beloved children.
• 36:50
  Daniel Moore: We all have weaknesses.
• 36:51
  Daniel Moore: We call them all sorts of things like hang-ups, slip-ups, screw-ups, mistakes, problems, sins, errors, faults, inner demons or addictions.
• 37:04
  Daniel Moore: Whether we like it or not, they have a lot to do with how we see ourselves and therefore how we live our lives.
• 37:11
  Daniel Moore: The pivotal question is what are we supposed to do about our weaknesses, well being real and authentic is a crucial aspect of our spiritual journey and personal growth.
• 37:23
  Daniel Moore: It involves being honest with ourselves and others about our struggles, sins and shortcomings, and others about our struggles, sins and shortcomings.
• 37:33
  Daniel Moore: It also entails acknowledging who God is, as well as comprehending both our true identity and what we are not.
• 37:37
  Daniel Moore: Authenticity extends to our self-esteem, recognizing that our worth is not defined solely by our accomplishment or perceived flaws.
• 37:46
  Daniel Moore: In our pursuit of who we really are, it is important to acknowledge that there are areas in our lives we may struggle to fix or overcome on our own.
• 37:55
  Daniel Moore: This realization can lead us to rely on God's grace, guidance and transformative power.
• 38:02
  Daniel Moore: Embracing who we are in light of who God is means understanding that our identity is rooted in His love for us and His purpose for our lives.
• 38:13
  Daniel Moore: The gap between who we are and who we sense we were meant to be can be daunting, but it is in this space that we can connect with God most intimately.
• 38:22
  Daniel Moore: It is in acknowledging our weaknesses and seeking His strength that we find the courage to step into that gap and pursue our dreams and desires aligned with His will.
• 38:32
  Daniel Moore: Charging into the gap, even when faced with challenges or opposition, is an act of faith and reliance on God's power.
• 38:40
  Daniel Moore: It is an acknowledgment that we may encounter difficulties and opposition, but we trust that God is with us every step of the way, guiding and empowering us to fulfill the dreams and desires he has placed within our hearts.
• 38:53
  Daniel Moore: In this journey towards embracing our true selves and pursuing our God-given dreams, it is essential to remember that we are not alone.
• 39:02
  Daniel Moore: God is our constant companion, providing the strength, wisdom and resilience needed to face the obstacles that come our way.
• 39:11
  Daniel Moore: Authenticity, trust and perseverance are key as we navigate the gap and strive to live out the fullness of our purpose in Christ.
• 39:22
  Daniel Moore: So what are your third words?
• 39:23
  Daniel Moore: Second, and more importantly, what are God's third words for your life?
• 39:29
  Daniel Moore: And thirdly, and most important of all, how in the world do you live right now, caught in the dichotomy between dual realities?
• 39:37
  Daniel Moore: Well, as we continue this study over the next weeks, we're about to find out.
• 39:43
  Daniel Moore: It is a truth that brings immense hope and comfort to know that God has better third words for us than we may have for ourselves.
• 39:56
  Daniel Moore: In our moments of self-doubt, feelings of unworthiness and the gap between our weaknesses and our dreams, we can turn to God for a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of identity.
• 40:01
  Daniel Moore: God sees beyond our flaws and shortcomings.
• 40:04
  Daniel Moore: He calls us loved, chosen, forgiven, redeemed and called with a purpose.
• 40:10
  Daniel Moore: His words are filled with love, grace and hope.
• 40:14
  Daniel Moore: He knows the depth of our hearts and the potential within us that we may not fully recognize ourselves In His eyes.
• 40:22
  Daniel Moore: We are not defined by our past mistakes or our limitations.
• 40:26
  Daniel Moore: Instead, god sees us through the lens of His unconditional love and the transformative power of His unconditional love and the transformative power of His Spirit.
• 40:33
  Daniel Moore: By embracing the third words that God has for us, we gain the strength and confidence to overcome the challenges that stand in our way.
• 40:42
  Daniel Moore: We find hope in His promises and assurance that he will walk with us every step of the journey.
• 40:48
  Daniel Moore: God's better third words reminds us that we are not alone in our pursuit of becoming who we were meant to be.
• 40:55
  Daniel Moore: So let us lean on his words, opening ourselves to receive his unwavering love and acceptance.
• 41:02
  Daniel Moore: Let us trust in his perfect plan for our lives, even when the path seems uncertain.
• 41:08
  Daniel Moore: With God's better third words, we have the hope and faith to pursue our dreams, persevere through obstacles and live a life that reflects His purpose and glory.
• 41:20
  Daniel Moore: Well, that's going to end this week's episode.
• 41:22
  Daniel Moore: I'm Daniel Moore.
• 41:23
  Daniel Moore: Thank you so much for listening.
• 41:25
  Daniel Moore: This show really wouldn't be possible without you.
• 41:27
  Daniel Moore: If you're a fan of the show, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and please subscribe to us on your favorite platform.
• 41:33
  Daniel Moore: The links are in the show notes.
• 41:35
  Daniel Moore: That's all for this week and we'll be back next week.
• 41:39
  Daniel Moore: And we believe that God's Word never fails us.
• 41:42
  Daniel Moore: God's Word has stood the test of time and through Jesus' death on the cross, he has connected the gap.
• 42:10
  Aria: We upload a new audio podcast every Thursday and a video version of it on YouTube and Rumble.
• 42:14
  Aria: We are also on the Christian podcasting app Edify.
• 42:17
  Aria: You can subscribe to our podcast on many of the available podcasting platforms, including Apple Podcast, spotify, amazon Music, iheart Radio, tunein Radio and more.
• 42:27
  Aria: We are also available on your Alexa-enabled devices.
• 42:30
  Aria: If you would like to contact our ministry for any reason, visit our contact page and send us a message.
• 42:35
  Aria: We hope you are blessed by this ministry.
• 42:37
  Aria: This is a production of Connecting the Gap Ministries.