Are You The Apple of His Eye!

Jesus Loves You - The Apple of His Eye

Have you ever felt alone, unloved, or unworthy? Maybe you're in a place of brokenness, feeling like no one cares about you. The good news is that you are the apple of God's eye. Deuteronomy 32:10 says, "He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, instructed him, and kept him as the apple of his eye." This verse tells us that God's very focus is on you. You are the apple of His eye, the one He cares for profoundly and watches over.

The Love of God the Father

God loves you individually, personally, and deeply. You are His beloved child, and He cherishes you beyond measure. He loves you so much that He sent His son, Jesus, to show you the way to Him. Even in your darkest moments, when you feel lost and alone, God is there, reaching out to you with love and compassion.

Finding Comfort in the Desert

Maybe you feel like you're in a desert right now, a place of dryness and emptiness. But even in the wilderness, God will find you. He will come to you in your brokenness, wrapping you in His arms of love and grace. You are not alone; you are never alone. God is with you, guiding you, and protecting you every step of the way.

Overcoming Feelings of Unworthiness

The enemy may try to whisper lies to you, telling you that you are unworthy, unloved, and alone. But those are lies from the pit of hell. You are precious in God's sight, the apple of His eye. He created you, He knows you, and He loves you more than you can imagine. Let go of the feelings of inferiority and unworthiness, and embrace the truth that you are loved beyond measure by the creator of the universe.

Embracing God's Love

No matter your past or present circumstances, God's love for you remains constant. He will never leave you or forsake you. His love is unchanging, unwavering, and unconditional. So, open your heart to receive His love, embrace His grace, and walk in the freedom that comes from knowing that you are truly loved by the Father.

In conclusion, remember that you are the apple of God's eye. He found you in the desert, led you, instructed you, and will keep you safe. Embrace His love, accept His grace, and know that you are deeply cherished by the one who created you. Let go of feelings of unworthiness and embrace the truth that you are loved beyond measure. Jesus loves you very much and is for you, not against you.Jesus loves you very much and is for you and not against you.

Deuteronomy 32:10 “He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.”

The "apple of the eye" is the Heb. _ishon_, meaning manikin, i.e., the eye pupil. So, we can say that you are the apple of God’s eye, which means you are the focus of his attention, and His very focus is right on you. The God the Father loves you individually, personally, and then collectively given to Christ as a gift. He came to show you to the father.

Maybe you are in a hard place, feeling alone and unloved. Perhaps the enemy is telling you that you are unworthy and unloved by God and others. Maybe your parents made you feel inferior. The good news is the Father will come to you in your desert and meet you in your place of brokenness because you are the apple of His eye. That is how much He cares for His children. He will come and find you.

by: Traci Morin

Touch of God International Ministries - a Christian Healing and Deliverance Ministry - Setting the Captives Free

How Do I Love Myself!

Do You Struggle with Self-Hatred? See Scriptures in Who You Are In Christ

how to love yourself and be confident

Just come into agreement with Father God. Read these scriptures of what the Father has to say about you. 

How Can I Learn to Love Myself as Christ Loves Me?

Introduction:

Loving ourselves as Christ loves us is key to living a fulfilling and joyful life. It involves embracing who we are, accepting our flaws, and recognizing our worthiness in the eyes of God. In this article, we will explore practical tips on cultivating self-love and compassion in alignment with Christ's teachings.

Self-Acceptance: Embracing Our Imperfections

One of the first steps in learning to love ourselves as Christ loves us is practicing self-acceptance. We are all imperfect beings, and it is essential to acknowledge and embrace our flaws. Recognizing our shortcomings does not mean we are unworthy of love; on the contrary, it opens the path to self-improvement and growth. By accepting ourselves as we are, we can begin to see ourselves through the lens of God's unconditional love.

