Tag Archives: identity in Christ

Spiritual

A Divine Invitation

He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right to become children of God… (John 1:11-13 AMP)

The profound truth of the Gospel is this: God invites us to become His children through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. From the moment He stepped into the world, Jesus, the Creator of all things, faced rejection from those He called His own. Yet, His mission was not thwarted. Instead, He extended His arms to welcome anyone who would believe in Him—granting them the right to become children of God.

The Heart of the Gospel

This passage reveals the depths of God’s love and the richness of His grace. Jesus offers not just forgiveness, but transformation. Those who believe in Him are not born into God’s family through human means—neither by lineage, personal effort, nor the will of others. Instead, they experience a supernatural birth, a work of God Himself. This is the fulfillment of Ezekiel 36:26, where God promised, “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.”

Receiving Christ: The Key to Sonship

The focus keyphrase of this message is simple yet profound: becoming children of God. This transformation begins when we receive Jesus, trust in His name, and rely on Him completely. To “receive” Christ is more than an acknowledgment of His existence; it is to welcome Him into every part of our lives. As Revelation 3:20 declares, “Behold, I stand at the door [of the heart] and continually knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him [restore him], and he with Me.”

Adoption into God’s Family

The privilege of becoming children of God is not merely symbolic. It is an eternal reality. Romans 8:15 proclaims, “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading again to fear [of God’s judgment], but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [the Spirit producing sonship] by which we [joyfully] cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” This adoption gives us access to the Father’s love, His protection, and His inheritance.

To those who believe in Jesus, God says, “You are Mine.”

A Call to Transformation

As children of God, our lives must reflect His character. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].”

This spiritual transformation is both an identity and a calling. We are sanctified, renewed, and set apart for His purposes. This is why the world must see in us a reflection of His light, for “You are the light of [Christ to] the world” (Matthew 5:14 AMP).

Pressing Into God’s Presence

To fully embrace our identity as children of God, we must draw nearer to Him daily. James 4:8 encourages us, “Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you.” Pursuing God means surrendering ourselves completely to His will and seeking His presence above all else.

It is in His presence that we are transformed.

A Divine Call to You

Beloved, hear this truth: God has given you the right to be His child. This is not something you can earn; it is His gift of grace. Will you receive it? Will you press into Him, trust Him, and allow Him to transform you? Today is the day to say yes to the One who calls you His own.

A Prayer for Transformation

Heavenly Father,
We stand in awe of Your love and mercy. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to give us the right to become Your children. Lord, help us to fully receive this gift, to trust in Your name, and to walk as children of the light. Transform our hearts and renew our spirits daily. May our lives reflect Your glory and draw others to You.
In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Let us pursue Him with all our hearts, for we are not merely His creation; we are His children, born of God and set apart for His glory.

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Truth

Blessed Called Healed and Whole

Beloved, receive this truth spoken over you by the Spirit of God. You are blessed beyond measure, chosen by the Father before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight (Ephesians 1:4). You are called with a holy calling, not according to your works but according to His own purpose and grace (2 Timothy 1:9). The Lord has summoned you by name; you are His (Isaiah 43:1).

You are loved with an everlasting love; therefore, He draws you with lovingkindness (Jeremiah 31:3). You are forgiven of all your sins and washed in the precious blood of Jesus (1 John 1:9; Ephesians 1:7). You are redeemed from the hand of the enemy and transferred into the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13).

You are healed by the stripes of Jesus; He took up your infirmities and bore your diseases (Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:17). You are whole, complete in Him who is the head over every power and authority (Colossians 2:10). You are renewed day by day; though outwardly you may be wasting away, inwardly you are being renewed (2 Corinthians 4:16).

You are highly favored, for the Lord is with you (Luke 1:28). His favor surrounds you as with a shield (Psalm 5:12). You are anointed by the Holy One, and His anointing teaches you about all things (1 John 2:20, 27). You are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His witness to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

You are a new creation in Christ; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). You are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). You are sanctified and set apart for God’s holy purposes (1 Corinthians 6:11). You are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession (1 Peter 2:9).

You are the light of the world; a city set on a hill cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14). You are the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). You are an ambassador for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through you (2 Corinthians 5:20). You are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for you to do (Ephesians 2:10).

