This week I’ve been encouraging you to think about how you are valuable. This is no power of positive thinking. This is rooted in Scripture. You are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), and you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). When we read our Bibles, or speak to a Christian friend, or read … Continue reading Your soul has a label with three words
child of God
Received, not achieved
Our society values achievement. That’s one of the reasons we have things like trophies, ribbons, A-pluses, and year-end bonuses. If we’re not careful we can start to think that our value is connected to our achievements. “I’m only truly valuable if others recognize me, or if I have a lot of money, or if I … Continue reading Received, not achieved
An anchored identity
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…” (John 1:12). In his book, Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl reflects on what he learned about identity while suffering through a Nazi concentration camp: “The majority of prisoners suffered from a kind … Continue reading An anchored identity
The source and security of your dignity
These days a lot of people are on shaky mental-emotional ground. I recently heard the phrase ‘the spiral of exhaustion.’ Here’s a part of my concern: When we are exhausted, we start to doubt ourselves; we start to question who we are; and we are more susceptible to untruth. You make a mistake and then … Continue reading The source and security of your dignity
The word you should say when you look in the mirror
To the Ephesians, Paul writes: “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). Do you notice the irony? He tells them to live a worthy life while he himself is in prison. In many people’s eyes, Paul was living a … Continue reading The word you should say when you look in the mirror
Not lacking the arm of God
Yesterday we talked about being adopted by God and the new special status that gives you. You can be at peace and be confident. You are chosen. You are loved. You are royalty. Today let’s flush out another benefit of being adopted by God. Writing in the 17th century, William Gurnall said: “He who has … Continue reading Not lacking the arm of God
What it means to be a child of God
In my experience, people tend to downplay (or misunderstand) what it means to be a child of God. We often hear or say that ALL people are children of God. If it’s a status all people have, then it’s not really unique to anyone in particular. I get what people mean in a general kind … Continue reading What it means to be a child of God
Underneath are the everlasting arms
Can you remember being in someone’s arms? Perhaps the first thought which comes to mind is being in the arms of a loved one. Perhaps this was (or is) a romance, or even a supportive hug from a fast friend. Another thought which might come to mind is a time of trial. Perhaps you were … Continue reading Underneath are the everlasting arms
When God adopts us
“God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:5, NLT). Dwain and Lorie Hargis had fostered many children. One year they met Olivia, a young girl who had bounced from house to house. She had a tough life and had learned how to … Continue reading When God adopts us
A firm (not flimsy) identity no matter what
Hebrews 2:11 says that “Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.” I’m blown away by that. Jesus calls his followers brothers and sisters. Siblings. What’s more is that he is “not ashamed” to do so. Think of all the times we have gone against God’s teachings. Think about the wayward thoughts, decisions, … Continue reading A firm (not flimsy) identity no matter what
