Christian growth

15
May
2024
The Joy of Your Name: Discovering Your Identity in Christ

The Joy of Your Name: Discovering Your Identity in Christ

Let’s talk about joy. What makes you happy?

Is it that new gadget you just bought, or maybe that upcoming vacation you’ve been dreaming about? There’s nothing wrong with enjoying these things, but what if I told you there’s a source of joy that goes way deeper?

The Bible tells us in Luke 10:20 that our true joy comes from knowing our names are written in heaven.

 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

That’s pretty powerful, right?

Your Name Matters to God

Your name isn’t just a random label. It’s a reflection of who you are to God. He chose you before you were even born to be His beloved son or daughter. (Ephesians 1:4).

Think about that for a second. You are chosen, loved, and accepted by God Himself, not because of anything you’ve done, but because of His amazing grace. That’s something to celebrate!

Living Up to Your Name

Having your name written in heaven comes with a responsibility – to live a life that honors God. It’s about loving Him with everything you’ve got and loving others the way He loves you.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12:30-31

It’s not always easy, but the good news is you don’t have to do it alone. The Holy Spirit is there to empower you to resist temptation, overcome challenges, and live a life that reflects God’s character.

Finding Joy in Your Name

So, how do you experience this joy that comes from knowing your name is written in heaven? Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

  • Your Identity is Secure: Your standing with God isn’t based on your feelings or circumstances. It’s based on His love and faithfulness.

 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39
  • Your Purpose is Clear: God has a plan for your life, and He wants to use you to share His love with the world.

 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10
  • Your Relationship Matters: Knowing God and experiencing His love is the greatest joy there is.

 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

John 15:11

Living the Joyful Life

As you grow in your relationship with God, you’ll discover a joy that goes beyond anything this world can offer. It’s a joy that comes from knowing you are loved, forgiven, and secure in God’s hands.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Thankfulness
16
Apr
2024
Jesus, the Physician of Souls

Jesus, the Physician of Souls

 Mark 2:17 – On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Many feel too far gone for God’s love, believing their sins are unforgivable. This can lead to avoiding Jesus and the Bible due to shame.

The Diagnosis

The Bible affirms we’re all sinners in need of God’s grace. God, in His immense love, sent Jesus to die for our sins and offer forgiveness. We are invited to come to Him “as we are,” for He heals, forgives, and transforms us (Mark 2:17).

Jesus didn’t call the righteous, but sinners. This doesn’t imply some are inherently righteous; rather, some recognize their need for God, while others remain self-righteous and closed to His grace.

Jesus came for those who acknowledge their spiritual illness and need a Savior.

The Prescription

How do we experience Jesus’ healing?

  1. Admit Your Need: You must confess your sins and acknowledge your shortcomings before God. You can’t save yourself; true healing comes from Him.
  2. Believe in Jesus’ Sacrifice: Trust that Jesus died for your sins and rose again, accepting His gift of salvation and eternal life.
  3. Receive His Healing: Allow Him to cleanse, heal, and restore you. Let the Holy Spirit fill you with love, renewing your mind and heart, transforming your desires and actions.

The Recovery

Responding to Jesus brings justification. God declares you righteous through Jesus’ work, accepting you as His child and offering peace and joy in His presence.

You also experience sanctification. God sets you apart for His purposes and makes you holy, enabling you to live a new life of obedience and service. He helps you grow in faith and love.

Finally, God promises glorification. He will one day complete His work in you, making you perfect. He will raise you from the dead, granting you a new body and welcoming you into His eternal kingdom.

The Invitation

Jesus calls you today, just as you are. He offers healing for your soul, forgiveness, and transformation. Will you answer?

A Prayer

“Lord Jesus, I confess I am a sinner and need Your grace. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I receive Your healing for my soul. I surrender my life to You and follow You as my Lord and Master. Thank You for saving and changing me. Amen.”

If you prayed this prayer, congratulations! You’ve made a life-changing decision. You’ve received the greatest gift – becoming a new creation in Christ.

Growing in Faith

  • Find a Bible-believing church for fellowship and growth.
  • Read the Bible and pray daily to deepen your relationship with God.
  • Share your testimony to inspire others to seek Jesus and His healing.

May God bless you on your journey with Him.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
11
Apr
2024
Words and Actions: Guarding Your Heart

Words and Actions: Guarding Your Heart

Luke 6:45 “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

This verse highlights a profound truth: our hearts are the wellspring of our words and actions.

The Heart: Source of What We Say and Do

The Bible portrays the heart as more than just a physical organ. It’s the center of our thoughts, emotions, desires, and will.

It shapes who we are – our character and identity. Jesus teaches us that our words reveal our heart’s condition.

A heart brimming with love, joy, peace, and kindness, overflows with words of encouragement, gratitude, and praise.

Conversely, a heart filled with anger, bitterness, or envy manifests in negativity, criticism, and gossip. We cannot hide our true selves; our words eventually betray our hearts.

God’s Work in Transforming Our Hearts

God desires to transform our hearts into His likeness. He wants them filled with His love, grace, and truth.

He accomplishes this through the Holy Spirit working in us via His word, His people, and even life’s circumstances. God convicts us of sin, offers forgiveness, and challenges us to follow His will. He grants us a new heart, a new birth, and a new life in Him.

Our role is to cooperate with God’s work. We open our hearts, listen to His voice, obey His commands, and repent of our wrongdoings. We trust and follow Him, allowing Him to shape us.

The Heart: Reflecting Our Spiritual Growth

The state of our heart, reflects our spiritual growth. It reveals how much we’ve learned from God and His word, how much we love Him and others, and how much we’ve matured as Christians.

Just as a tree is recognized by its fruit, a person is known by their words. Good hearts produce good words, while bad hearts produce bad words.

Examining our words offers a window into our hearts. Are our words pleasing to God and edifying to others? Do they align with our faith?

The Heart: Motivating Our Actions

Our hearts don’t just influence our words; they motivate our actions. What’s in our hearts shapes our choices, behavior, life path, and ultimately, our destiny.

Jesus tells us, “out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks”. This principle extends to actions as well.

A heart filled with good things leads to good deeds, serving others, and glorifying God. Conversely, a heart filled with negativity manifests in harmful actions that dishonor God.

Therefore, guarding our hearts is crucial. We avoid anything that can corrupt them, like sin, temptation, and worldly influences. We seek what nourishes them – prayer, worship, fellowship, and God’s word, which equips us for good works.

The Heart of the Matter

Your heart truly is the matter of the matter. It shapes your words, actions, and spiritual growth. Strive to align your heart with God’s heart.

As the psalmist pleads, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:1).

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration