What I should have done?

October 23, 2020 / sjwentland / Leave a comment

Oct 23, 2020 WWJWMTD by Steve, the son of John

Things We Should Have Done

The purpose of the article, “Things we should have done,” is to give you the wisdom to understand where repentance, believing in God, and responding to God in faith intersect. God has called us not just to shape history but to do so in a way to allow Christ to return.

We are waiting for Christ’s return and God is waiting for His Church to fulfill the words of Jesus by bringing all things under the subjection of His Son. But first, we must acknowledge where we have failed.

Too often our repentance is only about what we did wrong, but God says in Scripture that what you did not do (that is when you had the ability and power to do good) in refusing to help others or stand against evil is often much more harmful than your sin.

Our repentance must include what we failed to do; when we looked the other way not assisting others in need or confronting evil. God is looking for people who love as He loves and reaches out to others as if they themselves were the ‘Arm of God’ doing His will.

I cannot tell you how many times God asked me to do something (the Holy Spirit brings some person or action to my attention). I often said, “God, I have no time for this.” (Or) “I cannot do this—I don’t want to do this.” God does not take “no” from me; He urges me to say “yes”. I often turned around and did what God would want me to do or I would say, “God, You will have to help me” and then begin to do what He was asking of me.

(I remember the time God had me fill up gas cans or help pay for gas for those who did not have the money to purchase gasoline for their cars/trucks. I have many such stories about helping others because God knew I had the means and power to do so.)

When we do these three things we are the Body of Christ and accomplishing the fulfillment of Scripture:

One, when we repent of things we should have done, thereby accepting responsibility for the activity of God through us; reaching out to a dying world that needs our help 24/7.

Two, when we respond in believing that the Father is pleased with us when we try to ‘make a wrong, right’ by taking the time…whenever we see a person in need, give assistance, taking the time to pray for their healing, assist through an act of kindness or love, and even offer Jesus’s words of hope and justice to anyone bound by their sin or in the clutches of the devil, knowing that repentance leads to believing.

Three, when we approach the Father through faith (faith is your response to the will of God—His purposes and action plans), i.e., when we respond to what God wants us to do God calls us “a person of faith” just like the great people of faith in Hebrews chapter 11. God is asking us to not believe more (He knows we already do that) but He is asking us to do something—to respond to what He wants; what His will is and how to get His will done.

God is asking all of us to “get things done” by doing what He wants. So, let’s begin to affect and change history in finding what God wants to do and then ‘doing just that’ without reservations, doubt, and lack of commitment and action.

Want to see Jesus return? Begin by doing, forging ahead with what Jesus would want me to do!

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

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Read & Be Encouraged!

October 20, 2020 / sjwentland / Leave a comment

Oct 20, 2020 WWJWMTD by Steve, the son of John

Be Encouraged (I was)

I received an encouraging statement from Cheryl Amabile, founder of The Briefing. It touched my soul and encouraged me in this time of profound hatred and political unrest. At times I felt I was fighting this spiritual battle alone and against great odds. I AM NOT ALONE AND NEITHER ARE YOU! God has kept always to Himself others of like mind and in the Unity in the Body of Christ to fight for His will and to fight against all evil in every quarter. This is indeed the Season and Time for Righteous Judges to once again rule in this earth and in the affairs of mankind.

Cheryl wrote. “Our Briefing team has joined with about 70 young adults from around the nation who have gathered to pray day and night in Colorado Springs up through the elections. Today’s Briefing will keep you right in step with us all for a very important focus. We are so grateful for this band of intercessors – now 9,000 strong – who are eager to steward the word of the Lord. May He consume us now with His zeal and with a spirit of prayer for thousands upon thousands to ride in His chariot.

Our Briefing team is convinced that the season we have been in as a nation since 2016 is not coming to an end but is actually ramping up to the height of God’s purpose. The Righteous Judge of the earth not only desires to tear down the systems and seats of Jezebel’s power in America but to sweep away the entire house of Ahab. This work is not finished, and it cannot take place under just any circumstances.

We believe that President Trump has been specifically chosen and equipped for this purpose. We also know from natural reasoning, as well as confirming prophetic dreams, that the House of Representatives and the Senate must both have a majority that are aligned with Trump and with God’s agenda, for all to be accomplished as God desires. So, these elections matter. Very much.”

This is NO Time to Be Passive!

You can read all of the article on The Elijah List & Breaking Christian News (elijahlist.com). Be Encouraged! Be Hopeful! Be Vigilant! It is Time for Rejoicing!

