Your identity in Christ
• In Christ, we are children of God secure in the truth that nothing can separate us from the love of God, regardless of what occurs in life around us.
Romans 8:12
12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.
Pondering Point
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 (Galatians 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
Oh Jesus, my flesh desires many things, but my spirit desires to let You be Lord in my life – to let You rule on the throne of my heart. Help me live out my identity as Your child, under the leadership and influence of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 130:3-4
- O LORD, who would be able to stand
if you kept a record of sins? - But with you there is forgiveness
so that you can be feared.
Hebrews 2:17
17 For this reason he 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.
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 the validity and health of such practices.