So, in no particular order (except the first few!), here goes my random list:
I'm Thankful For....
(The Special People In My Life)
1. My Son's: Two of the greatest gifts from God. My legacy!
2. My Mark: He's my best friend and the president of my fan club.. (and I am his) From him I get unconditional love and acceptance, and he always makes me feel like I'm special and so loved. I'm a blessed girl.
3. My parents, my brother & his family: I'm thankful to be the daughter of two very loving, supportive people. I know how much they adore me. My parents enabled me to experience many things, regardless of how much they sometimes worried. They gave me everything they possibly could ... and even some things they probably couldn't. I'm thankful for my brother and my sis n love and my awesome nephews.
4. My friends: If I named them all individually, from wonderful acquaintances to tried and true friends, I'd have the rest of my list of 50 right there. I know there are a lot of good people, near and far, who I can count on, who care about me, and who want only the best for me. I truly value my friends and will never have "enough" or too many.
I'M THANKFUL FOR....
(What I've Been Able To Do And Accomplish)
5. Living in many places: So far, the places I've called home have been in Mississippi, Illinois, Oregon, Wisconsin, Florida and now in Atlanta, Georgia. It's been great, experiencing various parts of the country for more than just the length of a vacation, all different and special in their own ways.
6. Working with some wonderful ministries: I feel honored to have worked with some wonderful ministries all over the world and I feel I am who I am today because of these awesome men and women of God that mentored me. Also blessed to have traveled all over the world with these ministries..... my favorite trip to date has to be Israel.
I'm Thankful For....
(Things I Like About Me)
7. Being a nice person: I'm hardly perfect, but it's good to know in my heart that I'm a kind person. I'd never intentionally hurt anyone. I don't believe in being mean. I hate to see anyone cry and love to see people smile. I genuinely appreciate and care about people.
8. Being a wonderful mother: I love being Morgan Scotlend and Lyncoln Presley's MOM.
9. Being a decent writer: At least, when I really try. I'm happy I can express myself and my imagination that way. I may not be the best writer, and there's always plenty of room for improvement, but I do know I have some talent to build on.
10. Accomplishing goals: To one degree or another, I tend to follow through on things. I thrive on having goals to strive for and am happy about the fact I've been able to achieve some of them. I like that I have "stick-to-itiveness."
11. Knowing when to quit: I like knowing that I'm able to walk away from things that don't make me happy or aren't satisfying. Sometimes it takes a while to come to terms with "quitting," but I'm glad I've had the guts to do it when it has really mattered.
12. Being able to laugh when the going gets tough: I like that I can often smile my way through difficulties and find the bright side.
I'm Thankful For....
(A Lot Of Good Blessings)
13. Being debt-free: I don't owe anyone money for anything, and that feels good.
14. Being financially secure: I'm not rich (whatever that is, monetarily speaking), but we're comfortable and we have what we need and then some.
15. Good health: This should probably be way at the top of the list, but I'm really not writing this in any particular order. So far, though, at age 39, I've never had any major--or really any--health issues. One can never know for sure what will happen in that regard, but I'm thankful that I've been blessed with good health.
I'm Thankful For....
(ALL sorts of other things)
16. Being an American: Taking nothing away from any other country, I'm just being thankful for my own. It may not be perfect--what place is?--but I love it nonetheless.
17. The seasons: I love them all. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter. There are so many wonderful, special things about each, no matter where I live or spend the time.
18. Sushi: Yum! (just figured out I LOVE IT... thanks to Mark)
19. Sunshine: Doesn't it feel good? I know, too much isn't such a good thing, but, ooh, just to soak it up for a while, either outside or in a sunny window, is one of my favorite things.
20. The sound of the rain on the roof: Is there any better sound to fall asleep to?
21. Ugg Boots: Nothin' better than ugg (ugly) boots when you have tile floors! They keep us from turning the thermostat up another few degrees on those chilly winter mornings.
22. Hot Baths: Need I explain? They're especially satisfying after a long day. Heck, they're great anytime.
23. STARBUCKS: No explanation needed;)
And I'm Thankful For....
24. The ocean: I was blessed to live near one for a while. I love the smell of it. I love to eat what comes out of it. I love to walk along it, wade in it, sometimes swim in and boat on it. Or just sit and stare at it. I especially love the moonlight on the water.
