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Day #21: How to fix your identity crisis?

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Who are you listening to?
What are you reading?
Or, might I ask – what are you watching?

Whoever or whatever has your attention is shaping your life and your destiny.
You say, “brother, I am not listening to anyone but myself.” Well, what are you telling yourself?

If we are ever going to live to our full potential and experience the fullness of life, we must allow the truth of God’s word to shape and direct our lives. If we are going to shame the naysayers and haters; live out the gospel in a hostile world, and win the war on negativity and pessimism, we must regularly remind ourselves by speaking the word of our confession.

This must include an overwhelming exposure of our entire lives to the Word of God. We must study, Meditate, confess and commit to radical obedience.
It is also important that we develop core values and principles from the heart of God that we can use to remind ourselves regularly.

Here is my 10:
I am known. 
Even if the world never hears of me or never know me, I am persuaded that He knows me and It brings me satisfaction.

I love my wife. 
“All of her” – like someone said – “her perfect imperfections.” Just like Jesus loved the church and gave His life for her, I must do the same to love and serve my wife.

I am a man of God. 
I am full of faith, full of life, fully equipped, anointed, empowered and called to do great things. I am an ambassador; and I represent the Kingdom with integrity.

I am free. 
Sin shall not be my master. For God is working in me both to will and to do of his good pleasure. I am abiding in Jesus, meditating upon His Word and following His example.

I live on purpose. 
I am not like a boxer beating the air. I am not swayed by the currents of culture. The Holy Spirit is my guide. My steps are ordered by Him. I am in his will and I’m fulfilling my ministry and reaching my destiny.

My children are taught by the Lord. 
They will grow up in the fear of the Lord. They will love Jesus and commit fully to following Him. Their well-being shall be great.

I am blessed beyond measure.
I am resting in the finished work of Christ. Everything I need is already provided. I live by faith and trust; for His grace will never fail me.

I am stronger/Better/Wiser because of others. 
I purposefully and strategically seek out friendship and mentors to help sharpen my life.

I live to serve not to be served. 
I am gifted by God to serve other. I am a good and faithful steward of God’s various graces.

I am growing in my craft.
My leadership skill is improving. I am more disciplined and focused. I am becoming more creative and innovative. I am opened to change and willing to admit my shortcomings and mistakes.

Conclusion:
I am reminded by scripture to actively replace every negative, sinful and prideful thoughts with ones that are true, noble, admirable, pure, excellent and praiseworthy. So I make this a regular exercise so that I may reach my full potential in Christ.

  • Do you struggle with keeping you heart, mind and spirit aligned with God’s Word?
  • What core values and principles  have you developed that are shaping your outlook on life?
  • How is your regular reminder of these core values helping you stay focused and productive?

Thanks for sharing!

Day #20: I am an Instrument of Reconciliation

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Where there is hatred, let me bring love. Where there is racism, let me bring justice. Where there is discrimination, let me bring equality. Where there is division, let me build a bridge. Where there are lies, let me bring truth. Where there is bitterness, let me bring forgiveness. Where there is confusion, let me bring light.

It wouldn’t be much of a shocker, if I were to tell you that we live in a fallen world. It is quite obvious. Racial tension has not only divided our country profoundly, it has lead to the death of too many good men, both citizens and law enforcement on our streets.

For example:
Freddie Gray, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Walter Scott, Philando Castile, and many others gun down by the very people commissioned to protect them. Scott Leslie Bashioum Justin Martin, Anthony “Tony” Beminio and many others Policemen and women ambushed and killed by the very people they did their best to protect on a daily basis.

This must stop!
The 2016 elections, as we all know was marked by racism and hatred. Instead of helping to lead a change or heal this racial divide, most on the top continue to deal in this demonic, and sinful decease of racism, segregation and bigotry.

In the main time most of the so-called spiritual leaders we look up to are silent on these issues. It seems like most of them have turned a blind eye to the injustices, and racism their fellow citizens face every day. On the other hand most followers of Christ spend their time and energy insulting one another on social media.

They waste their time debating who’s right and who’s wrong, often times talking over one another and missing the opportunity to understand. This makes it difficult to bring healing to this racial divide.