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

Letter from Dr. James Dobson

October 20, 2020 / sjwentland / Leave a comment

Oct 19, 2020 WWJWMTD by Steve, the son of John

A Letter from Dr. James Dobson

I received a copy of a letter sent by Dr. James Dobson. Please read and pass along; good wisdom for all of us. Dobson states: (direct quote)

Dear Friends,

This will be my final letter to 800,000 people before Americans cast our ballots on November 3rd. It is a breathtaking moment in the history of the United States. Perhaps I will be permitted to repeat a brief comment I made in my August letter because of its relevance to today. Many political commentators have stated that this election is the most significant since 1864 when Abraham Lincoln vied for a second term against Democratic nominee, George McClellan. The future of our beloved nation hung in the balance that year. If Lincoln had lost, the Civil War would have ended precipitously and the wretched evils of slavery would have remained legal in the Confederate States, and perhaps even in the North. Had Lincoln been defeated, the Union would have been torn asunder. Thank God Mr. Lincoln won, even though it cost him his life!

Now we are approaching another presidential election that carries enormous implications for the stability of our democratic system of government. Indeed, Newt Gingrich said that what we are facing now might bring an end to civilization as we have known it. He may have been referring to a possible revolution. Regardless, I believe his grave concern for our nation is valid. For centuries, America has stood as a shining light for liberty and freedom in our nation and around the globe. If we abandon our founding core values, the world will suffer for it. The binary choice before us is that stark.

How will Americans, and how will you, decide who to vote for as our Chief Executive Officer? I have heard from dozens of friends and acquaintances in recent weeks who tell me they will base their decision solely on a candidate’s rhetoric, tone, style, or likeability. Does that describe your thinking process?

Just now, as I was about to react to that idea, my wife, Shirley, brought in an email that she had received a few minutes before from a friend. It quoted an anonymous statement that gets to the heart of the issue, as follows:

"This is not a junior high or high school popularity/personality contest. I’m not voting for the person—I’m voting for the platform!

I’m voting for the Second Amendment. I’m voting for the next Supreme Court justice. I’m voting for the electoral college. I’m voting for the Republic in which we live. I’m voting for the police and law and order. I’m voting for the military and the veterans who fought and died for this country. I’m voting for the flag that is often missing from public events. I’m voting for the right to speak my opinion and not be censored for it. I’m voting for secure borders. I’m voting for the right to praise God without fear. I’m voting for every unborn soul that is at risk of being aborted. I’m voting for freedom and the American dream. I’m voting for good and against evil. I’m not just voting for one person.

I’m voting for the future of my country!"

I couldn’t have said it better, although I want to add to the writer’s list. I’m also voting for candidates who will exercise sound leadership internationally. I’m voting for those who will support Israel. I’m voting for those who will protect children from leftist curricula. I’m voting for the nation’s fiscal integrity. I’m voting for parental rights. I’m voting for school choice and home education. I’m voting for freedom in the suburbs. I’m voting for Little Sisters of the Poor and other Christian organizations. I’m voting for racial unity. I am voting to support "In God we trust" and school prayer. I’m voting for freedom of conscience for physicians and other professionals. I am voting for marriage. I am voting for life in all its dimensions. I am voting against euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. I’m voting for wisdom in handling the pandemic. I am voting for protection for the Church from oppressive politicians.

One final thought: With all respect, this election isn’t about you. It certainly isn’t about me. It is about our kids and grandkids. It is about those who are yet to come, if they are allowed to live. This vote has awesome implications for future generations and the nation we love. It is about our Constitution and the immutable, God-given rights it protects. It is about values, and truth, and greatness, and hope. That is why the notion of choosing a president based on frivolous personality characteristics is so unfortunate.

In summary, this election is for all the marbles . . . the Presidency, the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Supreme Court. Together, they set the agenda for this country.

If you love America and don’t want it to be "fundamentally transformed," it is time to do three things:

1. Pray like never before that God will spare this great nation from tyranny and oppression of religious liberty.

2. Volunteer to help your candidates.

3. Vote for the candidates who will best uphold your values and convictions.
Also, consider forwarding this letter to your friends, family, and others whom you might influence.

May God bless America!
(This letter may be reproduced without change and in its entirety for non-commercial and non-political purposes without prior permission from Family Talk. Copyright, 2020 Family Talk. All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured. Printed in the U.S. Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk is not affiliated with Focus on the Family.)

