There's POWER in Knowing Who You Are in Christ

 

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9,10

One of the main things that holds us back in our Christian walk is not believing what God says about us. We don't embrace who we are in Christ, we reject the Word of God concerning ourselves & instead embrace guilt, condemnation and self-hate. Self-hate keeps the Holy Spirit from overflowing our lives and setting us free from patterns of behavior and sin that traps us and thus we don't grow.

When we surrender our lives to Christ, we become new. Colossians 3:10,11 says, 'we have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of the Creator ... Christ is all and is in all.' In other words, how we identified our life before Christ no longer applies. Our identity is no longer determined by our physical heritage, social standing, our racial distinctions. Our identity lies in the fact that we are all children of God and we are in Christ.

At the place where they were told 'You are not My people,' there they will be called 'children of the living God.' Romans 9:26

Who we are determines what we do. It's so important to believe we are a child of God, because we can't consistently behave in a way that's inconsistent with how we perceive ourselves. If we don't see ourselves as God sees us, then to that degree we suffer from a wrong identity and a poor image of who we really are. It's not what we do that determines who we are, it's who we are that determines what we do.

Finding out who I am in Christ has been so powerful for me. It has made so much difference in my walk with God. It's built my confidence and helped me to know I can do what I need to do and be who I am because Christ lives in me. Learning who I am in Christ has also helped to dispel fears and doubts. I can stare the enemy face to face, knowing HE must back down because of who my Daddy is and that Christ lives in me.

No longer live as a defeated Christian. Stop hating yourself because of what you've done in the past. Choose to forgive yourself, accept God's forgiveness, and let yourself off the hook.

You are special, you are wanted, you are loved, you are accepted, you are the home of the living God.

Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.' So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir. Galations 4:6,7

Believe and be free ... we are NO LONGER products of our past.

Not sure who you really are? Read (out loud if you can) the list of Biblical truths below that reveal who God made you to be, compiled by Joyce Meyer. Read them, confess them, get them deep down in your spirit, and believe them.

Father, I pray that You help us to learn and believe who we are in You. We belong to You and You love us. Reveal to us just how important and special we are to You in Jesus' name, amen.

see related blogs of mine:

Don't Look Back, Enough is Enough
God Hates Abuse ... So Stop Being a Martyr and Let Go
Step Away .... from that Stale Cracker

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Knowing Who I am in Christ by Joyce Meyer

CONFESS and BELIEVE these truths ...

I am complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).
I am alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
I am free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
I am far from oppression, and fear does not come near me (Isaiah 54:14).
I am born of God, and the evil one does not touch me (1 John 5:18).
I am holy and without blame before Him in love (Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:16).
I have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5).
I have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
I have the Greater One living in me; greater is He Who is in me than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
I have received the gift of righteousness and reign as a king in life by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
I have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of my understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17-18).
I have received the power of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, to cast out demons, to speak with new tongues. I have power over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm me (Mark 16:17-18; Luke 10:17-19).
I have put off the old man and have put on the new man, which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him Who created me (Colossians 3:9-10).
I have given, and it is given to me; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, men give into my bosom (Luke 6:38).
I have no lack for my God supplies all of my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
I can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one with my shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).
I can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
I show forth the praises of God Who has called me out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
I am God’s child for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:23).
I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).
I am a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
I am a spirit being alive to God (Romans 6:11;1 Thessalonians 5:23).
I am a believer, and the light of the Gospel shines in my mind (2 Corinthians 4:4).
I am a doer of the Word and blessed in my actions (James 1:22,25).
I am a joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17).
I am more than a conqueror through Him Who loves me (Romans 8:37).
I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony (Revelation 12:11).
I am a partaker of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:3-4).
I am an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).
I am part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people (1 Peter 2:9).
I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).
I am the temple of the Holy Spirit; I am not my own (1 Corinthians 6:19).
I am the head and not the tail; I am above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).
I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).
I am His elect, full of mercy, kindness, humility, and longsuffering (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12).
I am forgiven of all my sins and washed in the Blood (Ephesians 1:7).
I am delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13).
I am redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty (Deuteronomy 28:15-68; Galatians 3:13).
I am firmly rooted, built up, established in my faith and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:7).
I am called of God to be the voice of His praise (Psalm 66:8; 2 Timothy 1:9).
I am healed by the stripes of Jesus (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24).
I am raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:12).
I am greatly loved by God (Romans 1:7; Ephesians 2:4; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4).
I am strengthened with all might according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11).
I am submitted to God, and the devil flees from me because I resist him in the Name of Jesus (James 4:7).
I press on toward the goal to win the prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward (Philippians 3:14).
For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
It is not I who live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20).

