Are Affirmations Biblical? My Thoughts.

[@PeterCianci]

I deserve my new car that I worked hard for, I deserve my new house on the beach! I deserve...I deserve...I deserve... Old way of thinking vs my NEW way of thinking... The LORD deserves my love, my praise, my worship, my devotion. I am content in HIM with or without the "things" my flesh desires. I am already enough in Him. Be not conformed by the "ways" of the World but rather transformed by the renewing of your mind. All Praise and GLORY be to God! Great video/well explained Melissa!

[@christinemcintyre5652]

Anen I say to that! We can do nothing without the Father, our LORD Jesus Christ N Holy Spirit! All praise and glory goes to our LORD n savior!

[@rhemadsouza276]

Amen!

[@ainmartinez8186]

Amen 🙏

[@Marsalia]

Wow!! So true

[@anitaflanagan-uphouse2463]

Amen! Everything we have is because of Him! The LORD is the source of all blessings.

[@alohawhy]

*I AM NOT WORTHY, I AM NOT ENOUGH, JESUS IS ENOUGH, HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT, HE IS WORTHY* :) I am weak and a sinner, I need a savior!

[@BlessedGrant]

Very biblical... oh wretched man that I am

[@PJTheServant]

Amen

[@alexanderennis843]

Yes....well put

[@conversion721]

Jesus will make you unworthy anyway

[@SusieQ3]

Amen

[@Rasoa]

Oh my! I just realized I was a New Ager! What's even worse I thought I was a Christian the whole time! 😲 Thank you so much for this kind of content. God bless!

[@loveispatient0808]

And also blasphemous as “ I am “ is a reference to Almighty God Himself and no others!!

[@danielaa1178]

I'm just now realizing it as well!!

[@sulu6061]

@@danielaa1178 The irony of you say you are right after someone said saying, "I am" is blasphemous

[@jaquirox6579]

Bless you for having this realization! It can be hard at first, when u begin diving into sorting out the truth of God. Melissa and Doreen have great content for helping you with that. And I would also recommend looking up Justin Peter’s seminar on Clouds Without Water. That was so huge for me. There’s a lot of resources for us ex Christianese New Agers. God bless. Oh! And the most important, read your Bible. But like, for real this time. Cover to cover. In order. And never cherry pick something out. Read it like you were sitting down recreationally to read a fiction entertainment book, where you really need to grasp the entire plot. Committed, and always in order. Good luck. ♥️

[@jaana5349]

Praise God! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@slverbelz]

Melissa, God has gifted you with the ability to make such informative, interesting, entertaining, easy to understand videos that glorify God. God bless you!!!

[@slverbelz]

Helpful too. At first I had no idea affirmations could be bad at all!

[@MelissaDougherty]

Thank you! Praise God for his gifts to us 🙏😊

[@morenobleberean]

Christians need to hear this. They are being feed this not only from Word of Faith and the Progressive church, but Psychologists. It's the norm in our culture. That's why it's so important for us to renew our minds with the Word of God. This was excellent. Well done!

[@hesavedawretchlikeme6902]

TRUE. Psychological perversion infiltrates theology today.

[@kathietreachler5662]

Amen. We need God's word. Father, make me like your Son!!! ☝🏻💫💛

[@JJo-zx5pg]

there is a huge difference between positive self-talk and manifesting through affirmations. if your psychologist is teaching you to manifest, he/she is violating their ethics and should be reported to their state licensing board.

[@murielbomfim5302]

Right on point. 👏🏼👏🏼 Obsession with affirmations make us spend so much time and energy faking the reality we want to achieve instead of searching for God to fulfill us.

[@sashenkadumerve3017]

Muriel BP God bless you 💞🥰💞

[@amberabbott7563]

If they lead to grand delusion, then yes. But some times we see ourselves as waaay worse than we are which is also messed up.

[@Lilacs4]

I agree! I think it's annoying how obsessed people have become with affirmations. Like are we all this codependent on human opinion that we need to constantly be told we are enough and you go girl etc? Jesus already showed us he thinks we are worth dying for IN SPITE of our sin, there is no other being in the universe who could value you even remotely that much! Like what more do we need to know lol we need to live in gratitude to Christ's "affirmations" and live in obedience and humility 💕

[@MelB868]

One of the kids in our church told a 7 year old in my class she was going to break the swing I told her she wasn’t going to break the swing.

