Knowing Who We Are in Christ

One of the greatest challenges in the Christian life is learning to see ourselves the way God sees us. We live in a world that constantly encourages us to think more of ourselves, promote ourselves, and make sure everyone knows what we have accomplished. But Paul reminds us that a follower of Christ should have a humble heart.

Paul is not telling us to think poorly of ourselves. He is telling us not to think too highly of ourselves. There is a difference between having confidence in what God has given us and becoming proud of what we have accomplished.

Everything we have is a gift from God. Our abilities, opportunities, talents, and even our faith are reasons to give Him glory rather than take credit for ourselves.

Sometimes the greatest evidence of spiritual maturity is not how highly we think of ourselves, but how willingly we serve others.

A thought to remember:

You don't have to make yourself look important when you know you are important to God. A humble heart understands that everything we are and everything we have is because of His grace.

Something to think about today:

Am I living my life trying to make people see how important I am, or am I living my life trying to show people how important God is?

The higher we lift ourselves, the less room we leave for God to receive the glory.

"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." — Romans 12:3 (KJV)

The J.B. Phillips Translation of Romans 12:3 reads:

As your spiritual teacher I give this piece of advice to each one of you. Don't cherish exaggerated ideas of yourself or your importance, but try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities by the light of the faith that God has given to you all."

Memories

Memories are gifts from God. They allow us to look back on the journey of life and see the people, experiences, and moments that have helped shape who we are. Some memories bring laughter and joy, while others bring tears and remind us of people we dearly miss. Yet even in our most difficult memories, God can remind us of His faithfulness.

We cannot go back and relive yesterday, but we can thank God for the memories He has given us. And while some of our greatest memories may involve people who are no longer with us, their influence and the love they shared can continue to bless our lives.

Remember this: The same God who was faithful yesterday is still faithful today and will be faithful tomorrow.

When you look back over your life, don't just remember what you have lost. Remember what God has given you, what He has taught you, and how He has carried you through. I am who I am today because of where I have been, both what I liked and what I would have left out if it were up to me. I thank God that He still works with me, creating more memories.  

Scripture: Psalm 77:11 (KJV)

“I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.”

Light Over Darkness

As a youth minister many years ago I took a group of students into a cave in New Mexico, and the guide turned off all the lights. I could not see my bride who was just inches in front of me.

Darkness in a cave is one thing. Darkness in life is worse. We may face shadows of a dark past: abuse, ugly words, abandonment. A deep cavern of guilt from our sins and mistakes may fill us with doubt, disappointment, and long nights of anxiety.

Darkness is real—and scary. But there’s at least one thing darkness is not. It is not a winner. But if we strike a match or switch on a light, all that darkness— cannot overpower that one light.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).

Have I Told You Lately?

There is something powerful about simply telling someone, “I love you.” We may feel it deeply, but the people we love still need to hear it.

The same is true in our relationship with God. We can become so busy with life that we forget to stop and thank Him for His goodness, His mercy, and His unfailing love.

“We love him, because he first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19

Joy in Every Season

Joy is different from happiness. Happiness often depends on what is happening around us, but the joy of the Lord comes from knowing who is with us.

There will be days when everything goes our way, and there will be days when nothing seems to go right. But our joy doesn’t have to change with our circumstances. We can rejoice because God is still faithful, His promises are still true, and His presence is still with us.

The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10

The Greatest of Sinners

The Apostle Paul stated that he was the greatest of sinners. What do you think about that? I don’t think that Paul had met me! I find myself doing what I don’t want to do. My desire is to please God in everything that I do, yet I fall short. My goal is to strive to be without sin. It is a daily task that takes much effort. 

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

— 1 John 1:9

Persistence

Persistence means continuing when you don’t see immediate results. Sometimes we pray, serve, work, and believe, yet nothing seems to change. That is when the enemy whispers, “Why keep going?”

Don’t give up praying-believing-serving and doing what God has called you to do.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

Power

There are times when we feel weak, overwhelmed, or inadequate. WE may look at the circumstances around us and wonder, how am I going to get through this? We are never intended for us to live by our own strength. We are to seek His power! His power gives us courage when we are afraid, strength when we are tired, wisdom when we are uncertain, and endurance when the path becomes too difficult. Yes, we will face problems. Yet, we are not alone.

When you feel weak, don’t try harder in your own strength; lean more into the God of power.

