Your Identity in Christ

• In Christ I am a child of God secure in the truth that nothing can separate me from the love of God, regardless of what occurs in life around me.

During Jesus’ temptation in the desert, the devil twice tried to use His identity against Him while in a weakened state: “If you are the Son of God…” It failed because Jesus was secure in His identity. It’s a good model for us: Know who we are and know whose we are.

Weakened state or not, one of the hardest things about any fast is denying ourselves something that our body or mind or emotions crave. Our desires are powerful. But isn't that the point of the fast: to “crucify the flesh” with its desires (Gal 5:24)? As a child of God we have an obligation to the Spirit, and are trying to keep the body from being in control (see Romans 8:12).

Prayer Prompt

Lord Jesus, while my flesh desires many things, my spirit desires to let You be Lord in my life, and to let You rule on the throne of my heart. Help me to live out of my identity as Your child, under the leadership and full influence of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Micro-Meditation
Teaching or Command of God

Hebrews 2:17

For this reason [Jesus] had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.

Luke 6:37

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point

Ask yourself, am I keeping a list of wrongs against myself? If so, ask God (who is not keeping a record of your sins) about such the validity and health of such practices.

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