[@sierraduran1293]

I love love love this video and we need to talk about this more as a church. I have been in therapy for over a decade from a lifetime of trauma and abuse. The therapy world is drencheeedddd in positive self-affirmations, mindfulness meditation, manifestation, and sooo so so much more. I gave my life to Christ 3.5 years ago and the *big* thing that changed my mind about Christianity in that conversion conversation was that the woman I was talking with said "you're right, you're not enough and without Jesus you will never be enough." I had a strong disdain for positive affirmations because I felt like I was in denial of so many things and I felt like they were minimizing what I was going through. Right before giving my life to Christ, I was trans and gay, and the LGBT culture is also filled with self-affirmations. It's really important that churches, friends, and fellow believers stop this affirmation trend. Even Christian therapists I've seen will preach self-affirmations to the end. Self-affirmations will not get you anywhere. It may change your thinking or rewire your brain but it will do so in such of a prideful way that you might be able to convince yourself that you are in fact better than God. (spoiler: you're not better than God). I stopped doing positive affirmations and have instead acknowledged my sinfulness in gratitude and praise to God because without Him I am nothing good. It has made my life so much more fulfilling because it is filled with Jesus and not self. I've never been so strong in my recovery from PTSD, depression, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide. Affirmations did not do that, Jesus did.

[@csmoviles]

Sierra Duran What an inspiration your testimony is to others! Blessings !

[@livingforchrist1279]

Praise the Lord!!

[@kimberlyjennings618]

Amen 🙌🏻 glad you’re doing better. 🤗

[@barkerpoe9221]

I have had similar pasts. I too had no idea. It is such a relief. My guilt has lifted. I hope you have experienced the same.🙏🏻

[@lisakidder5653]

I suspect the reason new age affirmations typically begin with "I am" is to establish oneself as one's own god. God called Himself "I am" in the Old Testament.

[@polarsmurf21]

Agreed. Same as the film ‘I am Legend’ Hollweird teaching ppl that humans are Gods.

[@bluegiraffekid]

Big facts, its blasphemy to say "I am" then say something that's a good thing of God!

[@marjoriebourgouin2782]

AMEN! I cringe every time. In other words it is self worship and deceptive

[@fnjesusfreak]

And in the New.

[@elisabethdowns6156]

@B D that's God revealing who *He* is. We are made in His image, but we aren't *Him.*

[@amberjohnston797]

Affirmations needs to be replaced with praying, studying the Bible and meditation(pondering,thinking about) God’s word. I used to be part of the Word of Faith movement. It has brought a lot of heart ache for me and I’m having to unlearn what I was taught. If people can be spared of these teachings it would be a huge blessing. Thank you for doing your videos they have been a huge blessing on my journey. 😀

[@bluegiraffekid]

Praise God you got out!

[@womanofgod2948]

Amen. The only thing I will affirm is what God said in his Holy Word

[@kimberlyv.3271]

What’s the word of faith movement? I’ve never ever heard of that.

[@koolboy12347]

Hello amber, what helped you out of the movement. How can i best witness to friends and family? Thanks

[@sharonleary6711]

I am so thankful to be out also. Looking back I am amazed at how deceived I was. So much of it now seems absolutely ridiculous. Praise God for his grace and mercy!

[@skyedoggett5575]

I was saved out of Wicca and have just discovered your videos. I’m constantly saying, “yes”! You are always so spot on and it’s very encouraging to hear someone else talk about what I also discern in the modern American church. There are such a vast amount of “worship” (so called) songs that sing, “I, I, I, me, me, me”! Worship isn’t about us but about Him.

[@DrinkYourNailPolish]

I used to practice wicca as well and am trying to be vigilant to avoid slipping back into witchcraft.

[@sav3dgirl194]

Honestly.... I was looking on KZbin only a few DAYS ago to try to find someone explain if affirmations are biblical or demonic.... and you just came up with this video today! Praise God for answering my questions 😍 I actually said in my mind “maybe I shouldn’t Think positively of my self if it isn’t good and should think badly??” And you also talked about that too!

[@Idealclone]

Me too

[@kytanapullian]

Me too👌🔥🔥🔥

[@BlessedGrant]

Divine appointment

[@laurafusco9491]

That's exactly why people need a biblical foundation reading the word.

[@stephanyv.9256]

I needed this video, I had a therapy session recently for the post partum depression and anxiety symptoms I’ve been experiencing and my therapist highly suggested saying affirmations. Once I got off the phone, something did not sit right with me about her advice. Although she meant well I knew she was wrong but I really didn’t know how, I thought maybe I was overthinking it. Then this video popped up and answered every question I have! God is good! Thanks sister! Super helpful and informative video, Praise our Lord Jesus Christ 🙏❤️

[@johnnolen8338]

In my opinion there is nothing wrong with positive self-talk; in fact meditation that aligns with God's Word is encouraged by scripture itself: "{1} Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. {2} But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." [Psalms 1:1-2] The word meditate in verse 2 above is translated from the Hebrew verb _hagah_ , the common meaning of which is to mutter (speak under one's breath). What you don't want to do is to reinforce an auto-deceptive delusion that your words are magic.

