Self-Esteem or Christ Esteem? Having a High View of God

Last month I had the opportunity to speak at two women's "Rejuvenate" conferences in New Hampshire. I was doing a new workshop, entitled "Self Esteem or Christ Esteem? Developing a High View of God, and a Biblical View of Self."

As this was the first time I had given this presentation, I was a little nervous about how it would be received. I spoke immediately before a woman who pastors a Congregationalist church and had penned a children's book about our special-ness. I emphasized the difference in who we are in our carnal, unregenerate state vs. who we are in Christ. The last portion of my talk drew heavily from 1 John about our position in Christ and what that means practically. (See chapter in my book "Your Position in Christ - a Slave to Sin No Longer").

The presentation was extremely well-received, and the feedback I received from the women present far exceeded my expectations. They are hungry - for biblical teaching. Women are tired of the fluff at conferences, telling them how great they are and how in love with them Jesus is....they want solid, biblical teaching that will direct them to the Word and help them overcome spiritual struggles. I hope in some small way I was able to do that. An excellent talk on the importance of gratitude was given by another speaker, as well.

Conference Presentation - "God's Solution to Eating Disorders: Total Transformation"

Last weekend I spoke at the "Authentic Beauty" conference for teen girls at Monadnock Bible Conference in Jaffrey, NH. My workshop, which I gave twice, was entitled "God's Solution to Eating Disorders: Total Transformation" and was based upon Romans 12:1-2, the key passage on being transformed through the renewal of our minds.

It was a very successful and edifying time, well-received by the young ladies in attendance and enthusiastically recommended to their friends. What struck some of the girls the most was the truth that when a shameful secret such as bulimia is brought out into the light, it begins to lose its power to enslave. Also, the concept of no longer being slaves to sin (and therefore having the choice to repent of a life-dominating sin) was new to some of the girls. Several mentioned never having thought about eating disorders as something that could be overcome by "re-programming the mind" with God's thoughts.

All in all, it was a fruitful time of ministry, and the conference director asked me to come back to give the same presentation at conferences for adult women. If you are interested in purchasing and downloading my Power Point presentation and notes for use in your own church or ministry, (or my e-book, "Redeemed from the Pit",) please e-mail me at marie4thtimemom@yahoo.com. The presentation is a full hour and is available for $9.99.