Allow me to pose this pertinent question: What must we do in moments like these? I’ am afraid we can not stay silent. We must speak up for those who cannot speak. We must pray for the weak. We must stand by the refugee, the down trodden, the marginalized, the disenfranchised. We must let our voice be heard that we can do better. We must seek to listen and understand. We must be agents of change.

We have a ministry to fulfill.
“Through Christ, God has reconciled us to himself and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation.”
We have been given a ministry of reconciliation. This is what we need to be about. We must be bridge builders. We must be peace makers. For those are the people who are true son of God.

Prayer:
Father, I thank you for giving me the ministry of reconciliation. In the same spirit that moved you to draw me to you – I step out to draw others to me. To those whom I have hurt by my words, my action and my deeds, I seek their forgiveness. To those who have hurt me, I forgive. I seek to understand those who have a different opinion or point of view than mine. I give the benefit of the doubt instead of rushing to judgment. I resist the urge to be negative and critical. I choose to look for the best in others. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, therefore I will not judge by what I see and decide by what I hear. Racism and reverse racism shall not be my portion. For I have a ministry of reconciliation and I am a repairer of broken walls that divide, streets that are fill with violence and homes that are broken. In Jesus’ Name – Amen!

Day #19: I am a Royal Priest

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The priest is not made. He must be born a priest; must inherit his office. I refer to the new birth—the birth of water and the Spirit. Thus all Christians must became priests, children of God and co-heirs with Christ the Most High Priest. Martin Luther

Where do we get this idea of the Priesthood of the believer? We get right out of the Bible. Check this out – scripture says:

We have been called/chosen
“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

We have been chosen for several reasons:

  • To be a people for His possession.
  • To proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us

We are being built into a spiritual house
“You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5

This house is being built for several reasons:

  • To be holy. To offer spiritual sacrifices

We have been made a Kingdom of Priest
“And made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 1:6

This idea was spoken by God long ago., but now fulfilled in us by the sufficient work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. See Exodus 19:6

As a priest, you now have direct access to the throne of Grace
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22

As a priest, you now can offer sacrifices to God
A life of Holiness: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1

A life of Generosity: “Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all… I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, la sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” Philippians 2:17; 4:18

A life of Gratitude: “Through him then let us continually offer up ta sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” Hebrews 13:15

As a priest, you are now an ambassador for the King of kings
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20

Today as you step out of your home, I challenge you to represent your King everywhere you go. Have a nice day!

Prayer
Father, use me today to tell somebody about you. May the timing be orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. Put the words in my mouth so that I can speak to their need. Use me today for your glory. In Jesus’ Name – Amen!

Day #18: I am Seated with Christ

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The only viable way to advance in our faith life is to learn what every child learns first to do – sit. To sit is to come into rest and rest is in the finished work of Christ.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3

To be seated with Christ is to be in a place of authority
“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” Luke 10:19

To be seated with Christ is to be in a place of victory
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

To be seated with Christ is to be is to have the mind of Christ
“For who has understood the mind of the Lord to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16

To be seated with Christ is to be in a place of rulership
“It is certain that death ruled because of one person’s failure. It’s even more certain that those who receive God’s overflowing kindness and the gift of his approval will rule in life because of one person, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17

To be seated with Christ is to be in a place of security
“Your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

To be seated with Christ is to be exposed to increasing levels of heavenly realities
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

To be seated with Christ is to be certain of your future state of glory
“When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:4

It is time to update your status. Not on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, but in your faith life:

  • I am no longer earthly minded – I am heavenly minded
  • I am no longer powerless – I have supernatural power by the Name of Jesus and by the power of His blood
  • I am no longer a victim – I am a victor
  • I am no longer a slave to fear – I am secure in Him
  • I am no longer clueless – I am filled with the wisdom of God
  • I am no longer hopeless – I have a home in glory

Today, if you look for yourself, you will find yourself wrapped, clothed and hidden in Him. He is your Banner of Righteousness. “Let him lead you to the banquet hall, and let his banner over you be love.” SOS 2:4

Day #17: I am a child of God

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Jesus came to announce to us that an identity based on success, popularity, and power is a false identity—an illusion! Loudly and clearly He says, ‘You are not what the world makes you, but you are children of God. Henri Nouwen

We are all created by God, but we are not all children of God. A child of God is a person who has put their trust in God believing and receiving Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. As a result of that, we become a part of God’s family.

