We need to be seen, to be heard, and to be known. We need others to “get” us – to understand and relate to what we’re thinking and how we’re feeling. And when they don’t, we feel suddenly cut off – lonely and achingly empty. When others understand us, they are helping us carry our burdens and banish our fears. We’re no longer on our own. We draw strength from being seen, being heard and being understood.

Every day, for the last 8 days, I’ve talked about how to radically shift your identity in Christ. The secret to real, lasting transformation of your identity, is to open your heart and receive what God wants to give you.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”

When you were born again, God gave you new spiritual DNA. You aren’t who you used to be. New life is in you. God’s life!

Our spirits were immediately transformed to be like Christ when we were born again. But our souls (our minds, wills, and emotions) are transformed (made like Christ) over time and through a Biblical process.

Ephesians 4:22-24 explains the process:
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness..

Our thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and desires must be “renewed.” We replace the old with God’s new.

Romans 12:2 NLT
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you…”

We don’t let the old emotions, thoughts, desires and beliefs control us anymore. We renew our minds with what God says in His Word. As we do, God changes us to become like Jesus. We are transformed into a new person as we let God change the way we think.

God generously offers us the heart connection we so deeply desire. Here’s the truth: God sees you, knows your dreams and your pain. God understands. He is with you and He is on your side!

Isaiah 49:15-16
"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…”

God Sees You
Proverbs 15:3
"The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good."
2 Chronicles 16:9
Jeremiah 12:3
Matthew 6:4

God Hears You
Jeremiah 29:12
"Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."
Isaiah 65:24
"Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear."
Psalm 34:17
Psalm 145:18-19
Psalm 116:1-2

God Knows You
Jeremiah 1:5
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
Psalm 139:1-4
"You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, you, Lord, know it completely."
Jeremiah 17:9-10
1 Chronicles 28:9
1 Samuel 16:7
Ezekiel 36:26

This is your true identity. You are seen. You are heard. You are Understood. Live from your new identity of heart connection to Jesus Christ!

There are reasons you may doubt yourself, feel inadequate or worthless. Feelings of inadequacy are a pervasive issue in today’s society.

So what can you do?

Psychologists and modern thought says that worth comes from within, it is simply your own sense of value, confidence or satisfaction about yourself.


That’s not what God says.
God says your worth is not limited to your thoughts about yourself, your confidence or satisfaction with yourself.

God says that your worth comes from being his daughter, his son. You were born worthy. God says you are precious to him. You are loved. And He created you to be amazing and do awesome things with your life.

Don’t get stuck trying to find value in your “self.” Believer, your life has been united with Christ’s. Your Life is not your own. It’s so much more!

ACTION STEP: Increase Your Self-Worth by Declaring Who God Says You Are and What God Says You Can Do.

Declaration #1: I am a daughter/a son of God. God created me to be like Him. He made me amazing.
Genesis 1:27
So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Psalm 139:13-14
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

Declaration #2: When I gave Jesus my life, He joined his life with mine. I’m not alone. My worth is not from myself but from Christ.

Galatians 2:20 NASB
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

1 Corinthians 6:19
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price.

Declaration #3: God loved me so much that he had Jesus give His life to set me free from Satan and sin. He not only saved me, He made me a son/a daughter, so we can live life together - forever.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

1 John 3:1
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.

Declaration #4
My life is not meaningless. God intentionally and carefully created me to do specific works to establish His kingdom here on earth. God trusts me to work alongside Him to touch the world around me with His love and His power.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Ephesians 2:10 NIV
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

If you are struggling with low self-worth, you need to do declare these 4 declarations and accompanying scriptures over your life every day. Twice a day – morning and night would be best. These declarations release the Power of God’s Word into your mind and heart and restore your true worth in Christ.
“Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” Romans 12:2 NLT

Link to Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson: https://amzn.to/40RORao (This is an affiliate link.)
YouTube Playlist: “30 Days to Radically Shift Your Identity in Christ”
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLT6YqbJJJzQjsugD0bEYGgbvMDAMSFJZ_

00:00 Desires unfulfilled are as source of great pain in life.
02:17 What to Expect of this course: “30 Days to Radically Shift Your Identity in Christ”
03:52 The Story of Jabez
08:12 Action Step: Pray the Prayer of Jabez

You may be a woman who returns home to live with her parents with 4 kids, no money and a husband who took everything and fled, a middle-aged executive who is overlooked for promotion despite years of hard work and dedication, a stay-at-home Mom who slaves morning till night to care for her family but is totally taken for granted, or a retired foreman whose life is now empty of the approval of his team and the performance awards you used to receive.

People fail to give us recognition and approval when we need it.
The need for acceptance and approval is real. We feel empty, incomplete without it. But we can’t rely on people to give us the acceptance and approval we need.
Let God fill that need.

The Story of Jabez
1 Chronicles lists hundreds of names in the genealogies of the 12 tribes of Israel. One name, gives us a powerful lesson about acceptance and approval.
1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NIV

9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” 10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.
Jabez’ mother apparently had a difficult birth or for whatever reason, was in great pain (physical or emotional) when he was born. So she named him Jabez which means: pain or sorrow. His name literally could mean “one who causes pain.”
Every time someone called his name it would be a curse – “one who would live in pain or cause pain.” It was a prophecy Jabez didn’t want to fulfill.
So he prayed:
10 Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would greatly bless me”
“To bless” in Hebrew culture at that time meant “to ask for or to impart supernatural favor.”
Jabez prayed for God to give him supernatural favor.

He continued: “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!”
Jabez asked God to enlarge his territory to increase his influence!
Jabez continued, “Let your hand be with me.”
The “hand of the Lord” refers to God’s supernatural power and authority over creation. It is used to invoke God’s blessing and favor, also His guidance and protection.

Jabez finished his prayer, asking God “and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.
And God granted his request.”

God gave Jabez supernatural favor. He increased Jabez’ influence. Jabez became the head of his clan. And God kept him from causing pain to others or living in pain himself. God changed his IDENTITY and his destiny.

God’s desire is to bless you – to give you supernatural favor and influence.
Psalm 90:17
Diligence Brings Favor
Proverbs 22:29
Psalm 5:12

ACTION STEP: Let God give you His acceptance and approval. He may use people to do it, but he will be your source.

PRAY 1 Chronicles 4:10 with me:
“God, Oh, that you would bless me (give me supernatural favor)
and enlarge my territory (my influence)!
Let your hand be with me, (Your supernatural power and authority, Your blessing and favor, and Your guidance and protection)
and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain. (that I will not cause pain or be in pain)
God, as you did for Jabez, grant this request. May my life bring glory and honor to You!”

Take our 10-question self-esteem quiz to reflect on where you stand today. Are you struggling with negative self-talk, people-pleasing, or feeling stuck in life? This short quiz will help you identify areas to grow and practical steps to rebuild your self-worth in Christ. Whether it's renewing your mind with God’s Word, replacing negative thoughts with His promises, or seeking professional help when needed, this video offers biblical and practical advice to strengthen your self-esteem. Join us on this journey to discover your identity in Christ and thrive in the abundant life He has planned for you!

Christian self-esteem isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about recognizing that you are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, with a divine purpose for your life. Your sense of self-worth directly impacts your destiny, and building your identity on the unshakable foundation of Jesus Christ is key to a healthy self-esteem. Using Psalm 62:5-7 as a guide, we’ll uncover how to anchor your thoughts, emotions, and sense of worth in God’s love and truth.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for Monday, 1/27/25, as we launch “30 Days to Radically Shift Your Identity in Christ.” Let’s grow together!

“You’re not good enough.”
“You’re not qualified.”
“You’ll never amount to anything.”
How many times can you hear the same lie before you start to believe it?

Negative voices (past and present), from parents, teachers, bosses, and anyone whose words still live in your head can tear down your true identity, and convince you that you are not good enough, a failure, or unable to do amazing things with your life.

In her new song, The Truth, Megan Woods sings:
“I used to know who I was
Now I look in the mirror and I'm not so sure
Lord, I don't wanna listen to the lies anymore.”

