Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 40

QUARANTINED: THE BENEFIT OF ROUTINE DAYS!

                           ROUTINE DAYSWHY DO WE REPEAT THINGS OVER AND OVER AGAIN?“…One person esteems one DAY above another; another esteems EVERY DAY alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.…” (ROMANS 14:5 KJV). “…This is the DAY which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it...” (PSALMS 118:24 KJV).*Routine or repetitiveness gives people their sense of security or control where skills, abilities, and self-discipline can develop in a safe, fairly stationary, or predictable place. “…Jesus said to the crowd, “…I was there teaching EVERY DAY…” (Matthew 26:55 NLT). “… And EVERY DAY, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah….” (Acts 5:42 NLT). Routine brings up words like dull, dismal, monotonous, boring, and repetitive. People see routine as inflexible, unexciting, constraining, obligatory, limiting, and often without spontaneity. Some routines are on a schedule. A schedule helps keep process on track and ensure certain tasks or procedures are done every single day. Without a schedule some routine tasks may never get done and could cause things to get chaotic.Schedules give routine a little structure and help them run a lot smoother. When routine runs smooth life can appear more dependable or peaceful.Scheduled routines keep life somewhat under control: You know what specific tasks need to be done every day. You can relax once you know essential tasks are complete. You can personally choose which task must be completed on any particular day and which ones can be put off for another day. You can procrastinate or you can total redo the schedule of routine at your leisure.Routine develops an individual’s skills, abilities, and self-discipline by increasing efficiency from repetitiveness, building one’s momentum, producing positive habits, and can turn willpower to motivation.Increasing efficiency from repetitiveness means the more you do it the more it becomes a habit or way of life. Walking, talking, feeding yourself, dressing yourself, and sleeping when tired all become habits.Building momentum means small tasks done on a daily basis can end up reaping big results in the long run. Saving $100 a month can turn into $1,200 dollars a year.Producing positive habits or automations means you can choose daily tasks that are good for you, for your health, for your family, and for your goals in life. Daily, routine exercising is a good habit.Turning willpower into motivation means essential tasks eventually become automated and thus bypass will power altogether. Brushing your teeth becomes automated.Research has shown that routine has created geniuses because there are very few or minimal distractions. In routine the mind can concentration on a task in a safe, liable atmosphere allowing focus to become experience. When there are few distractions and focus is allowed, routine tasks move forward to completionRoutine tasks are interrupted when other non-essential tasks interfere to decrease or totally stop the process altogether. Stopping process can become counter-productive to the point you will stop doing the task, give little focus to the task, or begin a habit of procrastination.Procrastination in routine can become habits too and you will discover you NEVER get things done. Sometimes an accountability partner can help keep your routine flourishing as long as they don’t have the same negative routine behaviors.Routine tasks can include many days of dull, dismal, monotonous, and repetitiveness. However, routine is one of your greatest blessings EVER. Routine gives one focus, and focus results in experience, and experience result in automated behaviors, and automated behaviors result in lifestyles. “…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).Routine plays an important role in the PROCESS with a PURPOSE when it comes to the task of becoming conformed to the image of God’s son. “…God … predestined [you] to be conformed to the image of his Son… ” (Romans 8:29 NIV).“…be transformed BY the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:1 KJV).PROCESS with a PURPOSE is when God intervenes on the routine activities in your life to include tasks that are essential to your spiritual growth, development, and calling in life.I was heavily involved with my daily routines of life when suddenly I got a piercing, lightening-like headache and had to go to the hospital. Suddenly I needed brain surgery.Prior to that, my routine included caregiving for my 95 year old mother-in-law, finishing my doctorate, keeping up the house, taking care of my plants, exercising, counseling, and spending time with my husband.I was in the hospital for three months. I was on the ICU schedule of routines for a few weeks and then on a rehabilitation schedule of routines for another few weeks. When I went home on I was on a schedule of routines that revolved around recovery tasks. I left my home and came to recover in another state in my mother’s home. Initially my mind felt so incredibly foggy and it was an effort to think clear. I felt my life belonged to those around me and not to me at all. All I knew for sure was I needed to be selfish with my recovery. I mean, after all, I didn’t just have a cold; I had brain surgery.There were battles going on among my family members, but it gave me a headache when I gave too much attention to their issues.Plus I was highly emotional. I was upset about how this brain surgery had impacted my life, especially the routine of my life. My physical balance was affected too. I was stumbling into everything. My concentration was affected. My speech was affected and my independence was affected.My husband was taking care of his mother, so I went home with my mother so she could take care of me. I cried as if someone was beating me with a stick as I walked down the steps of my home, away from my husband of almost 30 years, away from my routine, away from the state I’d come to love, away from good friends, away from my mother-in-law who was so dear to my heart, and away from a self I no longer knew. I was only going away to recovery, but I knew my brain surgery had changed my life FOREVER. Already there was anger, controversy, bad blood, negative feelings, misunderstandings, and negatives among my family members. I had too little energy to defend, take sides, or be sensitive to any particular person’s feelings. My brain surgery had rattled me to the core and I didn’t want to go through it again. I went away to recovery.Looking at me you would have never guessed anything had happened to me. When you don’t look pathetic enough you don’t get as much compassion, especially from those closest to you.On top of recovering from my brain surgery I had to deal with the rejection attitudes and behaviors of some family members. When you are sick you are at the mercy of those around you: good or bad; happy or sad; right or wrong.I had lost ALL the routines of my life. I lost my independence. I lost freedoms. I lost comfort zones. I lost being close to my husband and mother-in-law. I lost being close to friends in my home state. I lost family relationships. I lost familiarity. I even lost my taste buds for chicken, my FAVORITE. I lost the ability to do activities I personally enjoyed. I lost choices. I lost the luxury of living my own life in my own style.Suddenly I am in another state, with different people, restricted choices, limited freedoms, uncomfortable, not with my familiar, doing activities I don’t necessarily enjoy, and without the luxury of living my own life in my own style.This is in no way a complaint against the people who have been there for me. I appreciate them all and thank God for them. These are my personally, internal struggles.PROCESS with a PURPOSE is when God intervenes on the routine activities in your life to include tasks or procedures that are essential to your spiritual growth, development, maturity, and calling in life.My routine drastically changed. One good thing about routine is the independence to do daily tasks as you please, especially if it includes running errands. I could no longer drive. I could not run errands whenever I wanted to. Where or when I go somewhere depended on someone else. Initially this irritated me to no end, but beggars can’t be choosey. People were doing me a favor. If they wanted to take me somewhere they would and if they didn’t want to they didn’t have to. If they wanted to pick me up and take me somewhere they would and if not; they didn’t. You are at the mercy of others. Of course, if you have the money you could call a cab, an Uber, or find out how to take nearby public transportation. However, my physical balance didn’t allow me to be that independent.I had to adjust my attitude. Nobody had to do anything for me and was under no obligation to take me everywhere I wanted to go. I was no longer independent. I was at their mercy and should be grateful for whatever they did decide to do for me. I cried heartily over that reality.Remember I said routine develops an individual’s skills, abilities, and self-discipline. The more I encountered the reality that I was no longer independent and I was at the mercy of others the more humble I became.As days, weeks, and months, years passed the more routine it became that I was at the mercy of others. My attitude changed. I no longer cried about it and I no longer got angry about it. I became more humbled. I became more grateful. I chose love over attitude. I chose respect over disrespect. I chose acceptance of differences over judgment. I knew eventually my independence would return to me in God’s timing, but in the meantime God continued the PROCESS of dependence; day in and day out. God’s process with a purpose goes beyond training, practice, and shaping but on toward conditioning and molding. God’s goal is to mature, conform, and transform NOT just inform.The routine of being at the mercy of others included many days of dull, commonplace, monotony, and repetitiveness. However, the routine of being at the mercy of others BLESSED me beyond compare. When you establish your routine, normally you do whatever you want. When God intervenes and establishes a new routine you do what he wants. I DID NOT want to be at the mercy of others, but God wanted me to be at the mercy of others.Why didn’t I want to be at the mercy of others? Because of my personal pride, I didn’t like the idea of NEEDING people. I DIDN’T like to be at anyone’s mercy, because I didn’t want to OWE them. I DIDN’T like doing certain things or going certain places. I didn’t always like the rules other people lived by or always doing things “their” way.What did the routine of being at someone’s mercy teach me? It taught me a new depth of humility. It taught me that letting other people help me was a blessing to them and me. It taught me letting people help me was God’s way of using his vessels to love me through them. It taught me that letting people help me gave them an in-the-moment purpose. It taught me that letting people help me was a blessing to me from God. It taught me I had a NEED for the love of others and ultimately a NEED for God’s love.Being a strong, independent person, didn’t negate being loved.In addition, it taught me to do things that other people like to do JUST because it makes them happy. It taught me not to be threatened because other people do, believe, or see things different than you.It taught me how many selfish prejudices I carried in my heart. It taught me that I wanted “my will,” for my life, more than I want God’s will for my life. Most importantly, no matter how bad I wanted my independence back, it is God’s sovereign timing that prevails. Thus the ultimate lesson of all lessons becomes PATIENCE.PROCESS with a PURPOSE includes a certain amount of TIME for training, practice, shaping, conditioning, and molding NEW life lessons.Training is included in order to strengthen one’s NEW information skills and abilities. “… GROW (develop) in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV).Practice is included in order to sustain or cement those NEW skills and strengths. “…Beconformed to the image of his Son...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).Shaping (transforming) is the result of training and practice and reveals whether the NEW behavior (skill or ability) has replaced the OLD behavior. “…transformed by the renewing (shaping) of [my] mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).  “…. if any man (woman) be in Christ, he  (she) is a NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). Conditioning becomes a part of one’s daily routine. It allows the NEW behavior (new skills and abilities) to improve until that particular behavior reaches a state of maturity. “…until we …become mature (perfect), attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV).Molding happens when a NEW behavior (skill or ability) cements and the individual, personally, desires to repeat, the new behavior, over and over again. “… [Therefore]… we all … are changed (molded) into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). “… In this world we are LIKE JESUS …” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “…And in the PROCESS of time IT CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).Remember, a PROCESS, of any kind, involves a sequence of actions or movements that effect forward changes. These forward changes can be a gradual, or rapid, or extremely slow, or a steady procession of activities. Regardless of how fast or how slow the PROCESS; it is ALWAYS a continuous sequence of actions or movements with a definite purpose and end result. PROCESS aims to move or carry things or individuals forward.The sequence of actions or movements, in a PROCESS, are individual tasks that ALL link together to produce a goal or reach an end result. The PROCESS of sequences and actions are about a thing or possibly an individual BECOMING altered through this procession of forward movements. Eventually, PROCESS will produce a result after a certain amount of time. PROCESS is a sequence of actions and movements that require a certain amount of time and particular tasks that work together to produce or develop something. In other words, PROCESS involves TIME and the WORKING together of particular tasks or procedures.TIME is the challenge of PROCESS. Most people get tired of routine PROCESSESS. God has NOT changed his TIME allotted for PROCESS is always the same.“… I am the Lord, I change NOT… ” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). God does NOT reduce the time allotted for the PROCESS of tasks necessary to complete a WORK in your life. “…And in the PROCESS of time “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). The “PROCESS of TIME” is part of God’s plan, which serves a divine PURPOSE. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord...” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). “…The plans [God has]…for you…. [are]…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).When PROCESS has a divine PURPOSE it involves your “daily” ROUTINE. Daily ROUTINE becomes or “IS” the PROCESS OF TIME. “…And in the PROCESS of time “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). After TWO years my neuro doctor gave me the necessary papers to do simulation therapy that would ultimately lead to my release to drive again “IF” I pass the test. If I don’t past the first time I’ll have to keep taking simulation therapy over and over again until I do pass. As I said before, the lesson of all lessons is PATIENCE.“…My brethren ….the testing of your faith produces PATIENCE. But let PATIENCE have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing….” (James 1:2-4 KJV).“…Dear brothers and sisters …when your faith is tested, your ENDURANCE has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your ENDURANCE is fully developed, you will be perfect (fruitfully mature) and complete, needing nothing….” (James 1:2-4 NLT). Apostle Paul said: “… I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances . I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV). “ I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me .” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).The testing of your faith (trust and dependency upon God), particularly during the “PROCESS of TIME,” produces PATIENCE. PATIENCE is one of the GREATEST blessings that come of out of the “PROCESS of TIME.” It is the PROCESS of TIME embedded in daily ROUTINE that effect PATIENCE,In the PROCESS of TIME, where spiritual training, practice, shaping, conditioning, and molding are part of one’s daily routine, PATIENCE will develop also. The character trait or spiritual fruit of PATIENCE is one of the end results of a perfect and complete work of FAITH. “…My brethren ….the testing of your faith (trust and dependency upon God) produces PATIENCE (a fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit). But let PATIENCE have its perfect work, that you may be perfect (fruitfully mature) and complete, lacking nothing….” (James 1:2-4 KJV).“… The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering (PATIENCE), gentleness, goodness, faith,Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).The PROCESS of TIME includes ongoing behaviors (embedded in daily ROUTINES) that MUST be utilized, applied, and experienced in order to influence the growth and development of the spiritual fruit of PATIENCE. “…So let it grow, for when your ENDURANCE (longsuffering/patience) is fully developed, you will be perfect (fruitfully mature) and complete, needing nothing….” (James 1:2-4 NLT). I said earlier that I learned a deeper humility. I needed others in a healthy, godly manner. I needed to allow others to help me as conduits of God’s love and blessings. I needed to be more impartial and equitable by learning to truly respect differences, without judgement or feeling as if it is some kind of threat. After I’d learned these lessons, my situation REMAINED the same. I STAYED at the mercy of others LONG after the lessons were learned. This is the most CHALLENGING part of the PROCESS of TIME. I had to learn I am not in control; God is. My life and my time is in HIS hands. This reality will no doubt TEST your faith (your trust and dependency upon God.) This is where the words DULL, DISMAL, PAIN, TIRED, MONOTONOUS, BORING, and DRAB comes into play and will test your endurance (patience). “…My brethren ….the testing of your faith produces PATIENCE….” (James 1:2-4 KJV).The testing of faith (trust and dependency upon God) happens in routine, over the PROCESS of TIME. This is where it becomes tempting to take matters in your own hands. You may begin to think “Enough already!”  Many righteous people have complained that God takes TOO long. It is normal to get tired of certain routines, especially if they include pain, lack of independence, limitations, no fun, a loss, sickness, or few choices. Yet God says, “….let PATIENCE have its perfect work, that you may be perfect (mature) and complete (grown), lacking nothing….” (James 1:2-4 KJV).Nevertheless, routine becomes a path to full-grown fruitful maturity. God has so ordered DAILY routines into your journey as part of the PROCESS with a divine purpose. “ The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord : and he delighteth in his way…” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). Thus, “….let PATIENCE have itsperfect work….” (James 1:2-4 KJV). PROCESS with a PURPOSE must be completed or experienced and it will involve the necessary tasks to produce the end result. “… The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering (PATIENCE), gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).PROCESS with a PURPOSE is a God-ordained way to reach the end goal.“…that you may be perfect (fruitfully mature) and complete (grown), LACKING NOTHING….” (James 1:2-4 KJV).The sequence of actions or movements, in a PROCESS, are individual tasks that ALL link together to produce the fruit of PATIENCE. The daily routine of sequences and actions is about you BECOMING altered (transformed, conformed, matured, etc.) through this procession of forward movements. Eventually, in the “PROCESS of TIME,” the fruit of PATIENCE will be developed or produced. “…And in the PROCESS of time IT CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). “… YOU HAVE “NEED” OF ENDURANCE (patience) …so you may receive the promise…” (HEBREWS 10:36 KJV).“…. LET US NOT GROW WEARY while doing good, for in DUE SEASON we shall reapif we do not lose heart…” (Galatians 6:9 KJV). “…‘We’ve given up everythingto follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). And Jesus said to him, “…I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News,will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).Daily ROUTINE is part of the PROCESS of TIME, which has a divine PURPOSE. KEEP GOING. DON’T GIVE UP. KEEP TRUSTING and DEPENDING upon GOD.