[@michaelhubbard4989]

I agree

[@valeriahaynes3332]

I like the way you broke it down and explained it. Thanks !

[@steveandsusan]

I have copied this from another comment but think the author would like it shared: New age is all about I AM GOD until the day I realized I AM nothing without GOD.

[@laurzee]

There is something I learned in therapy called toxic positivity. Therapy has just shown me how much I need to FACE REALITY and deal with what is actually happening! Your grounded teachings are helping me understand Jesus so much more. Thank you!

[@emilyf5596]

My mother is going through therapy for her trauma and all the therapists she has seen are practising this kind of thing. She likes it so much that she wants to be a coach herself. She goes on webinars, and I overheard 10 seconds of one and I heard the words "law of attraction" and my heart almost stopped. She needs help, but not this. I really don't want her to get lost, and my father only says "God will look after her". God will *deal* with her, but this may not be in the way he thinks. To all who read this comment, would you mind praying for my mother? Thank you, and God bless.

[@verarivadeneira5275]

Emily I’ll pray for your mom, for guidance and for her to find the truth when seeking treatment.

[@DrinkYourNailPolish]

I will pray for her

[@Christwalker89]

Thanks Melissa. I had a therapist who introduced me to a meditation app that had these affirmations. I deleted it a while ago when I subscribed to you. Thanks for another good one!! Jesus is Lord!

[@jumokeonifade85]

I only listen to to the Abide as it’s completely scripture base, still puts the focus on God while giving you peace and self worth IN CHRIST!

[@laurzee]

"Mental sorcery" - that's a great phrase to describe affirmations

[@sethpeters4552]

I sensed this too with my business team, affirmations were seriously discordant to me coming from a "reformed" (more or less) Baptist background. I ran through their "LifeSAVERS" system a couple of times to understand it, and it just felt wrong at the affirmation portion. "Sorcery" was the best definition I could use.

[@JasmineDiaz]

thank you for this! I've been seeing a lot of affirmations from christians on instagram but it made me feel iffy every time I'd see the posts because it would remind me of my past in LOA. thanks to your video, I feel ok to like myself while still knowing i need a savior. :)

[@simplyrefreshinglife]

This came right on time. I am starting a new training and the lady who is doing the training insists I attend their "mindsets sessions" I attended one - and only listened 1/2 of it - because I immediately thought "This is not right!" I have to attend these mindsets things, but I will go with scriptures. Knowing I am a sinner and I am lacking - but He is the one who makes me complete. I wrote down every scripture you gave here. Thank you!

[@christopherflux6254]

Note that Jesus actually commands people to love themselves when He says “Love thy neighbour as THYSELF!” However this is a love rooted in God, not rooted in the flesh.

[@tama3442]

Explain pls

[@nutricoach7947]

This isn’t a command to love self but an assumption that we already love ourselves and to love our neighbors in the same way.

[@utamu777]

@@nutricoach7947 some people don't live themselves

[@3godzilla3]

@@utamu777 That may be true, but subconsciously they do. Any time that we think about our feelings and needs over someone else is considered "loving thyself." Anytime we feed and take care of ourselves is a form of loving ourselves. We want to live, we want to eat, we want we want we want. All of this because we love ourselves, even when we say we don't.

[@MJ-vf1im]

Interestingly, even suicide can be seen as a misuse of self-love. It is the attempt to protect oneself from enduring pain. We only protect those we love.

[@caminopreacher5958]

So glad you covered this! Deception on this topic can be so subtle. Thanks again for your witness and diligence!

[@MelissaDougherty]

You're welcome! It seemed long overdue 😊

[@missymurphy2444]

When I first heard the intro I thought ‘Oh brother, she sounds like Joel Osteen’ 🤦🏼‍♀️ LOL

[@Newcreation1114]

Is that because truth is not subtle but overpowering?

[@caminopreacher5958]

@@MelissaDougherty Awesome! Quick question. Would Meridian Theory fall under New Age practice or just Eastern Medicine? Asking for a friend.

[@lauraowen8142]

@@caminopreacher5958 Both

[@Amberrechelle]

My momma taught me that Christians make declarations not affirmations !!! This was a good video

[@isabelamoore337]

Love this!

[@kachyn_]

Yupp😊😊

[@DavidJJames]

As a saved former witch, you are in a great position to call out these occultic and anti Christian practices and shed light on them for other Christians. Glory to God.

[@jamersbazuka8055]

Hey David, I've been looking some but haven't found much on the difference between Wicca and New Age. There seems to be a lot of overlap between the two, but I'm guessing there are some notable distinctions.

[@elainejohnson2836]

Thank God you are saved from that world!

