Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons (Genesis 3:7).
Adam and Eve had just eaten the fruit that God had told them specifically not to eat. Guilt is a legal term. If one violates the law, he is guilty of it. Shame is the feeling of worthlessness that one should have as a result of violating the law. Adam and Eve felt the shame, and therefore, sewed fig leaves together to cover their nakedness. Verse 8 of Genesis 3 tells us that they then tried to hide from God. Their actions indicated their shame--shame accompanies sin.
I've often wondered if all the tattoos that men and women cover themselves with these days are attempts to cover the shame they feel. Perhaps that is a subject for research. Guilt and shame are not always the cause of low self-esteem, but much of the time they are. If one is suffering from low self-esteem, it is worth taking some time to probe around in the past to see if there are some "Adam & Eve" moments of unfaithfulness and disobedience that have been covered in psychological fig leaves that need to be uncovered.
Shame is the feeling of worthlessness that results from wrong-doing, real or imagined. Those suffering from shame must remember that the value of any object is always established by the one who purchases it. Think about it, God has established your worth by purchasing you with the precious blood of his only Son, Jesus Christ! Regardless of your sin, guilt and shame, your worth has been established by God (John 3:16-17).
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
THOUGHTS ABOUT SELF-ESTEEM: SELF-CARE
Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work . . . (Exodus 20:9,10).
The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath . . . (Mark 2:27).
It should be noted that Christians are no longer under the Sabbath law (Colossians 2:16-23) but there remains a principle of rhythmic rest and worship that refreshes our hearts and bodies enabling us to face life with confidence. Christians celebrate the Lord's Day, the day of Christ's resurrection, on a weekly basis, resting from nonessential labors to fellowship with sisters and brothers in Christ, worship and reflect on the author of creation and salvation, Jesus Christ. When these most-important matters are observed, a person is blessed and refreshed.
Many people suffer from low self-esteem because they violate this principle of regular rest and worship. It is difficult to have positive self-esteem if one is chronically tired. Chronic weariness and pain have a role in causing depression, while rest and worship refresh the heart. A person with materialistic values believes he, or she, only has value because of what he, or she, produces. As a result, there is an idolatry of work, and workers drive themselves beyond limits, becoming anxious, irritable and exhausted.
The sabbath principle was made for human beings so that they can see and appreciate who they really are.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath . . . (Mark 2:27).
It should be noted that Christians are no longer under the Sabbath law (Colossians 2:16-23) but there remains a principle of rhythmic rest and worship that refreshes our hearts and bodies enabling us to face life with confidence. Christians celebrate the Lord's Day, the day of Christ's resurrection, on a weekly basis, resting from nonessential labors to fellowship with sisters and brothers in Christ, worship and reflect on the author of creation and salvation, Jesus Christ. When these most-important matters are observed, a person is blessed and refreshed.
Many people suffer from low self-esteem because they violate this principle of regular rest and worship. It is difficult to have positive self-esteem if one is chronically tired. Chronic weariness and pain have a role in causing depression, while rest and worship refresh the heart. A person with materialistic values believes he, or she, only has value because of what he, or she, produces. As a result, there is an idolatry of work, and workers drive themselves beyond limits, becoming anxious, irritable and exhausted.
The sabbath principle was made for human beings so that they can see and appreciate who they really are.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
THOUGHTS ABOUT SELF-ESTEEM
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27).
I'm sharing some thoughts on self-esteem at the request of a reader and because there is a need for understanding self-esteem at this time. My basic understanding of self-esteem is based in theology, for it is God who gives value to human beings; human beings do not have the final word on the worth of themselves.
Self-esteem may be defined as the feeling we experience as the result of self-appraisal or appraisal by others. This appraisal is either positive of negative; if negative, we usually feel depreciated, deficient, and depressed; if positive, we usually feel elevated, enthusiastic, and exuberant. Thus, positive self-appraisal is crucial to our well being. Negative appraisal from others is less threatening if we can appraise ourselves positively (Bruce Parmenter, 1986).*
We are not the final authority on our own self-worth, nor is the appraisal of others the final word on our own self-worth. The feelings and the values of the appraiser, the glasses through which they view the world, distort the truth of the value of another human being. Do not allow the criticisms of others, or your own negative self-talk and feelings conquer the truth. God says you are created in his image, thus your dignity, value and nobility are established!