25. Facebook & Twitter: I really never thought these would be on any list of things to be thankful for (and the FB site really frustrates me sometimes), but I truly am glad I joined. I've reconnected with old friends--some of whom are better friends now than ever before--these sites have also brought some awesome NEW friends into my life that are so dear to me. I love all my Facebook and Twitter Family. Facebook has also brought together what is now a very happy couple. Grateful
26. Sanitation workers: I mean, can you imagine if no one did those jobs? In fact, this goes for anyone who does any job I wouldn't or couldn't do, because I know I benefit, directly or indirectly in some way. So doctors and nurses, police officers and accountants are included, too, along with many, many others.
27. Entertainers: I've been to so many shows--concerts, plays, Broadway and off-Broadway shows, comedy shows, circuses, ice skating shows, symphonies, movies. I even enjoy some television shows now and again. I appreciate the people who make me sing, dance, laugh, and sometimes even cry.
28. Invitations: Even though I sometimes can't accept (and, yes, sometimes don't want to), it sure is nice to be invited. To what? Well, to just about anything, I guess. And I'm thankful for them all.
29. Music: Makes my life happy.
30. Digital cameras: Sure beats having to spend all that money to develop film.And I can delete and retake pictures where I look yucky.
31. Mom's Chocolate Pecan Cake: Heavenly
32. GPS: I would be lost without mine;)
I'm Thankful For....
33. The moon and stars: Pure Perfection.... Thanks God!!
34. My Purpose: Ministry.... So grateful God trust me to love His kid's. I'm so humbled at the fact God let's me work for Him everyday.
35. Memories: It's fun to reminisce. I like reading my journal, and looking through photos, which remind me of so many details.
36. Things to look forward to: I have adventures, big and small, on my list, both planned and yet to be, to be excited about.
37. The hard times: Because they've made me stronger and wiser, and the good times even better.
38. Those who read what I write: I really appreciate the time anyone takes to read what I've written, be it a status update, a tweet, a blog post, a journal entry, you name it. I hope they find the time well spent somehow, too.
39. All those who've ever served our country: And other countries too. It's an admiral and brave thing to do. Our men and women in uniform, past and present, have, do and will give so much for us all. So do their families.
And I'm Thankful For....
40. LOVE: it may not make the world go around but it sure makes life more fun.... ;)
41. The little things: every single one of them...
42. Friends I've yet to make: I look forward to meeting them!
43. Wildflowers: I can't name more than about three or four, but I sure do think they're pretty.
44. Candles: They have a way of making my home feel more like a home.....
45. Dusk and dawn: They don't last long, but I love it when I'm aware of those times.. Dusk and dawn have their own special sounds and light changes.
46. My telephone chats with Mark: Something about sitting and talking late into the night about our dreams.
47. Having a good memory: I'm quite good at keeping track of things and remembering certain kinds of details. Or at least I'm good at writing things down so I don't forget. Most of the time, anyway.
48. Being sensitive: I'm sensitive to other people's feelings. This also helps me when I'm flowing in ministry. I'm grateful for that.
49. The BIG PICTURE!!
50. BEING ME!!
Kimberly Jones
Welcome to my World
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Favor Ain't Fair!
“Your threshing season will overlap with the grape harvest, and your grape harvest will overlap with the season of planting grain. You will eat your fill and live securely in your own land”
(Leviticus 26:5, NLT)
I believe we are living in a day and age when God is accelerating His work in our lives! I believe that what used to take days, weeks and even years in times past, God will do in an instant in this day and age. In an instant, you can receive your breakthrough. In an instant, you can be promoted on your job. In an instant, you can receive your healing. In an instant, your relationship can be restored. In an instant, that child can change their ways.
Today, believe that God will take you further than you ever thought possible, faster than you ever thought possible. Trust that your times are in His hands. Know that He is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Just like in the days of old, God will accelerate your seasons, and He will thrust you into the blessing and victory He has prepared for you!
(Leviticus 26:5, NLT)
I believe we are living in a day and age when God is accelerating His work in our lives! I believe that what used to take days, weeks and even years in times past, God will do in an instant in this day and age. In an instant, you can receive your breakthrough. In an instant, you can be promoted on your job. In an instant, you can receive your healing. In an instant, your relationship can be restored. In an instant, that child can change their ways.
Today, believe that God will take you further than you ever thought possible, faster than you ever thought possible. Trust that your times are in His hands. Know that He is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Just like in the days of old, God will accelerate your seasons, and He will thrust you into the blessing and victory He has prepared for you!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Favor For A Lifetime...