[@0206-b8z]

Amen

[@talitameyer2581]

I watched this and very quickly realised I’m that other extreme. Often not accepting compliments, not wanting people to give me things. But those verses listed about what God really says we are is amazing! Those are true and need to remember that from time to time! Amen!

[@rockandsandapologetics7254]

I always look to the Bible and one of my favorites is Hebrews 12:2 "Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." WE are that joy that was set before Him. Yes, as Paul said, we are wretched, but with Him we are chosen, we are children of God. Great video...again. God bless.

[@dianaard5456]

Wow, I was just thinking about this topic the last few days and really started to question what is biblical with respect to this issue and what isn’t ....thank you!!!

[@WendyWzOpinion]

Thank you so much for making this video!!!!!!! I have been a Christian (not Charismatic, not Calvinist, just your average, run of the mill Believer) for 44 years. And I STILL have trouble articulating the difference between "Affirmations" and Biblical, positive self-talk. This. This is the video for me today. Thank you. Praise God for bringing us into His family of Believers to help us work through this stuff!!! You are such a blessing to me, Melissa, and I'm so, so thankful for you!

[@katiepayne2479]

Awesome!! You gave me a much better perspective. As a person who went from hating themselves, to the new age, to coming back to the Lord; Melissa you have helped me so much. You, Doreen, Justin, and Costi. Thank you all.

[@ChristianMomOnABudget]

New follower here, and I gotta say what I love about your content is that it makes me want to stop whatever I’m doing in order to read and study Scriptures. Thank you for doing what you do!

[@hannahdeforest9148]

Thank you, Melissa! This is a topic I’ve struggled with. I have never been into affirmations, but I have a lot of friends who are. It’s been frustrating to try and cut through the weeds to explain my hesitation. This teaching is so clear. Thank you!!

[@MelissaDougherty]

You're welcome! Praise God 🙂🙏🙌🏼😊

[@elisabethdowns6156]

Rehearsing who God is and ending with "He loves me so much that He sent Jesus to save me and all of humankind" reminds me of my true place in the order of things. His magnificence and sovereignty--wow-- mindblowing! I'm just glad I get to serve Him!

[@issyearthy2468]

Agreed on being a healthy assurance for self, when a person do not know who he or she is; not make anything a reality. A coach asked me to do a list of things I wanted to be and it didn’t resound with me...so I learned some things I am as individual, specially that God loved me therefore I am worthy and loved. Not in an egotistical way. I’ve seen people deceiving themselves with these affirmations as you mentioned, we must be very careful 🙏🏼 pray for all of us deviating from what is true 🙏🏼

[@jessinthemundane]

I was subscribed to a lot of youtubers that were new age. They were more of self help and personal growth channels that's why I was so interested. When they started talking about meditation, mindfulness, or even law of attraction stuff, I felt a bit uneasy. And even though I did try to practice these things, I never got myself to actually do them.i would set alarms in my phone to meditate and would never wake up. I would sleep through. I would resolve to call out affirmations everyday, but would always forget and somehow never got to actually doing it. And now I see why. In and of myself i had an understanding that i am nothing. Only in God and by believing in the finished work of Christ can I actually do and be anything. All things THROUGH Christ. I'm grateful for videos like yours that woke up my senses to these subtle new age things that are permeating social media. God bless you

[@FarAwayDistance]

This is so good!!! Thank you🙌🏻

[@kellyquinn4820]

i’ve said it before i’ll say it again, i LOVE the way you talk and explain things! god bless you pretty lady

[@LAVIEOFANGEL]

I enjoyed watching this video. I fall short, I used to think having a vision board in my room was okay because I prayed about it with God but these things I put on my vision board was what I wanted for my life, but not what God wants for my life. Thank you for opening my eyes.

[@saftis5304]

Thank you for speaking on this. I think it is better for the self to be honest about shortcomings and realizing the value and love we have been given is despite our imperfectness, not because we are "worthy" and "deserve" something. This is something which takes the pressure off us, gives peace and works even when we fail.

[@sherlyvthomas6095]

Ms. Melissa Dougherty , Thank you for your preaching. You are are absolutely correct! I love all the verses you picked out which pertaining to your preaching and teaching based on Almighty God's WORD!

[@lukep3981]

I experienced exactly what you said about that strong yoke of believing I was manifesting everything that was in my life. I spent so much money I didn’t have attending workshops and classes, buying books, and applying the “prosperity principles” just trying to figure out what I was doing wrong to cause all of the bad things in my life. As a Christian (will never stop praising our Lord for pulling me out of that deception!), I struggled so much to communicate to my therapist that affirmations like you were describing are not helpful at all. I wonder if so many therapists are pushing affirmations because of subtle New Age influence… Great video. Thanks Melissa!

