Find Your Identity in Christ

Have you ever been called names? I know I have. Maybe no one's been criticizing you lately. Maybe YOU have been the one putting your own self down.

In Daniel 1, when the Jews are deported to Babylon, one of the first things they do is change the names of Daniel and his friends. Identity theft is a common scam today, but in Daniel's case, they desired to steal their identity and faith in God. They were determined to force them to serve pagan gods.

In a She Reads Truth devotion, I saw this chart that depicts the original name and meaning of their names, as well as what their names were changed to. Below is an excerpt from Raechel Myers on it.

Each of the four Jewish exiles were given names by their fathers which relate with the one, true God. But, as a part of their acculturation—in order to make them forget the God of their fathers—the chief official gave them new names that reject their upbringing and instead savor the idolatry of false gods.

Of course translations of the names will vary slightly from commentary to commentary, but look at the wildly intentional similarities! Matthew Henry says the name changes were intended to “wean them from the [religion of their fathers] and instill [that of their conquerors] into them.”

- Raechel Myers in Daniel via She Reads Truth

Your identity is not based on financial status, your career, your education, your race, your height, your weight, or anything else. Just like we see vividly in Daniel, it is not about what people call you. It's not even about who you call yourself. It is about who you are in Christ.

In Christ, you are forgiven, loved, treasured. You are a child of the King. You are whiter than snow (Is. 1:18, Ps. 51:7). You are healed and made whole (1 Pt. 2:24, Is. 53:5). You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14). You are more than a conqueror in Christ (Rom. 8:37).

In Daniel, it is clear that their name changes did not affect their character or their devotion to God. Their minds are made up that they are going to serve God no matter what the cost. Have you?

Thought for the Day: Decide today to focus on who the King of kings says you are, not the opinions of mere human beings made of dust. 

More than a Conquer in Christ,
Rachel Marie

Father, I thank You that You have heard Me

41) “So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42) I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43) When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44) The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.””

- John 11:41-44 (NIV)

While Lazarus was STILL dead, Jesus thanked God for hearing Him. After praying for something we know is Scripturally promised to us, like salvation, healing, deliverance, etc., we can say in faith BEFORE we see the answer, "Father, I thank You that You have heard me", as Jesus did. So we can certainly thank God for hearing us before we feel delivered, before we feel healed, before we see the answer, for we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7).

FLEE THE EVIL DESIRES OF YOUTH: DARE TO RUN TO JESUS

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

- 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)

Photo credit: Scripture made via Expressgram

In today's world, the battle for purity is more intense than ever. With technology's advances, we must constantly be on our guard. We must put on the full armor of God to help us stand against the devil's evil schemes (Eph. 6:10-18).

In Genesis 39, we see Joseph put in charge of the home of an Egyptian officer, Potiphar, after being sold into slavery by his brothers. Even as a slave, God grants Joseph success in everything he does. Then comes the temptation.

Potiphar's wife tries to seduce Joseph. He remains faithful to God by refusing her. Instead, he asks, "How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God (v. 9, NLT)." Nonetheless, Potiphar's wife was relentless. She pressured him day after day. Still, Joseph stood his ground and denied her.

Like Joseph, we are faced with temptations to compromise daily, not just physically but with our minds and our hearts. Purity is about more than simply saving yourself for marriage (which is very important and if you have made mistakes, you can repent & recommit to waiting today. God will cleanse you & make you whiter than snow. See Isaiah  1:18, Psalm 51:7). It's also about keeping our minds pure and guarding our hearts. We need to avoid polluting our minds and hearts with music, television, and books that send out the message that drinking, drugs, premartial sex, and homosexuality are ok when we know this is contrary to God's Word. 

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

- 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

A major key to keeping our thoughts pure is not putting garbage in our minds with the things we read, watch, and listen to. Keep your mind on God's Word. When your thoughts go in the wrong direction, submit them to Christ (See 2 Cor. 10:5). Feed yourself spiritually daily by making time with God a priority.

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

- 2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV)

Flee sexual temptation. Flee from porn. Flee from impure thoughts. Flee from things that tell you to compromise. Flee the evil desires of youth. Dare to run to Jesus.

Scripture Reading: 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 

- Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)

Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. 

- Genesis 39:1-10 (NIV)

“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.

- Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV)

Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

- Psalm 51:7 (NASB)

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

- Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

In the Love of Christ,

Rachel Marie

Do Not Be Unequally Yoked: Wait on God

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

- 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV)

Singles, wait on GOD & HIS TIMING to bring you the right person. As the saying goes, "Wait on the one who pushes you closer to God, NOT closer to sin. I challenge you to defy the urge to take matters into your own hands out of fear of being alone and obey Song of Solomon 3:5, "Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.". God's Timing is perfect. 

The person He has for your will help you guard your purity. Chase hard after God, and when it's the right time, He will bring "the one" into your life.

I love what Heather Lindsey said of her single days, "As I grew closer to God while I was single, I grew further away from wanting to marry someone who did not have a relationship with Him." She also said she wanted one of God's sons, not one of satan sons. Don't allow satan a foothold to interfere with who and what God wants you to be and do by marrying or even being in a relationship with someone who is not a Christian. (If you're in a relationship with them, you can fall in love and end up marrying them- being unequally yoked which is exactly what God does NOT want you to do). Marrying a non-Christian will not only hinder you, but any future children you may have.

Trust God. Wait on His Timing. He is faithful.

Set a guard over my mouth, Lord

Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.

