Your Identity in Christ
• In Christ, I am a sheep of the great Shepherd who has given His life for me and all people. In the faces of those people, I look to see my Lord Jesus and treat them as I would treat Him.
Many of us can easily envision situations in life where supposedly needy people manipulate, mistreat, or take advantage of others. But as a general principle, it is a godly action to treat a person in need as if he or she were actually Jesus before us.
Let me restate that in other terms: Would you treat a needy Jesus poorly? If not, then don’t treat any needy person poorly. This is Jesus’ point.
Journal Prompts:
When have you
treated a needy person poorly?
When have you treated a
needy person well?
Prayer Prompt
Lord, Lord, if You were standing in front of me in need, I would give You whatever I had at my disposal. At least I’d like to think I would. You know that I don't want to be taken advantage of. Help me have a generous heart as well as a discerning spirit. I want to have Your Spirit Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of wanting to help others. That Spirit caused You to give up Your life. I want to have that kind of spirit too – in my life, in my lifestyle – not just in my words. I pray this in Your name. Amen.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 119:1-8 (Aleph)
- Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the LORD. - Blessed are those who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart— - they do no wrong
but follow his ways. - You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed. - Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees! - Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands. - I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws. - I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me.
Micro-Meditation
Teaching or Command of God
John 14:15
If you love me, keep my commands.
John 14:21
The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
Per the dictionary, precepts (Psalm 121 verse 4) are general rules intended to regulate behavior or thought. Do you let God regulate your behavior and thoughts?