[@EdithDLT]

I also have a background in new age. It left me empty and dissatisfied bc I will be running around in circles. Blaming myself because I wasn’t as successful as I thought I should be. Now with Jesus I accept that I only have control about how I choose to feel. I allow myself to feel negative emotions but I find refuge in Christ. I had terrible anxiety and self doubt and self hate. I had to start changing my inner dialogue. I had to realize that facts about me are not my truths. Yes I’ve committed sins , I’ve done bad things. I smoked weed, ate for gluttony, had terrible thoughts about others and myself. Those are facts but not my truths. The truth is I am loved by Jesus even if I’m terrible. I learned to root my confidence in Jesus rather than my evil deeds.

[@itskatmckenzie]

Been trying to analyze this for a few months now, thank you for this!! So helpful. God bless you!

[@philomela1102]

Thanks for this message. It is a huge problem in the Church. My women’s “Bible study” had an exclusive focus on what Christ’s suffering on the cross said about how much we’re worth, instead of what it says about just how wicked we are. Failure to acknowledge this latter keeps people from repentance, and therefore salvation. It is the realization of how UNWORTHY we are that draws us humbly to Christ. It is his great LOVE, not our worth, that sent Him to the cross. Only after our salvation can we talk about any worth, and that worth is 100% in Christ Jesus.

[@joyeeverett6196]

But aren’t we inherently valuable and worth something because we’re made in the image of God? Is that not why God loves us?

[@lauraowen8142]

@@joyeeverett6196 GOD loves us b/c HE IS LOVE. We, though made in his image, are but sinners. GOD doesn't love us b/c we 'look' like HIM.

[@Lisa-fp8im]

This is confirmation. I had been believing in speaking things that were not there to happen. I always felt uncomfortable but I put it down to my flesh. Then about 4 days ago something happened in me that revealed that it was a lie. I was constantly in pain in my body with MS. Anytime anyone asked how I was I would say healed. On my own I would be in so much pain. I spent time questioning this and it hit me. I was lying. I was in pain but said I was well. I saw scripture open up and saw not everyone is healed, even in the bible. I realised that faith is not about being perfect but showing the glory of God in our lives. After I saw this I felt a weight lift off me. I realised I could say I had pain yet still give Him praise through that. When I said for the first time I was in pain yet I will praise God, a Christian brother sent me a prayer and immediately the pain left. I’m not saying I’m healed I believe prayer is powerful and when we stop denying the truth and give it to God then it’s His will not ours. It’s about God, nothing else and definitely not what we can get! I’m now free and my life is for His will not mine!

[@glendalacy3123]

Excellent! As a former word of faith , I pray for wisdom and discernment every day. Thank you!

[@BackToLife2]

Great video! Definitely a widespread issue within the church today. Your point to it not being sustainable is spot on! This is exactly why is stopped doing affirmations even before God stepped in for me regarding false teaching.

[@Devsrulehockey]

I find myself having to listen to your videos several times because they are so full of amazing thoughts, perspective, and just plain truth!! I am so blessed to have found you and your videos. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me realize the true meaning of being a Christian and how to live through Jesus. But don't despair, if I'm not watching your videos I'm reading the Bible :) Love you Melissa!!

[@hopel.badeaux8959]

I am grateful for this video! Thank you for being a willing vessel to help so many fellow strugglers! I needed this so much today!

[@Allyporter7]

Lord I need you, please be my strength. I am weak, You are strong. I am unworthy, and unrighteous! Thank you for becoming my righteousness, for making me new and clean my God and my King! Praise you for biblical truth, power in the Holy Spirit and the wisdom and discernment to see clearly, to walk in You and to stay in You.

[@puuxexil]

I don't think there's anything wrong with having a positive self attitude, but also to never forget where those good qualities come from.

[@marygraceumali1047]

Affirmations I pray everyday, I didn't know it's New Age. Thank you for enlightening me, as a teenager I used to watch TV program about white witch, solving problem, helping others, and I thought it was OK, until today. Thank you so much.

[@dee4174]

I am so glad the Lord lead me here. It fits in with every thing I am studying at the moment. As a chronically sick person, with an invisible illness, positive affirmation has caused me a great deal of condemnation from and within the church. God is currently teaching me to stand up for myself honestly and be more assertive when I cannot do things. People would say, I feel you should step out and do so and so and then your healing will manifest. All that manifested was exhaustion, frustration and condemnation. Thank you. X

[@Danimij]

I was just thinking of affirmations and what your thoughts would be so I came here hoping you’d made a video! Thank you for speaking on the topic. Even though I *could* use affirmations reminding me of God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifices, they remind me too much of all the new age crap I participated in so I will avoid them all together. Praying & reading the word is what is best for me!

[@relaxwithme__]

I used to be really into the “I am” affirmations. You sorted out all the confusion I had regarding this topic. Thank you for speaking on this! You are very helpful. God is sovereign.

[@annescholl420]

Praising God that he is using you to bring this issue to the light! I do struggle in my spirit when I hear someone teach that we should love ourselves and speak word of affirmation in the mirror 🪞!

[@trixie1556]

Wow! I have had trouble with this too. “Recognize who you are IN CHRIST.” Very helpful.

[@elizevdspuy]

Wow I am only 06:41 I can relate. As a teen I used to say "I am healed" but physically I clearly am not. I learnt this from my parents who learnt it from Kenneth Copeland's teachings. This made me miserable because I asked myself: "didn't Jesus want to heal me as His Word promises? Why is nothing working or changing? Thankfully this affirmation never expanded into more affirmations of different sorts - but Jesus is still restoring this deception in me today and even NOW!

[@jeffamos1037]

I stumbled across your teachings about a month ago and I really appreciate your love for the Truth. You are fun to watch and listen to. Keep it up.

[@nilzadecatarina6916]

I am in love with you Melissa. Binge listening your videos and is soo comforting knowing that I'm not alone on my understanding. I see so much of that in the church, that gives me depression sometimes. May God have mercy of our generation.

[@legokgoxy3221]

Whatever happened to just saying: LORD! Please give me strength... and moving forward trusting that GOD will do so. Why do we have to resort to affirming ourselves...? The issue here is not that we affirm ourselves but that we lack the trust in GOD that HE can give us strength to get through anything. Then give him all the praise.

[@moriahanderson]

This is one of the most balanced, biblical approaches to affirmation and self esteem I've heard in a long time.

[@abryant3000]

As someone who has left the New Age her self, about a year ago or so now, affirmations had to go! The issue that I found, what you alluded to in this video is that the statements I was making were based on my own desires, and my own goals… If your intentions are not biblical, it doesn’t matter what the affirmation say. I think Christians forget, or simply don’t realize that God listens to your heart, which in this case is your intention, more so than the actual words.

[@halliegreen]

with this knowledge if you ignore it God will know you had the chance to obey His teachings but you denied it

[@jemilagulston7742]

Exactly

[@satchrules101]

I believe God gives us the power to achieve what we want by taking action and letting go of programming that was done to me when I was a child ..results and positive thinking is what god wants for us to be happy in life !

[@BlissfulMartini]

Good morning! (9am for me 😄) I’m a recent subscriber and just wanted to say how much I love your videos! Your JW videos have REALLY been helping me recently to talk to 2 people in my life that are JW. I love how much you talk about the New Age movement too! I work in a Pilates studio that offers yoga classes and our yoga instructor practices almost all of it! I want to talk to her about it more and show her how chakras and manifesting aren’t Godly but then that would put her (and probably me) out of a job. 😅😅 Anyway, thanks for all your hard work! ♥️♥️

[@MelissaDougherty]

Yeah I release my vod early sometimes 😆 I'm so glad that you're talking with them, praise God!

[@lillianliber1798]

I am becoming the best version of myself - for the Lord and it happens only because of the Lord 🙏 To me it seems like affirmations from the new age exclude God and focus only on the self. A Christian affirmation acknowledges submission to God’s will and that nothing happens without his hand in it. 😊 Love your content, very timely and thought provoking ❤️

[@Newcreation1114]

Yup agree with this. Bassically changed im a light warrior to im a warrior of Christ

[@loveistheway.2882]

SpiritHighKoala1114 amen!

[@christysmith5211]

Hi Melissa, I enjoy your channel. My husband and I are pastors in Hawaii. You have help educate me on the New Aga and I have been able to reach more people. It has also caused me to look at certain ministries for what they really are. I have had some deception fall off my own eyes .Thank you sis God bless you and your family

[@GodsMan500]

Next deception to address: God very specifically and clearly prohibits female pastors. He is crystal clear about this. This isn’t one of those secondary issues; Rather, it’s a point He repeatedly makes. Far from being a cultural issue (people who insist on female pastors usually make up a position that Paul was addressing cultural issues), God removes all question about this by immediately bringing His prohibition back to Eve being deceived. I urge anyone who believes that females can be pastors to prayerfully re-read the New Testament with the specific intent of discovering God’s expectations in this regard.

[@FeliDomz]

I woke up this morning thinking about whether or not I should affirm (because I’ve been feeling depressed) if the affirmations sound like “I am a child of God” “ I am handcrafted by God” etc ... I’ve been fighting this for about 3 months .Then, I see this ! Haven’t watched yet but, just had to say .

[@hunterswain3485]

But what would be wrong with that? You’re just declaring truth? You are a child of God and handcrafted by Him?