It’s time to discover who you really are.
It’s time to silence the negative voices in your head – including your own.
And replace those lies with the truth.
As you do. You will discover your true identity. And you will be surprised at the beautiful, powerful person God created you to be.
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00:00 Intro
01:07 Clothe Yourself With the Lord Jesus Christ
02:58 Be Transformed into a New Person
05:24 But be transformed by the renewing of your mind
06:45 Action Step
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DON’T’ MISS THIS!
In two weeks, I will launch a video “30 Days to Radically Shift Your Identity in Christ!” Join me as we journey to new identity in Christ from 1/27/2025 to 2/26/2025. I am excited about what God will do in your as we take this journey together.
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Clothe Yourself With the Lord Jesus Christ
Romans 13:14
Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh
“Clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ” What does that mean? Sometimes to really understand scripture we need to look at the original language – the Greek t andthe culture of that time.

Enduo - To put on, to clothe, to be dressed
Strong’s Lexicon says:
Usage: It conveys the idea of adopting a new identity or character, much like one would don a garment.
Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, clothing was not only a necessity but also a symbol of status, identity, and role. To "put on" a garment could signify a change in one's social status or role.

At this time, clothing was made by hand. An ornate robe could take many hours to make. You could quickly identity the economic status and the authority of a person by their clothing.
Strong’s continues:
“The metaphorical use of "enduo" in the New Testament reflects this cultural understanding, emphasizing a transformation…

Be Transformed into a New Person
Transformation – Is complete – amazing, awesome change. From the heart out.

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

The first and greatest command is to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. That’s what being a living sacrifice means.

We sacrifice what we want to God daily. Fallen people in this world live to get what they want. Self-ish desires control us. They drive us. We spend our time, effort, and resources to get what we want.

God says, if you will sacrifice what you want to Me daily, I will give you what I have for you. What I have is better. Much, much better than anything you could ever get on your own.

Romans 12:2
What does “Don’t conform to the pattern of this world” mean?

This is God’s call for you and I to be radically, forever changed by renewing our minds – our thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs.
We are to replace the thoughts, beliefs, philosophies and culture of the world with God’s thoughts and His Word.

This is an amazing promise. Just replacing the old way of thinking with God’s truth radically, forever changes us.

As promised, the link to: How to Pray For Lost Loved Ones
by Dutch Sheets https://amzn.to/4gQgXbi This is an affiliate link.

Have you thought about someone you love – a family member or a friend, and felt your heart break because they seem so far from God? I think we’ve all had that experience.

We feel so powerless. Most of the time we can’t talk them into believing the truth. It’s hard to watch those we love make big mistakes in life. But here's the truth: You are not powerless.

Today, I want to show you how praying just 5 minutes a day can lead those you love to Christ - to life.

Why People Don’t Believe?
Imagine trying to pour water through a completely blocked filter. That's how the gospel sounds to someone whose spiritual ears are closed. They can’t hear it. Their hearing is filtered through their thoughts, their emotional wounds,, false beliefs, and twisted desires from our culture. These totally block their ability to see or hear the truth that would set them free.

2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT
Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

So when someone you love rejects Jesus they aren’t making a rational, informed decision. They literally “can’t see” the truth. That’s why your and my prayers are so important. They can’t set themselves free because they don’t even know they are in Satan’s prison, sentenced to death.


5 Minute Prayer to Save Your Lost Loved Ones
Pray 2 Corinthians 10:4
“Father I pray in your authority. You gave me divine power for my prayers to destroy these strongholds in (person you love – I’ll use a name: Ruth).

1. MINDSETS/WORLDVIEW (logismos)
What mindset is controlling (Ruth)? You may know. It may be a false religion, materialism, socialism, addiction, etc. If you don’t know ask and God will tell you.
Pray: “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I am destroying you [name the controlling spirit]. You may no longer blind [Ruth], deceive her or keep her in darkness. I pray in Jesus name and by the power of His blood. Open her mind so she can see.
2. PRIDE - hupsoma
Pray 2 Corinthians 10:5 over the one you love:
“[I am] destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God” in (Ruth’s) life. Jesus, bring her to her knees with joy as she receives Your salvation.”
3. “taking every thought captive” to the obedience of Christ
“Using the power God gave me in 2 Corinthians 10:5, I take every thought captive in (Ruth’s) mind. I reject every ungodly thought, temptation, and deception. (Ruth) shall know the truth and the truth will set her free. (John 8:32)
Pray these 5 minute prayers for one person you love today. Tomorrow. And every day. Pray until the strongholds have been torn down and the one you love is no longer blinded by Satan, but can see the light of the glory of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We must fight for those we love. Nehemiah 4:14
5 minutes a day. 1,825 minutes a year. Over 30 hours a year tearing down deceptions and lifting the one you love to God. How big an impact could you make in 30 hours of focused, consistent prayer?
You can literally change a life in just 5 minutes a day. Let’s pray!

