Living Free - June 18, 2013

Living Free Every Day®

Today's Scripture

"But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us." - Romans 5:8 AMP

Thoughts for Today

You are significant!

Why? Because you are successful? Because you are good-looking? Because you are popular? Because you do good things? No. You are significant because God loves you. Because Jesus died on the cross for your sins--while you were still a sinner.

No matter what you have or haven't done, look at God's Word to find your reflection of significance. Nothing and no one can take that from you. You are significant because of God's great love for you--now and forever.

Here are just a few more reflections of your significance:

• I am God's temple (the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 3:16)
• I am a branch of the true vine. (John 15:1, 5)
• I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. (John 15:16)
• I am seated with Christ in heaven. (Ephesians 2:6)
• I am God's workmanship. (Ephesians 2:10)
• I may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12)
• I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)

Spend time in God's Word--you will find many more reflections.

Consider this … 

Have you opened your heart to God's love? No matter what your past or what you have done, you are significant to God. He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for your sins. Forgiveness is available to you as a gift--Jesus has already paid the price. Consider receiving that gift right now. Just tell God how you feel. Ask Him to forgive you. Tell Him you want to accept Jesus and His precious gift. And then begin to see your reflection in the Bible.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for loving me. I don't understand how I can be significant to you, but I thank you that I am.
In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from …

Seeing Yourself in God's Image: Overcoming Anorexia and Bulimia by Martha Homme, MA, LPC. Written by a counselor with experience helping those with eating disorders, this study is born from her own struggles in adolescence. The group challenges members to find their identity in Christ as they overcome this difficult struggle. This guide offers understanding of distorted body image, denial, and the family systems influence. It also explains how to break free of social pressures and how to restore the temple and tie the recovery process together. A companion booklet Seeing Your Loved One in God's Image, can be used as a quick reference guide dealing with issues associated with eating disorders. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.