How we live is influenced by how we see ourselves and how we think God sees us. So, what is our identity in Christ?
How do we respond to the Lord’s message to us? Sometimes it is so different from what we expect we are left reeling. Consider Mary, Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. Luke 1:29 Mary’s reaction was not, “Wow! an angel”, but confusion, the message was not what she … Continue reading Will Jesus find a place?
I am so used to the idea that we honour God that I don’t think much about God choosing to honour his people. Yet in Psalm 148 we read, He has made his people strong, honoring his faithful ones— the people of Israel who are close to him. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 148:14NLT) I am … Continue reading Honoured by God
Only when we understand Jesus, do we understand life, for He defines it. When we understand Him we are aligned with the One who is the Life. Jesus was challenged over the validity of his teaching. “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.” (John 8:13) His defence was curious. … Continue reading Live the Truth
What does it mean for a loved child of God to wear ‘the mantle of shame’? (Ps89:45) We live in a world that beats down our identity and threatens us. In our insecurity we accuse the world of doing this, but the Psalmist points to the Lord– ‘YOU have broken through all his walls and … Continue reading Mantle of shame
Christmas is often expressed as a time to live without limits. John the Baptist challenges our generation with its rejection of boundaries. We don’t think to ask “Who has God made me to be?” but rather, “What could I make of myself?” John the Baptist knew who he wasn’t. He did not fail to confess, … Continue reading Christmas without limits?
What does it mean to be human? I find Jesus’ take shocking. When I survey our culture’s opinions I see anything from a triumphalistic ‘Top of the heap’ to ‘A virus wreaking destruction’. For many Christians, people are made in the image of God, and so to be respected. My shock came looking at the … Continue reading Being human
If God is so great, how come he made me like this? There are many who look at themselves and see only imperfections and a choice between a helpless God, or a God who doesn’t care. God speaks to this in Isaiah 44:2. This is what the Lord says – he who made you, who … Continue reading Created perfect?
The call to become a disciple of Jesus is a call to leave. We see this in Psalm 45 where the bride is called to forget that which has been precious to her and even defined her. 10 Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention: Forget your people and your father’s house. As I go with my … Continue reading Go with the King
Our culture tries to smear us with shame for following Christ. Atheism’s angry voice dominates. I want to fit in, yet that means concealing the majesty the Lord has clothed me in, covering it with the clothing of the world. It takes faith and courage to be clothed in righteousness. Psalm 45 expresses the Lord’s … Continue reading Christ in us – Majesty
Identity has an impact on our freedom to act. Throughout my life I have constantly struggled with a fear of what people think of me. That fear brought paralysis, teasing and so more paralysis . This paralysis leads to a prison; a bland life of nothingness. Jesus, understanding His own identity had a remarkable freedom … Continue reading Freedom in Identity
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