What are You Going to Do to Improve Your Life in 2025?

The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:22-24 that transformation isn't about massive, overwhelming change—it's about intentional, daily renewal. These small moments aren't insignificant; they're the seeds of radical change in your life. See what God can do with just 5 minutes of your time TODAY.

Ephesians 4:22-24
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Take off the old.
Put on the new.
Your life won’t change change unless you change something. A thought. An attitude. An emotion. A desire. A routine.

What if a small, very small change could literally change the direction of your life, change your story line, change how you think, feel, even what you desire?
And what if you could do that in just 5 minutes. Today. Right now? And tomorrow, and the next day.

Is there an area of your life that is causing you a lot of pain right now? Or has God been speaking to you about doing something for him and you haven’t started yet? Maybe there’s something you need to do to strengthen your daily relationship with God? Or with someone else?

5 Minutes of Appreciation – to God and to the people closest to you – family and friends. How big a change would that be? What did you thank God for today? Think about every day for the last week.

If you did a gratitude journal. How many minutes would you log from last week when you were being grateful to God for something? Grateful to others? Do you ever express your gratitude. What would change in your life if you did? How would you change?

Or 5 minutes renewing your mind in an area where you struggle. E.g fear, or regret, or guilt/shame. What if you took 5 minutes to look up, journal, and declare a new scripture every day encouraging you to “Fear not” (the most frequent command in the Bible because God knows this is one of Satan’s greatest weapons against us. How bold would you be by the end of the year? How much more peace would you have every day?

5 minutes a day. 1,825 minutes a year. Over 30 hours a year growing stronger in an area where you are hurting or weak. Or touching the lives of others through gratitude, prayer, etc. How much better would your life be if you did that? Their lives? How big an impact could you make in 30 hours of focused, consistent prayer?

You can literally change your life in just 5 minutes a day.

Action Steps:
If there’s one thing in your life that you would like to change, what would it be?0
Now, today – right now, spend 5 minutes doing that. Just 5 minutes – not 6.
Do it now. Then schedule a time to do it tomorrow. And the next day.
You just changed the storyline of your life and quite possibly the lives of others. A year from now, you will have spent 30 hours, daily, consistently renewing your thoughts, your beliefs, replacing harmful emotions with joy and peace, and finding healthy ways to fill the desires of your heart. Praying or serving others. Changing the world 5 minutes at a time.

This year, this podcast will be dedicated to actionable insights to empower you to daily live out Ephesians 4:23-24:
put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

“Have you ever been in complete darkness—stumbling around, trying to find your way? In that moment, how desperately did you long for even the smallest flicker of light?”

Christmas is the celebration of such a light entering the world—not a tiny flicker, but a glorious, eternal light that breaks the darkness forever.

his video explores the powerful theme of light in the Christmas story, focusing on how Jesus Christ came into a dark and sinful world as the Light of the World. From Old Testament prophecies by Isaiah to the fulfillment of these promises in the New Testament, the video highlights how God’s light triumphs over the darkness of sin and Satan. The prophet Isaiah foretold that a great light would shine on those walking in darkness, and this was fulfilled when Jesus was born.

The wise men followed the light of the star to find and worship the Savior, signifying that God’s light had come to illuminate the hearts of all people. The video also reflects on the role of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus, and how his miraculous birth was another fulfillment of God’s divine plan.
Darkness symbolizes the absence of God and the presence of sin, but the video reminds us that Jesus came to deliver us from this domain of darkness and bring us into His glorious light.

Jesus declared Himself to be the Light of the World, offering eternal life to those who follow Him. As believers, we are called to be reflections of His light, shining brightly in a dark world.

This Christmas, celebrate Jesus’ light, remember the goodness of God, and be a source of light and hope to others in their families, communities, and beyond.