John 1:12 – “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

There are too many attractions and distractions in this life that seek to over shadow that truth. Therefore, the child of God must jealously guard this sacred truth. To lose it is to lose his true identity in Christ.

For example: Many people allow success, popularity, and power to blur their minds to the truth of who they are. They tend to define their lives base on what they have or don’t have; achieve or didn’t achieve. They spend their lives trying to catch up with the Jones’s running after things that really don’t matter and forget that a “man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

The love of possessions, and money is the root of all evil. “While some have coveted after it, they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” When we make possessions more valuable than who we are, it leaves us empty. Because things were never meant to satisfy completely. Only God does. He is our Father and He calls us His children.
That’s who we are!
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for making me your child. I know you take care of me. But I want you to Keep my life free from love of money, so I can be content with what I have. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God. In Jesus’ Name – Amen!
Dig Deeper: Acts 17:25; 1 Timothy 6:10; Luke 12:15

Day #16: I am Delivered

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Fear not death for the sooner we die, the longer we shall be immortal. Benjamin Franklin

The fear of death if a lifelong slavery for many. Man has always dreaded this unavoidable ending. If there were a pill to eradicate the death, I believe everyone is going to save up to buy and take it.

Miraculously, Jesus Christ has given Himself over to death so that He can delivered us from the one who has the power of death. Look with me at Hebrews 2:14-15:

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

As followers of Jesus, we know who we are and where we are going. We’ve been delivered from the fear of death. We have what the Bible calls our ‘blessed hope’. This blessed hope is best known as a ‘blessed assurance’ that those who put their faith or trust in Jesus Christ will live forever.

John 5:13: “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

John 11:35: “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”

Titus 2:13: “We await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

John 14:3: “I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

John 10:28: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

Hebrews 6:20: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

Our hope is anchored in Him. We therefore remain unshaken in our trust that He has conquered death and broken its power over us.

Let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. 1 Corinthians 15:51-54
“We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever.
And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

Day #15: I am Accepted

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The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself. Mark Twain

In the early nineties, I met a beautiful young woman and I fell madly in love with her. I starting pursuing a friendship with her but to no avail. When I proposed to her she said, “em thank you… em… but, let me pray about it.” After that, she disappeared for 7 or 8 weeks. We eventually got married and have been together almost 19 years now. But I will never forget a very unique experience that happened in my pursuit of her.
I waited for her after church one Sunday afternoon, hoping to chat just a little bit with her. I wasn’t asking for much – just a simple – you know – ‘hey, what’s up.’ I felt like she was trying to avoid me when she took another way out of the church and left.
I felt so rejected and snubbed that day. Rejection is very painful. Quite frankly, I thought I was losing my mind that day. As I walked home that Sunday afternoon, I heard something that blew my mind and still does to this day. The audible voice of God. He said it – LOUD AND CLEAR: “Walter, it’s okay – I love you.”
I know that God loves me, but hearing it in that moment when I felt the most rejected brought me to a deeper realization of not only the Father’s love for me but His acceptance of me. The scripture says:
“Christ accepted me, in order to bring praise to God.” Romans 15:7
“I am chosen by God himself. 1 peter 2:9 LB
“Even before the foundation of the world, He chose me because of love Ephesians 1:4
And “He made me acceptable to God and treated me much better than I deserve.” Titus 3:7
We all long to be accepted. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who wanted to be rejected. Barely making the team or being cut from it isn’t cool. To be added to the team after choosing all the best players first isn’t cool.
We love to be accepted by our peers, friends, and colleagues. We want to fit in and command the respect of others. Unfortunately, too often we sell our souls, bending behind backward just to feel accepted by others.
  • We dress in a certain way
  • We go to certain places
  • We engage in certain activities
  • We drive certain cars
  • We preach a certain way
  • We starve ourselves
Because we do not want to feel the pain of rejection.
You don’t deserve to live with such an identity crisis.
Save yourself the trouble of waiting for somebody to decide whether you are cool enough, whether it is adequate or suitable enough for you to join the club.
Jesus died for you! That’s cool enough! His arms are wide open, and His voice can be heard, tenderly – “It’s okay, I accept you.” The time has come for you to stop chasing approval and acceptance from others and rest in this free gift of God’s acceptance of you.
Confession:
God, I know that you see me. I know that you chose me. I know that your love for me is unconditional. I know that I am with you and you are with me always. I know I am good enough. So I want to say thank you!