Did you know that God has already released good things into your future? His favor covers your lifetime! When God laid out the plan for your life, He lined up the right people, the right circumstances, and the right breaks. In your future, He’s already released favor, supernatural opportunities, and divine connections. The good breaks you need have already been preordained to come across your path. If you will stay in faith and go out each day and be a person of excellence, you’ll have times where it’s as if you just stumbled into God’s blessings. You’ll look back and think, “How did I get to where I am? I’m not the most qualified, but I got the promotion. I didn’t deserve that break, but someone went out of their way to help me.” What happened? You walked into that favor that was already poured out on your path.
Today, no matter what you may be facing, focus on moving forward. He has already ordered your steps and arranged good things for you. Keep praying, keep believing, and keep hoping because there is favor in store for your future!
Today, no matter what you may be facing, focus on moving forward. He has already ordered your steps and arranged good things for you. Keep praying, keep believing, and keep hoping because there is favor in store for your future!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Can't Keep a Good Woman Down
"Failure is temporarily disbelief on the way to permanent Success"
-Stop looking at the limitations when u fail, and start looking for the blessings in that failure! Failure has been my life's greatest MENTOR, it has taught me lessons that no other person or situation could ever teach. The thing you have to realize is that God might allow us to fail in something far SMALLER just so we can be successful in something much BIGGER! Failure is only final when you STOP trying to succeed and in reality it's just a stepping stone that moves us closer to our dreams. When you're on the right track TRUST temporarily failure is a mile marker that you will cross while on your path to greatness. So Stop complaining, pick yourself back up and go get what God has set out for your life.
P.S. In my eyes... Failure is really a friend that is just simply misunderstood.
-Stop looking at the limitations when u fail, and start looking for the blessings in that failure! Failure has been my life's greatest MENTOR, it has taught me lessons that no other person or situation could ever teach. The thing you have to realize is that God might allow us to fail in something far SMALLER just so we can be successful in something much BIGGER! Failure is only final when you STOP trying to succeed and in reality it's just a stepping stone that moves us closer to our dreams. When you're on the right track TRUST temporarily failure is a mile marker that you will cross while on your path to greatness. So Stop complaining, pick yourself back up and go get what God has set out for your life.
P.S. In my eyes... Failure is really a friend that is just simply misunderstood.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Embracing My DNA
For me, prayer has always been wrapped up in condemnation.
Not that it was a conscious thought, but it was always there… underlying my foundational beliefs about prayer. And about myself.
While I’ve never been one to pray for very long, everyday but not hours at a time. my mom, on the other hand, was known for her hours-long prayer times. And in a way, it became a measure of spirituality in the brand of Christianity I was raised in.
A measure I fell very short of.
I’ve been made to feel like a “bad Christian” because of my prayer habits (or non-habits).
I’ve been told that I’m not spiritual enough because I don’t pray for long periods of time. (Along with my insufficient Scripture usage and lack of structured “quiet times”…)
Prayer became yet another area that I’m simply “not enough” in. The guilt always gave birth to shame in my failed attempts to try harder.
So it’s something I’ve had to realign my thinking on. And I find myself still needing to. Often. Because I still feel the weight of those lies.
I want depth and realness in my prayer life to stem from desire, not judgment.
I’m tired of trying to pray more/better/longer/eloquentlier because I’m “supposed to”. I’m done should-ing on myself, and I’m done with others should-ing on me too.
Because, let’s be honest… Guilt, disapproval, and judgment have only caused me to pray less, not more.
Ironic how condemnation works. Even when it’s self-inflicted.
I digress.
There is significant freedom in remembering that God created me as I am, on purpose.
He’s not surprised by my “oooooh! shiny!” tendencies when I’m talking to Him. He’s not baffled by my inability to sit still for extended periods of time. He’s not confused when I pray in short one-liners spread throughout the day.
He knows what I’m like. He’s the One who knit me together for God’s sake! (No blasphemy intended. He really did create me for His sake.)
And He hardwired me exactly as I am. Intentionally.
I think He loves when I relate to Him out of the uniqueness of my own DNA rather than out of some mass-produced version of how Christians “should” pray.
So today I’m choosing to shake off the shackles of should and supposed to. And I’m giving myself the freedom to discover how God wants to relate to me.
And how He created me to relate to Him.
Which is as individual and unparalleled as my fingerprint.
What are some of the unique ways you can relate to God?
Do you feel freedom to connect with Him like that?
Not that it was a conscious thought, but it was always there… underlying my foundational beliefs about prayer. And about myself.
