"His divine
power has given us everything we need." - 2 Peter 1:3
Self-esteem is one issue
many people struggle with in this mortal life. We either have too much or too
little, and we swing from pride to self-loathing. Saul had insecurities when
God chose him as King over Israel. After sitting on the throne for several
years, however, his pride mounted and he entertained murderous thoughts against
David, his God-chosen, anointed successor.
Entering into a relationship
with Jesus Christ empowers us to lay down our insecurities and to allow God’s
Holy Spirit to renovate our lives. We no longer need self-esteem, Since the
King of the universe redeemed us, our self-worth comes from Christ in us, who
is our hope of glory (Colossian 1:27). The opinion of another person about us no longer matters (Colossians
1:13-14), because God made
us acceptable as His beloved (Ephesians 1:6).
We are now friends
with Jesus Christ (John 15:15); members of His body (1 Corinthians 12:27); and the apple of God’s eye (Zechariah
2:8).
Through His power in us we
can accomplish everything God calls us to do. We are free from condemnation (Romans
8:1-2) and
assured that God works all things, even the bad things, out for our good (Romans
8:28). Jesus
Christ, the true vine, invites us to connect to Him as branches, which draw our
sustenance from Him. Then we are a channel of His life to others (John
15:5), chosen
and anointed to bear fruit (John 15:16; Galatians 5:22-23).
We
can never be separated from the love of God (Romans 8:31-39), because we are
established, anointed and sealed by Him (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). We are hidden with Christ
in God (Colossians 3:1-4). We are confident that God will complete the work He
started in us (Philippians 1:6), when He made us citizens of Heaven (Philippians
3:20).
We
are born of God, and Satan cannot touch us (1 John 5:18). No carnal lust or human failure can hinder us once we
make up our mind to do God’s will. We may approach God with freedom and
confidence in
our hour of need (Ephesians 3:12). We can do all things through Christ, because He strengthens
us (Philippians 4:13).
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, in the shadow of
Thy wings we rejoice. Do not allow anything to keep us from following hard
after Thee. (Psalm 63:7-8) We are
Your temple (1
Corinthians 3:16); ministers of Your reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-21); seated with You in the
heavenly realm (Ephesians 2:6). Remind us often that we are Your workmanship created in You
for good works (Ephesians 2:10).
Thought for the Day:
Trust
God with all of your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)Thank you, Heather Johnson, for the use of your photo.