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
*Bruce Parmenter was a seminary professor of mine, and a friend. He wrote a book called, What the Bible Says About Self-Esteem. Many of his thoughts will be reflected in this series of self-esteem.
I'm sharing some thoughts on self-esteem at the request of a reader and because there is a need for understanding self-esteem at this time. My basic understanding of self-esteem is based in theology, for it is God who gives value to human beings; human beings do not have the final word on the worth of themselves.
Self-esteem may be defined as the feeling we experience as the result of self-appraisal or appraisal by others. This appraisal is either positive of negative; if negative, we usually feel depreciated, deficient, and depressed; if positive, we usually feel elevated, enthusiastic, and exuberant. Thus, positive self-appraisal is crucial to our well being. Negative appraisal from others is less threatening if we can appraise ourselves positively (Bruce Parmenter, 1986).*
We are not the final authority on our own self-worth, nor is the appraisal of others the final word on our own self-worth. The feelings and the values of the appraiser, the glasses through which they view the world, distort the truth of the value of another human being. Do not allow the criticisms of others, or your own negative self-talk and feelings conquer the truth. God says you are created in his image, thus your dignity, value and nobility are established!
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
*Bruce Parmenter was a seminary professor of mine, and a friend. He wrote a book called, What the Bible Says About Self-Esteem. Many of his thoughts will be reflected in this series of self-esteem.
Monday, January 23, 2012
YOGI'S WISDOM
Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by me . . ." (John 14:5-6).
Yogi Berra* had a way of expressing himself that is truly unique--funny, but profound. This saying credited to him was reproduced in a church news-letter. It reminded me of the cited text above. I just had to share it: If you don't know where you're going you'll end up somewhere else! I have a feeling Jesus would laugh and would agree completely.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
*When I was a boy, Yogi Berra was an all-time great catcher for the New York Yankees baseball team. I was a Yankee fan.
Yogi Berra* had a way of expressing himself that is truly unique--funny, but profound. This saying credited to him was reproduced in a church news-letter. It reminded me of the cited text above. I just had to share it: If you don't know where you're going you'll end up somewhere else! I have a feeling Jesus would laugh and would agree completely.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
*When I was a boy, Yogi Berra was an all-time great catcher for the New York Yankees baseball team. I was a Yankee fan.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
METOPROLOL* FOR THE SOUL
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid (John 14:27).
I receive a health news-letter from Dr. Andrew Weil. In today's letter he cited a Norwegian study about the correlation between church attendance and lower blood pressure: A large new study from Norway suggests that the more time men and women spend in church, the lower their blood pressure. Earlier research in the U.S. suggested a similar association between church attendance and blood pressure, but the Norwegian researchers didn't expect to see the same thing in their country. In Norway only about 4% of the population attends church while in the United States about 40% of the population attends church on a weekly basis.
I do not recommend that people start attending church so that it will improve their health. The reason people should attend church is because the gospel of Jesus Christ is true--immediate salvation or eternal punishment await. The lower blood pressure, that results from having faith in Christ, is one of the immediate blessings of salvation.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
*Metoprolol is a blood-pressure medication.
I receive a health news-letter from Dr. Andrew Weil. In today's letter he cited a Norwegian study about the correlation between church attendance and lower blood pressure: A large new study from Norway suggests that the more time men and women spend in church, the lower their blood pressure. Earlier research in the U.S. suggested a similar association between church attendance and blood pressure, but the Norwegian researchers didn't expect to see the same thing in their country. In Norway only about 4% of the population attends church while in the United States about 40% of the population attends church on a weekly basis.
