22/08/2018
The Albatross is an interesting large seabird
A wandering albatross has a wingspan that reaches 11ft and can spend weeks on sea without returning to land.
It can soar on the wind without flapping its wings, except during take-off.
This seabird is fond of following ships as they sail
There’s a story about a sailor who shot an albatross (bad fortune) and was made to carry the carcass around his neck as recompense or penance.
Metaphorically speaking, an albatross is a dead weight or an annoying burden in one’s life that comes as a result of a sin or wrongdoing.
All the things you have said, all the things you have done, all that guilt, all that stigma, all that regret.
It makes one slow and weighs more than guilt.
It isn't easily discarded but you need it off your neck in order to move forward
An albatross also prevents you from putting enthusiasm into your work.
Normally, you get rid of the albatross by restitution or by undoing what you did.
But you can take it off your neck by the blood of Jesus.
Instead of the albatross, the cross.
Pr.24:16. A saint is a ‘sinner’ who fell down and got up. You can bounce back.
How to get rid of the albatross:
- Rom.1:17, Gal.3:11, Heb.10:38, Hbk.2:4; you have to believe that Jesus died for your past, present and future sins.
- Rom.8:1; Know that there's no condemnation for those in Christ.
- 1Cor.1:30; Jesus is our righteousness and redemption.
- Pr.23:7; You are what you think: see yourself as forgiven and redeemed. Think of God’s mercy.
- 1Jn.1:9, 1Thes.5:17; Pray; Talk to Jesus
- Jm.5:16; Talk about it to a mentor, talk to your pastor and your confidants.
- Pr.27:17; Don't be alone: iron sharpens iron. Have a mentor, have godly friends, be part of a fellowship etc. The devil has an easier time with people that are alone.
- Heb.4:16, Luke 15:11-32; Bounce back boldly: you need to be bold about it. In the spirit, timid people are easy targets. Come boldly to the throne of grace to receive mercy. [See the prodigal son]
Confidence is key. Heb.10:35
Confidence is fueled by knowledge. Know who you are in Christ.
Confidence is fueled by family, your companions
Confidence is fueled by reassurance, read the bible.
Confidence is fueled by appearance, your countenance. Be of good cheer, for you have overcome the world.
Confidence is fueled by your words, by speaking. For with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.
Confidence is fueled by strategic positioning; be at the right place, at the right time, with the right people, doing the right things for the right reasons, with the right motives.
Confidence is fueled by success. Getting it right once will spur you to get it right over and over.
Confidence is fueled by God's presence, spend ample time with God.