While I’ve never been one to pray for very long, everyday but not hours at a time. my mom, on the other hand, was known for her hours-long prayer times. And in a way, it became a measure of spirituality in the brand of Christianity I was raised in.
A measure I fell very short of.
I’ve been made to feel like a “bad Christian” because of my prayer habits (or non-habits).
I’ve been told that I’m not spiritual enough because I don’t pray for long periods of time. (Along with my insufficient Scripture usage and lack of structured “quiet times”…)
Prayer became yet another area that I’m simply “not enough” in. The guilt always gave birth to shame in my failed attempts to try harder.
So it’s something I’ve had to realign my thinking on. And I find myself still needing to. Often. Because I still feel the weight of those lies.
I want depth and realness in my prayer life to stem from desire, not judgment.
I’m tired of trying to pray more/better/longer/eloquentlier because I’m “supposed to”. I’m done should-ing on myself, and I’m done with others should-ing on me too.
Because, let’s be honest… Guilt, disapproval, and judgment have only caused me to pray less, not more.
Ironic how condemnation works. Even when it’s self-inflicted.
I digress.
There is significant freedom in remembering that God created me as I am, on purpose.
He’s not surprised by my “oooooh! shiny!” tendencies when I’m talking to Him. He’s not baffled by my inability to sit still for extended periods of time. He’s not confused when I pray in short one-liners spread throughout the day.
He knows what I’m like. He’s the One who knit me together for God’s sake! (No blasphemy intended. He really did create me for His sake.)
And He hardwired me exactly as I am. Intentionally.
I think He loves when I relate to Him out of the uniqueness of my own DNA rather than out of some mass-produced version of how Christians “should” pray.
So today I’m choosing to shake off the shackles of should and supposed to. And I’m giving myself the freedom to discover how God wants to relate to me.
And how He created me to relate to Him.
Which is as individual and unparalleled as my fingerprint.
What are some of the unique ways you can relate to God?
Do you feel freedom to connect with Him like that?
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Who Touched Me
The woman bled for 12 years straight.Physician after physician shrugged his shoulders. She’d given up all hope of ever getting better. But then she heard about Jesus: the miracle worker. Desperate, she knew she had to get to Him.
As she clawed her way through the crowd on her hands and knees, she carried with her much more than her illness. She carried shame. As if in a bag over her shoulder, she dragged along a heavy burden of rejection and fear. She’s referred to as the “woman with the issue of blood”, but her issues ran much deeper than that. Her physical ailment made her an outcast in her own culture.Her emotional hurts and scars were far worse than her physical ones.
Finally catching up to Jesus, she reached out and frantically, yet faintly, grabbed the hem of His robe. Immediately, she was healed. Jesus turned around and faced the crowd.“Who touched Me?”
Shetold Him the whole truth.She told why she had touched Him and how she had been instantly healed.Jesus cared enough to listen to her story. Thelongversion.He just let her talk.He was on His way to heal a dying girl. People were rushing Him. Pressing Him. Insisting He keep going before it’s too late. He silenced them long enough for her to tell her story.
When she finished talking, He responded by calling herDaughter. It’s the only time recorded that He addressed someone that way. The love she felt in that one simple word must have been overwhelming. After pouring out her heart, He’d responded with pure affection. Gentle but aggressive love.
If Jesus’ aim was simply to heal her, He would have kept walking after she touched Him, for she was healed instantly. If that was all He was concerned about, He wouldn’t have stopped, turned around, asked the question. He wouldn’t have looked straight at her, talked to her, listened. But He did all those things. He wanted to let her talk. To tell her story.He wanted to call herDaughter.
For that is when her heart was healed.
He wanted to heal more than her body. His aim all along was to heal her heart.
I can picture Him looking her in the eyes as He talked to her. And making her look into His. The healing began as, face-to-face, His love was visible, and it resonated within her soul. It broke down walls. Shattered barriers. Smashed through the defenses she’d lived behind for so long. His love broke through with a simple gaze, a listening ear, and undivided attention.
It wouldn’t have helped if He healed her physically, but left her to still carry the hurt from her 12 years of rejection and disgrace. Despite her physical healing, she probably would have continued to stay holed up in her house. She would have been the same cowering little girl she always was, still dragging her bag of shame behind her. But as Jesus looked into her eyes, He saw the woman He created her to be, and He wasn’t content to leave her drowning in her pain.
The greatest healing isn’t the miraculous cure of her incurable disease. It is the passionate healing of her heart.
God’s primary concern is still the condition of hearts. Physical health and a blessed life pale in comparison with a restored soul. God’s heart hurts for our hurting hearts.
He still brings love, grace, and healing through a touch of the hem of His robe.
And we are the hem of His robe.
As she clawed her way through the crowd on her hands and knees, she carried with her much more than her illness. She carried shame. As if in a bag over her shoulder, she dragged along a heavy burden of rejection and fear. She’s referred to as the “woman with the issue of blood”, but her issues ran much deeper than that. Her physical ailment made her an outcast in her own culture.Her emotional hurts and scars were far worse than her physical ones.
Finally catching up to Jesus, she reached out and frantically, yet faintly, grabbed the hem of His robe. Immediately, she was healed. Jesus turned around and faced the crowd.“Who touched Me?”
Shetold Him the whole truth.She told why she had touched Him and how she had been instantly healed.Jesus cared enough to listen to her story. Thelongversion.He just let her talk.He was on His way to heal a dying girl. People were rushing Him. Pressing Him. Insisting He keep going before it’s too late. He silenced them long enough for her to tell her story.
When she finished talking, He responded by calling herDaughter. It’s the only time recorded that He addressed someone that way. The love she felt in that one simple word must have been overwhelming. After pouring out her heart, He’d responded with pure affection. Gentle but aggressive love.
If Jesus’ aim was simply to heal her, He would have kept walking after she touched Him, for she was healed instantly. If that was all He was concerned about, He wouldn’t have stopped, turned around, asked the question. He wouldn’t have looked straight at her, talked to her, listened. But He did all those things. He wanted to let her talk. To tell her story.He wanted to call herDaughter.
For that is when her heart was healed.
He wanted to heal more than her body. His aim all along was to heal her heart.
I can picture Him looking her in the eyes as He talked to her. And making her look into His. The healing began as, face-to-face, His love was visible, and it resonated within her soul. It broke down walls. Shattered barriers. Smashed through the defenses she’d lived behind for so long. His love broke through with a simple gaze, a listening ear, and undivided attention.
It wouldn’t have helped if He healed her physically, but left her to still carry the hurt from her 12 years of rejection and disgrace. Despite her physical healing, she probably would have continued to stay holed up in her house. She would have been the same cowering little girl she always was, still dragging her bag of shame behind her. But as Jesus looked into her eyes, He saw the woman He created her to be, and He wasn’t content to leave her drowning in her pain.
The greatest healing isn’t the miraculous cure of her incurable disease. It is the passionate healing of her heart.
God’s primary concern is still the condition of hearts. Physical health and a blessed life pale in comparison with a restored soul. God’s heart hurts for our hurting hearts.
He still brings love, grace, and healing through a touch of the hem of His robe.
And we are the hem of His robe.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Flipping the Script on Self(ish)Love.. Creating a better ME!
How many times have you been told to "believe in" or to "feel good about yourself"? I had a mentor who advised me to kiss my reflection in the mirror and tell myself that i am beautiful and wonderful. I know some people who act like they’ve kissed their mirrors one too many times, but not me. I have suffered from insecurity and low self-esteem myself before.. I always say,"God was in a funny mood the day he created me!" He gave me to a mommy that stood 5'1 and 99 pounds wet.. He created me 5'9 and thick;)) I always felt like a amazon next to her petite frame! I now celebrate my body & image. Wouldn't want to be any different! I also faced a learning disability which led to me being very driven in everything i did. Trying to prove something to ME & everyone around me. I really was a train wreck for a while. Hurt people.. Hurt people! I hurt many Hearts of people I loved all because I didn't love me. Thank God I'm free from that & growing everyday! Healed people.. Heal people! This is why I now Love sooooo Much.. Even the Meanies;)) I realize no one truly wants to be mean.. It's a cover for their insecurities,hurt and pain that they haven't dealt with.. I truly believe everyone can change if they desire! I did;)
I’ve always seemed confident on the outside, but I’ve felt insecure inside, longing for someone to love me and believe in me. Just as many of you have. My gift from God was realizing it had to start in me so that I could be lovable.. I faced a life changing event 5 years ago that literally brought me to my knees. What the devil meant for evil.. God used for his Glory and healed my soul through it. Though I would never want anyone to face this nor would I ever want to relive it.. I am so grateful for what God did in my heart,life and soul! I surrendered during this season. I was desperate and allowed myself to be vulnerable to a good God. I realized he is a Kind, loving , gracious, forgiving God who desired for me to be whole and love life! I faced my fears and learned to love people & everything about me.. I was reborn in this season! Okay.. Let me get back on track here on talking about Self Esteem;)
Is Self-Esteem Necessary?
