2006-02-13 - 6:24 p.m.
It happens so often, one wouldn't imagine being in fresh awe of God every time He does something lovely. The issue of self-esteem has been coming up in my walk alot. Not just of myself but how others feel about themselves and how I need to remember to take this into account. But truthfully, yeh sometimes I have to remember who's side I'm on with the downward thoughts I will catch myself thinking about myself. And God has been so amazing through this little lesson. Because it's popping up EVERYWHERE. In sermons on TV, at church, in songs, in my devotions... everywhere. In songs and in my heart I keep thinking like it says in Psalm 8:4 - What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? It's amazing how easy it is to listen to the devil, the world and ourselves when they say we aren't worth anything... And the Creator, The Father, begs to differ. (see list below) Lord help me not to be divided against myself. Help me to remember in those weaker moments that You are for me not against me. When I mess up, You remind me of the one good move I DID make! Thank You Lord for making me the apple of Your beautiful eye! Oh Lord truly, who am I that you are mindful of me? I am Yours...
Every Christian is seen by God as being "in Christ." In the first three chapters of Ephesians, Paul told us that in Christ we are:
1. Blessed with every spiritual blessing (1:3).
2. Chosen before the beginning of time (1:4).
3. Loved (1:4).
4. Predestined (1:5,11).
5. Adopted (1:5).
6. Accepted (1:6).
7. Redeemed (1:7).
8. Forgiven (1:7).
9. Given wisdom and understanding (1:8).
10. Shown the mystery of His will (1:9.10).
11. Given a guaranteed inheritance (1:11,14).
12. Made "the praise of His glory" (1:12).
13. Secured by the Spirit (1:13).
14. Recipients of God's power (1:19).
15. Made alive together with Christ (2:5).
16. Raised up and seated in the heavenlies (2:6).
17. Recipients of God's grace and kindness (2:7).
18. God's masterful workmanship (2:10).
19. Created for good works (2:10).
20. Brought near to God (2:13).
21. United into one body (2:15,16; 3:6).
22. Fellow citizens with other Christians (2:19).
23. Members of God's household (2:19).
24. Built for the Spirit's habitation (2:21,22).
25. Partakers of God's promise (3:6).
26. Given bold and confident access to God (3:12).
Other parts of the New Testament fill out this picture of who we are in Christ:
27. Children of God (John 1:12; 1 John 3:1,2).
28. Justified (Romans 3:24; 5:1; 8:30).
29. Dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11).
30. Recipients of eternal life (Romans 6:23).
31. No longer condemned (Romans 8:1).
32. Foreknown (Romans 8:29).
33. Called (Romans 8:30).
34. Glorified (Romans 8:30).
35. Sanctified (1 Corinthians 1:30).
36. New creations (2 Corinthians 5:17).
37. Reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:19).
38. Righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21).
39. Citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20).
40. Rescued from Satan's power (Colossians 1:13).
41. Placed into God's kingdom (Colossians 1:13).
42. Complete (Colossians 2:10).
43. Perfect (Hebrews 10:14).
44. Holy and royal priests (1 Peter 2:5,9).
45. A chosen generation (1 Peter 2:9).
46. A holy nation (1 Peter 2:9).
47. God's own special people (1 Peter 2:9).
2006-06-21-Chaplin facing courtmarshall for praying
Make This A Favorite
2006-06-20-Thanks
2006-06-16-Owie
2006-05-23-No Standing Still
2006-05-17-Spirit-Filled, by Bill Sherrill