Who Am I? I AM.

I watch others. I wonder. I start to compare. I try to sift through the advice, what not to do, the life examples. But God calls me back to my real identity. An identity that doesn’t need a fancy title, to be made important, or be concerned what it looks like from the outside as if a grand accomplishment.

I AM tells me I am His. My identity was never my own. My plans are futile apart from Him. Only His plans matter. Only He can accomplish Kingdom work through me. My identity is hidden IN HIM.

This is what I would say to my daughter someday. I pray to understand it myself so she won’t only hear the words but she will see a life that reflects the very ideal.

I know that He has good plans for me He put forth in advance. He tells me so. {Eph 2:10}
I know that His identity is more important than mine. He tells me to make Him known and not myself. {Col 1:27}
I know that I have died to this life {and continue to do so each day as best I can} but my REAL LIFE is hidden with Christ in God. {Col 3:3}

-Devotional excerpt by Stephanie from (in)courage.

Who Is Interested In You?

Business is interested in you as a consumer.
Banks are interested in you as an investor.
Politicians are interested in you as a voter.
Researchers are interested in you as a statistic.
Doctors are interested in you as a patient.
Lawyers are interested in you as a client.
Organizations are interested in you as a member.

But God is interested in you as a person, made in His image, His precious child whom He loves.

I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Jeremiah 31:3

– Devotional excerpt by Roy Lessin, from his blog Meet Me In The Meadow

When You’re Not Sure What To Do Next…

The New Year comes and we have high hopes. Yet soon after the ball drops our expectations can too. Reality hits and our good intentions can be dashed with one question:

What do I do next?
We look around and the possibilities can be overwhelming. So we freeze. Then life gets busy and before we know it the pages of the calendar have turned.
But it can be different for you.
What do you do?
The next thing.

Solomon, that wise king, said this: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” Eccl. 9:10.
Here’s what I think is the smartest part: If it’s something your hands find to do it means it’s right in front of you.

What’s right in front of you today?
That’s where you start.
Stretch out your hands, open your heart and do one little thing.
Just the next thing.
You’ve got five minutes. Ready set go…

-Devotional encouragement by Holley Gerth

When Our Hearts Were In Need

When Our Hearts Were In Need
To those in sin, God sent us the Savior;
To those in darkness, God sent us the Light;
To those in bondage, God sent us the Deliverer;
To those in defeat, God sent us the Victor;
To those in want, God sent us the Shepherd;
To those in hunger, God sent us the Bread;
To those in pain, God sent us the Physician;
To those in doubt, God sent us the Truth;
To those in confusion, God sent us the Way;
To those in turmoil, God sent us the Prince of Peace;
To all in need, God sent His only begotten Son.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.
Isaiah 9:6

-Devotional by Roy Lessin, from his blog Meet Me In The Meadow

A Moment of Weakness

We all face key moments of decision, when our actions can lead to lasting consequences. The issue is, will you be ready when such a time comes?

David wasn’t prepared for the moment of decision that suddenly faced him. At a time when he was restless, lonely, and preoccupied with worries, temptation and sin caught him unprepared. We can guard ourselves against these moments of weakness by remembering one simple word: H-A-L-T.

First, never allow yourself to get too hungry. When the body is weak from lack of food, poor decisions are likely to follow. Respect your body and provide the sustenance it needs.

Second, don’t permit yourself to get too angry. Anger can cloud judgment and lead to regrettable decisions.

A third caution is not to let yourself become too lonely. When you feel isolated, you may find yourself willing to do almost anything to feel accepted or loved.

Fourth, don’t allow yourself to get too tired. Sleep is essential for wise decisions. When you deprive your mind and body of its necessary “down time,” poor choices become probable.

Being wise in these four areas can prevent thoughts of “If only I hadn’t . . .” later on.

Commit now never to make important decisions when you are too hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. Instead, be honest at those times and admit you’re unprepared to make sound judgments. Then delay the decision until you can approach it with prayer, patience, and godly wisdom.

Read: 2 Samuel 11
Source: InTouch Ministries Daily Devotional via Email