Society emphasizes the need for high self-esteem, but is it biblical? Some people think so. They point to Mark 12:31 as a biblical basis for cultivating self-love. That’s the passage where Jesus says that the greatest commandment is to love God and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself. Proponents of self-love detect a third commandment, explaining that we cannot love our neighbor until we love ourselves. Hence, they say, our basic need is higher self-esteem. Yet this is a misinterpretation of Scripture. Ephesians 5:6 says, "No man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it. . . ." Rather than telling us to love ourselves, the Bible says we already love ourselves and predicts that self-esteem movements will rise in the last days. In fact, the only biblical reference to self love is negative. People will become "lovers of their own selves" (2 Timothy 3:2). Society’s emphasis on self-love is characteristic of a proud society. We are seeing ramifications of this all around us with how we've placed men & women of God up on high man made platforms holding them to unrealistic standards that they couldn't fulfill. They got puffed up by the praise and lost sight of the fear of God. This resulting in them falling into sin and hurting lots of saints who had them in the place of God in their lives.
The Bible contains plenty of examples of people who suffered from self-esteem problems. However, none suffered from low self-esteem. King Saul was doing just fine when he was "little in [his] own sight" (2 Samuel 15:17). When he became proud and decided to run his own show, however, his high self-esteem, manifested in disobedience, cost him his kingdom.
A rich man of the New Testament also paid a high price for high self-esteem. One year, his harvest was far more than he needed, so he came up with a plan to rip down his barns and build bigger ones to hold his excess food. Then he said to himself: "Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink and be merry" (Luke 12:18-19). Christ condemned this man for focusing on himself, calling him a fool. The rich man’s self-focus cost him his life that night.
Do you notice any similarities between the rich man’s words and the following? "I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most high" (Isaiah 14:13-14). These words, spoken by Satan, caused him to be thrown out of heaven. High self-esteem says,
"You are great; you have the ability and the right to make your own decisions and to run your own life, and no one should stop you—not even God." High self-esteem was the original sin.
Consider the apostle Paul. If anyone had cause to have high self-esteem, Paul did. He had attended a prestigious "Ivy League" school of his day. He was religious, extremely moral, and zealous in religious service. Yet the Lord gave him a "thorn in the flesh" to keep him from having high self-esteem. In 2 Corinthians 12:6, Paul says he would have enjoyed glorying in himself, yet he realized how foolish that would be. Only God deserved the credit for changing him from a pompous Pharisee to a humble servant of Christ.(This is how I feel.. I'm humbled to be a voice for my God;) Though Paul asked God to take his weakness away, the request was denied. Instead, Christ gave Paul something better: Christ-dependence. Listen to the Lord’s promise: "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (v. 9).
Is Christ Sufficient?
If having high self-esteem is so unbiblical, why do Christians still think they need it? Self-esteem rears its head when we refuse to believe that Christ is sufficient in our weakness and when we claim credit for the abilities, accomplishments, and strengths God has given us. Our need for self-esteem is basically pride—essentially stealing attention away from God. In our culture where the self-made man and the empowered woman are our role models, weakness is not a virtue. We would rather feel strong and self-sufficient than to be dependent on someone else. If we realize that Christ can love us, use us, change us, and give us grace in our weaknesses, then Christ is the One we need, not ourselves. (whew.. I'm blessing myself & speaking to myself! This makes me love God even more!;)
You have a choice. You can choose to believe in yourself or Christ but not both. If we really believe that Christ is sufficient in our weakness—that Christ’s strength, beauty, sovereignty, and perfection are far greater than our weakness—then we won’t need to raise our self-esteem. When we admit that we are weak and that God is strong, we become people God can use for His glory. We aren't puffed up.. We realize we're just a sinner, saved by grace.. We're so humbled and grateful, we can't help but be contagious in his love! We walk everyday in the whole armor of God and give him all the glory!