You are victorious, for everyone born of God overcomes the world (1 John 5:4). You are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you (Romans 8:37). You are an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony (Revelation 12:11). Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

You are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6). You are a citizen of heaven, and your life is hidden with Christ in God (Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:3). Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God (1 Corinthians 6:19).

You are protected, for the Lord is your refuge and fortress (Psalm 91:2). No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you shall condemn (Isaiah 54:17). You are safe, for the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10).

You are not alone, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). You are guided, for the steps of a righteous person are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37:23). You are heard, for the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry (Psalm 34:15).

You are strong in the Lord and in His mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). You are filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19). You are rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17).

You are free, for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). You are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir (Galatians 4:7). You are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24).

You are blessed in the city and blessed in the country (Deuteronomy 28:3). You are blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out (Deuteronomy 28:6). The Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).

May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may He turn His face toward you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24–26).

May His favor be upon you, and a thousand generations, and your family, and your children, and their children, and their children (Exodus 20:6; Psalm 103:17).

May His presence go before you, and behind you, and beside you, all around you, and within you; He is with you (Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 52:12).

In the morning, in the evening, in your coming and your going, in your weeping and rejoicing, He is for you (Psalm 30:5; Romans 8:31).

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still (Exodus 14:14). Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29).

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:20–21).

Therefore, beloved, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:14).

Let’s come before him today with thanksgiving for everything He has done for us!

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Perseverance

Pressing into God for a better resurrection

Beloved, pause and marvel at the love the Father has poured out upon us—a love so deep that He calls us His children. Can you grasp this? The Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth, has chosen to call you His own. You are not merely labeled a child of God; you are transformed into one, bearing His name, His spirit, and His very nature. But with this calling comes a profound challenge: to press into Him with unwavering devotion, to discipline ourselves in holiness, and to be willing, even, to suffer for the sake of a greater glory. This is what pressing into God for a better resurrection means.

Scripture speaks of those who endured unimaginable hardship, who “were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection” (Hebrews 11:35 AMP). These saints understood that suffering, when endured for God’s sake, is a path to something infinitely greater. The world did not know them, just as it does not know us, for they sought a better kingdom, a promise unseen but sure. Do you have this same resolve, beloved? Are you willing to press in, to embrace a life of purity and endurance, trusting that every trial refines you and prepares you for His glory? This is about pressing into God for a better resurrection.

This path requires discipline. Jesus Himself taught, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23 AMP). The cross is not light; it’s a symbol of sacrifice and surrender. And yet, for the joy set before Him, Jesus endured it, knowing that the resurrection awaited. We are called to this same discipline, to this same joy. As Paul wrote, “I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27 AMP). Our walk with God requires a willingness to lay down every hindrance, to endure hardship, and to keep our eyes fixed on the hope of glory.

This hope—the hope of being like Him, of seeing Him as He is, of sharing in His glory—is not idle; it calls us to action. It calls us to purify ourselves, just as He is pure (1 John 3:3 AMP). Every trial, every discipline, every act of surrender brings us closer to that day when we will see Him face to face. This is the prize, the “better resurrection” that awaits. “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18 AMP). Pressing into God for a better resurrection is the path we must follow.

So, I challenge you: press in to God with all that you are. Do not shy away from hardship, but let it draw you nearer to Him. Purify your heart, lay aside every sin and weight that hinders, and run with endurance the race set before you, “fixing your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1–2 AMP). This is no easy path, but it is a glorious one, for it leads us to be transformed into His likeness. Pressing into God for a better resurrection requires this dedication.

Stand firm, beloved. Embrace the discipline, the refining, the trials, knowing they are molding you for an eternal inheritance. Let this hope burn in your soul, and let it propel you to a life of pure devotion, for the day is coming when we will see Him in all His glory, and in that moment, we will be like Him. This is the resurrection, the life eternal that awaits. Are you ready to walk this path, to press in with all your heart, knowing that He is faithful? He calls you forward; step into His promise with boldness and faith.