IN THE PROCESS OF TIME, WHAT YOU ARE PRAYING FOR WILL COME TO PASS!

TRANSFORMING PROCESSES“…And in the PROCESSof time “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). *
A PROCESS, of any kind, involves a sequence of actions or movements that effect forward changes. “…And in the PROCESS of time IT CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). These forward changes can be a gradual, or rapid, or extremely slow, or steady procession of activities. Regardless of how fast or how slow the PROCESS; it is ALWAYS a continuous sequence of actions or movements with a definite purpose and end result. “…Through this PROCESS the priest will purify you from your sin, MAKING YOU RIGHT with the Lord, and you will be forgiven.…” (Leviticus 5:10 NLT).PROCESS aims to move or carry things or individuals forward and the sequence of actions or movements often seem non-existence or practically invisible. “… walk BY FAITH ...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). The sequence of actions or movements, in a PROCESS, are individual tasks or procedures that ALL link together to produce a goal or reach an end result. “…Then he must bathe himselfwith water in a sacred place, (NEXT)put on his regular garments, and (NEXT)go out to sacrificea burnt offering for himself and a burnt offering for the people. Through this PROCESS, he will purify himself and the people, making them right with the Lord….” (Leviticus 16:24 NLT).The PROCESS of sequences and actions is about a thing or possibly an individual BECOMING altered through this procession of forward movements. “… Through this PROCESS, HE MADE the altar holy by purifying it…” (Leviticus 8:5 NLT).Eventually, PROCESS will produce a result after a certain amount of time. “…And in the PROCESS of time “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). Further, PROCESS is a sequence of actions and movements that require a certain amount of time and particular tasks or procedures that work together. “...ALL THINGS work (PROCESS) together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV). In other words, PROCESS involves TIME and the WORKING together of tasks or procedures.When does PROCESS happen? PROCESS is a part of daily life. We constantly find ourselves involved in a sequence of actions and movements in order to get things done. You may be in the PROCESS of getting dressed for work, or the process of cooking breakfast for the family, or in the process of helping your boss with a project at work, or in the process of checking your social media sights, or in the process of making a cake, or in the process of having a board meeting. PROCESS is a daily experience and usually when you finish the tasks or procedures you will be done. However, there are exceptions. There are some PROCESSES that take time. If you are in the PROCESS of losing weight or building muscles; this takes a little more time such as weeks or months.Why is PROCESS necessary? Without PROCESS nothing would ever get done.  The priest in the following scripture had to bathe himself, put on his regular clothes, and go out in order to do the sacrifices required for himself and the people. It was the process necessary to make himself and the people RIGHT with God. “…Then he must bathe himselfwith water in a sacred place, put on his regular garments, and go out to sacrificea burnt offering for himself and a burnt offering for the people. Through this PROCESS, he will purify himself and the people, making them right with the Lord….” (Leviticus 16:24 NLT).How is PROCESS accomplished? PROCESS is accomplished by following the sequence of actions or movements required for a particular task or procedure to be completed. If you want to make a specific cake; you will follow a sequence of instructions (actions) in order to make it. If you don’t follow the sequence of instructions (actions) the cake won’t get done.Some daily PROCESS is routine: getting dressed, going to work, taking care of yourself and family, grocery shopping, driving to appointments, and/or exercising. Normal, daily PROCESS has a start and an end. We can pretty much control or get a grip on daily, routine PROCESS.What about those abnormal, rare, uninvited, and uncontrollable PROCESSES? Those PROCESSES that have a start and end too, but you don’t know how long it will take, or when it will be over, or everything you need to get it completed? Those unexpected PROCESSES cause you to have faith in Romans 8:29: “...ALL THINGS work (PROCESS) together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV). “…And in the PROCESSof time “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). However, usually you don’t know what the “things” are that are working together for good (the end result). “...ALL “THINGS” work (PROCESS) together …” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV). You don’t know the time factor. “…And in the PROCESS of “TIME”…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). You don’t even know the sequence of actions or movements necessary to complete the PROCESS or make it move forward like you would prefer. “… walk BY FAITH ...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). This is the challenge of PROCESS. Most people get tired of routine or mundane PROCESSES and look for more convenient ways to get through or short-cut the sequence of actions and movements it takes to finish a particular task or procedure.When the PROCESS of cooking dinner every day became inconvenient FAST foods or pre-cooked meals gained popularity. When the old-fashion way of calling people or visiting them became inconvenient social media gained popularity. Making PROCESS convenient eliminates many of the routine and mundane sequences of actions and movements and reduces the time allotted to those tasks or procedures. However, God has NOT changed his method of PROCESS. “… I am the Lord, I change NOT… ” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). God does NOT reduce the sequence of actions or movements nor does he limit the time for the PROCESS of task or procedures necessary to complete a WORK in your life. “…And in the PROCESS of time“IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).PROCESS HAS A PURPOSE. “...ALL THINGS work (PROCESS) together for GOOD to them that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV). Without going through the sequence of actions and movements you will NEVER see the end results of what God has in mind for you. “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).The part you don’t like the most in PROCESS has the most IMPACT on your future blessings. Routine, mundane, and allotted time are the most important part of PROCESS with a PURPOSE. Routine or repetitiveness gives people their sense of security or control where skills, abilities, and self-discipline can develop in a liable place. Mundane or ordinary circumstances give people consistency, predictability, and normality where a sense of self is developed without chaos or confusion. Allotted time, or seasons, or phases give people a sense of calmness where self can progressively develop without rushing or hurrying through tasks and procedures.Routine, mundane, and allotted time are the most important part of PROCESS with a PURPOSE because they are the components God uses to DEVELOP you. Develop means to grow or change.PROCESS WITH A PURPOSE serves God’s main goal or end result for your life. “… GROW (develop) in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV). “…Be conformed to the image of his Son...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  “…until we …become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV). “… [Therefore]… we all … are changed (developed) into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).PROCESS WITH A PURPOSE includes the development of Christlikeness. The PROCESS involves a sequence of actions and movements that require tasks and procedures that result in You being just like Christ. “… GROW (develop) in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV). “… [change]…into the SAME IMAGE …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).)  “…[the]…image of HIS SON...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “…[into the]…fullness of CHRIST… ” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV).How does the PROCESS WITH A PURPOSE begin? First, God gives you a NEW HEART. “… I WILL GIVE you a new heart , and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).Second, upon salvation God plants the seed of Christ in your heart. “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ…” (Galatians 3:16 KJV).Third, your heart is now considered good soil. “…Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it. Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth.But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop.  But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred …” (Mark 4:3-8 NLT).Fourth, the seed of Christ will die and germinate (develop) in your heart. "…Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat (seed) falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit….” (John 12:24 NASB).Fifth, the seed of Christ will duplicate himself. “…Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good….” (Genesis 1:24-25 NLT).PROCESS with a PURPOSE will include, along with routine, mundane activities, long stretches of time, training, practice, shaping, conditioning, and molding.Training means to strengthen one’s information skills and abilities through a sequence of actions and movements that include tasks or procedures which result in gaining knowledge was there was none. Training repairs, or replaces, or develops weaknesses, informs, and builds strengths. “… GROW (develop) in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV).Practice is the work that is required to sustain or cement those new skills and strengths. Practice “is” the sequence of actions or movements that include REPETITIVE tasks and procedures which adjust, adapt, or refine one’s new skills and abilities. “…Beconformed to the image of his Son...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).Training for new skills and abilities and having them practiced is the ideal way to SHAPE new behavior. Shaping (transforming) happens when you want another behavior (skill or ability) that may not be currently present in the individual’s character created. Shaping “is” the sequence of actions or movements that include step-by-step tasks and procedures which become the agent that actually builds one’s new, transformed skills and abilities. “…transformed by the renewing (shaping) of [my] mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).  Conditioning is when training, practice, and shaping become a natural, habitually response that continually improves or maintains one’s new skills and abilities. Conditioning “is” the sequence of actions or movements that involve routine tasks which eventually become a natural or effortless response that refines and keeps up one’s new skills and abilities. “…until we …become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV).Molding becomes apparent when the sequence of actions and movements from specific tasks result in a new skill or ability one desires to repeat. Molding, therefore, “is” the sequence of actions or movements from specific tasks which produced a targeted outcome one desires to repeat over and over again.“… [Therefore]… we all … are changed (molded) into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).I don’t know anyone who likes the PROCESS of PURPOSE. As exciting as the outcome of PROCESS may be much of it is routine, mundane, and time-consuming. Yet to benefit from the untold blessings and miraculously favors that only PROCESS brings it is a necessary journey. I have been through much PROCESS. I have experienced many BLESSINGS!! I am proud to say because of PROCESS I am what I am. “…by the grace of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).I will say, most people will abort the PROCESS. We live in convenient and short-cut times where instant results are preferred. God says, “…"This is the way; walk in it…" Isaiah 30:21 NIV). “… I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV).The PROCESS of PURPOSE is God’s decision and not man’s to decide. “ The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord : and he delighteth in his way” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “…Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I amthe LORD thy God ….which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go….” (Isaiah 48:17 KJV).Unless you go the way of PROCESS God has set for you; you won’t finish the journey triumphantly like God intended.God told Lot to escape to the mountains, but it was more convenient to go to the city, Zoar, which means small, so Lot went there. Eventually, he had to go to the mountains, but by that time, he had become small-minded (Zoar) and ended up living in a cave once he got to the mountain.  “… Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed .” Then Lot said to them, “Please, no, my lords! Indeed now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have increased your mercy which you have shown me by saving my life; but I cannot escape to the mountains, lest some evil overtake me and I die.  See now, this city is near enoughto flee to, and it is a little one; please let me escape there (isit not a little one?) and my soul shall live.” And he said to him, “….Hurry, escape there. For I cannot do anything until you arrive there.” Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.[Eventually]… Lot went up out of Zoar and dwelt in the mountains ….for he was afraid to dwell in Zoar. And he and his two daughters dwelt in a cave…” (Genesis 19:18-21, 30).PROCESS HAS A PURPOSE so endure it by faith.

THE GOD IMAGE: SELF-ESTEEM!

