Category: Identity in Christ

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If God can raise Jesus from the dead…

We can’t help but think the importance the Resurrection of Jesus Christ applies to the past or the future, but we rarely think of it as affecting our present world. Jesus lived 2,017 years ago and we can’t help but look at this glorious holiday in a way of sweet remembrance, not necessarily current relevance. We worship for what was done. We sing praise for what will happen. We pray for the Kingdom to come. But what about now? Do you need the power of resurrected Christ today? Romans 8:11 may not be a standard Easter verse, but for me, this has infused my life with resurrection power for 20 years. “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” This verse has given me the hope I need today, the power to live in a godly fashion, and a satisfied sense of His presence. Jesus has something NEW for you. We want to deal with next week in resurrection power. The resurrection is all about needing God. I need that huge, vast, and all-encompassing power to obey Him and love others. May our constant meditation be “If God can raise Jesus from the dead, then surely He can do ANYTHING for me!”

Ask Him for resurrection power. It’s His specialty.

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Next Gen Bible Study-“Who am I?”

Hi friends-these are my notes from a bible study with some fantastic  gals! This was our first study in a series of 3-all here posted on this blog. (“Who is God?” “Who am I?” and “Life Decisions”) Here’s what we talked about!
I.OUR IDENTITY -World versus Word The World’s view -Exterior not interior. Sexy over smart. What happens to me when the outside goes south?? Where do I choose to place my security? Will we put my trust in an ever-changing society or the never-changing word of God?

GOD’S VIEW “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” What is the CONTEXT of this verse? Matthew 5-7 is designed to show the people the standard (or “exposition”) of the law. He is showing the people God’s standard of perfection in what we do and say…knowing they COULD NOT DO IT WITHOUT HIM. They had to believe in Him before they could receive power to live!*Who is the “you” in this passage? As a believer, certain things true: FORGIVEN, CALLED, & Absolutely IMPORTANT to God’s Plan!

YOU ARE SALT! *Greek word for Salt (HALAS) 8 occurrences

SALT PRESERVES-“The Romans appear to have esteemed salt highly. Its army, for a time, was even paid in salt. (“worth his salt”) The chemical compound is a proven anti-viral and anti-biotic substance. Salt preserves the culture. You are a life-preserver in a drowning culture.

SALT SEASONS– Salt adds to the culture! You add spice, real spice, to the world. This is beyond “nice” or “cool”. This is vitality! You bring life to people who need it!

YOU ARE LIGHT! (*Greek word for “light” (PHOS) phós: light
73 Occurrences (Strong’s Concordance)

LIGHT IS MEANT TO SHINE-If I believe that Jesus was telling the truth when He said “I am the light of the world”, then I must agree with Him that He is the only light-giver in this world. And, He calls us to be too!

 

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Room for a New View

An issue ALL women can agree on is our corporate struggle with  identity! How do we stay secure in WHO we are and not live in the constantly-changing world view of beauty? As always,  we have to recognize first IT’S A SPIRITUAL ISSUE.   

1. Our View of God- The challenge is always “Do I believe what the Bible says about God’s Identity or what the world says? Do I believe my ever-changing feelings or what the strong wall of His Word says? These are the questions we women ask ourselves when we struggle. All of us want ideas that work. One of my favorite ideas (that  help!) is called “replacement thinking”. We write out 2-3 verses about WHO God is . (Isaiah 40, Ephesians 1, and Colossians 1 are POWER-packed!) I love to tape verses to your mirror, print out Bible verses on a card to put in my car. We can put the Word in places where we have to see it! I promise, you’ll gradually read it, speak it, and believe it. When the enemy of our souls (who often works through the lies of the world) whispers, “You are not enough! You are not lovable! You’ll never have victory!”, we push back with the unchanging WORD.

2. Our View of ourselves  I love hanging out with younger gals and listen to them chat about fashion! Sure enough, if I go back 15..er…20 years, we all wore the same things! (Remind me to just keep all of my Old Navy clothes!) I’ve lived denim overalls, black chunky shoes, smoky eyeshadow, high-waist jeans (formerly know as “mom jeans”) BIG hair, flat hair..and (I admit it!) crimped hair! You too? In a world where fashion changes in a New York minute, how will I choose to to stay secure in me? What is a healthy “taking care of ourselves” and when does it turn to obsession or vanity? I have to  step outside my emotions and check my thinking with honest questions.

“Why do I feel I need to look like that?”

“Why do I feel I need to buy that to be happy?”

“What am I watching or listening to that feeds my insecurity?”

Half of our battle will always be recognizing our thoughts for what they are (truth or lie) and placing the Word of God right alongside it! Let’s read truth (The book of John), receive truth by faith (The book of Colossians), and perceive truth (The book of Ephesians).

Isn’t it amazing that Jesus cares about defeating evil in the world  AND our personal insecurities? We have no idea how very deep His heart is for daughters. He loves us so very fully and we are chosen to reflect His beauty!

Tristie Fisher