[@salicec.4712]

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14!” How will we love others properly with no self confidence or self love!

[@ED-ie3et]

Even if you cannot remember much from the Bible or are struggling to memorize the Bible all you can do is remember the verse "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" Just saying that out loud helps. Also praying the Holy Spirit fills you up and works through you is important. There is a verse for everything.

[@ginagray8040]

Very good video, and helpful for me. I have done a lot of affirmations in the past, they only gave me momentary relief. My brain never really bought the affirmations.

[@mikemoguin1745]

Thank you for this video. When I was attending non-denominational charismatic churches (unofficially WOF), I was burdened with lots of these "affirmations." When I had problems with anxiety, I'd be discouraged from seeking medical attention and affirm to myself that I'm healed. Thankfully, the Lord opened my eyes.

[@Abouezili]

I applaude you for your candor on this subject. It is the best video I've found that explains this. God bless you every day for the truth you're speaking regarding this subject.

[@Idealclone]

A lot of the affirmations they say I AM. and notice in the bible I AM is a name of God!

[@tootsfour956]

Thank you for this video. About time someone talked about this. It's a confusing situation. The enemy is sneaky trying to tell us we are ok without God. Love your videos. BLESSINGS- Pat

[@ArianaKevelier]

When I tell you I needed this 🥰🥰🥰 I was confused with both

[@ktbug8a2]

It is so hard because I do struggle with anxious thoughts but also drawing the line between new-age “self-love” affirmations verses bible verses to combat those anxious thoughts that I struggle with. That’s why for a while I haven’t even realized that I had issues to self-esteem (not in the sense of prideful, but lack of confidence if that makes sense). I know I struggle with this so I have been going to counseling for this and learning a bit of this anxiousness, to the point I just freeze up and panic. Knowing how God created you, the need for a savior, etc. is so much more of a confidence booster than focusing on myself

[@LauraDickenson]

Those are prosperity type affirmations. No defense of those and I think I was caught up in some of that, too. Our brains do respond to what we say to ourselves. Thinking positively is differently than thinking positively about “ourselves”. As I get older, it is more and more apparent God knows what is best for us. When the Bible says “don’t do this”, it is because it will heartache, loss and sadness. He knew how our brains work and that’s why the Bible says rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances. Prayer is an affirmation (ie what we are telling ourselves) and having an attitude of joy and gratitude shapes what we let our “committee” tell our brain.

[@nicolejamerson4266]

So good. Thanks for sharing. Somebody gave me a thing that said believe in yourself. That thought sets you up for failure. I need to believe in God because he never fails. I turned that over and wrote on the back I believe in God.

[@jeffjenkins9529]

Melissa, I am so glad to find you. Most times I find that prominent people on YT are new age Christian’s. God bless you God bless you

[@roxymontez210]

Hallelujah! This was so helpful. I have often asked myself, where is that line? And I have caught myself thinking positive things about myself and right away thinking, I am all of these things because of God’s endless and perfect mercy and grace not just because I am saying them out loud. Thank You Father for confirming my desires to please You thru my sister Melissa. And thank you Melissa for being that willing vessel He wanted to use to let me know He hears me and knows the desires of my heart to be in His will. Blessings to you.

[@rasheedrasheed1974]

I love this. Thank you for breaking this down I heard you say this in an interview and I was confused but now I get it. Instead of depending on ourselves we depend on God, but I love how you said being Good at knowing what your good at doesn’t make you prideful and acknowledging what you like about yourself in the mirror isn’t vanity because both of these things can be used to glorify God.

[@curiositychroniclesx]

I have been wanting help with this for me and my kids because I don’t want to go against God if this is wrong. Can’t wait to watch

[@bobbyhodgesvlogish]

I suffer with anxiety and depression. My hope was to listen to Affirmations to take away worry. CBT techniques say change your inward thinking changes outward perception. Counselors teach visual meditation or regular meditation. So when you pray and ask God to stop anxiety and depression, and you think his answer is to listen to Affirmations.

[@RickysLifeVlog]

I have depression/a muscle disease, was abused and low self-esteem. So, sometimes I’ll tell myself “I’m worthy/enough” - “I’m ok the way I am” - “I love God, myself and other people.” Or “I’m strong, whole, perfect and powerful.” These have changed my self-perception and allowed me to grow. I sometimes also meditate on scripture and confess it in the same way, etc. I don’t feel I’m doing anything wrong? I believe this is apart of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).

[@gracemonkey2393]

I love my practice of reading my 3x5 cards each day. These have Bible verses, wisdom, kindness and good advice. It’s like a mental refocus on right thinking. It’s easy for me to focus on defeating thoughts and get down right ugly. 😕

[@arthurzettel6618]

Affirmations is used in Psychology and is common among those with having Depression.. Repentance and having a humble heart, having the full understanding that the Holy Spirit will guide you through both the good and bad times of you life is priceless.