THE GOD IMAGE: ESTEEM, Part 1
THE HIGHEST ESTEEM
“...For as he(she) thinks within himself (herself), so he (she) is...” (Proverbs 23:7 NASB).
“...For...[God, the Holy Spirit]... know the thoughts that ...[he thinks]... toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to giveyou an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).
“…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). 
“...he (God, the Holy Spirit)...hath done marvellous things… ” ( Psalms 98:1 KJV).
“… Many , O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV).
So...“…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).
*
What is self-esteem? First, let’s come up with a definition for SELF by looking at creation. “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Holy Spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV).
The bible refers to the soul as a person, a who, or a self. “...Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore ... for WHO soever doeth any work therein, THAT SOUL shall be cut off from among his people...” (Exodus 31:14 KJV). “...and souls of men...” (Revelation 18:13 KJV).“.. and man(woman) became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).
Jesus came to earth to SAVE SOULS, the lost SOUL. “…The Son of man came to seek and to save THAT WHICH WAS LOST…” (Luke 19:10 KJV). “... Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (God’s living Word) , and thou shalt be saved …” (ACTS 16:31 KJV).  “...receive the word ...which is able to save your souls ...” (James 1:21 KJV). “...those (people) who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls ...” (Acts 2:41 KJV).
God encourages, the righteous to WIN SOULS too. “...he (she) that winneth SOULS is wise...” (Proverbs 11:30 KJV). “...he (she) who turns a sinner (leads that person to Jesus) from the error of his (her) way will save his(her) soul from death. ..” (James 5:20 KJV).
The bible is repeatedly referring to these souls as people or persons. When God finished the creation of Adam, he called him “a living soul.” Adam wasn’t GIVEN a soul, he BECAME “a living soul.”
When a SOUL is saved, that soul RETURNS to the SHEPHERD of the SOUL! “...ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls...” (1 Peter 2:25 KJV). “...Behold, all souls are Mine(God, the Holy Spirit’s)...” (Ezekiel 18:4 KJV).“… the world is mine , and the fulness thereof…(Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).
The SOUL then is the SELF of the male and female, which includes the unity of an individual’s body, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. The SELF also reveals the personality and identity of that particular person(soul). “.. and man(woman) became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).
Self-esteem, then, is a mental representation a person has of themselves as a whole. “….Jesus Christ (the WORD of GOD) maketh thee WHOLE…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). Self-esteem is an OVERALL assessment of their OWN self-worth or VALUE.
Self-esteem REVEALS how much a person appreciates themselves or like themselves. .“…. Apart from Me, you can do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV).  
It also reveals what they believe about themselves, how they appraise their appearance, how they judge their performances, or how they view their character traits. “... man looks at the outward appearance , …”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).
In areas, where a person’s esteem is HIGH, they are or can be pretty successful, but in areas, where a person’s esteem is LOW or NIL, they are and can be pretty defeated, depressed, downtrodden, or destructive.“...For as he(she) thinks within himself (herself), so he (she) is...” (Proverbs 23:7 NASB).
Wherever esteem is LOW or NIL a person can make BAD CHOICES about situations and relationships, which usually end up HARMING them or making esteem WORST. “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t … ” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
The other  spectrum of LOW or NIL esteem is narcissism where a person CREATES a GRANDIOSE and UNREALISTIC representation of themselves as a whole, that can also end up causing HARM or DAMAGE to “that” individual. “… do not think of yourself more highly than you ought …” (Romans 12:3 NIV).  “… there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Mark 10:18 KJV).
Self-esteem influences an individual’s life one way or another. How you SEE yourself as a WHOLE will MOTIVATE your success or your failure. “...For as he(she) thinks within himself (herself), so he (she) is...” (Proverbs 23:7 NASB). "...You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you...” (Matthew 9:29 NASB). “...It shall be done to you according to your faith (what you believe)..." (Matthew 9:29 NASB).
When a person FEEDS positive thoughts to their minds, it will boost their attitudes, and encourage them to accomplish their goals in life. “...You will succeed in whatever you choose to do...” (Job 22:28 NLT). “...according to your faith (what you believe)..." (Matthew 9:29 NASB).
The person needs positive thoughts, first and  foremost, in order to feed them to the mind. What do, most people, normally, need in order to influence positive thoughts?“...For as he(she) thinks within ...” (Proverbs 23:7 NASB). “...so he (she) is...” (Proverbs 23:7 NASB).
Usually positive thoughts, about one’s self come from such factors as good genetics that help shape the personality, or positive assessments from intimate caregivers, family, friends, society or culture. “...the empty life you inherited from your ancestors...” (1 Peter 1:18 NLT).  “...perishable things ... from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers...” (1 Peter 1:18 NASB). “...corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers...” (1 Peter 1:18 KJV).
These two factors (genetics and positive assessments) are MOST instrumental in promoting the positive, inner, thoughts needed to feed the mind, boost our attitudes, and impact our self-esteem so we can accomplish our goals.
Those two factors are IDEAL situations for healthy self-esteem. However, self-esteem may also be influenced by disabilities, illnesses, physical limitations, negative assessments from intimate caregivers, family, friends, society or culture, bad genetics, or even the type of job you have.
Nonetheless, “...the empty life you inherited ...” (1 Peter 1:18 NLT).  “...perishable things ... [or]...way of life inherited...” (1 Peter 1:18 NASB). “...corruptible things ...received by tradition ...” (1 Peter 1:18 KJV).
The PROBLEM, of self-esteem, becomes a serious ISSUE when there are NO positive thoughts to FEED the mind. “…I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … withinme (within my nature and affects my mind.) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).“......I want to dowhat is right, but I can’t. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
Without THOSE positive thoughts to FEED the mind, the attitude won’t be boosted and goals won’t be accomplished. “... I want to do what is good, but I don’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
Self-esteem is a fundamental NEED. “… God will generously PROVIDE all you need …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).“…God will supply all [your need …” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).
When self-esteem is NOT available, in the ROLE of motivator, most human beings STRUGGLE, to reach certain goals (big or small). “… I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “… Apart from [Christ, you can]... do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV).
Self-esteem, in the ROLE of MOTIVATOR, is not ONLY for the purpose of DOING something, but it also aids in establishing self-respect, worthiness, and awareness of one’s value upon earth.
The God IMAGE, which is the INDWELLING Holy Spirit, is the MOTIVATOR for the righteous. The indwelling Holy Spirit EMPOWERS, the righteous, with esteem through HIS love for them.
God’s LOVE accepts them. “…Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God SHOWS NO FAVORITISM.  In every nation HE ACCEPTS those who fear him and do what is right…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “… [God]…hath made us ACCEPTED in the beloved … ” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).
God’s love purposely chooses them. " You did not choose me but I chose you, and appointed you  ...” (John 15:16 ASV).  “… God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world…” (Ephesians 1:4).
God’s love proudly takes ownership of them. “….You belong to God…” (1 John 4:4 NLT). “…But you belong to God, my dear children. …” (1 John 4:2-7 NIV).
God’s love CLAIMS them as his own Children. “… YE ARE “ALL” CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH “IN” CHRIST JESUS …” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV). “.We know that we are God’s children…” (1 John 5:19 RSV).
God’s love respects and values them through his demonstration of honor. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love ... does not dishonor others… .” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “… God honors ...[his righteous ones]. …” (Psalms 37:34 NLT). “.. My (the righteous)… honor come from God alone . He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me…” (Psalms 62:7 NLT). “… Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you …” (Isaiah 43:4 NLT). “…I have given you a title of honor…” (Isaiah 45:4 NLT). “…The Lord has honored me, and my God has given me strength…” (Isaiah 49:5 NLT). Therefore, “… Sit in a place of hono r…” (Isaiah 52:2 NLT).
Human self-esteem motivates you to accomplish personal goals as it rallies for your self-worth and value as an individual at the same time. Self-esteem SAYS: “... YOU CAN do this because you are an asset to the TASK and you bring value to it as well.. .”
Self-esteem also helps you reach your POTENTIAL. It helps you accept yourself, strengths and weaknesses. It helps you grow as an individual who knows their own worth, and their own value.
In addition, self-esteem can enable you to view others, regardless of their differences, with the same potential as you’ve personally experienced.
People with HEALTHY self-esteem  are said to show signs of having confidence in themselves as a whole, are positive, resilience, possess good communication skills, are peaceful with and accepting of both their strengths and weaknesses, and have no problem saying no. People with low self-esteem are the opposite.
According to the experts, being healthy is experiencing physical, mental, and social well-being, and is the resource for living a full and happy life.
A HEALTHY self-esteem, is part of mental health. Ideal mental health would, simply, INCLUDE positive thoughts and positive perceptions.
However, in order for some to have good mental health mental illness, negative thoughts, negative perceptions, and chronic physical challenges need to be considered.
Unfortunately, healthy or unhealthy self-esteem is impacted by a person’s ability to adapt positive thoughts and positive perceptions to body changes, threats to comfort zones, infirmities, disabilities, and unexpected experiences life presents to them.
Maintaining healthy self-esteem is not always easy to preserve. One’s thoughts, especially when life’s challenges happen, are not always dependable for sustaining good mental health.
In order to maintain good mental health, during life’s challenges, a person needs a reliable SOURCE to sustain their well-being. They NEED a SOURCE that is oriented toward empowering self-esteem, during challenging times, that keeps them moving toward their goals.
Thus, self-esteem has VERY little PROFIT, to the righteous! It has no more PROFIT than body image. Remember“..bodily discipline (body image) is only of little profit, but godliness (the God image) is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).
For the righteous, self-esteem has NO eternal value and the “little” value that it does have is temporary like body image. “..bodily discipline (body image) is only of little profit...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).
ESTEEM, for the righteous, is necessary for the purpose of being HEALTHY, especially spiritually. ESTEEM is also necessary in order to be an USEFUL earthen vessel for the indwelling Holy Spirit. We should pray for GOOD health in ALL areas. “...I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health , just as your soul prospers...” (3 John 2 NASB).
For the righteous, ESTEEM, is GIVEN to them, as a GIFT, through the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…You will receive the gift of the (excellent indwelling) Holy Spirit ….” (Acts 2:38 NASB).
NOW, “…Jesus Christ (the God image) is IN YOU …” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… [you]…have this treasure in [your]…earthen vessel (body) ...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).
An earthen vessel is advantageous for the temporary time, the righteous, is upon the earth. ESTEEM is about KNOWING who they are “IN” Christ and WHO Christ is when he is “IN” them! “…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… All things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).   “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).
“...greater is He who is in youthan he (she) who is in the world (body image, self-image, and self-esteem is IN the world)...” (1 John 4:4 NASB). “...He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world...” (1 John 4:4 KJV). “...the one who is in you is greaterthan the one who is in the world...” (1 John 4:4 NIV). “...the Spirit who lives in you is greaterthan the spirit who lives in the world...” (1 John 4:4 NLT).
“… there is  none (no body image, self-image, self-esteem) like unto thee (god, the holy spirit)…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).
According to the bible, “ The Son (jesus Christ) is ... the exact representation (IMAGE) ofhis being …”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV).
“…Jesus Christ is IN YOU …” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).“… [you]…have this treasure in [your]…earthen vessel (body) ...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).
“...your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you...” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB).
“…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “... Be … imitators of [Jesus]…”(Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ (the god image) …” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).
The ESTEEM, for the righteous, serves a purpose in this temporary life and the eternal life to come. Because, “..godliness (the God image) is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).
“...training for godliness (for God image) is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT)
“...a disciplined life in God (developing the God image) is far more so, making you fit (spiritually) both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers...” (1 Timothy 4:8-10 MSG).
Self-esteem is limited to the potential for this temporary life upon earth, but it will DO NOTHING, whatsoever, to PROMOTE the Kingdom of God In order to PROMOTE the Kingdom of God, the righteous CHOOSE to be LIKE JESUS in ALL ways. “... Be … imitators of [Jesus]…”(Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ (the god image) …” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).
 “…be conformed to the imageof his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “..since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).
 

THE GOD IMAGE: THE SELF-IMAGE, PART 2

THE GOD IMAGE: SELF-IMAGE, part 2
“… In this world we are like Jesus …” (1 John 4:17 NIV).
“…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).
“...[NOT]...an image..[or self image]... in the form of corruptible man (yours or society’s “ideal,”  or human standard of an image) ...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB).
 *
The struggles and suffering is OVER. You no longer have to try to GET, GRAVEL, or LONG to BECOME some IDEAL, human image.
The God IMAGE is GIVEN to you as a GIFT through the indwelling Holy Spirit. You are ALREADY a NEW CREATION with a NEW IMAGE
You are ALREADY a new personality “IN” Jesus Christ. You are RELEASED from the old identity shaped by the sin nature. The righteous (NEW CREATIONS) choose to trust in and depend upon God by allowing the indwelling Holy Spirit to EMPOWER them to walk in their NEW FREEDOM by learning to LIVE FREE .“... you have no obligation to do ( build an identity based on the old self-image ) what your sinful nature urges you to do …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).
“… if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… I WILL GIVE you a new heart (Jesus, the God image, is sown into your heart making it brand new), and I will put a new spirit in you (the indwelling Holy Spirit is “IN” you)…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “ ….. THE WORD (Jesus, the God IMAGE) …was sown in THEIR HEARTS…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “…Jesus Christ (the God image) is IN YOU …” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… [you]…have this treasure in [your]…earthen vessel (body) ...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).
YOU ALREADY HAVE A “NEW” IMAGE. “…God … SENT forth the Spirit of His Son (Jesus, the God image) “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).
YOU JUST NEED TO BE CONFORMED TO “THAT” NEW IMAGE. “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).
THAT IMAGE WAS GIVEN TO YOU! “… [you]…have this treasure in [your]…earthen vessel (body) ...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “…by the grace of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).  
You are a “LIVING SOUL” again. You are spiritually ALIVE.“….Jesus Christ (the GOD image) maketh thee WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “... and man became a living soul …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).
“… you are not controlled by your sinful nature (OR ITS IMAGES). You are controlled by the Spirit (THE GOD IMAGE) if you have the Spirit of God living in you …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).
“…the Son (the GOD IMAGE) ... [made]... you (free AND), yoU...[are]... free indeed …” (John 8:36 KJV).
“… GOD IS SPIRIT …” (John 4:24 KJV). “… the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE … ” (John 3:6 NLT).  “...The Spirit GIVES life...” (John 6:63 NIV).
“... He is ... God (the Holy Spirit IS THE ONE) who made the world and everything in it ...He himself gives life (spiritual life) and breath (existence) to everything ...” (Acts 17:24-25 NLT).
“... [God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of  it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). Thus, “... and man (woman) became a living soul (again!) …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). “... [THEY ARE RELEASED FROM WORLDLY IMAGES AND ARE]...free indeed …” (John 8:36 KJV).
These SCRIPTURES are the TRUTH about God’s people, the REDEEMED AND RIGHTEOUS. It is the TRUTH that sets them FREE.“… thy (GOD’S) word is truth … ” (JOHN 17:17 KJV).
“… Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN( SINFUL IMAGES)? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord (Jesus, the God IMAGE)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).   Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB)..“… thy word is truth … ” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “… the Son (Jesus Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit. the Word of God, the God IMAGE, etc.,)…shall make you FREE...” (John 8:36 KJV).
There is a CONFLICT between the OLD IDENTITY, images, and personality that has been heavily informed and shaped by the sin nature and the NEW.
Your NEW IDENTITY as a NEW CREATION in CHRIST JESUS, the indwelling Holy Spirit, wants what God wants. “… The sinful nature (body of flesh) wants to do evil , which is just the opposite of what the [indwelling Holy] Spirit wants ...These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions . ..” (Galatians 5 NLT).
THE SOLUTION: “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind ….”(Romans 12:2 KJV).
WHAT WILL THE WORD OF GOD (the SOLUTION) DO TO HELP FREE YOU FROM YOUR “OLD” IDENTITY?  “... the washing of water by the word (of god)...”(Ephesians 5:25-25 KJV). “….ye are SANCTIFIED (cleaned) …[BY THE WORD]…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV). “….ye are SANCTIFIED (cleaned) … by the SPIRIT of our GOD …” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV).“… THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…”(John 6:63 KJV). ).
 “… Create in me a clean heart , O God …” (Psalms 51:10 KJV). “…Christ ….loved the church, and GAVE himself for it ; That he might SANCTIFY and CLEANSE it, with the washing of water by the word (of god)….”(Ephesians 5:25-25 KJV). “…The God of peace Himself  SANCTIFY  (cleanse) you ENTIRELY…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB).“...God has chosen you from the beginning for SALVATION through SANCTIFICATION (cleansing power) by the Spirit and faith (trust in and dependency upon) ... the truth …” (2 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB “….ye are SANCTIFIED (cleaned) …in the name of the Lord Jesus (the Word), and by the SPIRIT of our GOD …” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV).
As my sister/friend, forever (SFF), Pastor Linda M. Wilson says, “...It’s SIMPLE, but it AIN’T easy...”
Before you become a NEW CREATION, your old personality identified you, defined you, and determined how you engage, interact, and experience the world around you.
Your old personality was developed by experiences that started early in life and shaped behaviors that formed character traits that pretty much stayed the same over your lifespan.
Those earlier experiences put information into your heart and mind that produced particular character traits and behaviors.
The  character traits and behaviors came from the information put into the heart, which also shaped your personality and influenced your acclimation to life around you.
Behavior is observed by what someone DOES. What someone DOES will IMPACT emotions, intellect, the heart, and if done over a long period of time, it will develop character traits.
CHARACTER TRAITS become PERSONALITY and will DEFINE who a person is within their heart.
Experts say personality is also considered temperament and temperament is considered a person’s NATURE. A person’s nature is basically what AFFECTS behavior.
From a spiritual perspective, personality grows out of the kind of NATURE/ TEMPERAMENT a person is born with.“…. I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).
Differences in the expression of that SINFUL NATURE/temperament are influenced by  how a person experiences life.
People usually have life experiences that reinforce or encourage different expressions of that SINFUL NATURE/temperament, which lays the foundation for personality.
The WAY a person learns, is trained, shaped, or is conditioned to express that SINFUL NATURE/temperament, over the lifespan, will develop into personality.
Somewhere during the person’s lifespan, some experts, believe the personality becomes FIXED and impossible to CHANGE.
The SINFUL NATURE/temperament plays a major role in personality, whether we like it or not. Personality is SHAPED by experiences in a world, under the POWER of the EVIL ONE. Personality is DEVELOPED in environments, under the POWER of the EVIL ONE. “... the whole world lies under the power of the evil one ” (1 John 5:19 RSV).
The EVIL ONE, in one way or another, overt or covert, will IMPACT how the personality is SHAPED. The constant, ongoing, unavoidable interaction of the SINFUL NATURE/temperament and the EVIL ONE’s environments will influence how the personality is expressed through one’s moods and behaviors. “…. I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).
For example, by NATURE you are a SINNER. “…. I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).“… [Now]... all have sinned (all have been born with a sin nature) …” (Romans 3:23 KJV). “… all have ... come short of the glory of God (all are born missing or WITHOUT the indwelling Holy Spirit) …” (Romans 3:23 KJV).
"…That which is born of the flesh is flesh…” (John 3:6 KJV). “…. I was born a sinner (I was born without the indwelling Holy Spirit) —yes, from the moment my mother conceived me….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).
Growing up you may have been “basically” even -tempered, and laid-back, but a run in with a nasty person, in a different environment, may bring out a different side of you and you find yourself cussing, being hot-tempered and angry.
This example shows that personality is heavily impacted by the underlying and powerful SINFUL NATURE.
Thus, not only are you shaped by the EVIL ONE’S environments through your various experiences, but the environments force you to develop traits, habits, and behaviors heavily influenced by the POWERFUL SINFUL NATURE.
The SINFUL NATURE is a reality.
“…. I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT)."…That which is born of the flesh is flesh…” (John 3:6 KJV). “…. I was born a sinner (I was born without the indwelling Holy Spirit) —yes, from the moment my mother conceived me….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).
Personality is shaped with the SINFUL NATURE as an innate and enduring part of its development.  A personality  includes a person’s belief’s about self, family, social and intimate relationships, religion, work ethics, mental and physical health, perceptions of morality, how one loves, or the many other aspect of life.
All these aspects of personality is fundamental tied to the SINFUL NATURE. Why is this important, because people go around saying people are “basically” good, but the bible is saying people are “basically” a sinful nature. “…. I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT)."…That which is born of the flesh is flesh … ” (John 3:6 KJV). “…. I was born a sinner (I was born without the indwelling Holy Spirit) —yes, from the moment my mother conceived me….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).
The personality, which is tied fundamentally to the SINFUL NATURE, shapes so much of who a person is, or how they define themselves, or how they function in day to day life that they may not fully be aware of it.
The SINFUL NATURE/temperament, like it or not, has an effect on PERSONALITY, which impacts how a person’s character traits are developed and how they will behave.
There are some parts of one’ s personality that may become FIXED. Most people come to believe some of their character traits are hopelessly unchangeable.
They are right, no matter how much they try it is impossible to change the part of their personality,  shaped, molded, trained, or influenced by their POWERFUL SINFUL NATURE/ temperament, which is biologically (body of flesh) determined.
The SINFUL NATURE/temperament is WHO human beings are innately and their behaviors are what they DO as a result of that NATURE.
The SINFUL NATURE/temperament is the underlying, innate, enduring  problem that exists in personality. That NATURE makes it impossible to fundamentally change a person’s heart, their emotions, or the way they think, or the way they behave from day to day.
Even when people attempt to change their personalities, the underlying, innate, and enduring SINFUL/NATURE, will be a part of it. “… The flesh (the sinful nature’s effort to change) profiteth nothing …” (John 6:63 KJV). “… Human effort (the sinful nature’s effort) accomplishes nothing ….” (John 6:63 NLT).
Many things happens in life to IMPACT the personality’s emotional climate or behavior such as trauma, moving, new jobs, therapy, developing new habits, having a body, death, marriage, etc., but it doesn’t change the innate, enduring, or underlying SINFUL NATURE/temperament. “... The trouble is with me, for I am all too human , a slave to sin (through the sinful nature)…I [am] …a slave to the ..[innate, enduring, etc.]... sin that is … withinme (within my sinful nature)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
The innate, enduring, and underlying SINFUL NATURE/temperament is impossible to change without God, the Holy Spirit. “…. I was born a sinner (I was born without the indwelling Holy Spirit) —yes, from the moment my mother conceived me….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).
 “… The ...[sinful]... nature ...never did obey God’s laws, and it never will .…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).
Some people may WANT to change. “... I want to do what is right, but I can’t . I want to do what is good,but I don’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
 “… The sinful nature wants to do evil ... so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions. ……” (Galatians 5 NLT).
No matter how much effort a person puts into changing their SINFUL NATURE/temperament, they can’t. “... The trouble is with me, for I am all too human , a slave to sin (through the sinful nature) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “... Apart from [Jesus Christ]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing [they cannot change their nature] …” (John 15:5 NIV).
According to research many people WANT to change their personality, because they are dissatisfied with it. They want a NEW self-image. “...Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [the sin nature and its images ]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
Unfortunately, personality is intertwined with what you are by NATURE and without Jesus Christ, “that” NATURE cannot be changed. It “IS” what it “IS” a SINFUL NATURE. “… Apart from [Jesus Christ]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing [they cannot change their nature] …” (John 15:5 NIV). “…. I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT)."…That which is born of the flesh is flesh … ” (John 3:6 KJV).
“...Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [the sinful nature ]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
“...I [am] …a slave to the ..[innate, enduring, etc.]... sin that is … withinme (within my sinful nature) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
“... I want to do what is right, but I can’t . I want to do what is good,but I don’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
“... The trouble is with me, for I am all too human , a slave to sin (through the sinful nature) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
“…. I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT)."…That which is born of the flesh is flesh … ” (John 3:6 KJV).
“...The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
God did NOT sent Jesus to CHANGE your SINFUL NATURE, he sent him to DELIVER and RELEASE you totally from it!
To CHANGE means to MAKE the SINFUL NATURE different like when you try to make it into a NEW self-image.
TO DELIVER means to be SET FREE and HEALED from the SINFUL NATURE by BECOMING a NEW CREATION.
“…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature : old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “...For in him we live, and move, and have our being (OUR NEW IMAGES, PERSONALITY, ETC.); as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 KJV).
Is anything too hard for God to DELIVER you from? “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).
Is your DELIVERANCE and RELEASE from the SINFUL NATURE impossible? “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).
 “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer …” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).
SELF-IMAGE is something you try to earn, deserve, or become worthy of obtaining.
God IMAGE is something you can’t earn, deserve, or become worthy of obtaining, YET it is a indwelling GIFT freely GIVEN to the righteous!
“…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).
“… [you]…have this treasure in [your]…earthen vessel (body) ...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU …” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).
“…God … SENT forth the Spirit of His Son (the God image) “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB) “… IT IS THE GIFT  OF GOD …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).
“… since it is through God’s kindness (the indwelling God image)… it is not by [your]… good works. God’s grace …[makes all his actions toward us]…—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:6 NLT). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am (a new creation with the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).
So...“…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).
 

