Identity in Christ Archives

March 24, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Don’t Trade Your Fire for Their Formula

Opening Verse

“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”
Matthew 6:6 (KJV)

Introduction

Sometimes we try so hard to be accepted by others that we forget who we are in God. But real power, real purpose, and real direction come from being alone with Him. Not from big stages. Not from people’s praise. Just Him.

Devotional Story

A young man had prayed for years to be noticed. He wanted to help people. He wanted his voice to matter. One day, the doors opened. He got invited into meetings with important people—folks he used to admire from a distance.

At first, he was excited. He thought, “God really answered my prayer.” But after a while, he noticed something. Every time he spoke about what God was showing him in prayer, people would go quiet. They smiled, but it was clear—they didn’t want to hear anything that sounded too bold or too different.

So, he started changing. He toned down his words. He shared what he thought they wanted to hear. Slowly, he stopped spending time with God the way he used to. And deep down, something was missing.

One night, he sat alone and prayed. No crowd. No lights. Just him and God. And right there, in the quiet, God spoke again. Not with a loud voice, but a deep reminder:

“I called you in secret. Don’t lose Me in public.”

He realized something big—he didn’t need approval from people to do what God had told him. The same quiet room where God first spoke to him was the place he needed to return to. That’s where the fire had started. And that’s where it would burn again.

What This Means

God wants your heart more than your performance. Don’t change who you are just to fit in. Don’t water down the truth just to be liked. Go back to the quiet place. Go back to prayer. That’s where God gives strength, direction, and boldness.

When the world says, “Be like everyone else,” God says, “Be who I made you to be.”

Think About This

Are you shrinking back just to be accepted?
When was the last time you really sat with God—no phone, no noise, just Him?
What has He told you in private that you’ve been afraid to walk out in public?

Prayer

Lord, I’ve let other voices get louder than Yours. I’ve tried to fit in when I should’ve stood out. Bring me back to the quiet place where it’s just You and me. Help me to remember that everything good starts with You. Speak to me again. I’m listening. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Closing Verse

“Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Romans 12:2 (KJV)

March 4, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Behold, What Manner of Love

Opening Verse

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”
— 1 John 3:1 (KJV)

Introduction

The love of God is beyond human understanding. It is not a love that is earned or conditional; it is freely given. This verse calls us to pause and consider the greatness of this love. What does it mean that we are called the children of God? And why does the world not recognize us?

Devotional Story

There was a young man who had spent his entire life trying to prove himself. He thought that love had to be earned. He worked tirelessly to gain the approval of those around him—his family, his friends, even his own conscience. Yet no matter how much he did, it never felt like enough.

One day, he came across a group of people singing in a park. Their joy was contagious. He stood at a distance, watching, wondering what made them so free. An older man noticed him and approached. “Do you know why we’re singing?” he asked.

The young man shook his head.

“Because we are loved by God, not for what we’ve done, but for who He is.”

The words struck deep. The old man opened his Bible and read 1 John 3:1. “Behold what manner of love… that we should be called the sons of God!”

For the first time, the young man realized that he had been striving for something that had already been given to him. He didn’t have to prove himself. He was already loved.

What This Means

God’s love is not like the world’s love. The world accepts people based on what they do, how they look, or what they can offer. But God’s love is given freely. He calls us His children, not because we are perfect, but because of His grace.

When we accept this truth, it changes us. It sets us free from the need to seek approval from people. It gives us peace, knowing that we are already accepted in Christ. But it also means that the world will not understand us. Just as it did not understand Jesus, it will not understand those who belong to Him.

Think About This

Do you ever feel like you have to “earn” God’s love?
How does knowing you are a child of God change the way you see yourself?
If the world does not recognize you, do you still find your identity in Christ?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your great love. I cannot fully understand it, but I receive it. Help me to rest in the truth that I am Your child, not because of what I do, but because of who You are. Give me strength to walk in this identity even when the world does not understand. Let my life reflect Your love so others may see You in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
— John 1:12 (KJV)

January 27, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

God-Confidence Before Self-Confidence

Opening Verse

“The LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.” – Proverbs 3:26 (KJV)

Introduction

In a world obsessed with self-image and self-reliance, many struggle to find a firm foundation for confidence. But true confidence—one that withstands challenges—must be rooted in something greater than ourselves. That foundation is God.

Devotional Story

One day, a woman named Angela was preparing for a major presentation at work. Though she had spent weeks perfecting her slides and rehearsing her delivery, a wave of insecurity washed over her as she stood before her colleagues. Her mind was bombarded with self-doubt: “What if I forget my points? What if they don’t like it? What if I fail?”

