Looking Back

.....Who we are today is a direct result of our past. Our heritage, experiences, family that raised us, people who we have come in contact with, our education, and even our environment. All of which had a direct influence on us, making us who we are and our beliefs today. We all have scars and wounds from the words and actions of others and from our own failures and mistakes. But for those of us in Christ, this is not the end of the story.

.....As the Spirit of God uses the Word of God to renew our minds to what has already taken place in us as new creations. These scars from the past become stepping stones to spiritual maturity. We must embrace these top ten principles from God's Word and allow Him to rebuild our battered self-esteem:

1. I am created
For we are God's workmanship. Ephesians 2:10

2. I am chosen
For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you...1 Timothy 1:4

3. I am protected
Protect me as You would the pupil of your eye. Psalm 17:8

4. I am complete
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

5. I am victorious
In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

6. I am called
(God) has saved us and called us to a Holy life--not because of anything we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace...2 Timothy 1:9

7. I am forgiven
There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

8. I am free
Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. John 8:32

9. I am loved
I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jeremiah 31:3

10. I am accepted!

.....So today, when you look back in your past, look back far enough to see Christ, who you are in Him, and what He has done for you. See His wounds and scares, which are really your wounds and scares, taken for you and as you, and thank Him. This is where real spiritual maturity begins.

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