I Am Who God Says I Am!
Insecurity is a bully whose power is only gained through intimidation.
We all love those occasions when a person finally stands up to the bully. Did you know that you can (and should) do that to the devil?
The devil is a bully whose power is gained through intimidation, manipulation, and deceit. Sure, he does have power; but his power is limited and confined.
The devil only has authority where we allow it to occur. If you continue to cower back and take heed to all of his lies, you will live the life of a victim whose lunch money is always being stolen, and who constantly lives in fear.
Today I read these words from Peter:
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”1 Peter 2:9 ESV
As I read Peter’s words, which were inspired by the Holy Spirit, I felt as if God was speaking directly to me, reminding me of who I am in His sight.
- I am chosen by God.
- I am royal, because I am a son of God, and have been given a place of authority in His kingdom.
- I am part of the priesthood, which means I can intercede for and minister to others around me as a representative of God.
- I am holy, because of His free gift of righteousness (not because of my works).
- I am a person who belongs to God. The devil no longer has authority or power over me.
- I am a proclaimer of truth. God has given me a testimony that will encourage others.
- I am no longer trapped in darkness; I am living in the light of Jesus’ love, grace, joy, and freedom.
Insecurity cannot reign where true identity is known.
When the enemy comes to intimidate me or capitalize on my insecurities, I can simply lift my hands to the Lord and thank Him that I am not who I used to be. I am who He says I am!
Then, I can look the devil in the eyes and say, “Not only will you not bully me today, let me remind you of who I am, and who God is, and how defeated you are in Jesus name!”
It’s time to walk in victory.
Five Things I’ve Learned About Prayer
“And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”James 5:15-16 ESV
God is stirring His sons and daughters to be people of prayer. He is reminding us that our strength does not come from our own “might and power,” but only comes by the Spirit of God.
Five things I’ve learned about prayer:
- Hours of worry will not accomplish what one moment of prayer can do.
- I pray most effectively when I pray out loud.
- “On the go” prayers are terrific; but “get alone and pray for a while” prayers are also essential.
- It’s not selfish to pray for your own needs.
- Prayer releases God’s will in my life.
Father- revive my prayer life and that of Your church. Beckon us into the throne room of grace, that we may find grace and mercy to help in time of need. Thank you for the gift of prayer! Amen.
Good Judgement
I love the Word of God. I really do. Through His Word, God has changed my life, given me hope, corrected me, and granted me wisdom.
Last week I finished a series called, Truth, in which I explained why we can trust the Bible.
Today I was again reminded of the value of God’s word as I read these verses in Hebrews:
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13 ESV)
One reason why God is a JUST God is that He judges not only our actions, but our motivations. He sees them both.
Let me explain our human limitations and weaknesses in this area:
- Our tendency is to judge others according to “law,” while judging ourselves according to grace.
- We draw quick conclusions based on someone’s actions, but may not have any awareness of what motivated them to act that way. If we could see someone’s heart, we may respond with greater compassion.
- We often excuse our own attitudes and behavior because of what we are feeling and thinking at the time. We justify our wrong actions, based on our own hurts and fears.
There’s no way around it. We often live with a double standard.
That’s why God’s word is so vital. It discerns the thoughts and intents of our own hearts, and reminds us to let God be the Judge of others.
Make no mistake- everyone will be held accountable for his/her life. But it won’t be you or me in the Judge’s seat.
God’s word provides sound judgement along life’s journey. It corrects my course, keeps me grounded and humble.
If I allow God’s word to correct me, it won’t ultimately condemn me.
Sacrificing Truth on the Altar of Tolerance
Those whom God has set apart as leaders within the Body of Christ have a weighty responsibility to declare God’s truth.
Sadly, many people who follow Christ have fallen prey to deception and lies, and end up deceiving others.
Influencers will be held accountable to God for how they influenced others.
That’s why Paul exhorted Titus to be attentive to what he taught.
But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. (Titus 2:1 ESV)
Sound doctrine is no longer popular doctrine. We as pastors, leaders and mature believers can not afford to sacrifice truth for tolerance and mainstream approval.
Truth isn’t determined by popular vote. Truth stands alone; it needs no “amen.”
Fellow believer- in your search for truth, remember that God gave us truth in two forms – His Word and His Son. They are one and the same.
You shall know the Truth – God’s Word and God’s Son, Jesus Christ – and the Truth will make you free.
Anything else is not truth at all, only a cleverly disguised deception.
Pastor Dale Jenkins 