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Identity in Christ is Everything

Do you know who you are? You might say, of course, I am (your name). I work (your employment). I am single, married to (your spouse’s name) and I have (number of children or pets). But these are roles you play, not who you are. 

I am Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner, a woman, wife, mom, daughter, aunt, grandma, employee, missionary. Writer, speaker, radio personality – these things are roles I play, what I do, not who I am. The real me is in my identity in Christ. The difference between knowing my true identity is the is the understanding and trust in what God says about me is true. That my friends, is called faith. The seed of faith can grow when it is watered by trust and fertilized by hard times. We can move victoriously through hard times when we read the Bible and see what God says about us. We read the word and the word reads us. In and of ourselves, we are nothing. In Him – you and I are complete, lacking in nothing. Complete: satisfied, finished, perfected, filled up, assured, confident, secure.

It took two decades for me to allow God to break through the prison of guilt I had locked myself into. I didn’t know how to let go of my feelings of shame, blame and unworthiness. I didn’t know what it meant to literally let the blood of Jesus cover my sin, accept God’s forgiveness and learn how to walk in victory through my identity in Christ. I didn’t understand how to abide in the truth of what God says about me and act accordingly.”

This is understanding our Identity in Christ — essential at living the victorious Christian life. This past week I got an email from a dear friend with a picture of the In Christ I Am bookmark I gave him. I am excited to share with you how important this truth was/is to him: 

Hi. Haven’t been to church this year. A combination of work, ill health & laziness. I was going to go “somewhere” today (the church I was attending closed last fall), but stayed here at the apartment. My ex went to breakfast with her sister & brother-in-law. I started to feel a little guilty, but then realized this is the first downtime I’ve had in weeks. I opened my Bible, read several verses & devotions. Time alone with God! He knew that’s what I needed!

I carry your “In Christ I Am” card in my Bible & it was refreshing to read again. I need to do that more often. Thank you for that, your counsel, your prayers & your friendship. I miss you & miss spending time with you.

XXOO

Yes, friends, it’s that simple…just repeat the truths from God’s word about yourself ALOUD!

We need reminding — here they are! Please print, say aloud and repeat. Blessings over your day.

Love, Sheryl

In Christ
 I Am Loved…
I am forgiven of all my sins.
 “Love covers a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4:8
I am loved for all eternity.
 “I have loved you with an everlasting
love, I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”Jer. 31:3
I am surrounded by God’s love.
 “The Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the (wo)man who trusts in Him.” Psalm 32:10
I can love myself.
 “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Lev. 19:18
I am able to love others.
 “Dear friends, let us love one another for love comes from God.” I John 4:7-10
  I Am Safe…
I am declared not guilty.
 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
 
I am secure in Christ’s love.
 “May those who love you be secure.” Ps. 122:6
I am protected by God.
 “Fear of man will prove to be a snare but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25
I am not afraid.
 “There is no fear in love because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” I John 4:18
I am free from Satan’s harm.
 “We know that anyone born of
God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.” I John 5:18
I am defended by God.
 “ The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10
 I Am Important…
I am God’s masterpiece.
 “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Ephesians 2:10
God has a meaningful purpose for my life.
 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to proper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
I am fulfilling God’s plan.
 “The Lord’s purpose prevails.” Proverbs 19:21b
 
I am part of God’s eternal purpose.
 “…according to His eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Eph. 3:11
I am free and to approach God in confidence.
 “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom confidence.” Eph. 3:12
God is working in my life to accomplish His will.
“for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Phil 2:13

Dear Heavenly Father, help my friends understand their identity in Christ. Help them beleive the truth of what you say about them. Let them be transformed through truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen