Tag Archives: Identity in Christ

Worldwide Club Membership

Christ's rest, Freedom in Christ, Jesus Christ, Spiritual Encouragement, To Rest in Christ, , , , , , , ,

 

Image

What Happened??!

I think that I have thought of a problem that is worldwide.  It crosses every line there is to cross.  Disappointment.  True frustration and sadness. Have you ever been disappointed in someone that you thought you could trust?  Have you had someone treat you in a way that you never thought possible?  Have you done your very best, only to be yelled at by your boss?  How about your spouse raising his voice when he found out you forgot to pay the electric bill? Do you try and try to please everyone only to find out that you can’t; they just complain more!!….(Added bonus here…you aren’t supposed to try and please everyone…can’t happen).

If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions…Welcome.  You are now a member of the “International Disappointment Club”. Of course there is no such club, but don’t you feel there should be?  Membership dues are self explanatory!

Disappointment happens to everyone.  People disappoint each other.  It just goes with being human.  A couple of hours ago I was really disappointed by someone.  I have always went over and above the call of duty for this person, only to be hurt.  I cried.  I could have had an everloving fit and really bought in to the flesh pattern that was being exhibited.  But I chose to be quiet.  I was hurt and a bit ticked off!  Once I admitted to the Father that I felt this way…I waved the white flag…and good stuff came out of my mouth…instead of my flesh!!  Then once I quit talking on the phone…I cried. Don’t misunderstand, I don’t think that there is anything wrong with being honest with the person.  And I have done that…later…after I thought about what I would say in a loving way.

We have to make the choice to not allow the enemy to have a foot hold in our lives.  People are people and sometimes make mistakes.  Sometimes that make the same mistakes over and over. Some people will not change.  They choose NOT to change. That’s not my problem.  I can pray, love…but I cannot allow bitterness, anger and hurt to permeate my very soul.  Those feelings can fester and be like a cancer, eating away my joy!

Wait for it……Yep, I will disappoint people myself!!  Eggads, not me!  I don’t deliberately set out to do so, but I do disappoint people.  As one of my dearest friends says..”No expectations, no disappointments.”  I like that.  

The good news is simple.  We are loved by the ONE who will never disappoint or let you down. You might think He is letting you down, but He always has your best in mind.   

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

He is always there, He will never talk behind your back, yell at you for not paying a bill.  He won’t try to make you feel guilty about anything. Jesus will just love you where you are and offer hope to you when there appears to be no hope!

“And hope, does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” Romans 5:5

Now I am wondering if we should change the name of the club?  How about the “International HOPE Club”? Sounds cheesy, but I certainly like the sound of it better than the prior!

Be blessed dear ones~

IN CHRIST ALONE

Isaiah 55:8-9

*google search image*

Full Armor-New Fashion Trend?

Christ's rest, Freedom in Christ, Jesus Christ, Spiritual Encouragement, To Rest in Christ, Who I am in Christ, , , , , , , , ,

armor-suit-5

I am thinking I could start a new fashion trend!

At my age, wearing a full suit of armor might just do me some good. If I fell, I would not break my hip. If my face was dry from all the cold weather, it would protect my skin. If I did not have my clothes laid out already, at least I would have it laying out- or should I say “standing up”?

Thank goodness I don’t have to put on that suit. I doubt in comes in turquoise blue anyway! The truth of the matter is…I already have the suit on! Everyday! As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, He has equipped me to stand against the enemy and all the world throws my way.

“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.” Ephesians 6:13-15

We know that the righteousness from the breastplate comes from Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. A breastplate actually protected the soldier’s heart and lungs. We have been made “right” before God through Jesus.

The feet of an ancient soldier had to be protected by the rough, rocky terrain. The gospel of peace fitted on us is a reminder of our protection, the grace through Jesus Christ.

A belt held the armor in place, and provided protection often times for the vital organs. The truth of course, is the Bible. If we know the word, the Truth…we can stand against any lie thrown our way!

So, let me continue a bit more on the lies(fiery darts) shot our way and see how the belt of “truth” protects us against these lies!

I cannot do anything, I am worthless…..God has given me the spirit of power…..”For God did not give me the spirit of timidity, but the spirit of power, of love and of self discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

I don’t know how to live the Christian life…..God has given me His love letter in the word for instruction….”All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

I am not worthy of His love….It is not anything I do or have done to receive His love….”But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared he saved us through the washing and rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope in eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7

Now comes your part….Check out Hebrews 4:14-16 to find out how you can approach God.
How about Hebrews 13:5-6 about not having to handle life alone and finally Hebrews 13:8 on the never changing character of God and who He is.

If you haven’t put on your armor, and I am not talking about the turquoise suit, put it on. You might just start a fashion trend!

Blessings dear ones~
IN CHRIST ALONE

Isaiah 55:8-9

*Google image*
NIV Bible

HE’s not playing PeekaBoo!

Freedom in Christ, Jesus Christ, Spiritual Encouragement, To Rest in Christ, Who I am in Christ, , , , , , , , , ,

Hiding_Clipart.325165231_std

PeekaBoo! Nope, God is not Hiding!

Why can’t I hear from God? I never know if it is Him talking to me. He’s a mystery, remember? How do I know His voice?

When my husband calls me on the phone, he does not have to identify himself to me. I recognize his voice immediately. Why? Because I spend time with him. I know his voice, and most of the time, after 34 years of marriage, can figure out what is on his mind! I believe that is how it is with the Father! We spend time with Him and His word and we begin to recognize His voice. He does not play “peekaboo, come find me.” He does not want it to be a mystery. He wants us to know Him.

Romans 16:25-27: “Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith—to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.”

Colossians 1:26-27 “I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people.To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

In the Old Testament, Christ had not been revealed. The mystery of Christ has been made know to us!Now there are certain “mysteries” I believe that are of the Father, because His ways are higher than our ways. But staying hidden away from us is not one of those mysteries. He reveals himself to us through many means. Once we recognize His voice, we see those ways.

Again, if we don’t know who we are in Christ, we won’t recognize His voice. I am going to further reference some of those things we think of ourselves. The more we learn and hide in our heart and choose to believe, the easier it will be to “hear” Him.

God always seems so far away…..I have been brought near God…..“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 2:13

My problems are too trivial for God…I have boldness and confident access to God…“In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 2:13

I am so confused….His peace guards my heart and mind…..“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

I don’t understand Christ and have no wisdom when it comes to the Bible…..Christ in us is the mystery, wisdom, and our encouragement….“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God (namely Christ), in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:2-3

I have no power and am constantly defeated and hurt….I have power in Christ and who I am….“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10

Dear ones, I feel it is of the utmost importance that we learn these things. Once we grasp the truth, we will be able to share our joy with others..even in the midst of these swirling circumstances of life. And, we will not have to solve a mystery…no peekaboo. Listen for His voice friends.

Blessings dear ones
IN CHRIST ALONE

Isaiah 55:8-9

*Google image*