Day 14: I am Fully Equipped

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The world has yet to see what God will do with, and for, and through, and in, and by, the man who is fully consecrated to Him. Henry Blackaby

God, in His infinite mercy, has made it possible for us to do great things, achieve big dreams, and grow to our full potential. He has already provided everything we need for life and godliness. He has even equipped us with everything necessary to fulfill our life’s mission. But whenever it’s time to step up, we allow fear and doubt to hold us down. Here’s how the conversation usually goes:
  • I can’t resist temptation
  • I can’t witness to others about my faith
  • I can’t forgive
  • I can’t make a difference
  • I can’t deal with life issues
God says:
Yes you can! He says,
You “can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
You are “His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for every good work, which God prepared beforehand, that you should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
He has already equipped you to succeed
Deuteronomy 8:18: “You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth and become successful.”
He power is already at work in you to transform you into His image
Philippians 2:13 “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
His power is available to help you fulfill life’s mission
Hebrews 13:21: “Fully equip you with every grace that you may need for the doing of His will, producing in us that which will truly please Him through Jesus Christ.”
Making excuses will always keep us from stepping up. Let us not be like Gideon. He struggled with an identity crisis.
“The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor… Please, my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?”
Today, you can step into who you really are – A Mighty man/woman of valor.
Today, you can go in “this might of yours.”
The most important thing to remember is – He (God) is doing the sending. Somebody once said, “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.” And you my friend is fully equipped.
Confession:
I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength.

Who/ What Inspires me?

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wpid-img_20151005_084228.jpgThe Holy Bible

The Holy Spirit

The Life and mission of Jesus Christ

The life, writings and sermons of Jonathan Edwards

The life and leadership of Nelson Mandela

The life and adventure of David Livingstone

The life and ministry of Reinhard Bonnke

Day #13: I am Worthy

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It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else’s eyes. – Sally Field

A few years ago, a precious woman of God in our church shared her conversion experience with us. She had been married for a 3 year and every day of those 3 years her husband told her she was nothing but damaged goods. The saddest thing about her story was, she believed every word he told her. And every day she told herself “I am worthless, useless and invaluable.” But one day she met Jesus and made Him not only Savior, but Lord and He completely changed her life.
I urge you to resist the spirit of false humility and embrace this truth about who you really are today. Here’s why!
Your worth is not found in anyone but Christ. Your worth is not found in any group and any thing but in Christ. Your worth is not found in the car you drive, the house you live in or the clothes you wear. The opinions of others about you are irrelevant. Your opinion of yourself does not even matter. What matters is what God says about you, how passionately He pursues you and how much He was willing to sacrifice.

You have been bought and paid for by Christ, so you belong to him—be free now from all these earthly prides and fears. 1 Corinthians 7:23

  • If you were worthless – Christ would not have died for you.
  • If you were worthless – Christ would not have lavished His love upon you.
  • If you were worthless – Christ would not have fought for you and continue to fight the way He does for you.
  • If you were worthless – Christ would not have you on His mind, nor will He be thinking good thoughts toward you.
  • If you were worthless, He would not be giving you hope and planning a great future for you.
Conclusion:
The cross wasn’t easy for Jesus to carry. But I strongly believe it was worth it. His Father’s most precious possessions were lost, doomed, and threatened to be separated from Him for eternity. We had such enormous debt. to pay, and we could not pay that dept. But I can hear Jesus say, I paid your debt in full – because you are worth it! So don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Today I encourage you to go about your day saying to yourself – I am worth a million bucks and some. I am precious in His sight. I am valuable to Him. I am worth fighting for. In Jesus Name.
Dig Deeper”
Isaiah 43:4; Deuteronomy 7:6; Psalm 139:13-15; Jeremiah 29:11; Luke 12:6-7; 1 Corinthians 3:12-14; Titus 3:5; Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:19-21