Self Worth!

For Saturday, July 23, 2022:

Mark 6:2 NLT: “The next Sabbath Jesus began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, ‘Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?’”

Jesus had returned to Nazareth, his hometown. People there knew him as the boy raised by Mary and Joseph, not as the Son of God. Nonetheless Jesus placed his hands on a few sick people and healed them. That should have been enough to convince the locals, but in fact Jesus was rejected in his hometown.

Jesus did not quit! He was doing the right things for the right reasons, trading self esteem for self worth. He was sent from Heaven on a mission to separate mankind from sin, and these were important steps along the way. It really didn’t matter what others thought. Jesus was doing what the Father sent him to do!

Believers are to model our lives after Jesus. He was perfect and we are not, but it’s a worthy goal. Jesus forewarned us that we’ll face challenges and unbelief, even persecution. But we can hold our heads up high knowing that we’re doing the right things for the right reasons.

When in doubt, do what Jesus did!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Self Worth

For Sunday, September 13, 2020. 

1 Peter 3:12a NLT: “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers.”

I oftentimes encourage others to trade their self-esteem for self worth. You have self-esteem when others praise you, when others lift you up. That’s not bad, but understand that with self-esteem, how you feel is dependent upon what others say about you. 

With self worth, you can leave others out of the equation. You do the right things for the right reasons. You’re OK with it and God’s OK with it, end of story. If others choose to praise you, fine, but that’s not part of the deal. You’re on God’s team now, and if He’s smiling, it’s all good! You have self worth! It doesn’t matter what others think.

Looking at today’s scripture, apparently God favors those who do good things. His eyes watch over them, and His ears hear their prayers. God doesn’t send us out alone – He’ll walk with us every step of the way, never far from us, always watching and listening. That’s Good News and that gives us hope! 

Blessings and safety on the Sabbath!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406