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

Fear vs. Fear

October 7, 2020 / sjwentland / Leave a comment

Oct 6, 2020 WWJWMTD by Steve, the son of John

What Went Wrong

(The 3W’s Series #7, the final article)

Fear vs Fear

Fear: To be in terror, frightful, alarmed, agitated, or worried. These are the most common attributes of being in fear; most of us try to avoid living in an emotional or mental state of fear. Fear can cause a collapse of our mental capacity to think and even to act rationally. Fear immobilizes people and causes reactions that border on insanity. Did you know that God expects us ‘to fear’ but not ‘the fear’ that I mentioned above?

The ‘Fear of God’ does not include any of the above attributes or emotional qualities. The world can fear God having the mental or emotional as stated in my definition above, but Christians should not nor ever be in such a state of fear.

The Bible says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,” Proverbs 1:7a. In fact, it states this multiple times in the Bible and gives stories or illustrations to this truth. I ‘fear the Lord’, not out of fear, but out of respect, honor, humility, and love. I choose to ‘fear the Lord’ in order to reverence God. I believe therefore I can fear the Lord.

I believe that everything God does, everything God says, and everything God is planning to do is righteous, just, and for my good. Job had to come to this realization, as also, did Jesus when God asked Him to die, carrying the sins, iniquities, sicknesses, and pride of each and every person that was, is, and will be on the earth.

Job 43:1-6 says, Then Job replied to the Lord: 2 “I know that you can do all things;
no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
3 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know. 4 “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak;
I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ 5 My ears had heard of you
but now my eyes have seen you. 6 Therefore I despise myself
and repent in dust and ashes.”

We try as Job did to dictate the purposes and activities of God. If only we would know God’s will and do that alone. It is God’s will that Jesus told us to ask for and pray in that direction. Job wanted God to restore what God had taken from him, and Job told God, “I did nothing wrong, why are you (God) doing this to me?” Jesus said a similar thing but with the proper attitude and with the ‘fear of the Lord”. Jesus said, “God, what you ask of me is too hard!” Jesus even prayed this three times for a change in God’s plans but in the end, He said, “not my will but your will be done, God.” Job had to go through repentance, humility, and forgiving those who criticized him in order for God to make things right and be blessed again.

Job had to find ‘humility’, the ‘fear of the Lord’, and ‘forgiveness to others’ to find the will of God for his life. So, where does that leave you and me? Will you be a Job? Will you do what Jesus did? Will you pick up your cross every day and follow Christ—as Jesus commanded us to do?

The last few months the Lord has been trying His Church. We have failed and still, God’s will is before us. We must humble ourselves and find forgiveness for ourselves and offer forgiveness to others. The choice is before all of us. Chose God’s will or receive God’s damnation.

The trumpet of the Lord has sounded. We have been tried and found wanting. We must repent and accept the battle before us to confront evil, unforgiveness, and find strength (as Caleb did) to do God’s will and take the mountain that God has place before us.

We must pick up our cross and then run to Jesus carrying God’s will, which He has placed in front of each of us. There is little time left—we must approach God with a shout, with praise, with prayers on our lips, and determination in our hearts.

This is what Jesus is asking us to do!

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

Are you missing this?

September 26, 2020 / sjwentland / Leave a comment

Sept 27, 2020 WWJWMTD by Steve, the son of John

What Went Wrong

(The 3W’s Series #6)

The Politics, Partnership & Perfection of God—What are you missing?

One, God has always been involved in politics. The Bible is full of references and stories which support this premise. Sometimes American politicians try to keep God out of politics. That is because politicians do not want God telling them what to do or which of their policies are wrong.

John the Baptist had no problem getting involved and speaking his mind to the politicians of his day. God continues as He has done throughout history to arrange from who is in power/political office at a crucial time in history; to what policies help mankind and which ones violate principles of truth and respect.

America finds itself once again at a crossroads in history. It seems as if all hell has ‘broken lose’ with the coming 2020 election. It is an easy choice for me even though 5 years ago I considered Donald Trump a very unlikely candidate for the Presidency. God changed my mind, and then I found myself praying for his election to be President.

Once again I am in a battle against darkness and Satan in order for Mr. Trump to be President for another 4 years. It is very plain to me now why God chose Donald Trump and what is about to challenge the Church—the very core and foundation of the Church is about to be shaken and prepared for the fulfillment of the Book of Revelation and the coming of Christ.