THE GOD IMAGE: GREATER IS HE THAT IS WITHIN!

THE GOD IMAGE: SELF-IMAGE, part 1
“… In this world we are like Jesus …” (1 John 4:17 NIV).
“…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).
“...[NOT]...an image..[or self image]... in the form of corruptible man (yours or society’s “ideal,”  or human standard of an image) ...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB).
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Self-image, is also a mental representation a person has of themselves. Self-image includes body image (appearance) too. However, self-image also includes personality and its abilities.
This chapter will focus on self-image as it relates to the mental representation one has of their own personality and what “that” personality has the ability to do.
Personality, according to experts, is often resistant to change. Personality includes character traits, particular to an individual, that have been taught from childhood, learned throughout the developmental stages, gained through life experiences, influenced by society/culture, and becomes an internalized, familiar schema.
“...Train up a child in the way he(she) should go, Even when he(she) is old he(she) will not depart from it...” (Proverbs 22:6 NASB). The bible tells us that a child is TRAINED to go in the direction they are going and when they get older they will NOT depart from that way.
Thus, it is no surprise that personality and its abilities become basically STABLE and UNCHANGING over time. The bible also says the SIN NATURE cannot CHANGE. “… Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil…” (Jeremiah 13:23 NIV).
“... I want to do what is right, but I can’t… ” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…I [am] …a slave to the (unchanging) sin (nature) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
Personality and its abilities is said to DEFINE you or DEFINE who you are. It reveals how you interact with yourself, others, the world as a whole.
Personality also reveals how people express their emotions, intellect, human will, moral compass, conscience, and the thoughts within their hearts
King Nebuchadnezzar’s interaction with Daniel revealed the thoughts in his heart, which expressed a part of his personality. He was prideful about his accomplishment. “…King Nebuchadnezzar. … was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
Because King Nebuchadnezzar had a prideful personality, he did what he believed his personality had a right to DO. “…. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes …” (Proverbs 12:15 KJV). “… There is a way which seemeth right unto a man , but the end thereof arethe ways of death...” (Proverbs  14:20 KJV).  “… There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death….” (Proverbs 16:25 KJV).
King Nebuchadnezzar’s personality and what he BELIEVED “that” personality had a right DO, made him IGNORE God’s warning.
The WORD of God to King Nebuchadnezzar was this: “…Your Majesty … Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue…” (Daniels 4 NLT).
 “ Those who trust in themselves are fools , but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe…” (Proverbs 28:26 NIV).
King Nebuchadnezzar trusted in his OWN personality and what “that” personality could DO. “… he said , “Is not this the great Babylon “ I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty ?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
As you can see, self-image is BASICALLY, made up, of a mental representation (schema) of ideas or opinions , that one  has internalized about their  own personality and “that” personality’s abilities. “…But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
“But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to , stubbornly following our own evil desires ” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
A mental representation of ideas or opinions include what a person thinks about who “they” think they are, their abilities to do things they choose to do, and how they see themselves in relationships with others.“… “ I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty ?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
Self-image has a HUGE impact on a person’s outlook on life, which heavily affects their happiness and their ability to be fulfilled.
For instance, your self-image, like King Nebuchadnezzar’s,  is the idea or opinion you have of yourself, which includes your personality and what “that” personality can or cannot DO. “… he said , “Is not this the great Babylon “ I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty ?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
If you see yourself as a WINNER, you will believe YOU CAN do certain things. If you see yourself as a LOSER, you will believe YOU CANNOT do certain things.
If you see yourself as an EXTROVERT, you will see yourself as ABLE to do certain things. If you see yourself as an INTROVERT, you will yourself as UNABLE to do certain things. If you see yourself as having TALENT, you will try to use that gift. If you see yourself as having NO TALENT, you will believe  you have no gift to use.
“...For as he(she) thinks within himself (herself), so he (she) is...” (Proverbs 23:7 NASB).
These are just a FEW examples of how your idea or opinion (self-image) of your personality can affect what you do or don’t do in life. YOU ARE what YOU THINK you are. “...as he(she) thinks within himself (herself), so he (she) is...” (Proverbs 23:7 NASB). Whatever you THINK of yourself, whether it’s true of NOT, that who you ARE.
King Nebuchadnezzar’s THOUGHT of himself as the SOVEREIGN CONTROLLER and he was even prideful about it. “… he said , “Is not this the great Babylon “ I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty ?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “...We will continue to live as we want to , stubbornly following our own evil desires ” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
The One who is REALLY the SOVEREIGN CONTROLLER said to the KING:  “…Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue…” (Daniels 4 NLT).
The ideas and opinions you HAVE of your self-image, it is said by experts, to be the foundation for either a healthy or unhealthy personality.
Once, you form, an idea or opinion about your personality it will affect what you BELIEVE about your abilities. It will affect what you BELIEVE you can or cannot DO. It will affect what you BELIEVE you will or will not DO.“...For as he(she) thinks within himself (herself), so he (she) is...” (Proverbs 23:7 NASB).
Proverbs 23:7 is not about positive THINKING, but it is about a begrudging HOST , whose heart was NOT right or genuine toward his guests. The personality revealed by the hostess, originated from the heart. It is “… from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts (begrudgement, pride, etc.,)…these … come from within... ” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). "… out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks..." (Matthew 12:34-35).
One’s self-image, like body image, may not be based upon reality. Self-image, therefore, is subjective. As mentioned before, when something is SUBJECTIVE it is based on one’s personal opinion, one’s own interpretation of something, a private point of view, one’s emotions and judgement of something. “… he said , “Is not this the great Babylon “ I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty ?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
While on the other hand, OBJECTIVE self- image would be more FACT-BASED information. Personality, like body image, can be observed by others. GOD SAID:“…Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue…” (Daniels 4 NLT).
OBJECTIVE INFORMATION REVEALED THIS: “..This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times (years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes …” (Daniel 4 NLT).
 “… Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled . He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird…” (Daniel 4 NLT).
Remember, the reason objective information is more preferable over subjective information, is because, without scientific ways to measure and observe certain information,  it (subjective information) can become DISTORTED.
Self-image, thus, is subjective and can become DISTORTED. Since self-image affects a person’s personality and abilities, this “DISTORTION” can influence a person to become PREOCCUPIED with how they SEE themselves or how they believe others SEE them. “… he said , “Is not this the great Babylon “ I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty ?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
God told the KING:“…King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times (years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled…” (Daniel 4 NLT).
“... Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled…” (Daniel 4 NLT).
The DRIVING FORCE behind pessimism, control, manipulations, conceit, pride, chronic complaining, limitations and comfort zones, underachievers, excuses, etc., are often BEHAVIORS related to DISTORTED self-images.
People with a DISTORTED self-image have a proclivity to focus on personality FLAWS and LIMITATIONS. Thus, they constantly CRITICIZE themselves publicly or privately. They also have a  tendency to JUDGE every DECISION or ACTION they make.
A DISTORTED self-image when compared to a person’s perceived “IDEAL” self-image can KEEP them TRAPPED, in that negative place, for years or their entire life!
This is especially true, when a person is trying to measure up to their OWN or other people’s UNREALISTIC “IDEAL” of self-image.
A DISTORTED self-image can become a life-long mental recording of critical ideas and opinions of one’s personality that has been allowed to be blown out of proportion.
When self-image is blown out of proportion with exaggerated negative-ness it will heavily influenced one’s personality and abilities.
In addition, to one’s OWN negative ideas and opinions of themselves, they also allow the negative ideas and opinions, of others, to influence their personality and abilities, even to their own detriment.
Unfortunately, negative self-images are further built upon, influenced by, and DEFINED by way of society, mainstream culture, unrealistic standards, distorted norms, and ridiculous expectations.
If a person doesn’t MEASURE UP to an UNREALISTIC expectation of self-image it can have an emotional impact that can trigger depression, discouragement, insecurity, low esteem, discouragement, etc.
Most people, not all, but MOST build their self-image upon EXTERNAL factors such as other people’s ideas and opinions of them, societal and cultural expectations, and some standard of an “ideal” self-image.
OTHER people, not all, build their self-image upon INTERNAL factors such their OWN idea and opinion of their self-worth, what they can expect from their OWN personality or abilities, and their OWN standard of an “ideal” self-image. An healthy self-image is SAID to lead a person to an EMPOWERED life. However, “… do not think of your self more highly than you ought …” (Romans 12:3 NIV).
The problem with building self-image on EXTERNAL or INTERNAL factors is that they are CONSTANTLY changing.  “…King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. …” (Daniel 4 NLT). The KING’s life was about to CHANGE!
EXTERNAL factors change ALL the time. One day the EXTERNAL factors favor your self-images, which encourages your outlook on life, your happiness, and brings you much fulfillment. “… he said , “Is not this the great Babylon “ I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty ?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
The next day those EXTERNAL factors SHIFT and become unfavorable to our self-images, which discourages your outlook on life, your happiness, and will no longer bring you fulfillment. “... Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled…” (Daniel 4 NLT).
EXTERNAL factors flip and flop so much your self-image cannot be BUILT upon such an undependable foundation. “… Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled . He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox.His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird…” (Daniel 4 NLT).
INTERNAL factors change ALL the time too. One day our INTERNAL factors favor your self-image, which encourage your outlook on life, your happiness, and bring you much fulfillment. “… he said , “Is not this the great Babylon “ I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty ?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
The next day, something can happen or SHIFT and so will those INTERNAL factors. That SHIFT makes INTERNAL factors become unfavorable to our self-images, which discourages your outlook on life, your happiness, and will no longer bring your fulfillment.“…At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven ... Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation …” (Daniel 4 NLT).
The INTERNAL factors flip and flop too. We get older, someone dies, we lose jobs, situations change, our children go to college, we divorce, we become widows or widowers, we get bald, our hair thins, our health changes, our body changes, etc. Self-image is IMPACTED by CHANGE; external or internal.
Thus, self-image cannot be BUILT upon INTERNAL factors either, they are an undependable foundation too. “…Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven , because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride (over self-image) he is able to humble (Daniel 4 NIV).
If self-image can’t depend upon EXTERNAL or INTERNAL factors then the healthy self-image could end up with the same outcome as the unhealthy self-image. “…[Only God, the Holy Spirit]... does as he pleases (not human, even those with a healthy self-image)   with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT).
Whether healthy or unhealthy, the self-image NEEDS a sustainable and dependable foundation. In order for one’s personality and one’s abilities to remain favorable and helpful, no matter what external or internal changes take place, the foundation for self-image needs to be sound. “…No one can hold back his hand (God’s hand) or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
When self-image does NOT have a sustainable and dependable foundation, every external or internal change will send the personality and its abilities into a tailspin, disturb one’s emotions, happiness, fulfillment, and the ideas or opinions one’s has of themselves can be LOST or seriously REDUCED. “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV).
To put self-image BACK in the right perspective, the sovereign expert, God, the Holy Spirit, says the redeemed(righteous) are, first and foremost, NEW CREATIONS! “…Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature ...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).
Thus, “… Be not conformed to this world...[any longer].…” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “…be conformed to the imageof his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).
HOW? “… let the ...[god, the]...Holy Spirit guide your lives . …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “ The steps (every single step) of a good man (woman) are ordered (DIRECTED) by the Lord : and he delighteth in his way...” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “… be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind (from “old” images)…” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “...old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).
The God IMAGE replaces the SELF-IMAGE. “…be conformed to the imageof his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).
The righteous are NEW CREATIONS. “…Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature ...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).
The righteous are NEW CREATIONS, because they have the indwelling Holy Spirit within their hearts. “…God … SENT forth the Spirit of His Son (Jesus, the God image) “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “… God has given [you] HIS Spirit as PROOF that … he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT “…The Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…Christ (the God image) liveth in [you] …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).
Because the indwelling Holy Spirit dwells within, the hearts, of the righteous they have a NEW IDENTITY.“...For in him (Jesus, the God image) we live, and move, and have our being (identity) ..For we are also his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 KJV). “... and man ...[becomes]... a living soul (AGAIN)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).
A NEW IDENTITY, for the righteous, means they are SPIRITUALLY ALIVE, because of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Jesus, the God image). “……God made you ALIVE with Christ (the God IMAGE). He forgave [you]… all [your]… sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV). “…he(she) that is joined unto the Lord (Jesus, the God image)) is ONE Spirit… [with God again]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…he (she) is a new creature ...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “... and man(woman) ...[becomes]... a living soul (AGAIN)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).
Self-image is ERADICATED. The indwelling Holy Spirit has made ALL things NEW. “…. old things (body image, self-image, personality, abilities, etc.) are passed away...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).
The righteous have a NEW IMAGE, NEW PERSONALITY and new ABILITIES through “that” PERSONALITY. “…. all things (images, personality, etc.,) are become new ” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [Therefore]… we all … are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory … ” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).
“…by the grace of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).
The God IMAGE replaces the self-image. The struggle and suffering to become some “IDEAL” human version of self-image is OVER.
“… Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN (self-images, etc.) ? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).   
“…the Son (jesus, the god image)... [makes]... you free, (so)...you..[are]... free indeed …” (John 8:36 KJV). “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).
“…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).
“… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer …” (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “...you..[are]... free indeed …” (John 8:36 KJV).
you free, (so)...you..[are]... free indeed …” (John 8:36 KJV).
“… Be not conformed to this world...[or its images any longer].…” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “…be conformed to the imageof his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).

