How do you see yourself






A journey through the Holy Scriptures can be a thrilling experience. To hear the tales of God and His people is a joy. No one can deny the power of the Scriptures. When we find our faith on the ebb, we need only turn to the Word of God in order to find renewal. The greatness of God has touched the lives of men and women throughout history. He still touches our lives today. Spend time with the Lord, and He will teach you amazing things.

As this journey begins, it is crucial that we know where we stand.  As Christians, we need to know just who we are as seen in Christ.  If we don’t understand our identity in Christ how will we define ourselves?  I know how I would define myself – by my failures, and there is no hope in that.  In Christ we have faith, hope and love (1 Timothy 1:1, 14) – let those things be what defines us.
  
Normally, obeying God does lead to a happier life while rebelling against God yields an unhappy life. But this is not always true. In our world invaded by sin, suffering comes to the good and the bad alike. Many of them express regret because they backed off from their dream of earlier years: a career not pursued, an opportunity left unseized, a relationship allowed to wither and die. Decades later, they come back to it and think more about it. But for some, it's too late. They can't achieve their dream at any price. For others, the dream is possible but the price is much higher.

This doesn't mean that God is uncaring, unjust, or powerless to protect us. Bad things happen because we live in a broken world, where all people suffer from the tragic consequences of sin. Though God allows evil for a time, he has the power to turn it around for our good (Romans 8:28). And God uses suffering in our lives to teach us faith and dependence on him. His ultimate goal is not that we live an easy life but that we grow closer to him and become more like him. In the end, we may not be able to understand why God allows evil, but we can be sure that he is all-powerful and knows what he is doing.

So today I am asking this question:  How do you see yourself?

God has given us our identity in order that His identity might be proclaimed through us.

Whitt Madden has rightly pointed out  that God has given us our identity in order that His identity might be proclaimed through us. It touched me.

In Jesus, you have been:

Redeemed by the blood Revelations 5:9

Set free from sin and condemnation Romans 8:1-2

Set free from Satan’s control Colossians 1:13

Set free from Satan’s kingdom Ephesians 2

Chosen before foundation of world Ephesians 1:4

Predestined to be like Jesus Ephesians 1:11

Forgiven of all my trespasses Colossians 2:13

Washed in the blood of the Lamb Revelations 1:5

Given a sound mind 2 Timothy 1:7

Given the Holy Spirit 2 Corinthians 1:22

Adopted into God’s family Romans 8:15

Justified freely by his grace Romans 3:24

Given all things pertaining to life 2 Peter 1:3

Given great and precious promises 2 Peter 1:4

Given ministry of reconciliation 2 Corinthians 1:22

Authority over the power of enemy Luke 10:19

Access to God Ephesians 3:12

Been given wisdom Ephesians 1:8

When you are ‘in Christ‘ you have a new identity and your relationship with God no longer is based on what you do (or don’t do), but on who you are: His child. God has given us our identity in order that His identity might be proclaimed through us. God made us who we are so we could make known who He is. Our identity is for the sake of making known His identity. The meaning of our identity is that the excellency of God be seen in us.

Redeemed. Forgiven. Justified. Righteous. Alive. Masterpiece.

These are just a few of the words used to describe those who are in Christ.  Does your life reflect those truths? Do you live in the reality of what His truth says about you?


Blessings,

Raj Kosaraju


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