Isn't it funny how the world and even our Christian friends try to tell us who we are? Not ha ha funny, but curiously funny in respect to trying to wall us in by the confines of humans understanding. I have thought about this a lot the last day or so. I am a Christian woman who loves her LORD, her husband, her children and her grandchildren. I have room in my life for friends and acquaintances as the LORD opens those doors. I am a woman who is made holy by God through my relationship to Christ. I have opportunities to allow God to change my behavior to make it align with His will and purpose for my life. This is progressive sanctification or the process of holiness.
Do you ever think about what you are responsible for? I have such an appreciation for those of you who still have children in the home. It is difficult to balance God, family, home and for many of you, work. What area gets the least attention? It usually has something to do with....who needs the most attention right this minute. Ladies, you know that can be true in our lives.
Praise the LORD, He knew our lives would be so hurried and taxing in 2011 that he gave us instruction in scripture that we can rely on to help us define who we are. In Ephesians 1: 3-14 He tells us who we are. I will not print it out here, I encourage you take time today to read it and place your name in the passages. In other words, I, Marilyn am blessed, chosen, holy and blameless in His sight, loved, adopted as his daughter through Jesus Christ. Marilyn is redeemed, forgiven. Having believed, I have been marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing my inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-- to the praise of his glory.
That gives me such calm assurance. Life may be and really is hectic most days for all of us, but I encourage you to take time to pause and read and re-read Ephesians 1:3-14 until it sinks deep in you and becomes the truth to guide your life.
I will see you on Wednesday.
Thanks for sharing, Marilyn! It is so very important, no essential, that we find our value in Christ. Not what others say we are or should be, only what God says we are.
ReplyDeleteAs Christians we are beautiful to God, we are his precious treasures, we are a precious jewel, we are so valuable, in fact, that Christ died for us. Wow! Who else would die for us so we could spend eternity with them. We are special!
The verse I am working on is Isaiah 41: 9-10
"You are my servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Brandy
Brandy, thank you for sharing. Your verse is an awesome. May it's truth sink deep in your spirit.
ReplyDeleteI am still working on Colossians 3:12.
ReplyDeleteDian
I'm still working on my memory verse from last week. See you all Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteI have a new verse: "May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to Him,through Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteIt may take me a little bit longer to get this one down but is a prayer verse that God will equip me to do his will!
Thanks Marilyn for posting.