Self Image

I think keeping up your appearance is a good thing, but it shouldn't be how you identify and value yourself. You can make your appearance a god just like anything else. If we learn to wrap our identity up in Christ, only then will we be content.When we give God our best, even in the area of our looks and dress, that is enough. Along with that I think we need to be careful in how we judge others by their looks.

Though I don't use the version of Bible they use in this article, it has some good references and content that I hope will encourage you.

4 Bible Verses For Repairing Your Self Image

This really can be a whole other topic, but here are some verses on why I think self-image is important, and also why it shouldn't be what defines and consumes us...

1 Samuel 16:7 says "...the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."

Proverbs 31:21-22 "She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple."

 

If you are dealing with any sort of low self image, I want you to know that you are not alone. I've caught myself comparing my looks and dress to others. It's easy to get caught up in that. But we must remember who it is we're trying to please....the world or God? No, I don't dress great all the time. Obviously I don't wear my "best clothes" to work outside and sometimes I get caught out in public wearing those grungy garments. Sometimes I wake up tired and the outfit I put together really wasn't that great after all or maybe it's that I didn't have time to do my make-up. It happens. In those moments, there is a choice to make...feel self-conscious or be confident in the person God made you, knowing that's not how you always present yourself.

I'm not an expert, I'm just here sharing some opinions and things I've learned. I hope you feel encouraged. Have a blessed day.

A Positive Thought

I was reminded of this verse today in the midst of some frustration. No matter who or what gets on our nerves and no matter what is "going wrong", it's better to give it to God, think of these good things, and let Him give you peace only He can give! :)

 

Philippians 4:7-9 (KJV)

⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

⁹ Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.



A Strong Church

I thought this was a great sermon on A Strong Church by Dr. Stanley! Click here to view it on InTouch.org.

KEY PASSAGE: Matt. 16:13-20 / SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE: Malachi 3:10 / Matt. 16:23; 28:19-20
Luke 9:12-17 / John 11:25-26 / Acts 1:4-8; 2:44-45 / Rom. 1:17; 12:6-8 / Gal. 2:11-16; 3:11; 5:22-23
Heb. 10:25, 38
 

What makes a church strong?

  We can't tell the strength of it by looking at the building or even at the size of the congregation. The only way to make this determination is to find out what Jesus says is essential for His church. After all, He's the Builder (Matt. 16:18). When He asked His disciples who they thought He was, Peter quickly answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:16). On this statement of faith Jesus built His church. If this truth is removed, the foundation crumbles and is only an institution. 

  Christ is also the one who guards, protects, and grows His church. Because He's omnipotent, all the forces of evil will never be able to destroy it. Although the church has been persecuted....
  To read more and to view the Sermon Points, please click here.

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

"For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee."  ~ Psalm 139:13-18 ~

How exciting is this!? To know God cares greatly about us and considers us a living soul while still in our mother. To know that God thinks about us and never lets us go. His love to us remains steadfast.

Have you ever had a science class? Looking at the intricate detail of our being, we can see that we are fearfully and wonderfully made!

Have you ever had friends "drift away" or maybe even betray you? Have you suffered from a broken heart because of a guy/girl? Have your parents kicked you out? God wont leave you once you're His child!I hope these verses above give you encouragement and put a smile on your face as you go throughout your day! And remember - don't forget to let someone else in on what Christ has done for you! "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:18-20)

What do you think?

I don't see why this couldn't be true...I think it's pretty cool. Check out this article "Newly-Found Document Holds Eyewitness Account of Jesus Performing Miracle".

^{John 21:25} "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen."

 

Hebrews 13:8

Hebrews 13:8 ~ "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."

God has been reminding me a lot the last couple days of His unending love, provision, peace, my need for Him and the promise that as His child, He'll never leave me nor forsake me. He is bigger than each and everyone of my fears and failures. What overwhelming joy and thankfulness that brings to me! :D I hope it does to you as well! There's nothing like resting in the Lord. Nothing like growing closer in love with Him.

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
Hebrews 13:5

Time, time, time!!!

  This is a thought that I found sitting in "drafts". I thought I'd go ahead and post it....

Time....I'm sure we can all agree we don't use it as wisely as possible!

Here lately it seems like I have a church function on the calendar almost every night...whether it be Bible study, soul winning, or church. I'm excited that I have those opportunities....but in reality I usually make excuses that I'm to busy or tired.

I don't think you have to do EVERYTHING...in fact, sometimes it's just not healthy...physically or spiritually. You can wear yourself down or get so busy your not having your quiet time and building your relationship with Christ. But...I know being to busy for Him is not my problem right now, sadly :( I think I probably did more for Him while on vacation this past summer!

God has been showing me that I need to get more involved in His work instead of being consumed only with what I want to do. Sometimes that might mean giving up things I had planned...but you know, just like in other areas, if I give God my time....He will provide the right times for me to hang out with friends, go shopping, work on crafts....or do whatever "it" may be.

Christ wants all of me! He doesn't always want me to DO....He just wants me to be willing to do! (Like Abraham and Issac.) Our life is short and I need to not pass up opportunities to witness to others, serve, grow with my Christian family. I've been created for God, He sacrificed His only begotten Son for me, there's no reason why I shouldn't live for Him!

 Here is a poem I found that I thought was good.