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Joyce Meyer's Story Reference & Website - you can download the confession list from this link & put it up on the wall or in your Bible for future reference.

God's Great Love

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19

God’s love for us is so deep that we have a hard time comprehending it. It reaches down to us through the darkness of this sinful world, even though we are hopelessly undeserving. The Bible says that before God created our planet, He had decided to display the depth of His love for us through His Son’s death on the cross.

He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 1 Peter 1:20

In my imagination I look back over time and see the Lord raising mountains to majestic heights, cutting valleys for flowing rivers, and stretching out vast plains. I envision Him creating the mighty oceans and beautiful lakes. Then I see Him pause and reflect on the goodness of His creation. He gazes at that part of the world where His Son will be born. He knows that Jesus will be rejected and crucified. With a sweep of His hand He could obliterate the world and spare His Son from the agony of the cross. But He doesn’t.

Because of God’s love, the Son came to earth and was slain. On Calvary He died to pay the penalty for our sins.

God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

God's love does not waver, does not get pulled off track, does not run dry with time. God is not regretting anything He has done for us. He would do it all over again, if needed. His love is not conditional on how wise or perfect we are.

His love never fails.

Prayer: Father, help us to realize just how much You love us. You loved us so much, You sent Your Son to die in our place. That kind of love, unconditional love, is beyond my comprehension. Thank you doesn’t seem quiet enough. May we spend our life trying to bring You the honor that You’re due. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Back to Life Movement Launch Houston, Texas 3-17-12

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? Esther 4:14

The above video is from the Back to Life Movement Launch March 17, 2012 at Planned Parenthood in Houston, Texas. The speakers included Laura Allred, founder of the Back to Life Movement, Lou Engle, co-founder of The Call and Alveda King, niece of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Pastoral Associate of Priests for Life. It also includes the testimonies of three women whose lives have been affected by abortion.

This 21-day trek for life started on March 17 and will go through April 6, 2012. 39 young women ~ each representing one year of legalized abortion in America ~ set out to walk 270 miles of open road from the nation's largest Planned Parenthood center, located in Houston, Texas, to the courthouse in Dallas where Roe v Wade was born.

I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Joshua 1:3

Watch the walk via streaming http://backtolifemovement.com/

Prayer: Father, I pray that You keep everyone involved, including the walkers, coordinators and their families, safe and healthy. Give them strength, encourage them, heal their hearts, and pay all their financial obligations. Bless them for having the courage to speak out for the unborn and making a difference. In Jesus' name, amen.

You're Worth So Much More Than That

Many are called, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14







Sometimes we're the last to recognize God's anointing on our life and just how special we are.

As a believer in Christ, we are justified by faith and, therefore, are accepted by God.

Accept compliments with a simple 'thank you', instead of 'Oh, it was nothing.' When you reject a compliment, the message you give yourself is that you are not worthy of praise. We all know that it's God who works through us, but it still takes a willing vessel.

Use positive affirmations to enhance your self-esteem. Write them down if you have to, and repeat the statements several times during the day, especially at night before going to bed and after getting up in the morning. Whenever you say the affirmation, allow yourself to experience positive feelings about your statement.

Be careful of what you watch, listen to, and say. Whatever material you allow to dominate your mind will eventually take root and affect your behavior.

Everyone fails every now and then ... allow yourself time to change. Don't be too hard on yourself.

The Lord upholds all those that fall, and raises up all those that are bowed down. Psalm 145:14

Stop comparing yourself to other people and putting yourself down. You can't have an appropriate image of yourself as long as you repeat negative phrases about yourself and your abilities ... God made you special.

You're worth so much more than that.

Examples of positive confessions:

I like myself.
I accept myself.
God accepts me.
I am a friend of God.
I am valuable.
I'm a lovable person.
God is for me.
I have a lot to offer.
I am special to God.
Nothing can separate me from God's love.

Prayer: Father, I pray that You help us to see ourselves as You see us ... precious in Your sight. Reveal to us just how special we are and how much You love us. In Jesus' name, amen.

God Listens & Answers

I (the Lord) will answer them before they even call to Me. While they are still talking to Me about their needs,
I will go ahead and answer their prayers. Isaiah 65:26





Father, I come to You through Your Son Jesus ...

I pray for uncommon favor today. Shower us with Your blessings, Lord. Bless our finances, pay our bills, may we have so much that it's an overflow for all those around us.

Pour Your strength into us, refresh us and fill us with Your mighty power. Give us Your peace Lord, that passes understanding, in our hearts and minds. Touch our hearts and remove any heartache or pain, bring healing and restoration. I speak life to the dead areas in our lives ... live in Jesus name. Remove pain and heal our bodies, help them to line up with Your Word, for by Jesus' stripes we're healed and made whole.

I speak restoration to divided relationships ... give unity, peace and healing. I curse the enemy off the institution of the family. Get your hands off our spouses, our children, our parents, our homes - RESTORATION'S coming.

Help us to hold on Lord, because I know that You're a move suddenly God, it's gonna be any day now. Help us to put our hope in You Lord God, cause that's when we won't get hurt and disappointed.

Help us to walk in Your ways Lord God and not our own. Show us the way to go and what to do. Help us to hear Your voice above the crowd, give us discernment Father.

Thanks for imparting wisdom for our situations, help us not to lean on our own understanding. Help us to simply trust You Lord, for trusting is where true rest is found. Thank You Lord God, for the privilege of being able to take it all to You in prayer.

Thank You Lord God, that You hear and answer.

I love You with all my heart heart Father God. In Jesus' name, amen.

God knows your situation. Trust Him. You are His child, He loves you, and He knows exactly what your needs are and is making provisions before you even ask.

God really does listen and answer.

Regardless of What it Looks Like …

The Lord your God has set the land before you: go up and possess it, as the Lord God has said to you; fear not, neither be discouraged. Deuteronomy 1:21

If we've yielded to discouragement, it's usually because we gave too much thought to the past or to the future. We don’t have to let our yesterday determine our tomorrow. Stop entertaining the lies of the enemy. We shouldn't even be giving him the time of day.

If it seems like things are getting more difficult, remember that when the intensity heats up, it means you’re closer to your victory.

When clouds of discouragement roll in and darkness settles around you, hold the hand of your Father who promises to never leave you or forsake you. We serve a faithful God, and He’s working behind the scenes on our behalf.

… I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord. Jer 1:8

If you've got God living on the inside of you, you AREN'T a quitter, DON'T you dare give up. Every thought, word and deed for Christ carries you away from discouragement. Only He can give us the peace that passes understanding.

When you’re feeling discouraged – praise Jesus, read the Psalms, pray in the Spirit, call or write a friend to encourage them, keep a daily journal of what God speaks to you and go back over it during tough times, keep being faithful and do what you already know to do.

You hold on okay, 'cause this too is gonna pass.

Regardless of what it looks like … God's still gonna take care of it.

Father, I pray that You remove discouragement from our lives & let the sunshine of Your unfailing grace light our way. Lift the burdens my Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.


related post - Prescription for Depression

Christ is My Victory

Psalm 91
from The Message Bible






You who sit down in the High God's presence,
spend the night in Shaddai's shadow,
Say this: 'God You're my refuge.
I trust in you and I'm safe!'

That's right—He rescues you from hidden traps,
shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
under them you're perfectly safe;
His arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
drop like flies right and left,
no harm will even graze you.
You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God's your refuge,
the High God your very own home,
Evil can't get close to you,
harm can't get through the door.
He ordered His angels
to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they'll catch you;
their job is to keep you from falling.
You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

'If you'll hold on to me for dear life,' says God,
'I'll get you out of any trouble.
I'll give you the best of care
if you'll only get to know and trust Me.
Call Me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times;
I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I'll give you a long life,
give you a long drink of salvation!'