September 2016

Welcome! My desire is to encourage everyone in their personal identity with Christ, Who lifted us out of darkness into the light of God’s love and acceptance. It may be necessary to…

“Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.” 1

Identity Lost…

In the 60s, I lacked the strong Spiritual identity that I’m experiencing today, due to a void in my heart that only God could fill. Instead, I was filled with pride, greed and lust, making me vulnerable to deception and manipulation. I became dependent on people, places and things, rather than upon an intimate relationship with God.

I was looking for answers, while making compulsive choices not founded on the promise of God’s Word. My thoughts were irrational, causing emotional insecurity, lack of significance and purpose in life. I self-medicated my emotional pain from fear of failure and guilt, creating an addiction to drugs.

I found the key to freedom is to experience God’s love and acceptance in the core of our heart. This happened to me when I received by faith in the finished work of Christ, identifying with my union in His death, burial and resurrection. I pray that your eyes will be opened to your identity in Christ; redeemed, forgiven and made right with God.

Our Identity in Christ…

Faith in God’s grace opens our eyes to see ourselves as He sees us. Then, the way we see ourselves changes our desires and behavior. The apostle Paul taught in Ephesians that knowing our positional identity (seated in Christ, chs. 1-3), results in our ability to overcome the world, the flesh and the devil (walking and standing in Christ, chs. 4-6).

We see the power of God’s love and grace in our union with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Our old man is dead, and we are a new man in Christ. 2 Sin’s power is broken! We were crucified, buried, risen, seated, hidden and now reign with Christ. “…we are God’s masterpiece. He created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” 3

Therefore, we are a new creation, born of God, sons and temples of God, far from oppression, more than a conqueror, overcomers, priests and kings. We have a divine nature and all things that pertain to life and godliness. We can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens us, fulfilling the prophecy, “…the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings.” 4

The Blood of Jesus…

It is the sinless blood of Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb, that empowers us to carry our Royal Priesthood, while reigning as Kings in the righteousness of Christ. “For…those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” 5

Jesus paid the price for our sin and brought is into God’s presence. As priests, “…we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus…therefore let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God.” 6

We offer the sacrifice with our mouths by confessing Scripture on the blood. For instance, confess: I am redeemed, justified and made righteous by the blood. 7 I have peace with God by the blood. 8 I am loved, washed and have overcome the devil y the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony. 9 God’s glory and presence will follow. 10

The Name of Jesus…

Jesus (Yeshua), our mediator and great High Priest, has entered into heaven. “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God” 11, for salvation, deliverance, restoration, wholeness, healing, soundness, freedom, safety, prosperity and victory. 12

As royal priests, we have the eight (8) redemptive Names of God fulfilled in Yeshua, so proclaim:

• Yeshua – Samma is present. 13
• Yeshua – M’Kaddesh my sanctifier. 14
• Yeshua – Tsidkeenu my righteousness. 15
• Yeshua – Shalom my peace. 16
• Yeshua – Rapha my healer. 17
• Yeshua – Jireh my provider. 18
• Yeshua – Raah my shepherd. 19
• Yeshua – Nissi my banner/victor. 20

Our humble dependence is upon Jesus’ Name alone. 21 Because of His finished works, Jesus is the High Priest of our priestly profession and Intercessor. 22 Jesus said, “My Father will grant your request because you use my name.” 23 His name is above all other names:

“Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” 24

See, knowing and believing our identity in Christ’s love and acceptance, causes us to rise above the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Isaiah prophesied, “…those who trust in the Lord will find strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” 25

A Prayer for You…

Lord Jesus, I don’t want to live this way anymore. Today I release all my failings, sins, and mistakes into Your loving hands. And I receive Your forgiveness right now into my heart. Thank You for Your precious blood that washes mw whiter than snow. Right now I stand in Your righteousness, favor, joy, and peace. Amen!

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