How do we combat self-esteem and cultivate Christ-esteem? We need to think realistically about who we are in light of who God is. Try this: Take a sheet of paper and divide it into four columns. In the first column, list your weaknesses, and in the second column, write down verses that show how God can be glorified through each one. A verse that helps me overcome the jitters when I'm faced with standing & ministering in front of a group of saints that I respect and admire.. I find myself feeling at times like they should be up there more than I... (Yes, this happens to me;) one of my verses is Psalm 144:1: "Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight." I am chosen to minister the gospel and I can do all things thru Christ who strengthen me! He turned my scars into stars and my pain into my pulpit.. Thank the Lord for how He can and will use your weaknesses to show His strength, power, and grace in your life. (Note: If you cannot be thankful for your weaknesses, you are showing roots of bitterness against God. Confess that and then thank Him.)
In the third column, write your strengths and pray two things about each one: First, ask God to prevent you from boasting in them (2 Corinthians 12:9). Recognize that it is only by His grace you have strengths and abilities; Second, entrust each strength to the Lord, asking Him to use your strengths to glorify Himself. Finally, in the fourth column, write down Bible verses that will help you to resist the temptation to be proud of your strengths. Girls, do you think that you are (as my guy friends used to say) a "super luscious babe"? Memorize Proverbs 31:30: "Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." But wait, guys, you’re not off the hook. If you think you’re a "chick magnet," consider Eliab, King David’s good-looking older brother. His looks did not impress God, who said, "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). If we pray submissively and think biblically, God will give grace to meet our needs (Philippians 4:6-19).
When we acknowledge our powerlessness compared to that of a holy, righteous, omnipotent God, we realize we have nothing to glory in. We are left in awe of the God of the universe who fearfully and wonderfully made each of us to be exactly who we are (Psalm 139:14). He is also the God who provides His Spirit to help us in our weakness (Romans 8:26). We can confidently depend on Christ when we’re feeling weak! "For when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10).
I am learning that I don’t need someone to believe in me when my almighty, loving Father has chosen me and is working in my life to make me like His Son. Everyday is a new day of me growing more & more in him..He is the One we need to esteem. We need only Him. That just rawks to ME! I pray this touched you and gives you a new understanding of just how precious you are to our father! I love each one of you to pieces and believe in you greatly! Bless you!
I’ve always seemed confident on the outside, but I’ve felt insecure inside, longing for someone to love me and believe in me. Just as many of you have. My gift from God was realizing it had to start in me so that I could be lovable.. I faced a life changing event 5 years ago that literally brought me to my knees. What the devil meant for evil.. God used for his Glory and healed my soul through it. Though I would never want anyone to face this nor would I ever want to relive it.. I am so grateful for what God did in my heart,life and soul! I surrendered during this season. I was desperate and allowed myself to be vulnerable to a good God. I realized he is a Kind, loving , gracious, forgiving God who desired for me to be whole and love life! I faced my fears and learned to love people & everything about me.. I was reborn in this season! Okay.. Let me get back on track here on talking about Self Esteem;)
Is Self-Esteem Necessary?
Society emphasizes the need for high self-esteem, but is it biblical? Some people think so. They point to Mark 12:31 as a biblical basis for cultivating self-love. That’s the passage where Jesus says that the greatest commandment is to love God and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself. Proponents of self-love detect a third commandment, explaining that we cannot love our neighbor until we love ourselves. Hence, they say, our basic need is higher self-esteem. Yet this is a misinterpretation of Scripture. Ephesians 5:6 says, "No man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it. . . ." Rather than telling us to love ourselves, the Bible says we already love ourselves and predicts that self-esteem movements will rise in the last days. In fact, the only biblical reference to self love is negative. People will become "lovers of their own selves" (2 Timothy 3:2). Society’s emphasis on self-love is characteristic of a proud society. We are seeing ramifications of this all around us with how we've placed men & women of God up on high man made platforms holding them to unrealistic standards that they couldn't fulfill. They got puffed up by the praise and lost sight of the fear of God. This resulting in them falling into sin and hurting lots of saints who had them in the place of God in their lives.
The Bible contains plenty of examples of people who suffered from self-esteem problems. However, none suffered from low self-esteem. King Saul was doing just fine when he was "little in [his] own sight" (2 Samuel 15:17). When he became proud and decided to run his own show, however, his high self-esteem, manifested in disobedience, cost him his kingdom.
A rich man of the New Testament also paid a high price for high self-esteem. One year, his harvest was far more than he needed, so he came up with a plan to rip down his barns and build bigger ones to hold his excess food. Then he said to himself: "Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink and be merry" (Luke 12:18-19). Christ condemned this man for focusing on himself, calling him a fool. The rich man’s self-focus cost him his life that night.