THE GOD IMAGE: OR BODY IMAGE?

The god image: body image
The body of christ
“...Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it...” (1 Corinthians 12:27 NASB).
“…beconformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).
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What is body image? Body image is a person’s perception of their OWN body. It is a personal, private opinion, or mental representation one has of their OWN body. “...thou (God, the Holy Spirit) didst form my inward parts: Thou (God, the Holy Spirit) didst cover me (with an earthen vessel) in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks unto thee; for I am fearfully (specially created by the sovereign God) and wonderfully MADE: Wonderful are thy works (I am one of your wonderful works)...” (Psalms 139:13-14 NASB).
“…Since the CREATION of the world God’s INVISIBLEQUALITIES—HIS ETERNAL POWER AND DIVINE NATURE—have been “CLEARLY SEEN”, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE (every SINGLE earthen vessel was MADE by God, the Holy Spirit) …” (Romans 1:20 NIV).
If YOU are a NEW CREATION, “...your body is (also) a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own ... therefore glorify God in your body...” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB).
This personal, private opinionated or mental representation one has of their OWN body also and often involves COMPARING “it” to the STANDARD that has been SET by culture, society, and family. “...YOU ARE...  fearfully (specially created by the sovereign God) and wonderfully MADE...” (Psalms 139:13-14 NASB).“...Wonderful are thy (god’s) works (YOU ARE one of God’s wonderful works)...” (Psalms 139:13-14 NASB).
“...Many ....are the wonderful works (every earthen vessel) which thou hast done...” (Psalms 40:5 NASB).
“...Great and marvellous are thy works (every earthen vessel), O Lord God...” (Revelation 15:3 NASB).
“...The works (every earthen vessel) of Jehovah are great...”
The STANDARD, of body image,  “SET” by culture, society, or one’s OWN family PLACES “great value” on the “IDEAL,” human body image!
It is NOT the clay, but the POTTER who created the body! “...O Jehovah, thou art our Father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we (all earthen vessels) ...are the work of thy hand...” (Isaiah 64:8 NASB).
“...[God]...Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous...You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born...” (Psalms 139:14-16 NLT).
A person’s perception of their OWN body image may or MAY NOT measure up to the cultural, societal, or family’s STANDARD of the “ideal” BODY IMAGE. “...[God]... Your workmanship (which includes every earthen vessel) is marvelous...” (Psalms 139:14-16 NLT). “...Let God be found true (about his marvelous creations)...[and] every man(woman) be found a liar (especially those who criticize his marvelous creations)..” (Romans 3:4a NASB).
A person’s BODY IMAGE begins to DEVELOP, in early childhood, and a person’ begins to CHASE after an “IDEAL” body image that doesn’t EXIST! “...Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV). “...[Especially NOT]...an image..[or body image]... in the form of corruptible man (yours or society’s “ideal,”  or human standard of an image) ...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB).
Body image is multi-faceted, yet the mental representation a person has of his or her own body can become a STRONGHOLD.
It can also become a silent, unconscious, and unending obsession with an ILLUSIVE, “ideal” body image. Your heart begins to idolize “that” body image.   “...Put to death therefore your ...[earthly body images]... which are upon the earth...[which promote]... fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil DESIRE, and COVENTOUSNESS, which is IDOLATRY...” (Colossians 3:5 NASB).
The mental representation, a person has of themselves, may or may not be distorted, AND that person may focus only on certain parts of their body’s IMAGE. “...Many ....are the wonderful works (every earthen vessel) which thou hast done...” (Psalms 40:5 NASB).
When a person focuses only on CERTAIN parts of their bodies and sees those parts as FLAWED it is consider, in psychological terms, to be a SELECTIVE PERCEPTION of “those” body parts.
For instance, a person may see CERTAIN body parts, ONLY through selective perception, as too big or too small, or simply flawed in some way. They may have thoughts such as “my face is too round” “my waist needs to be smaller” “my legs are too short” “my body is too disportionate” “my hair color is yucky looking” “my nose is crooked” “my eyes are popped” “my teeth need fixing.”
“...Many ....are the wonderful works (every earthen vessel) which thou hast done...” (Psalms 40:5 NASB). “...Let God be found true (about his marvelous creations)...[and] every man(woman) be found a liar (especially those who criticize his marvelous creations)..” (Romans 3:4a NASB).
These criticizing thoughts about CERTAIN body parts can become obsessive.
These criticizing thoughts about CERTAIN body parts can also encourage life-long feelings of shame, body-dissatisfaction, body-disappointment, body-discontentment, or stress, especially if those body parts DON’T measure up to the cultural, societal, or family STANDARDS of BODY IMAGE.
These criticizing thoughts about CERTAIN body parts, if NOT changed, over time, will result in life-long heartache and trouble over body image. “...Troubles multiply for those who chaseafter other gods (images, idols, etc.,)...” (Psalms 16:4 NLT).
Having a NEGATIVE body image is stressful and promotes a life-long dissatisfaction with one’s BODY. “...Many ....are the wonderful works (every earthen vessel) which thou hast done...” (Psalms 40:5 NASB). “…. apply thine heart to understanding … ” (Proverbs 2:2 KJV). “…if the Son…shall make you FREE (from  “perceived” body images) , ye shall be FREE indeed .” (John 8:36 KJV).
 “…When anyone hears the word …and does not understand it …the evil one comes and snatches away …” (Matthew 13:18-23 NASB).
“...YOU ARE...  fearfully (specially created by the sovereign God) and wonderfully MADE...” (Psalms 139:13-14 NASB).“...Wonderful are thy (god’s) works (YOU ARE one of God’s wonderful works)...” (Psalms 139:13-14 NASB).
Some people react by avoiding social interactions in order to minimize the risk of being criticized by others too, for their current body image.
The focus on perceived, flawed body parts can be unending and will affect a person’s behavior in one way or another.
Dissatisfaction with one’s body KEEPS an person overly concerned with their WEIGHT, SIZE, and SHAPE until focus on diet, exercise, eating, cosmetic surgery, fashion, appearance, being judged, etc., become major, ongoing behavioral concerns.
Having a NEGATIVE body image is also LIMITING, especially when it AFFECTS how a person performs in LIFE.
People may or MAY NOT do WELL in school, in their careers, or in relationships when they perceived they are somehow defected with a NEGATIVE body image and are OBSESSED with it.
One of the reasons a person may or MAY NOT do well in school, careers, or relationship is that they’re OBSESSION with their FLAWED body image will eventually create a dysfunction.
Believe it or NOT, your OWN perceived FLAW is usually unnoticeable by others. If you have some of the following “PERCEIVED” flaws, you and YOU ALONE may be the ONLY one who SEES them!
IT IS YOU IF: You, constantly, see that ONE, small minor FLAW. You see yourself as unattractive.  You FEAR you are being judged by others. You have some “IDEAL” standard of body image NOT shared by others. You CHOOSE to avoid social interactions because of body image. You are the MAIN critic of your body image EVERY time you LOOK in the mirror. You are the one HIDING your perceived FLAW under make-up or clothes. You are the one continually comparing your body image with others. You the one OBSESSING, regularly, over how to approve your body image. You ARE the ONE who needs endless assurance and confirmation about your body image. You are dissatisfied with your body image and NOT everyone else.
If BODY IMAGE is what YOU think about YOURSELF, then BODY IMAGE is the MENTAL representation YOU have CREATED of yourself!
However, this MENTAL representation you have CREATED of  yourself may or MAY NOT resemble HOW others, ACTUALLY, perceive YOU!
When you have a NEGATIVE body image of yourself and it has been an obsession since EARLY childhood, it is TIME to reexamine the MENTAL representation you’ve created of YOU.
First, body IMAGE is subjective. When something is SUBJECTIVE it is based on one’s personal opinion, one’s own interpretation of something, a private point of view, or one’s emotions and judgement about something. While on the other hand, OBJECTIVE body image would be more FACT-BASED information.
The reason objective information is more preferable than subjective information, is because, without scientific ways to measure and observe certain information,  it (subjective information) can become DISTORTED.
Body image, thus, is subjective and can become DISTORTED. Since body image affects a person’s behavior, this “DISTORTION” can influence a person to become OBSESSIVE and PREOCCUPIED with their perceived FLAWS.
The DRIVING FORCE behind eating disorders, constant dieting, the wrong relationship with food, depression, bad moods, stress, anxiousness, etc., are BEHAVIORS related to DISTORTED body images.
A DISTORTED body image when compared to YOUR perceived “IDEAL” body image can KEEP you limited and obsessed with the physical, outward appearance for years or your entire life!
To put body image BACK in the right perspective, the sovereign expert, God, the Holy Spirit, says the redeemed(righteous) are, first and foremost, NEW CREATIONS! “…Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature ...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).
Thus, “… Be not conformed to this world...[any longer].…” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “…be conformed to the imageof his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).
HOW? “… let the ...[god, the]...Holy Spirit guide your lives . …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “ The steps (every single step) of a good man (woman) are ordered (DIRECTED) by the Lord : and he delighteth in his way...” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “… be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind (from “old” images)…” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “...old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).
The God IMAGE replaces the BODY IMAGE. “…be conformed to the imageof his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).
Body IMAGE has VERY little PROFIT, to the righteous! “..bodily discipline (body image) is only of little profit, but godliness (the God image) is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).
“...Physical training is good (for body image), but training for godliness (for God image) is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT)
“...You’ve been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you’ll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium (for body image) are useful (helps keep you healthy), but a disciplined life in God (developing the God image) is far more so, making you fit (spiritually) both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers...” (1 Timothy 4:8-10 MSG).
For the righteous, body image has NO eternal value and the “little” value that it does have is a SHORT profitability.
“..bodily discipline (body image) is only of little profit...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).
“...Physical training is good (for body image), but...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT)
“...Workouts in the gymnasium (for body image) are useful (helps keep you healthy), but...” (1 Timothy 4:8-10 MSG).
Body image for the purpose of being HEALTHY and in order to be an USEFUL earthen vessel for the indwelling Holy Spirit is the PROFIT.  “...I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health , just as your soul prospers...” (3 John 2 NASB).
“…Jesus Christ is IN YOU …” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… [you]…have this treasure in [your]…earthen vessel (body) ...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).
Having an earthen vessel is advantageous for the temporary time, the righteous, is upon the earth as ambassadors for Christ.
“...your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own ... therefore glorify God in your body...” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB).
“...If any man (woman) destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him (her), for the temple (your body, earthen vessel) of God is holy, and [that is what you are...” (1 Corinthians 3:17 NASB).
“...No one hates his(her) own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church...” (Ephesians 5:29 NLT).
 “ The Son (jesus Christ) is ... the exact representation (IMAGE) ofhis being …”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU …” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).
“… [you]…have this treasure in [your]…earthen vessel (body) ...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “...your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you...” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB).
The God IMAGE serves a purpose in this temporary life and the eternal life to come. “..godliness (the God image) is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).
“...training for godliness (for God image) is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT)
“...a disciplined life in God (developing the God image) is far more so, making you fit (spiritually) both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers...” (1 Timothy 4:8-10 MSG).
The IDEAL or “your” IDEAL STANDARD of body image will DO NOTHING, whatsoever, to PROMOTE the God IMAGE!!! “…be conformed to the imageof his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).
The God IMAGE is promoted when the righteous become God, the Holy Spirit’s WITNESSES and allow him to DISPLAY HIS glory “in” and “through” their earthen vessels. “...you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere (through your BODY or TEMPLE)...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT).
“...you (earthen vessels) will be my witnesses...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT).
“…Stephen, (an earthen vessel), performed great wonders and signs among the people …” (Acts 6:8 NIV).  “… God did extraordinary MIRACLES through Paul (an earthen vessel) …” (Acts 19:11 NIV). “…I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and MIRACLES (God, himself, does through earthen vessels) …” (2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV). “… the Father that dwelleth in [earthen vessels], he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV).
It is “… God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us (earthen vessels) who are his . The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us (earthen vessels) …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).
“… [you]…have this treasure in [your]…earthen vessel (body) ...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “...your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you...” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB).
The BODY becomes the TEMPLE of the indwelling Holy Spirit and BODY IMAGE is replaced by the IMAGE of Jesus Christ.
“… In this world we are like Jesus …” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).“...[NOT]...an image..[or body image]... in the form of corruptible man (yours or society’s “ideal,”  or human standard of an image) ...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB).
For the righteous, God, the Holy Spirit, ELEVATES, their IMAGE, all of them, to the HIGHEST in all of heaven and upon earth. “…the image of his Son (jesus Christ)…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).
Jesus is “highly exalted” with a “name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). “… his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…at … the name (ALONE) of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11 KJV). 
There is NO other IMAGE to worship, be devoted to, reverence, or LONG for GREATER than The God IMAGE!
“…You are veryGREAT;You are clothed in SPLENDER “…His radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays flashing from His hand…” (Habakkuk 3:4.NASB).
“…O LORD; thou art GREAT, and THY NAME is GREAT in might…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…. the whole earth is full of [your]…(HOLY) glory…” (Isaiah 6:3). “…majestic in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV).
“… Let Your glory  (IMAGE)be above all the earth (earthen vessels)…” (Psalms 57:5, 11 NASB). “… His glory is above earth and heaven…” (Psalms 148:13 NASB).
“…there is none like unto thee (the god image!!!!)…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).WHAT IS YOUR PRIORITY FOR DEVELOPING AN EARTHBOUND "IMAGE?"THE GOD IMAGE OR BODY IMAGE

IS IMAGE WORSHIP THE SAME AS IDOLATRY?