 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Made in His Image

Do you realize that everyone carries something of God’s image? When you see someone, can you find that image of God in them? The world focuses on appearance, accomplishments, possessions, or what our value to others might be. Remember, our value comes from the one who created us. God did not create an accident! So when you look in the mirror or when you look at someone, look for the plan and purpose for which God created.

So God created mankind in His own image. Genesis 1:27

Be an encourager to self and to others!

Seeing

What we see is not always the whole story. We may see a problem, but God sees an opportunity. We may see weakness, but God sees potential. We may see a closed door, while God is preparing another one to open.

The servant of Elisha saw the enemy surrounding them and became afraid. But Elisha prayed, “Lord, open his eyes so that he may see.” Then the servant saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire -2 Kings 6:17.

God is at work all along—what do you see?

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7

Little Things Matter

Throughout Scripture, God used what seemed small to accomplish great purposes. A shepherd’s sling defeated a giant. A boy’s lunch fed thousands. A mustard seed illustrated a growing faith that transforms lives. God delights in taking what appears ordinary and using it for His glory.

We often pray for God to do big things in our lives, yet He frequently works through the small things we tend to overlook. A kind word to someone who is struggling, a few minutes spent in prayer, a quiet act of obedience, or choosing forgiveness instead of bitterness may seem insignificant in the moment. But in God’s hands, little things can have an eternal impact.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” — Luke 16:10

Rest

On this Monday morning, I find myself tired and worn out from a long Sunday. It was heartwarming to see how God worked. It would be easy for me to bask in the accolades that should go to God. It's at times like this when I am weak that I lose focus. These are the times that I need not to just rest, but rest in the Lord. Allow God to put a hedge of protection around you.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

Walking in God’s Will

This morning I put out some birdseed in my wife's bird feeders. As I sat on the back patio, I witnessed two birds of the same kind eating the birdseed. One ate what was placed in the bowl while the other pecked out what it did not want and threw it to the ground. At times I want to be like the second bird and throw off my plate what I don't like. Instead, I need to accept what God has allowed on my plate.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6

Slow to Anger

Anger is a natural emotion, but it can easily become destructive when it controls our words, actions, or attitudes. The Bible doesn't say we should never feel anger; instead, it teaches us to respond to it wisely. When we pause to listen, seek understanding, and surrender our emotions to God, we make room for His peace to guide us.

Do we display the righteousness of God when we show anger? 

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

James 1:19–20

Little Time Makes a Big Difference

If your schedule feels overwhelming, remember that God is not keeping score of minutes. He desires relationships. A short prayer while driving, a verse read during lunch, or a moment of gratitude before bed can draw your heart closer to Him. I believe the best time to give a little time to God is first thing in the morning.

Rather than focusing on how much time you have, focus on being faithful with the time you do have. Small, consistent moments with God often grow into a deeper and richer walk with Him.

"Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10

Kindness

Kindness is one of the simplest ways we reflect God’s character to the world. It does not require wealth, influence, or special abilities. A kind word, a listening ear, a helping hand, or a forgiving spirit can have a lasting impact on someone’s life. Don’t you enjoy kindness? Take a simple step and see how many times you can show kindness today.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32

Faith Often Requires the First Step

God did not stop the river before the priests moved. The miracle came as they obeyed. Sometimes we want God to clear every obstacle before we act, but Joshua 3 reminds us that faith often means trusting God enough to take the next step even when the outcome is not yet visible.

The priests could have stood on the bank waiting for proof. Instead, they moved forward because they trusted God’s word.

What is holding you back from crossing over to where God’s wants to bless you?

“As soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing.” (Joshua 3:15–16)

Time

"Time in a Bottle" was written by singer-songwriter Jim Croce in the early 1970’s. I was in high school when the song first came out. Where did time go? I always thought that when I got older, I would have time to spare to do all those things that I didn’t think I had time for at the time. Now that I am older, it seems that time passes more quickly than before. It is so important to let God order your day so that you don’t lose time. Take time to spend with the giver of time. As Jim Croce alludes to, you can’t save time in a bottle.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). 

Acceptance

Because we have been accepted by God, we are also called to extend that same grace to others. One another doesn’t leave room to exclude anyone. When we remember how much mercy we have received, it becomes easier to show kindness, patience, and acceptance to those around us. Can you think of anyone that Jesus didn’t accept?

 “Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.” — Romans 15:7

Fires

Sometimes life feels like fire. Trials, pressure, disappointments, and uncertainty can surround us. Yet the burning bush reminds us that when God is present, the fire does not have the final word. What should destroy us can become the very place where God speaks to us.

“There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.”

Exodus 3:2-4