- Psalm 141:3 (NIV)

Wow! What an important prayer for all of us to pray! All too easily we can fall with our words, but if the Holy Spirit is in you, He will be faithful to show you when you're about to say something you shouldn't.... And when we do fail, I pray we are quick to repent and get back on track :)

Father, 

We know that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Prov. 18:21). I pray we would all be sensitive to the Holy Spirit so that we will glorify You with our words. I pray this verse for everyone who reads this. I pray that they would not allow any unwholesome talk to come out of their mouths (Eph. 4:29). I pray they would resist the temptation to gossip, to speak negatively, to use curse words. May they do everything without complaining or arguing (Phil. 2:14). I pray they speak life, that they speak in agreement with Your Word. May they use their words to build others up, not tear them down. I pray they would honor you with their lips AND their hearts. I pray they would use their lips to tell someone the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ this week. 

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Look Like Love

He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. 

- John 3:30 (NLT)

When Jesus becomes greater in us, we begin to look like love.

As He becomes greater inside of us, we aim to please Him and not ourselves. We seek His will and not our own. We develop in the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 

- Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

A couple months ago, my mom saw this on facebook and shared it witih me. It gave me a totally different perspective on this Scripture. We are all familiar with the "Love Chapter" in the Bible, frequently read at weddings. But this perspective challenged me:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
- 1 Cor. 13:4-6 (NIV)

We should consider this Scripture daily and keep it in the front of our minds. This is a mirror to show us what we look like spiritually-- we can easily see what areas are our strengths and what areas we need to work on. Think on this Scripture each morning and ask God to help you “look like love”

My purpose of sharing this is to challenge you to become more like Jesus. When you subsittue your own name, you can easily see what areas you need to work on (Oh yeah, I was convicted when I inserted mine!) It is also good to insert the name of the person you're in a relationship with. This can be very eye opening to the character of others, as well as our own character. Don't get overwhelmed by this list. Joyce Meyer simplifies our walk with God and all that it entails by "walking in love".

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

- Ephesians 5:2 (ESV)

As the definition of love is evident in our lives, our light will shine brightly for Jesus. We will be humble, not arrogant. We will be servants, not demanding to be served. Jesus Christ humbled Himself before God. He came down from Heaven… if the Son of God left His comfort zone, how much more does He desire that we leave ours? He calls us to committed, not comfortable. Jesus left Heaven, where He was constantly praised and acknowledge to be despised, rejected, beaten, humiliated, and hung on a cross. He came not to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28). I love the way Kimberly Jones-Pothier puts it, Jesus got off His throne and went to the cross. Jesus humbled Himself before God in doing this. Then, God exalted Him when He was resurrected. 

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

- Luke 18:9-14 (NIV)

I pray we have the humble attitude of the tax collector, not the Pharisee.


In humility, Jesus calls us to take up our cross, deny ourselves and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). We die to ourselves and our own desires to live for Him. Yes, Psalm 37:4 says He will give us the desires of our hearts if we delight ourselves in Him. However, as we grow closer to Him, His desires become our desires. As we die to ourselves, we make room for more of Him. We have to put off the old self & put on the new self: 

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires: to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 

- Ephesians 4:22-24

Put off impatience, rudeness, envy, boasting, arrogance, rudeness, selfishness, and unforgiveness to stay afloat on the ship to the place God is taking us. 
As we draw near to Jesus, there will be no room for jealousy, boasting, pride, and self-centered ways.

P. S. - Yes, I got the title for this message from Britt Nicole's song, "Look Like Love". 

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GOD CREATED YOU ON PURPOSE

There are so many awesome truths found in Psalm 139. Below are the first 16 verses. Anytime you need a reminder of how special you are, read this Psalm. I love the way it talks about how well God knows us, the meticulous way He designed us. YOU ARE NOT AN ACCIDENT. I love the way Joyce Meyer puts it, "GOD CREATED YOU ON PURPOSE". Stop dwelling on your physical imperfections! The Word of God says you are fearfully and wonderfully made! When you talk negatively about your body, you are insulting God's perfect artwork. Don't dwell on what others say about you, look at what God says about you!

You saw me before I was born. 

Every day of my life was recorded in your book. 

Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. 

- Psalms 139:16 (NLT)

God knows your all your yesterdays, your today, and your tomorrow? God's already there! If you're a child of God, you don't have to worry. God's got you covered. He has a perfect plan for your life and if you love Him, He is going to work everything out for good for you (See Romans 8:28). Here is a link to a 2 minute video I shared about this: https://youtu.be/2k8oqLsGSBg :) Subscribe so you don't miss future videos! :)

You have searched me, Lord, 

and you know me. 

You know when I sit and when I rise; 

you perceive my thoughts from afar. 

You discern my going out and my lying down; 

you are familiar with all my ways. 

Before a word is on my tongue 

you, Lord, know it completely. 

You hem me in behind and before, 

and you lay your hand upon me. 

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, 

too lofty for me to attain. 

Where can I go from your Spirit? 

Where can I flee from your presence? 

If I go up to the heavens, you are there; 

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, 

if I settle on the far side of the sea, 

even there your hand will guide me, 

your right hand will hold me fast. 

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me 

and the light become night around me,” 

even the darkness will not be dark to you; 

the night will shine like the day, 

for darkness is as light to you. 

For you created my inmost being; 

you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 

your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 

My frame was not hidden from you 

when I was made in the secret place, 

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 

Your eyes saw my unformed body; 

all the days ordained for me were written in your book 

before one of them came to be. 

- Psalm 139:1-16 (NIV)

YOU ARE FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE,

Rachel Marie