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
 “...For in him we live, and move, and have our being (IMAGE); as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 KJV).
“…old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).
“…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).
“...[NOT]...an image in the form of corruptible man (ESPECIALLY BODY IMAGE) ...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB).
 “...Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV).
“...they (the world) became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man ... For they exchanged the truth of God (the God image) for a lie (a created image) , and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator , who is blessed forever. Amen...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB).
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According to some definitions, image worship is the same as idolatry. Image worship is devotion to or reverence for a CREATED object other than God, the Holy Spirit.
Idolatry originates with image worship where mankind forsakes the God image and “...exchange[s]... the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures...” (Romans 1:23 NASB).
“...For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools,and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie , and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator , who is blessed forever. Amen...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB).
When mankind EXCHANGES the God IMAGE for an IMAGE in the FORM of a CREATED thing or person it is IDOLATRY.
“.. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh (desire for an ideal self-image), the lust of the eyes (desire for an ideal body image), and the pride of life (desire for high self-esteem)—comes NOT from the Father but from the world. The world and its DESIRES pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever . ” (1 John 2:16-17 NLT). Idolatry will always come from too much contact with the carnal WORLD.
While in the WORLD, God’s righteous people can sometimes fall into the same idolatrous practices as the heathen.“... the whole world lies under the power of the evil one ” (1 John 5:19 RSV).
“...they (the world) became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man ... For they exchanged the truth of God (the God image) for a lie (a created image) , and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator , who is blessed forever. Amen...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB).
When the righteous are SAVED they are set FREE from ALL SIN, including idolatrous practices. “… Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN (including idolatrous practices)? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “…if the Son (Jesus Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit)…shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV).
A practicing, sinful lifestyle, which can include idolatrous practices, will always, no matter how big or small, be in opposition for what God desires for his REDEEMED PEOPLE. "…A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough…" (Galatians 5:9 NIV).
The righteous are NOW set apart through the indwelling anointing or the indwelling Holy Spirit. God does not endorse straddling the fence, where you practice sinful behaviors part-time and righteous behavior the other part of the time. "… You must purge the evil from among you…” (Deuteronomy 21:18-21 NIV).
God desires for his righteous ones to separate themselves from all forms or appearances of sinful and idolatrous practices. “…Abstain from all APPEARANCE OF EVIL…” (1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV).
God’s Word says, to his people, “BE NOT” conformed, to this world. “…Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “…And do not touch what is unclean…” (2 Corinthians 6:13-17 NASB).
It literally means NOT to copy, follow the crowd, fit in, imitate, accept their opinion of you, or adapt in any form or fashion, the sinful or idolatrous lifestyles or practices of the CARNAL world.
This includes habits, fashion patterns, behaviors, actions, sinful practices, biases, prejudices, idolatrous practices, or worldly IMAGES. Whatever the current, wicked and carnal culture is DOING; do not conform to it. “… ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV).
God wants his people to be influenced and governed by the biblical lifestyle. He wants his people to pattern their lives after Jesus Christ, the God image and be conformed to HIS IMAGE. “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).
Many redeemed people think they are NOT conformed to the sinful lifestyle or idolatrous practices, but consciously or unconsciously they are privately indulging or engaging in many of its patterns, carnalities, and idolatrous behaviors. “…thou hast gone a whoring after the heathen, and …art polluted with their idols…” (Ezekiel 23:30).
My SFF (sister friend forever), Pastor Linda M. Wilson, said two things that can relate to the righteous and their continued problem with IMAGE Worship. She said they are “...delivered, but NOT healed or they are released, but NOT walking in freedom....”
The righteous must become aware of and be careful with images they’ve been delivered and released from.
 In addition, the righteous must become aware of and be careful with images they STILL desire to become conformed to, because it MEANS they are NOT healed or walking in freedom from them. “… Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN (including idolatrous practices)? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  
Any IMAGE worship can become an idol. The ongoing desire to be conformed to a particular image is a form of covetousness. “…if the Son (Jesus Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit)…shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV).
The ongoing coveting of a particular image is a form of IMAGE worship, especially WHEN the object(the ideal image) of adoration is “...an image in the form of corruptible man (woman) ...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB).
When you are obsessively devoted to becoming like something or someone(an earthly image) out of reverence or worship, for it, that thing or person is considered your idol. The bible distinctly says, “...Thou shalt have no other gods before me...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV). “...Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV).
A god, graven IMAGE, or idol is ANYTHING that replaces the one, true God as YOUR object of devotion, reverence, or worship in ANY area of your life.“...Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing..” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV).
Many righteous people covet “body images or self-images,” gleaned from the WORLD. These images are prevalent forms of idolatry and the righteous STILL worship and adore those particular images. “...an image in the form of corruptible man (or woman) ...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB).
Most likely, they STILL desire, above all else, to be conformed to those images (another human image, fake image, corruptible image, or pagan image) more than being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.
The desire to conform to an “ideal” body image replaces the desire to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ in order to become the BODY OF CHRIST.
 For instance, the desire to conform to an ideal self-image replaces the desire to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ who produces spiritual fruit in and through you (divine character). “...an image in the form of corruptible man  (or woman)...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB). “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).
In addition, the desire to glean your esteem from things or people in the world replaces the desire to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ and get your esteem from HIM. As NEW CREATIONS, the indwelling Holy Spirithas already given you the HIGHEST esteem through God’s acceptance of you, his choosing you, his making you his child, his honor of you, and your belonging to his family.
You are accepted. “…Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God SHOWS NO FAVORITISM.  In every nation HE ACCEPTS those who fear him and do what is right…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “… [God]…hath made us ACCEPTED in the beloved … ” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).
You are chosen. " You did not choose me but I chose you, and appointed you  ...” (John 15:16 ASV).  “… God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world…” (Ephesians 1:4).
You belong to God Almighty. “….You belong to God…” (1 John 4:4 NLT). “…But you belong to God, my dear children. …” (1 John 4:2-7 NIV).
 You are a CHILD of God’s.“… YE ARE “ALL” CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH “IN” CHRIST JESUS …” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV). “.We know that we are God’s children…” (1 John 5:19 RSV).
You are loved and honored by God, himself. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love ... does not dishonor others… .” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “… God honors mankind (his righteous ones). …” (Psalms 37:34 NLT). “.. My (the righteous)… honor come from God alone . He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me…” (Psalms 62:7 NLT). “… Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you …” (Isaiah 43:4 NLT). “…I have given you a title of honor…” (Isaiah 45:4 NLT). “…The Lord has honored me, and my God has given me strength…” (Isaiah 49:5 NLT). Therefore, “… Sit in a place of hono r…” (Isaiah 52:2 NLT).
Perceived “ideal” IMAGES are things or people YOU bow to and place significance upon because YOU desire to become LIKE those images. .“...Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image (mental or physical), or any likeness of anything..” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV). “...[Especially NOT]...an image in the form of corruptible man (woman) ...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB).
We worship “those” IMAGES whether directly or inadvertently; consciously or unconsciously and in our hearts we long or desire to be like “them(those images)” more than anything else. “…They kept doing whatever they wanted , following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “... We will continue to live as we want to , stubbornly following our own evil desires … ” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
Body image, self-image, and the desire for higher esteem is about YOU and what YOU want. You believe these images will make you a better person, change your appearance, make you happy, or enable you to achieve the things you want out of life. “… NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…I am come that THEY MIGHThave life, and that THEY MIGHT have it more abundantly…” (John 10:10 KJV).
If you don’t OBTAIN these desired images you think you will forever be flawed, or won’t ever know true happiness, or you will never achieve the things you desire in life.“…For in him ( ONLY ) we live and move and have our being (IMAGE).’  … ‘ We are his offspring …” (Acts 17:28 NIV).
IMAGES issues are a common problem with ALL human beings, including the righteous. The WORLD promotes UNREALISTIC images and call them “IDEAL” standards for your body, self, and for building esteem. “...an image in the form of corruptible man (woman)...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB).
If YOU constantly compare yourself with those UNREALISTIC images and don’t measure up to them, eventually you find yourself depressed, anxious, negative, hiding, self-condemning, desperate, or self-loathing. “...their (image worshippers’) foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man ...(Romans 1:21-25 NLT).
Failing to measure up to some UNREALISTIC image affects how you see yourself and ultimately how you behave. “…The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to [image worship]. …I don’t really understand myself, for I want to [be delivered from image worship] …but I don’t [allow myself to trust in or depend upon God’s indwelling healing power]... Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is [the old images]… living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to [be free from image worship) … [which]… is right, BUT I CAN’T…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [image worship or idolatry]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 
This could go on for years and years and as you get older the chances of reaching “that” image lessens. “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by... [image worship and/or idolatry]...?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
“…Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
“…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…[You] CAN DO all things (be healed from image worship) THROUGH Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…. Apart from [the Holy Spirit]… [you cannot]..do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV). “ ...you are not free to carry out your good intentions. ……” (Galatians 5 NLT).
Idolatry is at the core of image worship, driven by a personal desire (covetousness) to become conformed to some ideal standard of body image, self-image, and high esteem. “… Abstain from fleshly lusts …” (1 Peter 2:11). “… ALL that is in the world , the LUST of the flesh (SELF-IMAGE) , and the LUST of the eyes (BODY IMAGE) and THE PRIDE OF LIFE(HIGH ESTEEM)... is NOT of the Father, but it is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the LUST thereof ….” (1 John 2:16-17 KJV).
If the righteous is going to escape from image worship they will have to trust in and depend upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to heal them and empower them to walk in their freedom from idolatrous practices.
The righteous can CHOOSE to reject any and all forms of image worship. There is NO NEED for fleshly body image, self-image, or esteem “in” Christ.
The God IMAGE takes care of all the needs of the righteous. They don’t have to want or long for ANY other image.
When the focus of the righteous is centered upon conforming to the IMAGE of Jesus Christ all other image worship will be eradicated.
IS IMAGE WORSHIP A FORM OF IDOLATRY? YES, AND THE RIGHTEOUS HAVE BEEN DELIVERED AND FREED FROM IDOLATROUS PRACTICES. “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by... [image worship]...?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
HOWEVER, MANY DON’T TRUST IN AND DEPEND UPON THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT TO EMPOWER THEIR HEALING OR ENABLE THEM TO WALK IN THEIR FREEDOM!
 “…Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed…” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV). Therefore, the righteous “...are protected (KEPT) by the power of God through faith (trusting and depending)...” (1 Peter 1:15 NASB).
“… The Spirit of the Lord [was].. upon [Jesus] , because he hath anointed [him]… … to set at liberty them that are bruised [by image worship] …” (John 4:16-21 KJV). “… God anointed Jesus … who went about doing good, and healing all … GOD WAS WITH HIM …” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
“…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…[You] CAN DO all things (be healed from image worship) THROUGH Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…. Apart from [the Holy Spirit]… [you cannot]..do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV). “ ...you are not free to carry out your good intentions. ……” (Galatians 5 NLT).
Thus, “...delivered, but NOT healed; released, but NOT walking in freedom....” (Wilson 2020).
However, “...YOU CAN do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [YOU]... .” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
Godspeed,
Dr. Pensacola

WHAT IS THE GOD IMAGE?