If you are not praying for our President, his family & cabinet, and the next 4 years under his guidance, you are blind and do not see the will of God for our nation. This is the time for ‘Righteous Judges’ to begin to exercise their calling, authority, and anointing to bring about the purposes and plans for God and His Kingdom on earth.

Two, God works through us—He partners with us to accomplish His will. It is a command of Christ, and it takes all the Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit to do what Jesus did and what He wants us to do. We are to place all things under the feet of Christ—this is a primary directive from God the Father and the sole focus of the Holy Spirit.

You and I cannot do this on our own and we must consider this process a battle—a battle against all that is evil and that which exalts itself above and against Jesus Christ. God does not send us into battle without His armor, His wisdom, and His passion. This is a partnership and it is this partnership that is grounded in love and grace which I chose for my life and all of those around me.

We cannot be in the Body of Christ without this partnership, and it is in this unity of the Spirit that we find strength and success in accomplishing God’s will. We must be in unity at this time; we must step up to the front line in this battle; we must not hesitate nor walk in fear of the circumstances our nation is facing. Satan would want us to run and hid in fear and not consider or act in faith confronting all cultural and political forces trying to hinder God’s choice and will for Donald Trump.

Three, God is looking for a perfect church and a perfect Church does not become perfect without trials, conflict, and temptations. As Job found his perfection, Paul found his calling/ministry, and Christ fulfilled God’s will—all of this can only come about through trials, conflict, and temptation.

We must be shaken; we must be purified by the trials that God brings up us and though our struggles to see God’s will be perfected in all the earth and especially in our nation. If we strive to be in unity of the Spirit, we will be molded into the Body of Christ that will be ready and prepared to meet Christ in the air when He returns.

You have a choice—who will you serve? God’s purposes or your fleshly desires and political interests. It is time to let all-natural and political persuasions go and do only what God has placed in front of us to do. We must deny fleshly-understanding and accept and seek only God’s will in such a crucial time in our history.

It is such a time to humble yourself and pray believing in Jesus, seeking God’s will only in this election time, and willing to confront evil—not allowing evil to reign in our lives, so Jesus will hear from Heaven and heal our land in order to clear the way for His return.

Yes, it is that important—let’s not be wrong but chose to be on God’s side.

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

Are you managing your sin?

September 26, 2020 / sjwentland / Leave a comment

Sept 25, 2020 WWJWMTD by Steve, the son of John

What Went Wrong

(The 3W’s Series #5)

Managing Your Sin?

Are you managing your sin? I am sure you are and possibly have a habit of doing so. Everyone has does this—a Christian or a non-believer—no matter who you are. It becomes a science to many people; they look to see how they can sin without suffering too many consequences for their sin. We think we can ‘out-smart’ God or at least the people around us.

Nothing is farther from the truth. This behavior (and way of thinking) is so destructive that we have jails full of people with this behavior and even churches where Christians are hypocritical and deceptive to their church congregations.

Sin cannot be managed it can only be forgiven (forgiveness is a way of life and all Christians need to stay in a constant state of repentance and brokenness). Sin is what is destroying everything good and right. It makes no difference if our sin is great or small. The consequences of our sin is always the same—it leads to death and separation from each other and God.

Here are some behaviors of ‘managing our sin’:

· Watching online pornography but only superficially.

· Lying but only to protect one’s image or lifestyle.

· Taking drugs but only at times when I am not dangerous to others.

· Choosing what I believe about God, not wanting to be thought of as ‘too radical’.

· Not forgiving a family member or past friend—because I do not see that person anymore.

· Making excuses for oneself when it comes to repentance and changing what one does.

· Not acknowledging what you do when no one is looking and/or making sure what you do does not really hurt others. You love your sin; saying ‘it is my sin only’.

The list can go on and on. If we would take an inventory of our wrongs (and past wrongs) we would see that we rather ‘manage our sin’ and ‘the love for our sin’, thereby not looking to God for forgiveness nor wanting a change in our behavior.

We will never find true forgiveness if we try to keep our current or past sins by not taking them to God by asking God what He thinks and asking for His forgiveness and mercy.

Sin cannot be managed, only forgiven. Forgiveness is a process and a daily brokenness—a constant change of behavior. It is only through finding forgiveness are we able to ‘hunger and thirst after righteousness’. Only through forgiveness, we are able to reject the pleasure of sin that binds our lives and end sin’s control over our lives. The process is always the same no matter the sin—from forgiveness to righteousness to God’s judgment over everything that binds, controls, and hinders our walk with Christ.

