The Past

These things says He who is holy, He who is true,..He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens: See I have set before you, an open door and no one can shut it... Revelation 3:7,8

When you have been through something in your past and God has brought you through you have nothing to go back to. This is the time to trust in the Lord like never before and allow the Holy Spirit to guide and lead you. When you begin to listen to doubt and unbelief you will begin to look back instead of trusting that the door to your past is closed. Walking in unbelief takes us out from under the life of God's word. Embrace each day with a thankful heart, learn from mistakes in the past and do not repeat them in your today, do not dwell on yesterdays sorrow's and respect yourself and other's.

Self esteem vs. Self Respect

Then he said to them all: If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self ? Luke 9:23-25

Information remains readily available on building self-esteem, but contrary to God's scripture. Learning self-respect vs. self-esteem gives individuals understanding for the importance of respecting who he or she is in Christ. Building self-esteem borders on building oneself up as God.Self-Esteem is like looking into a mirror which reflects oneself. Self respect is like looking into a window. You see oneself and the backdrop of others (surroundings). Thus learning the understanding of others existence beyond your own.

Self-esteem builds up the flesh.

Self-respect builds up the spirit.

Growing in understanding self-respect allows the love of Christ to flow through you and around you.Self respect of oneself portrays to those around you trust. If you respect yourself and who you are through Christ you will have strength to love others. Self-respect allows portrayal of Fruits of the Spirit in your life.

Fruits of the Spirit:Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, self-control Galatians 5:22