WHAT IS THE GOD IMAGE?
   “….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…. God formed man of the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (HIS Spirit or His IMAGE); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).
“….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV).
“…God is not human (he is not a body, he is not a self, or the flesh, or a soul)…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… t he Spirit of God dwell in you (and dwelt in Adam and Eve) …” (Romans 8:9 KJV).
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         What is an image? An image is a mental or visual representation, you have, of yourself or someone else. A representation of that image is something that or someone who reveals or demonstrates what that “image” is like.
A representative also reveals or demonstrates the exact likeness of a particular image such as a picture, sculpture, painting, drawing, duplicate, or carbon copy.
What is an “likeness” of an image?” An likeness of an image, is NOT “the” image, but it will resemble that image, in some way. The resemblance of an image provides a, visual or mental, depiction, or idea, or description of something or someone.
The God Image is not a mental or visual representation of God as we understand it, but it is an spiritual representation of God and provides an understanding of his LIKENESS. By faith, we understand, that the whole world was created by God. “… BY FAITH (trusting in and depended upon God) we understand that THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s command...” (Hebrews 11 NLT). By faith, we understand, what God is LIKE. “… BY FAITH (by trusting in and depending upon God) we understand ....that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen ...” (Hebrews 11 NLT).
The first man, Adam, was created “in” HIS IMAGE “after” his LIKENESS! “…. LET US MAKE man … after our likeness (to resemble us) …”(Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his OWN image (A representation)…..male and female created he them …” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit);and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).
In order to understand what that likeness IS; you must first understand HIS IMAGE. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).
          God’s image was duplicated in Adam, which made Adam a representative of his image. “…And the LORD God ...breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit or image)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).
“….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…God is not human (he is not a body, he is not a self, or the flesh, or a soul)…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… t he Spirit of God dwell in you (and dwelt in Adam and Eve) …” (Romans 8:9 KJV). Adam and Eve were originally, created representatives of HIS IMAGE (SPIRIT).
Remember, God is Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). God’s IMAGE is SPIRIT. “…God is not human …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).
"… that which is born (starts to exist) of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV). “…And the LORD God ...breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit or image)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). When Adam and Eve came into existence, they came into existence with HIS IMAGE, which is SPIRIT.
“… BY FAITH we understand that ...[Adam and Eve]... WAS FORMED at God’s command...” (Hebrews 11 NLT).
They were LIKE God, the Holy Spirit, because they were able, through his “breath of life” or indwelling Holy Spirit to represent HIS IMAGE. “…And ...man became a living soul (a soul with the God IMAGE)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).
His likeness is clearly WITNESSED by the things God creates. “… since the creation of the world His invisibleattributes, His eternal power and divine nature , have been clearly seen , being understood through what has been made …” (Romans 1:20 NASB).
Adam and Eve were MADE by God and initially represented HIS IMAGE (which is SPIRIT). HIS IMAGE, however, was not and could not be a BODY IMAGE or a self-IMAGE, because God is SPIRIT. “…God is not human (not body; not self) …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).
"… that which is born (is created) of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV). “…And the LORD God ...breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit or image)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).
“… since the creation of the world His invisibleattributes, His eternal power and divine nature , have been clearly seen , being understood through what has been made …” (Romans 1:20 NASB).
“… since the creation of the world His invisibleattributes, His eternal power and divine nature , have been clearly seen , being understood through what has been made ( through the “making” or creating of adam and eve ) …” (Romans 1:20 NASB).
“… BY FAITH we understand that ...[Adam and Eve]... WAS FORMED at God’s command...” (Hebrews 11 NLT). His command was: “…. LET US MAKE man … after our likeness …”(Genesis 1:26 KJV).
“…in his OWN image (Spirit IMAGE)…..male and female created he them …”(Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit or IMAGE); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).
The God IMAGE is the SPIRITUAL likeness someone HAS (such as his INDWELLING Holy Spirit) that makes them RESEMBLE, REVEAL, or DEMONSTRATE what God is LIKE. “…And the LORD God ...breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit or image)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).
“…. LET US MAKE man (woman) … after our likeness (to resemble God, to demonstrate God, to reveal God, etc.) …” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his OWN image (his OWN likeness)…..male and female created he them …” (Genesis 1:27 KJV).
“ The Son is ... the exact representation ofhis being (the God IMAGE, spiritual being) …”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV).
“… Jesus saith  … he that hath seen me hath SEEN THE FATHER (His IMAGE, his LIKENESS) … ” (John 14:9 KJV).  “… I and my Father are ONE (Jesus resembled, revealed, demonstrated God’s IMAGE or LIKENESS)…” (John 10:30 KJV).
What the bible is saying is that Adam was originally made or created with a GOD IMAGE and it had NOTHING to do with his BODY IMAGE, SELF-IMAGE, or any other image. “… since the creation of the world (including the creation of Adam and Eve) His (God, the Holy Spirit’s) invisible attributes, [which are]...His eternal power and divine nature , have been clearly seen , being understood (make aware of) through what has been made ( through the “making” or creating of adam and eve ) …” (Romans 1:20 NASB).
God’s creation of Adam and Eve was meant to make the earth AWARE of God, the Holy Spirit, through their representation of HIS IMAGE.
Adam and Eve were not God, but they were created to RESEMBLE God’s IMAGE, which is SPIRIT, invisible, a divine nature, and eternal power.
Jesus was also created to make the world AWARE of God, the Holy Spirit, through his representation of HIS IMAGE. “… the Word (Jesus) was made (created) FLESH , dwelt among us, and we saw His glory (God’s IMAGE), glory (God’s IMAGE) as of the only begotten (specially created (made)) from the Father, full of grace and truth....” (JOHN 1:14 KJV).
God’s HOLY GLORYis basically manifested in the MANY expressions of his invisible PRESENCE witnessed “through” the things he has “made” or “created.”
“… God anointed  (made him resemble him) Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost (His IMAGE) and WITH POWER (His LIKENESS). [And he]...went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD (the indwelling Holy Spirit/IMAGE) WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
“ The Son (jesus) is ... the exact representation ofhis being (the God IMAGE, spiritual being) …”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV). God’s HOLY GLORY (IMAGE)was manifested(revealed) in Jesus. We SAW his  PRESENCE witnessed “through” Jesus, who he “made” or “created” to be an exact representation of his IMAGE.
How exactly do we witness his PRESENCE in Jesus. “… Jesus of Nazareth ...went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD (the indwelling Holy Spirit/IMAGE) WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
Jesus manifested God’s PRESENCE by what he DID. “…The Spirit of the Lord is upon me , because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
Jesus manifested God’s PRESENCE by TELLING, those watching, who was DOING the powerful works they were witnessing. “… I do nothing of myself …” (John 8:28 KJV). “… the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV).
Let’s talk about two other images for a moment. Body IMAGE is a mental representation one has of his or her body. Self-IMAGE is a mental representation one has of his or herself. Body IMAGE and self IMAGE keeps people occupied with how they SEE themselves physically or their self-concepts.
Self-IMAGE and Body IMAGE heavily affect a person’s personally esteem (worthiness) and confidence (abilities) because of the mental representation they have of themselves.
The majority of people, upon earth, are inundated with how they look, their outward image, the impressions they make, what others think, the negative things they think of themselves, whether they’re liked or disliked, or their reputations.
For instance, body IMAGE affects the way a person SEES themselves, physically, especially when they look in the mirror. According to statistics 90+% of people, upon earth, struggle with a NEGATIVE body IMAGE.
A negative body IMAGE can affect how a person behaves, their social interactions, it can produce feelings of insecurity and unhappiness with one’s body.
In addition, self-IMAGE also affects the way a person SEES their OWN personal characteristics. According to statistics the MAJORITY of people, upon earth, struggle with a NEGATIVE self-IMAGE.
A negative self IMAGE can affect how a person behaves too, their thoughts, their beliefs about their abilities, their performances, their perception of worthiness or respect, and how they love or allow themselves to be loved.
Body image and self-image are earthly concerns and are strongly developed, especially when there is an absence of God image. My sister-in-the- Lord, Crystal, told me there is NO body image in the SPIRIT. I would add, that most likely, there is NO self-image either.
Body image is concerned with the physical self and self-image is concerned with the mental self. However, God IMAGE is concerned with the spiritual indwelling.
Adam had the “breathe of life.” “…And the LORD God ...breathed into his (Adam’s) nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit or image)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).
The characteristics that Adam had that was LIKE God’s, the Holy Spirit, were produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…The fruit (characteristics) of the Spirit (his divine nature) is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT).
These characteristics have NOTHING to do with a person’s BODY or SELF. These characteristics are PRODUCED by the indwelling Holy Spirit or GOD IMAGE. Apart from the GOD IMAGE no man or woman can produced “these” spiritual characteristics! "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “… Apart from [the Holy Spirit]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing [they cannot produce spiritual fruit or characteristics LIKE God, the Holy Spirit] …” (John 15:5 NIV).
Even if you have a healthy and positive body image or self-image they WILL NOT produce the God IMAGE. “… Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing [they cannot produce spiritual fruit or characteristics LIKE God, the Holy Spirit] …” (John 15:5 NIV).
“... w hy do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? ... Such rules are mere human teachings (even those that encourage healthy and positive body and self-images)... These rules may seem wise (having healthy and positive body and self-images seem wise)... But they provide no help in conquering (overcoming) a person’s evil desires (regarding body image or self-image)...” (Colossians 2:20-23 NLT).
 “…. h uman desire (regarding body or self-image) is NEVER SATISFIED… ” (Proverbs 27:20 NLT). Therefore, “… [YOU]… are NEVER SATISFIED….” (HABAKKUK 2:5 NLT). “… [God, the Holy Spirit] … will supply all [your need for a healthy and positive image]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… [God, the Holy Spirit, ALONE will]… satisfy …and refresh everyone …” (Jeremiah 31:25 NASB). “… Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing (can’t find satisfaction of body or self-image) …” (John 15:5 NIV).
Without the indwelling Holy Spirit, which imparts the God IMAGE, mankind and God, the Holy Spirit, are NOTHING alike.  “… there is none like unto thee …” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).
 “…The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to [body image and self-image]. …I don’t really understand myself, for I want to [like God] …but I don’t [allow myself to trust in or depend upon God’s indwelling Spirit to develop a new IMAGE]... Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is [my body image and self-image]… living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to [be like God) … [which]… is right, BUT I CAN’T…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [body image and self-image]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 
“…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…. Apart from [the indwelling spirit/ the god image/likeness], [you or i]… can do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV).  
God and mankind SHARE no similar attributes or characteristics, without HIS indwelling Holy Spirit. “… t here is none like unto thee (no body image or self-image like God)…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…You (God, the Holy Spirit) are very GREAT;You are clothed in SPLENDER For example, mankind has a soul that needs to be RESTORED to the indwelling Holy Spirit or God IMAGE. “…He restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV).
HOW is the SOUL of man restored? “…It is the SPIRIT who gives LIFE (restores the soul through the indwelling Holy Spirit or God image)…” (John 6:63 NASB). “The Son (jesus) is ...the exact representation ofhis being (the God IMAGE, spiritual being)…”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV).
 “……God made you ALIVE with Christ (the God IMAGE). He forgave [you]… all [your]… sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV). “…he(she) that is joined unto the Lord (Jesus, the God image)) is ONE Spirit… [with God again]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…. old things (body image, self-image) are passed away; behold, all things (God IMAGE) are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). Body image or self-image are NOT necessary or reliable resources for a spiritual IMAGE. “…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “... and man ...[becomes]... a living soul(AGAIN)…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV).
“...For in him (the God image) we live, and move, and have our being (identity); as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 KJV).
The indwelling Holy Spirit begins to PRODUCE the likeness of God, in and through NEW CREATIONS and they will DISPLAY who God “IS” and what God is “LIKE.” “…he (she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “...and man ...[becomes]... a living soul(AGAIN)…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

“…Now God (the indwelling Holy Spirit/ the God IMAGE) GIVES US many kinds of special abilities, but it is the same HOLY SPIRIT who is the SOURCE of them all. …it is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … It is the … Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts and POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

NEW CREATIONS are LIKE God, not because of body image or self-image, but because of the “breathe of life, “ “the indwelling Holy Spirit,” or “the God IMAGE” is WITHIN THEM! “…It is God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) which worketh IN YOU both to will (desire to represent him)and to do (to actual do it) of hisgood pleasure…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). 

 “…That great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…That great Shepherd of the sheep …work “IN US” what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ (the God IMAGE), to whom be glory (the witness of his PRESENCE, the goodness of his divine natural, and eternal power) for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). 

If God is NOT limited by body image or self-image, neither are his NEW CREATIONS!! “...For in him (the God image) we live, and move, and have our being (identity); as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 KJV).

Body image and self-image, even if they are healthy and positive, are limitations when compared to God’s image.  “...why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? ...Such rules are mere human teachings (even those that encourage healthy and positive body and self-images)...These rules may seem wise (having healthy and positive body and self-images seem wise)...But they provide no help in conquering (overcoming) a person’s evil desires (regarding body image or self-image)...” (Colossians 2:20-23 NLT).

God IMAGE produces spiritual fruit, opens up revelation knowledge, and anoints with POWER. 

FRUIT: “…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: … peace….” (Galatians 5 NLT). 

REVELATION KNOWLEDGE: “…What we have received(THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT) is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from … [GOD] … so that we may understand (become aware of) what God has freely given us. ….The person WITHOUT the Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God …and cannot understand(become aware of) them because they are discerned only through the Spirit (indwelling Holy Spirit/God IMAGE). …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV). 

POWER: Jesus says: “… All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB). “… I appeared … as God Almighty…” (Exodus 6:3 NASB). “…powerbelongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB).  “…I and my Father are…ONE…" (John 10:30 KJV).

Having the God IMAGE means you have been restored back to God through Christ. You have been GIVEN all that is needed to produce spiritual fruit, reveal his presence to others, to represent the goodness of his divine character, and to demonstrate his eternal power!

The God IMAGE was witnessed through Jesus Christ! “The Son (jesus) is ...the exact representation ofhis being (the God IMAGE, spiritual being)…”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

The God IMAGE allowed Jesus to experience who God “is” and “was” when he was WITHIN him. “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“…The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

The God IMAGE allowed Jesus to recognize God, the Holy Spirit’spresence, his divine nature through his goodness toward mankind, and his eternal power. “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“...This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

The God IMAGE allowed Jesus to participate in God’s holiness (freedom from sin, anointing, being set apart, etc.) and righteousness (obedience)! “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER ....for GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). “...that by these (the Holy Word, Jesus, the God image) ye might be partakers (participants) of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. …” (2 Peter 1: 4-9 KJV). Jesus, the indwelling God image is “…the GIFTof righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV).

“...  God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through ...Jesus Christ ...God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God (being restored, reunited with the Holy Spirit again) ...God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

“… my righteous servant (Jesus, the God IMAGE) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “…[He sent the ] …one … who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (the god image)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…[Jesus]...the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV).

Every man or woman born into the world is born WITHOUT the God image. They will forever be reduced and limited by body image and self-image unless they repent and be restored back to the God IMAGE.

Those who have already been restored back to the God IMAGE must trust in and depend upon God to free them from the limitations of body and self-image!

The purpose of  being restored back to the God image is not simply to know who you are “in” Christ, but to also know and experience who Christ is, when God’s IMAGE is BACK “within” YOU!

“... It is God (the indwelling Holy Spirit, the God IMAGE) which worketh in you...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… inyou…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…The Lord (the God image) is that Spirit...[within you]…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ (the God IMAGE) is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

“…The [Holy] Spirit of God (the God IMAGE) dwell[s] in you …” (Romans 8:9 KJV). 

The God IMAGE is not simply about WHO you are “in” Christ, but WHO is Christ when he is “IN” you?  “… We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jarscontaining this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).
DR. PENSACOLA H. JEFFERSON
PASTORAL COUNSELOR
YADA COUNSELING MINISTRY
THE GOD IMAGE

THE CHEATER: PEOPLE ARE "NOT" BASICALLY GOOD!

