"Your Identity in Christ: A Biblical Perspective"

 

Whenever the question who are you comes up, what comes to your mind? I recently had a conversation that got me pondering this very question. When I asked, "What's your talent?" the person laughed and replied, "Talent? I'm not sure. Who's that one helping?" It made me realize that there's a deeper question at play: Who are you, really? What gives you a sense of identity and confidence?

In today's world, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that our identity is tied to our jobs, social media profiles, or material possessions. But the truth is, our insecure nature as humans craves a sense of belonging, and social media can create a false sense of identity. As believers, we need to remember that our true identity is found in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" When we become born-again believers, our identity changes. We become carriers of God's light, and in Him, we discover our true selves. It's not about losing but about stepping into an identity discovery with the Lord.

Our true identity is not sin; it's about who God is. As 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us, "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's possession." This is who we are, and it's essential to remember that our identity shouldn't be based on things that can be taken away or that hold no lasting value.

Sadly, many believers struggle to recognize their place in Christ and, consequently, their true identity. But knowing who we are and where we belong is crucial. It gives us a sense of belonging, completeness, and continuity. As Ephesians 2:10 says, "We are God's handiwork, created for good works." Our identity should be rooted in Christ alone, for it's in Him that our true selves emerge.

Friend, take some time out to reflect on your identity. Who are you, really? What gives you confidence and a sense of purpose? Remember, your true identity is found in Christ, and that's something no one can ever take away.

"God's not done with you yet: Trusting his plan for your life"

Hey there!

Can you believe it's already December, the last month of the year? I'm sure many of us have been reflecting on our New Year's resolutions and prayer points, seeing which ones have been answered and which ones are still pending.

But here's the thing: God is not limited by time. Even with just a few weeks left in the year, He can still do the impossible. We may have faced setbacks and delays over the past 11 months, but God wants us to know that He's heard every single one of our prayers and pleas.

Don't give up! Press on in faith and patience, and trust that God will make it happen in His perfect timing. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (NIV)

I want to let you know that God is not done with you yet! He knows that many of your prayer points are still pending, but He's promising that you'll end the year well, with everything in place.

Remember, God's plans for us are far beyond what we can imagine. As the Bible says, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT)

God is not bound by time; He can change our circumstances in an instant. That's why I'm convinced that God is not done with you yet!

Hang in there, and let's trust God to do the impossible in our lives!

MARKED: What Does it Mean to be Marked by God?

What Does it Mean to be Marked by God?*

When I pondered the word "marked," I searched for a perfect definition. I found various meanings, including distinguished characteristics, chosen, and graded. However, the archaic meaning of "marked" as "attention" resonated deeply with me.

Attention from God.

In God's word, Psalm 67 says:

God, mark us with grace and blessing! Smile!

The whole country will see how you work,

all the godless nations see how you save.

God! Let people thank and enjoy you.

Let all people thank and enjoy you.

Let all far-flung people become happy and shout their happiness

because You judge them fair and square,

you tend the far-flung people.

God! Let people thank and enjoy you.

Let all people thank and enjoy you.

Earth, display your exuberance!

You mark us with blessing, O God, our God.

You mark us with blessing, O God.

Earth's four corners - honor him!

At first, the psalmist had the posture of asking or inquiring, but when the psalmist got to verses 6 and 7, he acknowledged that he had already been marked by God. God has marked us with His blessing. We have the full attention of the Almighty God, and that means He has placed us on the spot to showcase His glory and God never forgets those He marks.

Because we have been marked, we are not just mere mortals. When we wake up each day, we should step out with the full consciousness and confidence of one God has specifically distinguished for grace and blessing. The enemy does not dictate our lives, but our detailed lives have been written out by God, and He said we are marked.

Trusting in God's Promises

Even in difficult circumstances, we can trust in God's promises. After getting up from bed and seeing the number of bills that I was stuck with, the groceries were out and I was low on cash, yes I became low on emotional support, but God reminded me that I am marked for His blessing and grace. He placed a word in my heart for that moment. 

The miracle is not just in the plenty but also in the little.

Our declaration to God each day is: "You mark us with blessing, O God, our God." 

And beloved you have God's full attention. 

Stay Revived!

Finding Comfort in times of Distress, God answers to our deepest troubles.

GOD ANSWERS: You will Not Be Ashamed. 

"God has an answer for every question or feeling that our heart ponders." This statement has become a cliché among religious people. However, I recently found myself questioning its validity.

Last week, two significant events occurred that brought this question to my heart. A family friend called, devastated because her father, who had been ill, had just passed away. Later that evening, I saw that a younger age mate had gotten married. Slowly, I became sad, not because I envied them, but because I felt God did as He pleased. Why couldn't He prevent bad events, and why was it taking so long for me to achieve my goals in my life_?

Finding Comfort in God's Word

I blurted out at that moment, "Let the _rapture_ just take place." Living had become a burden, and I felt overwhelmed by my _everyday living struggles_. But then, I felt a cooked-up feeling eating away at my heart.

The next day, during _prayer and devotion_, the Lord led me to Isaiah 54. I felt the Lord speaking directly to my heart:

Isaiah 54:1 (MSG) - "Sing, barren woman, who has never had a baby. Fill the air with song, you who've never experienced childbirth! You're ending up with far more children than all those childbearing women."

God says so!

The day before, I felt ashamed because I had, in my sense, achieved nothing. I had only counted my losses and not seen the good things the Lord had done. But then, I read 

Isaiah 54:4 (MSG) - "Don't be afraid - you're not going to be embarrassed...Don't hold back - you're not going to come up short."

At that moment, I strongly related to the plight of the widow. Something we hold dear or consider of great importance has been taken away, or our life is far away from our expectations. We consider hiding in shame, scared of hearing our voice because we're afraid it might betray our inadequacies.

But the Lord has come to say to us, "You are not going to be embarrassed. Don't be afraid." Everything can happen, but you won't know shame. Your business might have crumbled, but you won't know shame. Your marriage might have failed, but you won't know shame.

The indignities that came with that "widowhood" will be forgotten, and all the humiliation will fade from your memory. Your maker is all out for you. God answers, and the answer for you is that you will not be ashamed.

Stay Revived!

By Guest writer