Simple Thoughts Simple Prayers
Thoughts, Reflections, Inspirations, and Prayers
Simple Thoughts Simple Prayers
Our Identity in Christ: More Than Labels
In this episode, Walt explores the concept of identity in Christ, focusing on Romans 8 and the idea of being "heirs with Christ." He compares the world to a giant sticker album full of labels, but reminds listeners that their true identity is found in God's love. Walt references hip-hop artist Lecrae and discusses how God's power shines through our imperfections. He encourages listeners to let go of emotional baggage and embrace their identity as children of God. The episode concludes with a powerful declaration of who we are in Christ, emphasizing God's unconditional love and our significance in His kingdom. Walt wraps up with a prayer for guidance and obedience.
My brothers and sisters, walt, here with simple thoughts and simple prayers. Today we'll be covering the passage of Romans 8, hairs with Christ man. This world is like a giant sticker album. Everybody's got their labels Student, parent, animal lover, influencer. The list goes on. It's easy to get lost in all the stickers, especially when you're scrolling through your phone trying to find a meme that's funnier than your average dad joke. Why did the test get arrested? He got turned in. Ultimately, romans 8 reminds us that we're more than just labels. We're loved and chosen by God and that's the ultimate sticker of approval and chosen by God, and that's the ultimate sticker of approval.
Speaker 1:We all go through tough times in our own ways and it can be easy to get lost trying to figure out who we are. The hip-hop artist Lecrae puts it perfectly when he says in the middle of the darkest heart is heartless, tarnished, carnage. The master artist makes your mess a masterpiece regardless. This reminds me of what the Bible says in 2 Corinthians, 4, 7-9. Treasures in jars of clay. But we have this treasure in jars of clay To show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed. Perplexed but not driven to despair. Persecuted but not crushed. Perplexed but not driven to despair. Persecuted but not forsaken. Struck down but not destroyed, always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
Speaker 1:Paul talks about us being like. Paul talks about us being like clay jars. We're fragile and breakable, but even though we're not perfect, god's power shines through us. He's the one in control and he's created each of us with a unique purpose. Sometimes we carry around baggage we didn't even know we had. It might be a painful memory, a lingering trauma or just the weight of expectations. The truth is we don't have to carry that alone. Jesus promises us a way out. He says his yoke is easy and his burden is light. When we give him our pain, our trauma or our worries, we find relief. Jesus is there to help us unload our heavy hearts and find peace.
Speaker 1:We shouldn't try to define ourselves by the label society throws at us. Our true identity is found in Christ. Once again, in Romans 8, it gives us a perfect illustration of who we are in Christ. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons and daughters of God, for you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters, by which we cry out Abba, father, the Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God. And if, children heirs, also heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him, so that we may also be glorified with him, we must remind ourselves each day who we are in Christ and who God has made us to be, just as Romans 8 mentioned, children of God. With that I leave you this declaration. This is a wonderful exercise to do. Each day, as you wake up, take a good look in looking mirror and repeat this declaration I am a child of God. I have been justified through faith in Christ. I have been pardoned and acquainted. I have been forgiven. I am clothed with the righteousness of Jesus. I am clothed with the righteousness of Jesus.
Speaker 1:My history has been written. I belong to my Father. I am deeply loved by God. God's love is unconditional. God's love for me is unchanging. My performance cannot change it. The demonic host cannot stop it. The demonic host cannot stop it. The future will not alter it. No one can separate me from it.
Speaker 1:I am deeply loved by my Father in Heaven.
Speaker 1:I am secure in Christ. I belong to God. I am a possessor of grace. I am chosen by God. I am wanted. I am adopted.
Speaker 1:Possessor of grace, I am chosen by God. I am wanted. I am adopted into his family. I am an heir of God and a co-heir with Christ. I am a prince or princess in his kingdom. I am included in Christ.
Speaker 1:I have been marked with a seal. The Holy Spirit lives in me. I am in Christ. Christ is in me. I am deeply loved by my Father. I belong. I'm on the road to glory. I am God's friend. I am at peace with God. God is for me. And if God is for me, who can be against me? I have been bought with a price. I am not my own. I have been set free. I have been redeemed. I have no condemnation. I have eternal life. I am a new creation. I am more than a conqueror. I am victorious.
Speaker 1:I have been called to the family of God. I have been called to the family of God. I have been called to carry his presence. I am an ambassador for Christ. I am a witness. I am the salt and light of the world. I am God's co-worker. I carry the keys to the kingdom. I am a kingdom carrier. I am empowered by the Holy Spirit within me. I partner with God to bring his kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. I am deeply loved by my Father in heaven. I have eternal significance. Let us pray, heavenly Father, thank you for this day. May your love guide us and your peace fill our hearts. Let us pray, heavenly Father, thank you for this day. May your love guide us and your peace fill our hearts as we live a life worthy of you. Allow us to be obedient children walking by faith and not by sight. It's in Jesus' name we pray, amen.