I do not recommend that people start attending church so that it will improve their health. The reason people should attend church is because the gospel of Jesus Christ is true--immediate salvation or eternal punishment await. The lower blood pressure, that results from having faith in Christ, is one of the immediate blessings of salvation.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
*Metoprolol is a blood-pressure medication.
Friday, January 13, 2012
A LITTLE GOOD NEWS
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have ever lasting life (John 3:16 my memory version).
He who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer . . .(I John 3:14-15).
Any who have followed this blog know that I had a Carpenter's CD playing in my F-150 farm truck for about a week. I gave it up. Making a long story short, I happened upon an Ann Murray CD. I have had that one playing in the truck for a while now, too. I guess those old love songs make this old man a little sappy, especially when they are sung by the next silkiest, smoothest voice ever, Ann Murry. On this CD is an interesting song called, A Little Good News.
Gospel literally means, good news. The good news is that God has provided a means of salvation for ALL in Jesus Christ. It is through this salvation that hearts are changed and lives are changed so that we can love our enemies and help the disadvantaged. As hearts and lives are changed for Jesus, the world is changed. Isn't that a little good news?
In closing, I'd like you to consider that there are approximately 1.9 billion people* on this earth who have not heard the gospel for the first time. There are approximately 1.4 billion people who live on less than $1.25 a day. There's a great need out there yet for a little good news.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
*Statistics are from the Foster Report in the Christian Counseling Connection, a periodical of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
He who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer . . .(I John 3:14-15).
Any who have followed this blog know that I had a Carpenter's CD playing in my F-150 farm truck for about a week. I gave it up. Making a long story short, I happened upon an Ann Murray CD. I have had that one playing in the truck for a while now, too. I guess those old love songs make this old man a little sappy, especially when they are sung by the next silkiest, smoothest voice ever, Ann Murry. On this CD is an interesting song called, A Little Good News.
Gospel literally means, good news. The good news is that God has provided a means of salvation for ALL in Jesus Christ. It is through this salvation that hearts are changed and lives are changed so that we can love our enemies and help the disadvantaged. As hearts and lives are changed for Jesus, the world is changed. Isn't that a little good news?
In closing, I'd like you to consider that there are approximately 1.9 billion people* on this earth who have not heard the gospel for the first time. There are approximately 1.4 billion people who live on less than $1.25 a day. There's a great need out there yet for a little good news.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
*Statistics are from the Foster Report in the Christian Counseling Connection, a periodical of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Friday, January 06, 2012
ADDENDUM TO CALLING MIKE LEDGEWOOD
When I look at the heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast established; what is man that thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that thou doest care for him? (Psalms 8:3-4).
In a universe of a billion trillion stars, not counting the planets, it seems that there should be life out there somewhere to contact. In fact, some scientists have asked the question, "Where is everybody?" due to the high probability that there are other earth's out there where conditions are similar to ours so that life could have evolved. Some, like Carl Sagan, have advanced the notion that the reason we have not encountered extra-terrestial aliens is because there is a "high probability that advanced civilizations destroy themselves."* That appears to be the destiny of planet earth. From weapons biological to nuclear weapons falling into the hands of secular dictators and the moon-worshippers obsessed with death, there is the potential for us to do ourselves in and civilization erased from planet earth unless there are "interstellar policemen."
God chose to create life in one place, on planet earth. On this spec of dust in the universe, God chose to create man. If life is found somewhere else, so be it, but I believe the silence in the universe is intended to show us that life cannot spontaneously come from non life. It is only on earth that God has created us with free will to live our lives and make choices. Materialists are desperate to find life elsewhere in the universe because the alternative is God and the notion of a God to whom we are accountable is unacceptable. That we find ourselves in this mess on planet earth is because we have chosen to ignore our Creator and go our own way.
The "interstellar policemen" are coming, and all things will be made right.
Our Father's Warnings,
Tom
*From a column by Charles Krauthammer, Are we alone in the Universe?
