Chapter 2 was a real eye-opener for me. Mahaney talks about the "Voice of our feelings."
- "on a daily basis we are faced with two simple choices. We can either listen to ourselves and our constantly changing feelings about our circumstances, or we can talk to ourselves about the unchanging truth of who God is and what He's accomplished for us at the cross through His Son Jesus."
After a computer crass that cost him all his notes for an important sermon, he expresses how he began listening to himself.
- "Almost immediately, the voice of my own feelings started to speak. 'How could God allow this? Why is this happening? ...Oh, great - now you're sinning! You're a pastor? You're going to try and preach to others after that pitiful display of anger? How can you ask God to help you prepare now? This stinks. Look at what you've done!'"But THIS is what happened when Mahaney began talking to himself.
"Your sin of anger has been atoned for by Another. Jesus died for that sin. Jesus, the One who passed every test, who was tempted in every way but never sinned. He stood in your place and He was punished in your place. God has forgiven you and he's going to help you prepare and preach this message - not because you're sinless but because He is merciful!"
What does the voice of your feelings say to you, on a daily basis? Are you listening?