Biblical Scriptures to Read from the Bible

My Child... From the Father's Love Letters

You may not know me, but I know everything about you
...Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up
...Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways
...Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered
...Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image
...Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being
...Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring
...Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived
...Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation
...Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book
...Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live
...Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
...Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb
...Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born
...Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me
...John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love
...1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you
...1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father
...1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could
...Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father
...Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand
...James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs
...Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope
...Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love
...Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore
...Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing
...Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you
...Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession
...Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul
...Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things
...Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me
...Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart
...Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires
...Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine
...Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager
...2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles
...2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you
...Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart
...Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes
...Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth
...Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus
...John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed
...John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being
...Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you
...Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins
...2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled
...2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you
...1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love
...Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me
...1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again
...Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen
...Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father
...Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is...Will you be my child?
...John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you
...Luke 15:11-32

Self-Compassion: Treating Ourselves with Kindness

In practicing self-compassion, we extend the same grace and mercy to ourselves that Christ has shown us. This means being gentle with ourselves during difficult times, forgiving our mistakes, and nurturing our innermost needs. Self-compassion allows us to build a healthy relationship with ourselves, fostering a sense of security and belonging that stems from Christ's infinite love.

Self-Worth: Recognizing Our Value in God's Eyes

Our self-worth is not defined by external achievements, material possessions, or societal standards. Instead, it is rooted in the understanding that we are beloved children of God, created in His image and likeness. When we recognize our intrinsic value in God's eyes, we can begin to appreciate the unique gifts and qualities that make us who we are. Embracing our self-worth empowers us to love ourselves unconditionally, just as Christ loves us.

Practical Tips for Cultivating Self-Love:

1. Practice Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and actions, seeking to understand yourself more deeply.
2. Be Kind to Yourself: Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would offer to a needy loved one.
3. Set Boundaries: Establish healthy boundaries in relationships and activities that honor your well-being and values.
4. Engage in Self-Care: Prioritize activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature.
5. Seek Support: Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or spiritual mentors for guidance and encouragement on your self-love journey.

Conclusion:

Learning to love ourselves as Christ loves us is an ongoing process that requires patience, self-awareness, and faith. By practicing self-acceptance, self-compassion, and recognizing our self-worth in God's eyes, we can cultivate a deep sense of love and gratitude for who we are. May we continue to walk in the footsteps of Christ, radiating His love and kindness towards ourselves and others.

by: Traci Morin

Do You Follow Traditions of Man Biblically?

Do You Follow Traditions of Man?

Traditions of man nullify the word of god

Why do you think Jesus told the scribes and Pharisees (in Matthew 15:1-3) when he answered them about not washing their hands before they ate, "Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your traditions?"

Did you know that in the Old Testament, in the laws of Moses given by God, there is no mention anywhere in scripture that they had to wash before they ate? The Pharisees and Scribes added many laws to the laws of the Jewish people.

This was a human tradition. So, Jesus pointed out to the scribes and Pharisees that they were following the laws of man and not God.

Then Jesus says in Matthew 15:4 (where it was written in the law "For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death."

Could the scribes and Pharisees be more hung up on their laws than the law of God to Moses? They followed the tradition of man and not what God's word said?

Does that sound familiar in the church today? Do we follow or do rituals that are not in the written word? For example, look at all the traditions in the Catholic church; many of the traditions came
after about 400 years later.

I'm not picking on the Catholic church but using them as an example of how the church brings division within each other through the traditions of man. I'm sure all denominations are guilty in one form or
another. Here are examples of what I'm talking about. This is after the death of Christ.

church traditions that are not in the bible

Commentary References 

375 - Veneration of angels and dead saints not in the bible. What does the word say about praying to dead saints? It is forbidden in the word of God to pray to the dead or anything except God.

394 - The Mass, as a daily celebration of it, adopted.

431 - The worship of Mary is an idol, the mother of Jesus, and the term "Mother of God," as applied to her, originated in the Council of Ephesus that came from a ritual.

500 - The adoption of Priests dressing differently from the laity. Jesus always dressed the traditions of man.

593 - The doctrine of Purgatory, no such thing according to scripture, was first established by Gregory the Great. Prayer and worship in churches when they used to meet in the homes, the Latin language was also imposed by Pope Gregory I. 600 years after Christ. This kept the people ignorant of God's Word.

The Word of God forbids praying and teaching in an unknown tongue. (I Cor. 14:9).

600 - The Bible teaches that we pray to God alone not to saints or angels. In the primitive church, prayers were never directed to Mary or dead saints, it is unscriptural. This practice adopted in the Roman Church by man. 

(Matt. 11:28; Luke 1:46; Acts 10:25-26; 14:14-18)

610 - The Papacy is of pagan origin, which is not biblical. The title of pope (over the church - Jesus is over the church) or universal bishop was first given to the bishop of Rome by the wicked emperor
Phocas.

