Your Identity in Christ
I am a disciple of Christ, always willing to give an answer to anyone who asks the reason for the hope that I have in Christ.
Pondering Point
If we are honest, oftentimes we hold back sharing the reason for the hope we have in Christ. I don't mean simply giving a testimony that Jesus died on the cross. I mean letting talk of God’s central place in our lives sprinkle throughout conversations. I imagine many of us can think of times where we temper our conversation or even avoid certain language that might cause other people to respond derisively or scoff. Sometimes that is a wise choice. But other times, we may just be trying to avoid conflict or persecution as a result of our faith perspective.
If I'm hesitant to run into persecution, it likely means that I’m not "always be willing to give an answer to anyone who asks the reason for the hope that I have in Christ" (1 Peter 3:18).
Don’t let fear alter your identity in Christ. Let Christ – and your identity in Him – alter your fear by overcoming it. God is big enough to handle your fear for you. You might consider listening to the Josh Baldwin song My Fear Doesn’t Stand a Chance (Bethel music).
Prayer
Father God, continue to shape my heart and mind, my courage and faith so that I am always willing to give an answer to any who asks the reason for the hope that I have in Jesus Christ. Embolden me to speak with those who would welcome it and even with those who might chide me for it. Remind me that there is a blessing in being persecuted as I live my life the right way under You. In Jesus name I ask it. Amen.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
Psalm 119:113-120 15th letter: Samekh (ס)
- I hate double-minded people,
but I love your law. - You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in your word. - Away from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commands of my God! - Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live;
do not let my hopes be dashed. - Uphold me, and I will be delivered;
I will always have regard for your decrees. - You reject all who stray from your decrees,
for their delusions come to nothing. - All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross;
therefore I love your statutes. - My flesh trembles in fear of you;
I stand in awe of your laws.
Read the verses 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
Matthew 13:9
The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
The Promise
Philippians 4:19
My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Pondering Point
If friends asked how God sustains you according to His promises, how would you answer?