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Be Still, Visions

The Call to the Father’s Embrace: A Vision of Heavenly Love

As I stood in the stillness of my room, a voice like thunder yet tender broke through the quiet: “Come up here.” My heart raced as I recognized the call of the Lord. In an instant, the room around me dissolved, and I was transported to a place beyond the natural. The air became thick with the fragrance of heaven—sweet as incense and fresh like the morning mist. I stood at the threshold of the Almighty’s throne room.

Before me, the Throne of God radiated a light brighter than the sun, but it did not blind me. Surrounding the throne were living creatures, their voices continually echoing, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.” Their song filled the atmosphere, vibrating through every part of my being.

Overwhelmed, I fell to the ground, my face against the glassy sea beneath the throne. Every sense was alive with the presence of God. My soul responded in worship, as though created for this very moment. Words of adoration flowed from my lips, and I was completely overtaken by the majesty of the One seated on the throne.

In the midst of my worship, His voice called again, softer yet powerful: “Come up here.” Though I feared the holiness before me, His love drew me forward. My legs trembled as I rose and approached the steps leading to the throne.

As I neared, the King of Kings rose from His seat, His glory filling every corner of heaven. He extended His hand towards me, and with a tender touch, lifted my chin, causing my eyes to meet His. His gaze was both fiery and gentle, overflowing with love.

“Come up here, my son,” He spoke once more. With ease, He lifted me and placed me on His lap. The peace of God enveloped me in a way I had never experienced. I rested my head on His chest, listening to the eternal rhythm of His heartbeat.

He began to speak—not just to me but over me. “You are My child,” He declared. “I have called you by name. No weapon formed against you will prosper. You will walk in My strength, for I am with you, and I go before you.”

His words breathed life into me, filling every part of my soul. “You will rise with wings like eagles,” He continued, “run and not grow weary, walk and not faint. I have set you apart for My purpose. You are My chosen, and through you, the nations will be blessed.”

As His words enveloped me, they became a song. His voice, filled with love, sang over me. “My beloved,” He sang, “you are Mine, and I am yours. Before the foundations of the world, I knew you. Nothing can separate you from My love.”

His hands, resting gently on me, moved in rhythm with His song. “You are the apple of My eye,” He continued, “My delight and joy. When you rise, I rise with you. My love is deeper than the seas, higher than the heavens.”

The song swirled around me, lifting me higher, pulling me deeper into His love. As the melody faded, His final words lingered in my heart: “Rest, My beloved child.”

When I awoke, it was morning, and I was back in my bed. But the memory of His love song was still fresh, the warmth of His presence remaining in my soul. I rose, ready to face the day, His words still echoing: “Come up here, My beloved.”

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Balance, Wisdom

Identity in Christ

Beloved, Christianity is not a task to complete, nor a weekly appointment to attend. It is a deep, transformative calling—one that defines who we are at the core. Yet, many of us struggle with treating our faith as a checklist, marking off church attendance and Bible studies as though they were routine obligations. How can we shift from doing Christianity to being followers of Christ? How do we embrace our identity in Christ without overcommitting and burning out?

Finding Your Identity in Christ

When Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come,” he is inviting us to recognize that our entire identity shifts when we belong to Christ. We are no longer defined by our accomplishments, failures, or earthly roles. Instead, we are children of God, created for His purpose. But how do we live this out daily?

  1. Shift from Doing to Being
    Our Christian walk must go beyond actions; it must reach into the depths of our heart and become who we are. This happens when we stop striving to do Christian things and instead allow the Spirit of God to transform our character. When prayer, worship, and service are born out of love for Christ, they cease to be tasks on a list and become expressions of our new identity in Him.
  2. Redefine Yourself Around Christ
    Embracing our identity in Christ means letting go of the labels the world places on us. As Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” You are a masterpiece designed by God, and He has prepared a unique path for you. By immersing yourself in His Word and seeking His purpose, you begin to live a life shaped by Christ, not by the expectations of the world or even the church.

Counting the Cost of Discipleship

While the Christian life is full of joy and peace, it is also one of surrender and sacrifice. Jesus said in Luke 14:28, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost?” This is a vital part of our walk with Christ. Serving Him is a privilege, but it requires us to balance our commitments, to ensure that we are following His will, not simply overcommitting out of obligation.

In our eagerness to serve, it is easy to take on too much. Church events, ministry roles, and community outreach all offer opportunities to glorify God. But if we are not careful, we risk burnout. We must count the cost of our commitments, ensuring that our energy and time are aligned with God’s purpose.