This he did to spite Bishop Ciriacus of Constantinople, who had justly excommunicated him for his having caused the assassination of his predecessor, Emperor Mauritius. Gregory 1, then bishop of Rome,
refused the title, but his successor, Boniface III, first assumed title "pope."

Jesus did not appoint Peter to the headship of the apostles and forbade any such notion, not biblical. (Lk. 22:24-26; Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18; I Cor. 3:11).

709 - The kissing of the Pope's feet is uplifting the pope over God. He is not God.

It had been a pagan custom to kiss the feet of emperors, also not scriptural.  (Read Acts 10:25-26; Rev. 19:10; 22:9).

750 - The Temporal power of the Popes is not scriptural. It is a relationships with the Lord, not the Pope.

When Pepin, the usurper of the throne of France, descended into Italy, called by Pope Stephen II to war against the Italian Lombards, he defeated them and gave the city of Rome and surrounding territory to the pope. Jesus expressly forbade such a thing, and He refused worldly kingship. (Read Matt. 4:8-9; 20:25-26; John 18:38).

788 - Worship of the cross, images, and relics was authorized but not scriptural. 

This was by order of Dowager Empress Irene of Constantinople, who first caused to pluck the eyes of her own son, Constantine VI, and then called a church council at the request of Hadrian I, pope of
Rome at that time.

Such practice is called simply IDOLATRY in the Bible, and is severely condemned by the Word of God. (Read Ex. 20:4; 3:17; Deut. 27:15; Psalm 115).

850 - Holy Water, mixed with a pinch of salt and blessed by the priest (pagan), was authorized.

890 - The veneration of St. Joseph began, was pagan

965 - The baptism of bells was instituted by Pope John XIV, is also a pagan practice and not in scripture. 

995 - So sad that they Canonization of dead saints, first by Pope John XV, it is not biblical.

Every believer and follower of Christ is called saint in the Bible. Believers need to know the Word of God. (Read Rom. 1:7; I Col. 1:2).

998 - Fasting on Fridays and during Lent was imposed on the people. It is all about a personal relationship with the Lord. This is works. 

Imposed by popes said to be interested in the commerce of fish. (Bull pagan, or permit to eat meat), Some authorities say it began in the year 700. This is against the plain teaching of the Bible. (Read
Matt. 15:10; I Cor. 10:25; I Tim. 4:1-3).

The Mass was developed gradually as a sacrifice - a pagan and not biblical practice of Jesus; attendance was made obligatory in the 11th century.

The Bible teaches that the sacrifice of Christ was offered once and for all, and is not to be repeated but only commemorated in the Lord's Supper. (Read Heb. 7:27; 9:26-28; 10:10-14).

1079 - The celibacy of the priesthood (Pagan) was decreed by Pope Hildebrand, Boniface VII. Jesus did not practice this.

Jesus imposed no such rule, nor did any of the apostles that all should get married. St. Peter was married, and St. Paul says that bishops were to have wives and children. (Read I Tim. 3:2,5, and 12; Matt. 8:14-15). Look at the problem of the men abusing the children.

1090 - The Rosary, Pagan practice, or prayer beads, was introduced by Peter the Hermit in the year 1090. Copied from Hindus and Mohammedans. There is nowhere in scripture to have beads for prayer. 

Counting prayers is a pagan practice and is expressly condemned by Christ. (Matt. 6:5-13).

This list goes on and on, but these are traditions of man. I'm using this as an example. We are all guilty of doing so in our lives. What I'm trying to say is that when man created traditions, regardless
of what denomination, it brought division between the churches.

Can you imagine what it would be like if we all followed the word of God and lived in harmony with each other? Maybe the laws of the land against the church would never have come about. Think about it.

I want to hear your thoughts on this. Again, I'm not picking on the Catholic church but using them as an example of human traditions. We have complicated the ways of Christ with many human traditions, most of which are pagan. 

by: Traci Morin
Touch of God International Ministries of Healing and Deliverance - Setting Captives Free

How To Honor Your Parents If They Abused You According to the Bible!

How To Honor and Respect Parents!

Honor thy mother and father and provoke not

Sometimes it is hard to honor and respect parents when they have victimized you or didn’t show you love and acceptance and made you feel unworthy and unclean. Why do you think they did that? It is because their parents projected that into them, and then they dumped the demonic on them where they believed it for themselves. That is a lie, and that is the unloving spirit. The demonic comes down the family tree and keeps repeating itself until someone breaks the family tree curse.