In a universe of a billion trillion stars, not counting the planets, it seems that there should be life out there somewhere to contact. In fact, some scientists have asked the question, "Where is everybody?" due to the high probability that there are other earth's out there where conditions are similar to ours so that life could have evolved. Some, like Carl Sagan, have advanced the notion that the reason we have not encountered extra-terrestial aliens is because there is a "high probability that advanced civilizations destroy themselves."* That appears to be the destiny of planet earth. From weapons biological to nuclear weapons falling into the hands of secular dictators and the moon-worshippers obsessed with death, there is the potential for us to do ourselves in and civilization erased from planet earth unless there are "interstellar policemen."
God chose to create life in one place, on planet earth. On this spec of dust in the universe, God chose to create man. If life is found somewhere else, so be it, but I believe the silence in the universe is intended to show us that life cannot spontaneously come from non life. It is only on earth that God has created us with free will to live our lives and make choices. Materialists are desperate to find life elsewhere in the universe because the alternative is God and the notion of a God to whom we are accountable is unacceptable. That we find ourselves in this mess on planet earth is because we have chosen to ignore our Creator and go our own way.
The "interstellar policemen" are coming, and all things will be made right.
Our Father's Warnings,
Tom
*From a column by Charles Krauthammer, Are we alone in the Universe?
Thursday, January 05, 2012
CALLING MIKE LEDGEWOOD
The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and evil doers, and throw them into the furnace of fire; there men will weep and gnash their teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear (Matthew 13:41-43).
Anyone who knows who Mike Ledgewood is either actually knows a person named Mike Ledgewood or has been listening to too much of the Carpenter's music. I am the latter. My Ford F-150 farm truck has a dynamite sound system. My wife left a Carpenter's CD in the counsel. Last week it finally made it into the CD player and I have been listening to the silky-smooth voice of Karen Carpenter for about a week now--Okay, okay, I promise I will give it a rest. It is unbelievable that it has be nearly 30 years since her passing.*
Anyway, there is a fun song on the CD that is the anthem of world contact day called, Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft.
If you took the time to listen you now know who Mike Ledgewood is--the guy on the phone to the DJ announcer. I've always wondered if the name Mike Ledgewood is symbolic of something, or if it was a name plucked out of thin air. One of the things that has always interested me about the song is the assumption that space aliens are friendly and that they are "interstellar policemen." Is there an innate desire in human beings to have order imposed on them by extra-terrestials with super natural power?
The Bible speaks of a day when, at the Lord's command, the archangel, Michael (Mike Ledgewood?), will lead the angels in the harvest of the earth, first taking wickedness, and those who cause it, out of the earth. These are the true "interstellar policemen." Are you ready for contact day?
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
*I have always been a Carpenter's fan. See the Feb. 26, 2010 posting about another Carpenter's song, Goodbye to Love.
Anyone who knows who Mike Ledgewood is either actually knows a person named Mike Ledgewood or has been listening to too much of the Carpenter's music. I am the latter. My Ford F-150 farm truck has a dynamite sound system. My wife left a Carpenter's CD in the counsel. Last week it finally made it into the CD player and I have been listening to the silky-smooth voice of Karen Carpenter for about a week now--Okay, okay, I promise I will give it a rest. It is unbelievable that it has be nearly 30 years since her passing.*
Anyway, there is a fun song on the CD that is the anthem of world contact day called, Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft.
If you took the time to listen you now know who Mike Ledgewood is--the guy on the phone to the DJ announcer. I've always wondered if the name Mike Ledgewood is symbolic of something, or if it was a name plucked out of thin air. One of the things that has always interested me about the song is the assumption that space aliens are friendly and that they are "interstellar policemen." Is there an innate desire in human beings to have order imposed on them by extra-terrestials with super natural power?
The Bible speaks of a day when, at the Lord's command, the archangel, Michael (Mike Ledgewood?), will lead the angels in the harvest of the earth, first taking wickedness, and those who cause it, out of the earth. These are the true "interstellar policemen." Are you ready for contact day?
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
*I have always been a Carpenter's fan. See the Feb. 26, 2010 posting about another Carpenter's song, Goodbye to Love.
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