Working as Unto the Lord

Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” This verse shifts our perspective. Whether we are serving in the church or working at our jobs, our efforts are an offering to God. When we approach our work with this heart of devotion, we guard ourselves against the exhaustion that comes from trying to do too much. Instead, we focus on doing what God has called us to do, and doing it well.

But working as unto the Lord also means recognizing that we are finite. There are times when saying “no” is an act of obedience, allowing us to prioritize time with Christ and protect the sacred relationship He desires with us. A servant’s heart is not measured by how much we do, but by the faithfulness and love with which we do it.

Balancing Commitment and Rest

Beloved, rest is as much a part of our walk with Christ as service. Jesus Himself withdrew to solitary places to pray (Mark 1:35). He taught us not just the value of work but also the importance of retreating into the presence of God to be refreshed and renewed. When we overcommit, we leave little room for this sacred time with the Lord.

There was a season in my life when I said “yes” to every opportunity that arose in the church—leading Bible studies, organizing events, serving in every ministry I could. While I began with a joyful heart, over time, I became exhausted and disconnected from the very One I was trying to serve. I had taken on more than God had asked of me, and I was paying the price.

It was only when I slowed down and repented that I realized God wasn’t asking me to do more for Him; He was asking me to be with Him. He was calling me to a place of intimacy and surrender, where my service flowed out of a heart filled with His presence, not out of a sense of obligation. In counting the cost, I learned the importance of balancing work and rest, ensuring that my identity in Christ was not overshadowed by my busy schedule.

Calling Each Other Higher in Christ

The journey of redefining yourself around Christ is not one we walk alone. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to encourage one another, spurring each other on to greater love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25). But this call must be done with wisdom, mindful that each of us has a unique path and pace.

In your family or church, you may find that not everyone is on board with this idea of finding their identity in Christ. Don’t be discouraged. Lead by example, living authentically in Christ and encouraging others to seek Him in their own time. Speak truth with love, but also allow the Spirit to work in their hearts. Just as Christ is patient with us, so too must we be patient with others.

When we call others higher, let us do so from a place of humility, remembering that Christ calls us to rest in Him and not burn ourselves out. Encourage your brothers and sisters to count the cost, to serve with purpose, and to prioritize intimacy with God over busyness.

Conclusion: Rest in Christ, Serve with Wisdom

To live out your identity in Christ means to count the cost of your discipleship. It means serving with joy and wisdom, working as unto the Lord while also prioritizing time in His presence. Avoid the trap of overcommitting and burning out, remembering that Christ’s yoke is easy, and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). As you walk this path, you will discover that your life, far from being a series of tasks, is an ongoing expression of the love and purpose God has placed within you.

Let us call each other higher in Christ, but let us do so with hearts that have found rest in Him. For it is not in our doing that we find our identity, but in our being—being children of God, called according to His purpose, resting in His love, and walking in the fullness of who He has created us to be.

A Prayer for Finding Our Identity in Christ

Heavenly Father,
We come before You, knowing that our true identity is found in You. As Your Word says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.” Help us to live out this truth each day, not merely through what we do but in the fullness of who we are in You. We surrender our striving and ask for Your grace to lead us as we seek to walk as new creations.

Lord, we know that You have prepared good works for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10), but we also recognize that You call us to rest in Your presence. Teach us to count the cost of discipleship, as Jesus warned us in Luke 14:28, so we do not overcommit or serve out of obligation. Give us the wisdom to balance our work with the peace and rest You provide, for we know that Your yoke is easy, and Your burden is light (Matthew 11:30).

Father, strengthen us to work as unto You and not for human approval, as Colossians 3:23 reminds us. Let everything we do flow from a heart that seeks to glorify You. Guide us to encourage and call others higher in their walk with Christ, always speaking truth in love and pointing them to the rest and strength that can only be found in You.

May we lay down our plans and surrender our schedules, trusting in Your leading. Anchor us in Your Word, and let Your Spirit guide our every step. Let our lives be a reflection of Your grace and a testimony of the transforming power of Christ. As we serve, may we always abide in the rest and peace that only You can provide.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

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