I believe ‘managing our sin’ is the #1 enemy to the Body of Christ!

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

What exactly is homophobia/a guest article/writer

September 24, 2020 / sjwentland / Leave a comment

Sept 24, 2020 WWJWMTD by Steve, the son of John

What exactly is homophobia?

A guest article by Phillip Lee, His Way Out Ministries/What exactly is homophobia?

To be genuinely homophobic, a person must manifest an irrational fear or hatred of homosexuals. What would constitute an irrational fear? Something along the lines of believing one might become gay by just being in the presence of a homosexual or that one could get AIDS by driving a car serviced by a homosexual auto mechanic. Such attitudes need professional attention, as well as punitive action from society.

What isn’t homophobic is a reasoned, principled, even compassionate denial of the moral normalcy of homosexual acts. Nor is it homophobic to oppose social policies and legislation which grant protected status to those who engage in homosexual acts. It is not even necessarily homophobic to support anti-sodomy laws, if such support is motivated by the belief that such behavior is harmful to both individuals and society. It is not homophobic to try and convince others that homosexuality and the homosexual movement are wrong.

What many people forget, both among those for and against homosexual rights, is that it is quite possible both to judge a behavior or lifestyle as immoral, and yet treat individuals with the respect and dignity which they deserve. Ultimately, neither truth nor love is homophobic. Therefore, responses to homosexuality which bear these qualities can never be homophobic. Any society which seeks to base its public policy upon truth and love will ultimately gain one of the most precious of social virtues – justice.

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

Never-ever give up

September 23, 2020 / sjwentland / Leave a comment

Sept 23, 2020 WWJWMTD by Steve, the son of John

What Went Wrong

(The 3W’s Series #4)

Are You Giving Up?

Too often we give up or at least change direction as to what we are planning. We depend on our wisdom and insights to get things done, and when difficulties or hindrances stifle our momentum we give up on what we were planning and take an alternate direction. Today’s church has too much ‘giving up’ and too little the likeness of Christ.

Proverbs 8:20 states. “I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment”.Righteousness leads only to judgment, and it is repentance that leads to righteousness (as stated in multiple verses in Psalms and the teachings of Jesus).

Judgment brings us to the completion of the will of God and His blessings in everything we do. We must have God’s judgment and therefore His mercy and righteousness must precede judgment in order to have the fulfillment of His will.

Here is my point: If you give up and refuse to hold steadfast to what God wants you to do, you will fail by not only succeeding in finding great mercy (as David did) but also in not finding righteousness (which is in the nature of God) and not executing judgment (i.e. God placing everything under your feet thereby accomplishing God’s will). We must never give up!

If you run into difficulties, depend on and run into the mercies of God—His mercies are new every morning; then, of course, find the righteousness of God—the wisdom & the grace of God to navigate through the turmoil; and lastly, it is God’s will for you to exercise the judgment of God on the world and all evil that Satan brings against you. You cannot do this if you give up. David had to persevere to be king, Job was required to have longsuffering to be blessed, and Peter needed patience to accomplish what Christ had for him to do.

How not to give up? I suggest you read the book, “Don’t Give Up” by Kyle Idleman. It is a great read, and an easy read (well written), and only about 200 pages (a week or less to read the book). I always read the last chapter of any book first (this would be the Epilogue). The Epilogue will win you over to read the whole book—it will take you only about 3-5 minutes. So, check it out and remember—never-ever give up!

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

From famine to abundance/from righteousness to judgment

September 16, 2020 / sjwentland / Leave a comment

Sept 16, 2020 WWJWMTD by Steve, the son of John

What Went Wrong

(The 3W’s Series #3)

The Church’s Self-Inflected Famine

Today’s Christian church has made for itself a famine (*see definition of famine below) that has lasted for many years. Yes, God always has a remnant (a few churches) that continue to be a New Testament Church with the attributes spoken by Jesus in Mark 16:15-18, but churches have become a business instead of a house of prayer. As I have referenced before, Ruth 1:1a, In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land—we are in such a state.

We are in a famine yet where are the Judges? If you want to move from famine to abundance, the Church needs judges. Judges that perform works of righteousness everywhere they go and upon all works of unrighteousness. Proverbs 8:20 has this to say about the connection between righteousness and judgment: “I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment”. Righteousness leads only to judgment. Where are you, judges? Where is righteousness in the Body of Christ? Why has famine continued? Why does evil go unchecked by the Church? Why has darkness reigned over God’s people?

