Do Others Know?

And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:15

Do others know you are the Lord’s?

Is it obvious you follow Jesus?

Is it written on your face as you react to the world?

Is it displayed in your actions as you share Jesus’ gentle touch?

Your words as you bring others God’s voice of life to blanket their soul?

The temperature of the room when you walk in covered with the peace of God?

Or do you quietly live your faith with not one person realizing your alliance to God?

How do you walk the halls of your high school: blending in with the world or standing out for God?

How well do you mimic Jesus as He walked this earth?

Yes, He preached.

Yes, He healed.

Yes, He argued with church leaders while pointing out their errors.

But not every minute of every day.

He lived, moving among us with the heart of God.

He listened.

He hugged.

He made others feel important. Worthy. Valuable.

How about you?

Is it obvious you follow Jesus?

Are you bringing others to Jesus or are you caring not a whit about their future damnation?

Is God in the forefront of your mind?

Do you stand tall for His truth?

Might feel lonely, but there are more of us with you than you realize.

Plus, God is always standing right by your side.

There are those in our world who do dare to stand out.

Who wear their faith on their sleeve, asking others to consider God’s ways.

Charlie Kirk was one of those, and he paid the ultimate price.

Are you willing to be God’s witness, too?

Even if it causes your early death?

Satan will hate your witness.

What is your choice?

Let others know how much you love God.

Let others see His goodness.

Let your words bring others closer to Him.

And let your time on earth cause others to yearn for God exactly as you do.

Our time here is limited. Minutes when compared to eternity.

Will you live today for now or will you live today for then?

Will you live today for yourself or will you live today as God’s witness, knowing today might be your last?

Photos by Tim Wildsmith, Humble Lamb, Tim Wildsmith, & David Banning on Unsplash

No Condemnation

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1

There is absolutely zero condemnation when you are His.

God’s.

When you have given your life to God, the world’s condemnation no longer sticks.

It’s no longer your identity.

You are covered, instead, by God Himself.

Chosen.

Loved.

Valuable.

Are you still living under your old identity?

Your old condemned self?

Why?

Whatever for?

Because it’s what you know.

Your old ways are safe.

Known.

When you face trials, you revert to old labels.

Because they are like old familiar blankets.

Wrapping up in self-pity feels normal.

Clothing yourself in anger feels justified.

When you choose to become God’s, you are changed.

Your identity becomes new.

Condemnation falls away.

Fear goes.

Anxiety flees.

But only if you choose to stay under the new identity from God.

The choice is yours.

Romans 8 reminds us God declares we have no condemnation when we are His.

But He gives us free will.

You can choose at anytime, to walk from under His wings.

Out from His identity for you.

Your old identity is out there.

Easily attainable and readily available.

But with it comes the usual fear, anxiety, and angst.

Because it also includes the absence of God’s peace.

Reaching for your old identity results from walking in the flesh.

In your own sinful self.

Romans 8 urges us to walk in the Spirit, not in the flesh.

Because when we walk with God according to His will, we are within His peace.

Not condemned.

Choose every day to walk with God.

Choose every day to refuse the pull of the flesh.

When you do, condemnation will fall away as God Himself remains.

Photos by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Belief

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Believe Me.

You are loved.

Valuable.

Unequaled.

Perfectly formed.

Made in My image.

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Believe me.

I am here for you.

Always.

Continually by your side.

You are never forsaken by Me.

Ever.

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Believe Me.

I have ordained your steps.

Your life is safe with me.

I know your every move.

Your going out and your coming in.

Nothing is hidden from Me.

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Believe Me.

Because I believe in you.

Love, God

Photos by Matthew SmithThomas Quaritsch, & Elijah Hail on Unsplash