Tag: Identity in Christ

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)