[@Devanbree]

Thank you. This is one of the questions, of many I have. I really am learning a lot from your channel and appreciate it.

[@mattfeldman9057]

Thanks. Really helpful and I do very much agree with your so excellent self-analysis. Appreciate you getting the proper and well thought out information to people. Am a subscriber due to my belief in your intellect, character, and research oriented facts and truths. Congratulations to you indeed. Keep it up. Your friend, Matt;)

[@yresonirba87]

God loves me. I am His. He is mine. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I am made in the image of God. God is my refuge and my fortress. I am a child of God. Not the enemy. I can be confident that I have a purpose in this life because God knit me in the womb and He has a plans for me. Everything is for His glory. Not my own. We need to hold claim our sonship and daughtership with the Father, humbled under His sovereignty.

[@josevelarde8589]

I have seen a very subtle thing in Christianity of late--using actual spiritual truths such as our identity in Christ but focusing on who we are instead on who God is. For example, stating that we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ but forgetting that it is to the praise of His glory (see Ephesians 1). To me it felt like the movie "Overcomer" did this, when the cross country runner came back after reading Ephesians 1 and 2 but did not focus on Christ dying on the cross for her sin but on who she now was in Christ. Perhaps I am being too picky, but this concerns me.

[@penttimuhli9442]

I have felt the same actually, even something good as who we are in Christ can be twisted to be a man centered doctrine

[@utamu777]

Its American narcissism where you and your desires are the center of your life instead of Christ and His purposes. Easy mindset to fall jnto

[@jennifermoya6707]

I was given a book by Louise Hay a long time ago. She teaches how to use affirmations to change thought patterns that she says actually cause diseases and illnesses. She has "the list" that lists all kinds of problems people can have, like knee pain, heart disease, headaches and cancers. It lists the thought pattern that causes these and then the affirmations you can say to change your thought patterns. It's crazy because this leads to her teaching about reincarnation because "how are babies born with disabilities and diseases?"

[@angeladyson7367]

This video is very helpful! There is perspective and balance to these things. Paul made it clear to have no confidence in the flesh! Philippians 3:3. The only way I can do anything is if it's God's will and in His strength. I know He enables us to live, breath and have our being, to work, to earn, to thrive, to give, to live in light of the truth and produce good works prepared in advance by Him. All by His Spirit but boy am I a wretched sinner and not sure anyone knows that better than God, myself and my husband and family. I am however encourage as my husband reminds me regularly: "We're not what we should be but neither are we what we used to be". Praise God for that!

[@taj6652]

What has been sufficient is knowing GOD keeps me going EVERY DAY & that serves its own purpose. I’ve been protected daily, that alone is a blessing!

[@FeliDomz]

Thank you !perfect timing , an answered prayer really .

[@lexip396able]

Thank you big sis, this clarity is so needed, even in the church!! I was just talking to God about this

[@caroldonaldson4565]

I am...I am....I am...completely self absorbed and on the point of disappearing up my own ego! All that vainglorious, ego-centric behaviour is utterly exhausting and I'm so glad I dont have to do it - "It was for freedom that Christ has set us free...." and that means freedom from slavish self-devotion and the deception that we have any control over our lives/world. The Christian surrenders all of that to Christ and we trust Him to take care of our needs. Good video Melissa.👍🙏

[@jeremybeavon4476]

It’s a distortion of something that is good. I am a child of God I am deeply loved by Christ I have an eternal destiny I am forgiven There will be many many others and they’ll all be true and this world is trying to scream at you the opposite.

[@stargazer3284]

Excellent thoughts. I'm surprised the name Joel Osteen didn't come up as his church is pretty much based on affirmations not Jesus!

[@MelissaDougherty]

That's because I already did an entire video on him 😆

[@snakeplissken44]

Spot on! Thank you for putting all this in words. I've been a Christian my whole and tried all these constant affirmations and the law of attraction and even EFT. I tried these for as long as I could sustain them. The problem is they don't really work and that's why they are unsustainable.

[@lilymartinez5961]

Loved this video! May God keep using you to preach his truth!! 🤗 I was getting deceived into the whole “manifesting” my life a very very dark time in my life the devil used podcast of beautiful girls with “perfect beautiful”lives to deceive me into starting to create my future for about a month it felt off until my sister finally decided to look into the word “Goddess “ which is the term they used to affirm to themselves they were confident etc. We learned were all of this “New Age “ cult came from. So glad we were able to realize this before we went further, their is only one God! I am not capable to do anything without my mighty God who strengths me.