How is a person supposed to Honor and Respect their parents?

How can I honor my parents if they are demonized with self-hatred and self-rejection and victimized me when I was a child and still do when I’m around them? You can honor them by thanking the Lord that they gave you life if you have nothing else to honor them. You have to see your parents as victims of the demonic that passed down from the family tree. Their parents were not able to love them, so they did not know how to love you, and you cannot expect them to love you when there is a demonic or unloving spirit in them. That means you have to separate the sin in them. They were victims and have been programmed by their parents to victimize you! When you see that they are victims, too, it makes it easier to forgive them and stop the torment.

What Paul Says to do!

That’s why Paul talks about casting down negative thoughts that are not of God in 2 Corinthians 10:3-6.

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

When you don’t cast it down as a lie, then you establish it as a way of life for yourself. You are going to filter the lie through everything that comes your way. If your parents reject you, you will feel rejected by everyone else. Everything they say will feel like rejection. Also, because of that unloving spirit, then a child, now an adult, will continue to go back to their parents over and over again, thinking something will change and trying to get acceptance through them. That won’t happen because of the demonic in them. People must accept that it won’t change until they remove the lie from their hearts and minds because they believe it, too! You can change it, though!

What can I do?

You must fall out of agreement and be prepared to avoid it. You don’t have to continue to hear the negative voices of your mother and father in your ears. If you do, it is an evil spirit that is reminding you of self-rejection, self-hatred, etc. How many are still listening to the voices of demonized parents who victimized you spiritually when they are not even around you – they might already be dead, but you still hear clearly what they said or did. There is no way any man, pastor, or preacher can take away those voices from your mind or memory. There is a way to be freed from the spirit that transferred into and tormented you through your family tree. That is the unloving spirit that comes to you to accuse you and make you feel rejection, self-hatred, etc. If you are going to get the work out of the grace of God in you, you must realize you will never forget those voices. They are a big part of the memory, but the pain from the presence of that evil spirit that is attacking you and accusing you can be gone. You will have the memory but not the accusation or pain of the memory.

When you hear that voice, you will know to cast it down as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 and not let it affect you because you will know what your heavenly father thinks of you. You need to discern good and evil by what is said between your ears. If it is not love, then the devil is accusing you. Cast that thought down by not accepting it. Know who you are in Christ and meditate on what the word says about you. You can only feel complete with God. No man can cause you to feel complete. When the enemy comes to accuse you, and you know your identity, it will not affect you. That is why you need to know what the Lord says about you when the enemy comes to accuse you. You see, when you believe the lie, then you are calling God a liar as well. You are none of those things you are accused of by the enemy or your parents. You are just a victim of your parents' demonic. 

That is why it hurt so bad because of their demonic and the demonic that passed down to you through them through the family tree. That is why the devil knew what he was doing to accuse you: he knows your family tree. There is no reason to go around in rejection or self-rejection because your parents rejected you. Your heavenly father is now your father once you become born again, and you are never rejected by him, even when you sin. Run to Him for your love. You have to come to the place where you don’t go to your parents for acceptance. That has to stop! Realize that you must go to the Father because He has already accepted and loves you even when imperfect. We cannot lose the love of the Father.

I know every time I have a terrible memory or a specific memory from my past or from my parents and have a ping or lousy feeling, I know I need to forgive that situation and then try to turn my thoughts to the Lord or try to think of something more positive about that person or parent. That reprograms your thinking or what the word says, renewing my mind. That is taking every thought captive. Then I fill my mind with what the Lord says about me if I heard negative words of the past. I remind the enemy what the Lord says about me. Again, the war is between our ears, and it’s a mighty war. In Ephesians 6:12

“12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

The beginning of Chapter 6 of Ephesians discusses honoring our parents and then goes into spiritual warfare. So, if we can honor our parents, if they were abusive to you, by honoring them that they gave you life. That does not mean you have to continue to go and be abused to give godly honor.

by: Traci Morin
Servant and Ordained Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Touch of God Healing Ministries (a healing and deliverance ministry located in Dallas, Texas). 

How to Honor My Parents - $2.25 - visit the store.