Your Identity in Christ
In Christ I am a child of God, thoroughly equipped for every good work by the Holy Spirit-breathed scriptures of God.
Pondering Point
The Apostle Paul reminds Timothy of how the holy scriptures can make us wise for salvation through faith in Jesus. This isn't just about salvation in eternity; it includes the peace and blessing in this life too. But this wisdom and salvation find their effectiveness only when a person submits to these scriptures, allowing them to rebuke and train and even correct us as necessary (2 Timothy 3:16-17). To the person who alters scripture to 'suit their own desires' as Paul says (calling it 'itching ears'), they end up turning from truth and buying into mere myths.
The problem with mere myths is that there is no real power in them – and the problem of gods created by man myth's is that such 'mythical' gods have no power. But the God of the Bible is real. This is the God who brought Jesus Christ from the dead and who lives in us. That God overcomes even death. And in that God – and in the power from that God – I am equipped to do every good work as a child living under His grace in His kingdom and “serving Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness” as Luther says in His catechism to teach children about life under God.
Prayer
Father God, continue to equip me through Your bible and Your Holy Spirit, even training and rebuking me as necessary, so that I am thoroughly equipped for every good work you have in mind for me to do that honors You and blesses others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 27:1-6
- The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid? - When the wicked advance against me
to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall. - Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident. - One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple. - For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock. - Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
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
Romans 8:31
If God is for us, who can be against us.
The Promise
Psalm 44:5
Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes.
Pondering Point
How do you address fears pushing their way into your heart? How can you bring God to your fears? How can you bring your fears to the God of your heart?