I am praying not for blessings or things to continue as they have in our churches. I am praying for judges! I am praying for righteousness to reign not just in the Body of Christ but to impact our culture so there is no escaping from the Gospel of Christ.

You want revival—pray for judges & righteousness!

You want fulfillment of God’s word and His promises—pray for judges & righteousness!

You want purpose and meaning in your Christian walk—pray for judges & righteousness!

Want God’s freedom in order to release our land from famine—pray for judges & righteousness!

It is time to become a judge of righteousness! Do not pray tomorrow, pray today! Do not wait for tomorrow, ‘today is the day for righteousness’! Become that judge and redeem the church from famine—do it now!

You better get there and here’s why: I Peter 4:18 "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"

*Definition of a biblical famine: one, the Gospel is not preached on street corners, in parks, or in open areas (due to large crowds); two, none to very few miracles are observed/performed daily; three, all kinds of supernatural healings are not commonplace (medical healings do not count); four, there is little persecution of Christians—Jesus followers are not a threat; and five, evil in every form has the ‘upper-hand’ in the culture and the laws of the nation.

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

A Godly self-esteem (#2 in the 3W’s series)

September 16, 2020 / sjwentland / Leave a comment

Sept 15, 2020 WWJWMTD by Steve, the son of John

What Went Wrong

(The 3W’s Series #2)

Finding a self-esteem that creates God’s will

I know for a fact that the Church has not been creating nor strengthening the Godly and Christ-like self-esteems that is needed in today’s believers. When we fail to allow the Holy Spirit to do His job by creating healthy self-esteems in Christians all can be lost when Satan tempts and attacks us. I know this to be true and have discovered truths in God’s Word as to the importance of a Godly self-esteem.

I believe that Ruth is the best Biblical example of a person having a truly healthy self-esteem. In fact, the Book of Ruth is possibly the single most important book of the Bible when it comes to understanding the wisdom of God. Want to have a healthy self-esteem, Ruth should be your example.

The story is easy to read and a book that should be read by all of us every year. But, it is the qualities of Ruth that makes the story terrific and an example of how all of us should see ourselves and strive to be, regarding our self-image. Here are some of Ruth’s self-esteem qualities:

ü Ruth is humble but knows who she is and/or wants to be; a truly strong self-esteem knows what commitments to make and how to keep them. She makes this statement to her mother-in-law in the first chapter of the Book of Ruth. “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” (Ruth 1:16-17)

ü Ruth understands her shortcomings but has the strength to take risks. Ruth’s husband died shortly after marriage. She finds herself a widow, no children, and without much hope for a future in finding another husband. Since she is a Moabite (not of Jewish descent), it will not be easy traveling to Israel with her mother-in-law (Naomi), but Ruth has made a decision to make the long journey with Naomi to a land Ruth does not know, people she does not understand, nor a faith she has little knowledge of. She is willing to take the risk of a new life even though it might be a lonely life for her if Naomi dies early like all the other men in Naomi’s family. Ruth decides to make the long journey back to Israel not knowing what is in store for her. (1:19)

ü A self-esteem that comes from God gives us the ability (without fear) to listen to others’ advice and to consider what is the ‘best route’ to take. Ruth listened to Naomi often in crucial life situations. They were women who had no home nor were they a pair that had financial security or the means to find work. They were ‘beggars’ but had a confidence beyond what they saw, and Naomi understood the culture God had placed herself in and gave Ruth wisdom how to negotiate within God’s will and guidelines. (1:19-22)

ü Ruth stayed humble to the point of meekness and unworthiness. Ruth did not try to make herself ‘a somebody’ nor a person of importance. Like Jesus, she made herself of ‘no reputation’ or statue. She did not ‘brand’ herself nor thought of herself more highly than she ought too (as Paul did). A person with a balanced and wholesome self-esteem is a person that is comfortable with him/herself and does not need the acceptance of others to have an adequate image of who they are or what they can do. (Ruth chapter 2)

ü A healthy self-esteem allows others to esteem their importance and accepts honor from others in humility and gratitude. Ruth never acknowledges her actions or behavior as better than others but waited and had the patience for others to make their own decisions regarding her worthiness and importance. Thereby being able to bless others through being faithful to her ability to make commitments in humility and with patience. (chapter 4)

Do you have such a self-esteem? The Holy Spirit can give you this!

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com