Tag Archive for: Identity

Eyes on the Prize

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Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:12-14, AMP)

I want to take the next four weeks to share with you four essentials for running the Christian race. We will cover the above verse bit by bit as we study what it looks like to run the race that God has before us. Today, we will talk about the first part.

1st Essential ~ DISSATISFACTION

“Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet…”
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My Identity in Christ Jesus

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Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

When I made Jesus Lord of my life, there are several things that became true of me. I’m no longer defined by my past. I have a new identity. My identity is in Christ. If you have given your life to Jesus, these things are true of you too. If not, please click here to read my devotion on salvation and enter into the sweetest relationship you could possibly experience.

Here is who I am in Christ Jesus…

  • I am bought by the precious blood of Jesus. (Ephesians 2:13)
  • I am redeemed. (Ephesians 1:7)
  • I am loved. (1 John 4:10)
  • I am treasured. (1 John 3:1)
  • I am cherished. (Zephaniah 3:17)
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Life Can be a Rollercoaster Ride

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I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] (John 16:33, AMP)

Lately, I’ve been thinking life is kind of like a rollercoaster ride. There’s that moment you get in the ride and hear, “keep your arms and legs inside.” You brace yourself for the wild ride. Your anticipation mounts as you climb to the top of what will be a free fall. Then you dangle a lit bit on top just to give you that final moment of sweet thrill! The thrill gives way to the beautiful free fall. You pick up speed as you head to who knows where. You slowly adjust yourself to the ride, thinking you’ve got this, it’s not so bad. Then comes the loopy da loop. One loop and your good. Then another loop and another. Often leaving you guessing of when your feet will be steady on the ground again.

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The Christian Life isn’t a Competition

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I have fought the good and worthy and noble fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith [firmly guarding the gospel against error]. (2 Timothy 4:7, AMP)

Reflecting back on the Olympics, I see a team spirit and oneness of those who competed. How many times did you see teammates cheering on the sidelines excited that Michael Phelps earned one more medal? Or the gymnasts who cheered each other on? Or the diving athletes David Boudia and Steele Johnson who gave God the glory and shared that their identitiy is in Christ, not an Olympic medal? Read more

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

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Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. (Matthew 11:28-30, MSG)

It’s been a tough two and a half months, that I’m slowly starting to feel some relief from. It became overwhelming to keep up with this and everything else while still trying to enjoy motherhood through my difficult season. It was easier for me to just put this to the back burner while I faced losing my brother-in-law to cancer, trying to help my siister and her family through this difficult time, experienced kidney stones and a kidney infection, a couple popped ribs, and helping a friend through a difficult season herself. All my free time went to one of these things and left me little time to sit down and write. Or at least when I had any extra free time, I was resting in the Lord. Read more