Scripture tells us in the book of Hebrews that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. What does that mean for you? That means that if 2,000 years ago He healed, He forgave sin, He died for one person—then throughout all of time and eternity this same Jesus died for you, forgave you, loves you, lives to give you life, and came back from the dead so you could experience all that He has for you!
God confirmed your value by sending what was most precious and valuable to Him to purchase you, His Son. Your value is not based on your past or your performance, but on your purchase price, which will always be the blood of Jesus!
If you can get a proper perspective, or image, of how God sees you as a new creation in Christ, and how you see God in light of His love and care for you, then you will build a foundation that cannot be moved by the storms of life. It cannot be moved by negative reports or the appearances of circumstances that you are experiencing in your world!
Jesus’ sinless life given for us, His blood shed for our sins, His body broken that our bodies might be restored, His death in poverty that we might find the riches of eternal life—take some time to remember all that Christ has done for you in his death, burial and resurrection!
Jesus paid the price for our sin and sickness and disease on the cross. So it’s not, “I’m GOING to be healed,” but rather, “I am ALREADY healed! Not because I feel healed or look healed, but because the Word of God is absolutely true and more powerful than however I may feel or look!”
Believe in yourself! You can’t be effective in the world until you can be good to yourself. Look in the mirror and tell the person you see that you are precious and valuable to God. You can’t truly love others with God’s love until you love yourself!
Scripture says we are to “love others as we love ourselves” (Mark 12:33, author’s paraphrase). Maybe the reason there is so much harsh treatment of others is that people hate themselves. They don’t have an understanding of how deeply God loves and values them, and as a result feel less-than and condemned most of the time. They can’t give to others what they don’t have, so they project that same attitude toward those around them!
If all you can think about is yourself, then your thinking is very small! When you place your cares, concerns and hurts in the hands of Jesus, then you’re free to focus on ministering to the cares, concerns and hurts of others. What Jesus has done for you is now your privilege to do for others!
If someone else’s actions or choices have you feeling like a hostage in a canoe in a hurricane, don’t give in to anger or fear and anxiety! Jesus is with you in that boat, and in His name we can command peace to EVERY storm!
What have you been given that makes you rich? You have been given righteousness, which gives you a new self-image. You have been given eternal life, which gives you perspective and purpose. You also have been given authority, which is the right to exercise power over all sicknesses, all bondages and all demons! We’re all focused on presents right now, but can there be better gifts than these? Tell someone about JESUS for Christmas!