The cheater: PEOPLE ARE "NOT" BASICALLY GOOD
 “…. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap . For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; …” (Galatians 6:7-8 KJV).
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 A cheater is “ANYBODY” who behaves in a dishonest way, on any level (financially, emotionally, spiritually, or physically) in order to gain some selfish advantage. “… Lying lips are abomination to the Lord…” (Proverbs 12:22 KJV).
A cheater gains this dishonest advantage by deliberately deceiving, tricking, misleading, being sexual unfaithful, swindling, defrauding, and eluding others. “…Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey …to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain …” (Ezekiel 22:27 KJV).
Cheaters will cheat you out of your material possessions, your emotional health, your spiritual wealth, and your physical well-being if possible. “… he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption …” (Galatians 6:8 KJV).
Today we will focus, mainly, on how people are cheated out of their emotional health, material possessions, and spiritual well-being by real-life cheaters. “… Do not steal. “ Do not deceive or cheat one another …” (Leviticus 19:11 NLT).
If someone can get you to trust them and gain control over you, then your material possessions, spiritual well-being, and emotional health will follow. Woe to the CHEAT or CHEATER who does this. “.. What sorrow awaits you who lie awake at night, thinking up evil plans. You rise at dawn and hurry to carry them out, simply because you have the power to do so. When you want a piece of land,you find a way to seize it. When you want someone’s house, you take it by fraud and violence. You cheat a man (woman) of his (her) property, stealing his (her) family’s inheritance. But this is what the Lordsays: “I will reward your evil with evil; you won’t be able to pull your neck out of the noose. You will no longer walk around proudly, for it will be a terrible time…” (Micah 2:1-3 NLT).
A cheater can be so good at cheating and taking advantage of people that some people will never know or won’t ever realize they’ve been cheated until it’s too late. “… This know also , that in the last days perilous times shall come . For men shall be lovers of their own selves , … unholy, … false accusers , incontinent, fierce , despisers of those that are good, Traitors , heady , highminded , lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God ; Having a form of godliness , but denying the power thereof: from such turn away . For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,… men of corrupt minds , reprobate concerning the faith . ….  evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived …”(2 Timothy 3:1-13 KJV). “… Ye shall know them by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).
 Why do Cheaters THINK they’re getting away with this? “… Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily …the HEART of the sons of men is fully set in them… to do evil….” (Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV).
Cheaters ARE NOT listening to God. “…But my people would not listen to me . They kept doing whatever they wanted , following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to , stubbornly following our own evil desires … ” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
The cheater, like a false prophet, can become a harmful and misleading attachment. “… Beware of false prophets , which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves …” (Matthew 7:15 KJV). “… Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many ….” (Matthew 24:11 NASB).
Victims, of cheaters, often don’t know until they have spent their good, youthful years with him or her. They will, unknowingly, have, given away or linked most of their material possessions to the cheater, invested much of their livelihood to them, risked their physical and emotional health for them, or lose sight of their own personal, spiritual journey with God, the Creator.
“… Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say , “Life is not pleasant anymore.” Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky. Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop. Remember him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly. Remember him before the door to life’s opportunities is closed and the sound of work fades. Now you rise at the first chirping of the birds, but then all their sounds will grow faint. Remember him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire. Remember him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral. Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well. For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it…” (Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 NLT).
A cheater slowly, but surely kills, steals and destroys the other person while making themselves an indispensable stronghold (entrenchment, domination, fortified place, etc.“…The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” (John 10:10 KJV).
The cheater is sufficiently benefitted at the other person’s expense. “… They …serve ….their OWN belly … ” (Romans 16:18 KJV).
A cheater will break ALL the ethical, moral, spiritual, or unwritten rules of conduct in their relationship with others if it gets them what they want. “..You rise at dawn and hurry to carry them out (cheating plots), simply because you have the power to do so. When you want a piece of land, you find a way to seize it. When you want someone’s house ,you take it by fraud and violence. You cheat a man of his property, stealing his family’s inheritance . …” (Micah 2:1-3 NLT).
It matters nothing to cheaters that what they want is obtained through deceit or dishonesty. “… Don’t do as the wicked do, and don’t follow the path of evildoers. Don’t even think about it don’t go that way . Turn away and keep moving .For evil people can’t sleep until they’ve done their evil deed for the day. They can’t rest until they’ve caused someone to stumble. They eat the food of wickedness and drink the wine of violence!”(Proverbs 4:14-17 NLT).
A cheater is commonly linked to infidelity. Infidelity, however, also refers to cheating, betrayal, disloyalty, thieving (stealing), robbing, or unfaithfulness. “… if you fail to keep your word , then you will have sinned against the Lord , and you may be sure that your sin will find you out…” (Numbers 32:23 NLT). “…You have also heard … ‘ You must not break your vows ; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord …” (Matthew 5:33 NLT). “… to him that knoweth to do good , and doeth it not, to him it is sin …” (James 4:17 KJV). “….Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, YE HAVE DONE IT TO ME …” (Matthew 25:40 KJV).
A cheater doesn’t cheat ALL the time, but will rely on cheating when necessary to gain or sustain his or her dishonest advantage. After all, they are a CHEAT or CHEATER even when they are not actively cheating. “… They lie awake at night , hatching sinful plots. Their actions are never good . They make no attempt to turn from evil…” (Psalms 36:4 NLT).
A CHEATER CHEATS. They will CHEAT you out of respect, honor, dignity, true love, the truth, the ability to trust, and the innate right to dwell safely or peacefully in God’s world.
A cheater is ALWAYS dishonest. There is NOT a “little” dishonesty; dishonest “IS” dishonest. “…Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much…” (Luke 16:10 KJV).
 “…Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments “You shall not steal ( cheat, rob ),” … and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself .” Love does no harm to a neighbor …” (Romans 13:8-10 KJV).
“….But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality , or of any kind of impurity, or of GREED , because these are improper for God’s holy people …” (Ephesians 5:3 KJV).
“… You know the commandments …. ‘you shall not steal ( cheat, rob ) , …you shall not defraud (cheat or deprive somebody of something by dishonest means)…”(Mark 10:19 KJV).
“… The acts of the flesh are obvious : s exual immorality, impurity and debauchery …selfish ambition, dissensions  …and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God…” (Galatians 5:19-21 KJV).
“…Their actions are never good . …” (Psalms 36:4 NLT). “… Ye shall know them by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).
Cheaters have unique fruit or traits that distinguish them from other people. Identifying a cheater can be a preventive measure that may protect you from getting involved with one. “… Ye shall know them by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).
The following is a short list of SOME, not all, of the traits of a cheater. These are the most damaging and destructive to others:
Cheaters are emotional thieves and robbers
Cheaters are master manipulators.
Cheaters are liars, good liars, and/or compulsive liars.
Cheaters are selfish, greedy, and make a practice of exploiting people.
Cheaters are never satisfied.
Cheaters are jealous and suspect people are being dishonest like they are.
All cheaters don’t have all the obvious traits mentioned above. They are slick, clever, and try not to be obviously wicked, but they are, nevertheless, ALL thieves and robbers. “…Their actions are never good . …” (Psalms 36:4 NLT).
Cheaters are thieves and robbers because they secretly and wrongfully trying to steal, rob, or deprive another person of their property (emotional, physical, material, financial, etc.) through dishonesty, lies, manipulation, seduction, or exploitation. “… They …serve ….their OWN belly … ” (Romans 16:18 KJV).
A cheater is a thief, just like the devil, because he or she secretly steals, whatever they want, from another person. “…The thief (cheater) cometh not, but for to steal ( take, rob, cheat, etc; ) , and to kill, and to destroy…” (John 10:10 KJV).
A cheater is a robber, just like the devil because he or she threatens to rob openly, whatever they want, from another person through deathly conduct and destructive behaviors. “…The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill ( the other person’s  emotional health ) , and to destroy ( the other person’s emotional health ) …” (John 10:10 KJV).
Cheaters are not always obvious to their victims, but are often blatant to others on the outside looking in.
A CHEATER CHEATS and it is not merely through infidelity. A cheater is “ANYBODY” who USES dishonest behaviors, on any level in order to gain some selfish advantage or deprive another person of their belongings. “… They …serve ….their OWN belly … ” (Romans 16:18 KJV). AND ARE “… like wolves ravening the prey …to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain …” (Ezekiel 22:27 KJV).
A cheater gains his or her dishonest advantage by deliberately and intentionally deceiving, tricking, misleading, being sexual unfaithful, swindling, defrauding, and eluding others. “… Like wolves ravening the prey …to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain …” (Ezekiel 22:27 KJV).
Cheating is a person’s sinful reaction to getting what they want in life. In their minds, cheating has become a habit or practice. However, the longer a cheater goes undetected, the worst they become.
It seems years and years, go by, and the cheater is getting away with stealing, killing, and destroying others. But there is a guarantee, in God’s word, that a sin sown, demands a harvest to be reaped. “…. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap . For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; …” (Galatians 6:7-8 KJV).
What this means is that eventually life will begin to treat the cheater exactly as she or he has treated others. The reason it is not automatic is because God is gracious and gives every cheater TIME to repent.
Life MAY SEEM to go well with cheaters or favor them, but eventually they will have to deal with the seeds of sin they’ve sown. “….  for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap . …” (Galatians 6:7-8 KJV). Even with God’s mercy to save the cheater’s soul, they will still receive their harvest.
The problem with a harvest is that it will greatly multiply whatever you sow. If you sow a seed for an apple, not only will it produce an apple tree with apples, but those apples will have multiple seeds, which can produce more and more apples trees. This harvest could go on and on and on.
The Cheater is doomed, especially in those areas where he or she has sown the seed of dishonesty. The same thing seed they have sown will bring them a harvest of the same, only MULTIPLIED! “… They sow the wind And they reap the whirlwind …” (Hosea 8:7 NASB). “… Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap …” (Galatians 6:7 NASB).
A cheater will cheat you and maybe IT SEEMS like they’ve gotten away or are getting away with it, but every day they are closer to reaping the PROMISED harvest.
But a cheater’s fate, without repentance, will ONLY lead to his or her own ruin. “...A person's own folly leads to their ruin...” (Proverbs 19:3 NIV).There are cheaters in THIS world. We would like to think all people are basically good, but without God and his indwelling Holy Spirit, mankind is basically a sinful nature.
The longer a person remains a cheater, the sin of cheating will eventually harden their hearts. Cheating becomes a learned and life-long practiced behavior that is habitual, or a pattern, or an automatic way of functioning through life.
A cheater may have cheated you, but don’t let it harden your heart. Let whatever they took from you GO. Their fate is sealed, but you have bright future a head, in this life and the life to come.
The cheater DOES NOT have a bright future ahead, in this life, or the life to come. “… They sow[ed]... the wind And they ...[will]... reap the whirlwind …” (Hosea 8:7 NASB). “… Whatever a man sows, this he (she) will also reap …” (Galatians 6:7 NASB).
EVERY DAY the cheater gets closer and closer to the WHIRLWIND! “...Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire...” (Matthew 3:10 NLT). "...The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire...” (Matthew 3:10 NASB).
“…. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap . For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; …” (Galatians 6:7-8 KJV).
“… They sow[ed]... the wind And they ...[will]... reap the whirlwind …” (Hosea 8:7 NASB).

WITHIN THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP, YOU LEARN HIS LOVE IS TRANSFORMING!

TRANSFORMING LOVEWITHIN THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP, YOU LEARN, HIS LOVE IS TRANSFORMING!  “…predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son….” (Romans 8:29). * The best part of the Christian journey is the relationship I am able to have with the living God.  It took many years to learn I didn’t really have a relationship with God, but was, in fact socialized into Christianity. THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYI knew all the clichés and gestures like the back of my hand. I was a master at imitating the Christian culture. I looked and acted like the real thing, but I wasn’t. I worshipped God with my lips, but my heart was far from him. That reality was a real eye opener.  I didn’t realize I wasn’t the real thing until I met someone who really was Christ-like. I was doing Christianity, but I wasn’t really becoming Christ-like. I knew about God, but I didn’t KNOW God.  Being raised in the church made me think learning about God and Jesus, for years and years, made me an expert Christian.Actually, I was a typical religious person. I was more humanly moral and ethical than being empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to actually become holy or righteous. Doing religious things was and is NOT the same as becoming a righteous person. God DID NOT say you will know HIS people by their religious DEEDS, but that you would know THEM by the spiritual FRUIT!When I met someone who was allowing the Christian faith to authentically transform his life I knew I hadn’t truly committed to the relationship with God. I wanted to have an authentic relationship with God too. I went home and cried. This experience or reality may not be true of everybody, but it was true about me. I had to admit I didn’t “know” God and I didn’t really “love” him. I looked and talked as if I both knew him and loved him, but I didn’t. I was a phony Christian. I knew all along something was missing in my Christian journey. I had information about God and I had an appropriate amount of understanding, but very, very little relationship application. WISDOM IS SUPREMEWisdom is the application of knowledge and understanding. And the bible says Wisdom is supreme. I knew, however, in many areas of my Christian walk I was pretending to be in a relationship with God, when in fact I was not.I knew I wasn’t authentically Christ-like, but I could imitate Christlikeness so well I ignored or justified any shortcomings. God knew too and when I went to him in prayer to confess my pretense I could have sworn God sighed. After so many years of doing Christianity where do I start in order to have a genuine relationship with God? This is why I wrote TRANSFORMING LOVE to help others have a genuine YADA relationship with God too and NOT spend years experiencing Christianity as just another religious system. I will explain YADA later, but for now it simply means “KNOW, OR INTIMATE.”Anyway, an authentic relationship with God is not limited to spiritual leaders, clergy, televangelist, and other well-known Christians. It is for ordinary people like you and me too who can experience personal signs and wonders in our private lives through the relationship with God. The miraculous life of the Christian believer is not limited to just famous Christian leaders, but God’s promises are yes and amen to the whole body of Christ. Every brother and sister in Christ is on the same leveling ground, with equal opportunities, when it comes to the Word of God. God is not like man and is not partial to anyone, but treats every child fair, loving, and just. Every believer should have a personal testimony about their relationship with God.          I pray in the Name of Jesus that this book will lay a foundation for an authentic relationship with God that YOU can build on.  I declare and decree that believers everywhere will read this book and renew, strengthen, or establish a YADA relationship with God through Christ in JESUS NAME!  May God capture every human being reading this book and redirect their hearts toward a deeper “oneness” relationship with God through Christ. AMEN. God is not far away, but is present, reachable, interactive, and lovingly personable with each of us. God will lead you into the relationship with Him.  He desires a relationship with you more than you do, HE PROVED IT WHEN HE SENT JESUS. I will share with you how it started with me. It has been the opportunity of a lifetime from that time on and is continually wonderful.  I am not trying to start a pattern or give you a box of tools or a set of steps to a relationship with God. I only hope to point you to the Word of God for yourself in order to enhance that relationship. I am finite just like you, but God is infinite. God is not limited by our steps, or theories, or doctrines. Man’s theories, writings, and doctrines are stepping stones to help you get started on a particular journey, but God is never limited to man’s knowledge. God made you unique and every relationship is special even though we are serving the same Living God of creation. God uses revelation knowledge to further enlighten us when we personally spend time with him. Therefore, God will help you get started, or renew, or strengthen your own personal relationship with Him. God will also help you to further grow in His grace and knowledge from now on. Now I will answer this question: “How did the YADA relationship finally start with me?” KNOW GOD, NOT JUST KNOW ABOUT HIMLike I said, I knew about God’s love for me basically as a collection of facts, but I really did not know , his love, experientially for me.  In other words, I had the knowledge of the God’s love, understood it, but didn’t have much (relationship) application. Application means to take what you know and understand and correctly apply it to the right situations. Or in simply terms putting what you know and understand in operation or action. Some people may call it wisdom or experience.That night I went home and cried, the Holy Spirit led me to read the book of Hosea. God used Hosea to give me revelation knowledge of his love for me. I was enlightened by his revelation as the Holy Spirit led me further into the truth of his great love for me. I became spiritually, not intellectually aware of his love for me. That’s where the authentic relationship with God started. I started genuinely loving God because He revealed his love for me. Just like the scripture says, “…we love because he first loved us…” (1 John 4:19). This is not a pattern, but an example of how my relationship with God began. God may use the same method of revelation with you or he may start his relationship with you in a whole other way. TRUE CHRISTLIKENESSFrom that moment of impact, my life was wonderfully revolutionized through the loving relationship with God. Without having an authentic relationship with God Christianity becomes as common as any other religious system. Without an authentic relationship with God, the believer is missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Without an authentic relationship with God, the believer will never know what it’s like to “be” authentically Christ-like. Without an authentic relationship with God, the believer will never be truly transformed and therefore will not have an impact on society or those around them. You will never transform anyone until you are transformed yourself. Without an authentic relationship with God your religion is empowered by your own effort and not by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Without an authentic relationship with God you may KNOW ABOUT God, but you will NEVER truly KNOW (intimately) God.During my dissertation research, statistics revealed that believers who are in a committed relationship with God are much more Christ-like than those who are not. In addition, out of hundreds of Christians surveyed by one pastor only 1/3 of Christians were in a committed relationship with God through Christ, 1/3 were luke-warm, and another 1/3 admitted to believing, but not following the bible teachings at all. It is my prayer that more believers will seek to have a more authentic relationship with God through Christ. We want Christianity to continue to impact society, the adherents to be truly transformed, and to continually be a relevant living faith. You become like the company you keep. The relationship with God will change your life forever and for your holy good. You will find out, first hand, about the Transforming Love of God.Dr. Pensacola H. JeffersonYADA Counseling MinistryPhoenix, AZ 85033
THE BOOK BUY IT HERE!   TRANSFORMING LOVE BY DR PENSACOLA H JEFFERSON