Do you notice any similarities between the rich man’s words and the following? "I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most high" (Isaiah 14:13-14). These words, spoken by Satan, caused him to be thrown out of heaven. High self-esteem says,
"You are great; you have the ability and the right to make your own decisions and to run your own life, and no one should stop you—not even God." High self-esteem was the original sin.
Consider the apostle Paul. If anyone had cause to have high self-esteem, Paul did. He had attended a prestigious "Ivy League" school of his day. He was religious, extremely moral, and zealous in religious service. Yet the Lord gave him a "thorn in the flesh" to keep him from having high self-esteem. In 2 Corinthians 12:6, Paul says he would have enjoyed glorying in himself, yet he realized how foolish that would be. Only God deserved the credit for changing him from a pompous Pharisee to a humble servant of Christ.(This is how I feel.. I'm humbled to be a voice for my God;) Though Paul asked God to take his weakness away, the request was denied. Instead, Christ gave Paul something better: Christ-dependence. Listen to the Lord’s promise: "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (v. 9).
Is Christ Sufficient?
If having high self-esteem is so unbiblical, why do Christians still think they need it? Self-esteem rears its head when we refuse to believe that Christ is sufficient in our weakness and when we claim credit for the abilities, accomplishments, and strengths God has given us. Our need for self-esteem is basically pride—essentially stealing attention away from God. In our culture where the self-made man and the empowered woman are our role models, weakness is not a virtue. We would rather feel strong and self-sufficient than to be dependent on someone else. If we realize that Christ can love us, use us, change us, and give us grace in our weaknesses, then Christ is the One we need, not ourselves. (whew.. I'm blessing myself & speaking to myself! This makes me love God even more!;)
You have a choice. You can choose to believe in yourself or Christ but not both. If we really believe that Christ is sufficient in our weakness—that Christ’s strength, beauty, sovereignty, and perfection are far greater than our weakness—then we won’t need to raise our self-esteem. When we admit that we are weak and that God is strong, we become people God can use for His glory. We aren't puffed up.. We realize we're just a sinner, saved by grace.. We're so humbled and grateful, we can't help but be contagious in his love! We walk everyday in the whole armor of God and give him all the glory!
How do we combat self-esteem and cultivate Christ-esteem? We need to think realistically about who we are in light of who God is. Try this: Take a sheet of paper and divide it into four columns. In the first column, list your weaknesses, and in the second column, write down verses that show how God can be glorified through each one. A verse that helps me overcome the jitters when I'm faced with standing & ministering in front of a group of saints that I respect and admire.. I find myself feeling at times like they should be up there more than I... (Yes, this happens to me;) one of my verses is Psalm 144:1: "Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight." I am chosen to minister the gospel and I can do all things thru Christ who strengthen me! He turned my scars into stars and my pain into my pulpit.. Thank the Lord for how He can and will use your weaknesses to show His strength, power, and grace in your life. (Note: If you cannot be thankful for your weaknesses, you are showing roots of bitterness against God. Confess that and then thank Him.)
In the third column, write your strengths and pray two things about each one: First, ask God to prevent you from boasting in them (2 Corinthians 12:9). Recognize that it is only by His grace you have strengths and abilities; Second, entrust each strength to the Lord, asking Him to use your strengths to glorify Himself. Finally, in the fourth column, write down Bible verses that will help you to resist the temptation to be proud of your strengths. Girls, do you think that you are (as my guy friends used to say) a "super luscious babe"? Memorize Proverbs 31:30: "Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." But wait, guys, you’re not off the hook. If you think you’re a "chick magnet," consider Eliab, King David’s good-looking older brother. His looks did not impress God, who said, "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). If we pray submissively and think biblically, God will give grace to meet our needs (Philippians 4:6-19).
When we acknowledge our powerlessness compared to that of a holy, righteous, omnipotent God, we realize we have nothing to glory in. We are left in awe of the God of the universe who fearfully and wonderfully made each of us to be exactly who we are (Psalm 139:14). He is also the God who provides His Spirit to help us in our weakness (Romans 8:26). We can confidently depend on Christ when we’re feeling weak! "For when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10).
I am learning that I don’t need someone to believe in me when my almighty, loving Father has chosen me and is working in my life to make me like His Son. Everyday is a new day of me growing more & more in him..He is the One we need to esteem. We need only Him. That just rawks to ME! I pray this touched you and gives you a new understanding of just how precious you are to our father! I love each one of you to pieces and believe in you greatly! Bless you!
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