Your Identity in Christ
In Christ I am called to live a holy life
under the authority of my Lord and Savior Jesus.
Pondering Point
We acknowledged in previous weeks that "in Christ we are born of God and cared for as His beloved children".
It follows that part of being people who are born of God is acting like people who are born of God. According to Jesus, this includes denying ourselves, following Him and learning His ways. You could say it like this:
Prayer
Jesus, I agree to live under Your authority and let
You and Your teachings rule my decision-making.
More Prayer
Finish these thoughts related to living as a disciple of Jesus under His authority, teachings, and embracing His lifestyle:
- Lord Jesus Christ, because I am born of God…
- Lord Jesus Christ, because I am your disciple…
- Lord Jesus Christ, because I am living under your authority…
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 23:1-6
- The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
- He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
- He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
- Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
- Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
- Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
John 14:1
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; Believe also in me.
The Promise
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
Pondering Point
Bring to mind whatever is troubling you and then ask God to comfort you regarding it. One simple but effective prayer is "Holy Spirit comfort me".