Monday, July 4, 2011

31 Days of Victory:{Day 5} Identity

Welcome to day five of 31 Days of Victory. If you’re just now joining, feel free to click here in order to catch up on the past 4 days.

Today’s topic gets me so excited I could shout about it from a rooftop. If I could write this post in ALL CAPS without the expense of it being annoying, I totally would. We’re about to dive into the issue of identity and the victorious position we are given as children of God.

Before I get into all that, let me tell you a little bit about our enemy, satan {I know that’s a proper noun, but he doesn’t get the honor of his name being capitalized on my blog}. First things first, satan is real. He’s not a metaphor and he is very evil. And yes, he goes about the earth like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour [1 Peter 5:8]. Unfortunately, a lot of Christians are very afraid of him {I used to be one of them}. Through experiencing spiritual warfare on my faith journey, I learned that although he might have a big roar, he doesn’t have any teeth. That dude is just out gnawing people to death {btw, I’m from Cali. We say ‘dude’ a lot}. Let me just tell it like it is: He’s a coward.

According to Revelation 12:12,17, satan is filled with furry because he knows his fate. He knows that he is already defeated. There is no surprise twist ending in this suspense thriller. The Almighty God will destroy him. Therefore, his time is short, which seriously ticks him off. Because of his furry, he tries to wage war against the children of God, “those who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” Basically, he’s throwing a big ol’ tantrum. {I know, real mature!} Apparently, he’s a sore loser.

Many church leaders have spread the false notion that converting to Christianity equals a life of rainbows and butterflies. Though the many present and eternal blessings bestowed upon the children of God far outweigh any of our light and momentary troubles here on Earth, the truth is, converting to Christianity enlists us for the war. But that shouldn’t intimidate us. The best part is that God has given us everything we need to be victorious in spiritual warfare. The enemy’s strategy against us is deceit and he likes to attack by throwing flaming arrows at our position in Christ.

Let’s look at it this way: Have you ever heard a child get upset with their sibling and say, “Oh yeah? Well you’re not my brother anymore… ”? It sounds funny because we all know that there is nothing that child can do, in all of their frustration, to change the fact that their brother is still their brother. But it’s even more comical when the other sibling becomes upset about the accusation of losing his place as a brother. Why be upset over something that isn’t true?

It’s the same with our enemy. In his tantrum, he accuses us day and night of losing our position, security and identity in Christ. But nothing can separate us from what God has promised to be true for His children! Remember that God’s truth will always withstand satan’s accusations.

The victorious believer knows his or her identity in Christ and refers to its truth when under attack.

Below is a list of truth statements about our identity in Christ. I keep it handy all the time. Sometimes I even keep it on my nightstand and read it out loud before I go to bed. It's especially useful on days when I feel defeated. Referring to truth has proven to be the cure to overcoming defeat in my heart and mind. {These proclamations of identity in Christ are the parts I'd like to say on a bullhorn, one half inch away from the devil's ear}.

I pray that these statements of truth bring you hope for the rest of your life. Today's challenge is simply to read them and ask God to help you believe them...

For when you feel rejected, unloved or shameful… In Christ you are ACCEPTED.

God says...
I am God’s child [John 1:12]
I am Christ’s friend [John 15:5]
I have been justified [Romans 5:1]
I am united with the Lord, and I am one spirit with Him [1 Corinthians 6:17]
I have been bought with a price. I belong to God [1 Corinthians 6:19-20]
I am a saint, a holy one [Ephesians 1:1]
I have been adopted as God’s child [Ephesians 1:5]
I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit [Ephesians 2:18]
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins [Colossians 1:14]
I am complete in Christ [Colossians 2:10]

For when you feel guilty, unprotected, afraid, alone or abandoned… In Christ you are SECURE.

God says...
I am free from condemnation [Romans 8:1-2]
I am assured that all things work together for good [Romans 8:28]
I am free from any condemning charges against me [Romans 8:31-34]
I cannot be separated from the love of God [Romans 8:35-39]
I have been established, anointed and sealed by God [2 Corinthians 1:21-22]
I am confident that the good work God has begun in me will be perfected [Philippians 1:5]
I am a citizen of heaven [Philippians 3:20]
I am hidden with Christ in God [Colossians 3:3]
I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and discipline [2 Timothy 1:7]
I can find grace and mercy to help in time of need [Hebrews 4:16]
I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me [1 John 5:18]

For when you feel worthless, inadequate, helpless or hopeless… In Christ you are SIGNIFICANT.

God says...
I am the salt of the earth and the light of the world [Matthew 5:13-14]
I am a branch of the true vine, Jesus, a channel of His life. [John 15:1,5]
I have been chosen and appointed by God to bear good fruit [John 15:16]
I am a personal, Spirit-empowered witness of Christ’s [Acts 1:8]
I am a temple of God [1 Corinthians 3:16]
I am a minister of reconciliation for God [2 Corinthians 5:17-21]
I am God’s coworker [2 Corinthians 6:1]
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm [Ephesians 2:6]
I am God’s workmanship, created for good works [Ephesians 2:10
I can approach God with freedom and confidence [Ephesians 3:12]
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me [Philippians 4:13]
I am not the great I AM, but by the grace of God I am who I am. 

Victoriously,

Monique Zackery

Would you like to leave a comment or
Subscribe to Finding Me in You by Email? {Free}

{Who I am in Christ list assembled by: Dr. Neil T. Anderson, The Steps to Freedom}

Visit the other 31 Day's bloggers...
31 Days of HOPE
31 Days of FREEDOM
31 Days of PURPOSE
31 Days of WELLNESS: Mind, Body, Spirit

6 comments:

  1. After reading that, I now know why you wanted to put it in all caps! What a great line, "just out gnawing people to death," I laughed out loud. Excuse me while I do a happy dance now....

    ReplyDelete
  2. Haha, Michelle. I know! I totally imagine him having an old man mouth with no dentures.

    ... Once again I'm joining you with the happy dance. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. So amazing - how God has written these things on our hearts - hope - victory - renewing our minds!

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is one of my favorites! and that is saying a lot because I really enjoy your writing! I love all of the scriptures. You have spoken words of power and truth!

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Jennifer, I totally agree!

    Sheryl, glad you were blessed by the post!

    ReplyDelete

"Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." - Proverbs 16:24