“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
child of God
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
Who are you, really?
In the inspirational movie Overcomer, a basketball coach named John Harrison loses his team. Coaching basketball has become such a major part of his identity that it really shakes him. He’s also a part of his church’s visitation team. In one scene, he visits a man at the hospital. The man asks him who he … Continue reading Who are you, really?
Impossible to duplicate
I read about some mouth-watering sourdough bread made at a bakery in San Francisco. It hadn’t been replicated anywhere else. As it turns out, there was a secret to the taste that had nothing to do with the recipe. As Larry Osborne explains, “It’s a bacterium that thrives in the area. When the yeast ferments, … Continue reading Impossible to duplicate
The Up Devotional 