In that moment, Angela remembered a simple prayer her mother had taught her: “Lord, I trust You. Help me to walk in the strength You give.” She whispered the prayer quietly and stepped forward. As she spoke, she felt a strange peace flow through her—not because she believed in her own abilities but because she trusted the God who had always guided her.

Angela’s presentation was a success, but more importantly, she learned a life-changing truth: self-confidence without God-confidence is like building a house on sinking sand. She realized that her strength comes not from her own perfection, but from knowing that the One who created her is guiding her every step.

What This Means

God-confidence is the unshakable trust that the Creator of the universe is working all things for your good. It’s knowing that His strength is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we place our confidence in Him, we can face challenges with boldness, knowing that our identity and worth are secure in Christ. Self-confidence that comes from this foundation is not arrogance—it’s a quiet assurance that we are loved, guided, and empowered by God.

Think About This

Are you placing your confidence in your abilities or in God’s unchanging character?
When was the last time you prayed for God’s strength instead of relying on your own?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the source of my confidence. Help me to trust You in every area of my life. When I feel weak, remind me that Your strength is perfect. Teach me to rely on You and to walk boldly in the assurance of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” – Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

January 21, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Embracing Our Heavenly Inheritance

Opening Verse:

“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” – Romans 8:17 (KJV)

Introduction:

Romans 8:17 confronts us with a profound spiritual reality: our dual role as heirs of God and partners in Christ’s suffering. It’s a verse that speaks both of a glorious promise and a solemn journey.

Devotional Story:

Imagine Eliana, a woman who discovers she is an heir to a magnificent kingdom. This revelation fills her with joy and hope. Yet, as she embarks on the path to claim her inheritance, she faces trials and tribulations. Despite these challenges, Eliana remains steadfast, recognizing that her journey, including its hardships, is an essential part of claiming her rightful place in the kingdom.

What This Means:

This verse offers us two powerful truths. First, as God’s children, we are heirs to an unimaginable inheritance. This truth defines our identity and shapes our destiny. Second, it links our earthly struggles to Christ’s sufferings, reminding us that our trials are not purposeless. They are the refining fires through which we are prepared for glory.

Think About This:

Reflect on the trials in your life. How do they help you understand your role as an heir of God? Contemplate how these challenges are shaping you for a greater purpose and preparing you for the glory that awaits with Christ.

Prayer:

Lord God, thank You for the privilege of being Your child and an heir to Your kingdom. Give me strength to face the trials ahead, knowing they are part of my spiritual growth and journey towards glorification with Christ. Help me to remember that these struggles are not in vain but are preparing me for a greater glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse:

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18 (KJV)

November 29, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

Spiritual Warfare

Opening Verse:

“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV)

Introduction:

In today’s devotional, we explore a profound truth about spiritual warfare – the subtle ways the enemy attacks our identity in Christ. Our identity, deeply rooted in the love and redemption offered by Jesus, is often the prime target of the devil’s schemes.

Devotional Story:

Once there was a man named John, a devoted believer, known for his faith and love for Christ. John’s life was a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. However, as John grew in faith, the devil, much like a prowling lion, sought to disrupt his spiritual journey.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” -1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

The devil did not come with evident evil; instead, he appeared as an angel of light, whispering lies and doubts into John’s heart.

“And no wonder, for Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” – Corinthians 11:14 (NKJV)

He reminded John of his past, his failures, and his inadequacies. “Are you truly saved? Are you good enough for God’s kingdom?” These whispers slowly corroded John’s confidence in his identity in Christ.

John remembered the story of Adam, who, though not deceived like Eve, still fell into sin. It was not deception that led Adam astray, but pride and a failure to uphold his God-given role and identity. This realization hit John profoundly; he saw how the devil was attacking not just his actions, but his very identity as a child of God.

“And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.” – 1 Timothy 2:14 (NKJV)

What This Means:

Our enemy often uses subtle tactics, disguising himself as an angel of light, to make us question our identity in Christ. He knows that if he can shake our understanding of who we are in Jesus, he can disrupt our faith and effectiveness for the Kingdom. Remember one thing, when the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future…

“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Revelations 20:10 (NKJV)

Jesus has wiped away all our sins, the enemy knows this and wants to put stumbling blocks in your way to keep you from a TRUE relationship with Jesus!

“Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” – Colossians 2:14 (NKJV)

Think About This:

– How can you guard against the enemy’s attempts to make you doubt your identity in Christ?
– In what ways can remembering your true identity in Jesus help you overcome spiritual attacks?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for my identity in Christ. Help me to stand firm in the truth of Your Word, especially when the enemy tries to deceive me. Strengthen my heart against the lies that seek to undermine my faith. Lord, as Your Word says in Matthew 18:18, whatever I bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever I loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. In Jesus’ name, I declare this truth over my life. Amen.

Closing Verse:

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” – 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 (NKJV)