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Written by Joel Muddamalle, a contemporary pastor and director of theology and research for Proverbs 31 Ministries. This is an excerpt from the book 40 Days Through the Bible.

Genesis reminds us that our identity is wrapped up in the will and wisdom of God who created us equal in value and worth, and yet distinct and diverse. God defines us not by what we do, but by whose we are. Sadly, after the Fall, the longing for identity turned us inward, looking to ourselves for our meaning, value and worth. Henri Nouwen, whose work as a priest and professor focused on psychology, social justice, and community, warns us of five lies of identity: 1) I am what I have. 2) I am what I do. 3) I am what other people say or think of me. 4) I am nothing more than my worst moment. 5) I am nothing less than my best moment…Our identity is not simply about us; it is about our relationship with God, who rewrites our story into His story. Our new story is to be lived out in order to invite others into the beautiful story of God who makes all things new and restores beauty from chaos. Who are we? We are image bearers of God. Whose are we? We belong wholly and fully to God the father. What are we suppose to do? We are to spread the glory of God to the ends of the earth by making disciples of Jesus amongst all the nations.

Prayer:

Written by Ron Moore, a contemporary pastor and author.

Who am I really? What do you see in me that you would move heaven and earth to capture my heart? My life feels like a collection of other people’s expectations and disappointments. I do not even know anymore who I truly am. Reveal to me my true identity, my true place in your story. Give me grace to hear your voice; shut out all other voices, and let me hear from you alone.

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Written by Andrew Murray (1828-1917), a South African writer, teacher, and pastor. This is an excerpt from his book “Humility.”

John’s gospel opens a window to the inner life of Jesus. Often Jesus spoke of his relationship with his Father. He revealed the motives that guided him. He shared the heart behind what he did. Although the word “humble” doesn’t appear in John, Jesus’ humility is revealed there like nowhere else in Scripture. Humility is a person’s simple consent to let God be everything—a surrender to his purposes. In Jesus we see the perfect example of humility… Jesus’ humility was simply surrender of himself to God. He let the Father do in him whatever he wanted. It didn’t matter what people around him said of him or did to him, this is what he means…We are to be and do nothing by ourselves so that God may be all. In Jesus we discover what humility means. It is because we don’t understand or seek after it that our own humility is so shallow and feeble.

Prayer:

Written by Rebecca Barlow Jordan, a contemporary Christian author.

Jesus, I want to be like You who obeyed the Father without complaint. You embraced the chains of humanity when You walked this earth. Convict me whenever I complain or compare myself with others. Give me Your attitude of humility and thankful acceptance. I choose to continually offer You a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that give praise to Your name. I long to bring a smile to Your face. Teach me the power of a thankful heart. I know that Your truth dwells in a thankful heart.

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Written by Brother Lawrence (1614-1691), a lay brother in a Carmelite monastery in Paris. This is an excerpt from his book “The Practice of the Presence of God.”

Let us examine our inner selves. Time is pressing down on us, and each of us must be responsible for himself. I believe you have prepared yourself properly, so you won’t be taken by surprise. I respect you for this; it is, after all, our business to be as open as possible to God’s grace. However, we must continuously walk in God’s Spirit, since in the spirit-life not to advance is to fall back. But those who have the wind of the Holy Spirit in their souls glide ahead even while they sleep. If the vessel of our soul is still being tossed by winds or storms, we should wake the Lord Who has been resting with us all along, and He will swiftly calm the sea.

Prayer:

Written by Leslie White, a contemporary Christian author.

Heavenly Father, I give to You all the problems and cares I face. Take complete control, just as You do of the ocean. And send me a great calm. Amen.

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Written by the Lead Like Jesus team, an organization founded by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges that promotes a transformational leadership model based on following Jesus.

Do you ever find yourself focusing on, even fearing, what people think of you? As Joshua and Zerubbabel began to rebuild the temple after the exile, they soon found themselves fearful of the people around them. Despite fearing what others thought or might do, they focused on restoring what was needed to worship God. Where do you need to return to a place of worship and rebuild so that you can pursue your God-inspired vision?

Prayer:

Written by the authors of today’s devotional.

Lord, turn my attention from what others think of me, and let me have eyes only for what You think of my life and work. Replace fear of people with a reverent awe of You that drowns out all else. Keep me focused on what You’ve called me to do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Written by Whitney Hopler, a contemporary writer.

When I volunteered at my children’s elementary school, I met a student named Victor, who shared some comic strips he had created with me. “In this story, the superheroes are talking, not fighting,” he said. “They’re talking about how to solve their problem instead of beating each other up.” I congratulated Victor on the good ideas he portrayed in the comic strips. Ever since I had seen Victor crying because some kids in his class had teased him for his gentleness, I tried to encourage Victor to see his gentleness as a strength rather than a weakness. He told me that the students who made fun of his gentle nature thought he was weak. However, he added, “I’m just trying to be a gentleman, and my parents say that’s a good thing.” I urged Victor to share his comic strips with his teacher and the whole class. After he did so, more students came to appreciate the value of gentleness…It’s often easier to find harshness than gentleness in our fallen world. People often speak mean words to each other or post harsh messages on social media. Arguments abound, and conflicts rage on as people mistreat each other. Battles for power and control are all around us. Violence is in the news regularly. Yet Jesus continues to call us to be gentle in this harsh world. Jesus models gentleness as a sign of strength…God is gentle with us. He gives us unlimited and unconditional love. He answers our prayers according to what’s best for us. He extends grace and mercy to us whenever we ask for it. Since God – who is the source of all strength – treats us with gentleness, we can see how gentleness is truly a sign of strength when we look to God’s example…It may not be popular to be gentle in this harsh world. However, it’s important for us all to learn how to be gentle. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit will teach us how to do so.

Prayer:

Written by the nuns at Kylemore Abbey, Galway, Ireland.

O Holy Spirit, replace the tension within me with Holy relaxation.

Replace the turbulence within me with a sacred calm.

Replace the anxiety within me with a quiet confidence.

Replace the fear within me with a strong faith.

Replace the bitterness within me with the sweetness of your grace.

Replace the darkness within me with a gentle light. Replace the coldness within me with a gentle warmth.

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Written by Laura Banning, a contemporary Bible teacher.

In Montana, we live right alongside a river, the Swan River. As I look out the window, I can see a beautiful analogy for how the Holy Spirit works in our lives …The river is constantly flowing; no matter what. Sometimes wind and high water bring huge trees along, even if they get lodged in one place for a time, it doesn’t stop the flow of the river. The river continues flowing around them, no matter what. Constant, nonstop, movement forward … And that’s the way He works in our lives. No matter what obstacles or challenges we face, even if they seem to be ‘lodged in place’ for a time, it doesn’t stop or block His working or His movement. He continues to flow in and around these things with constant forward movement. We have a choice though. We can choose to stay in the flow of His work or we can attempt to “swim against the current”, or even step out of it altogether. But Jesus calls us to ‘stay in the river’, He beckons us to stay in the flow of His working in our lives and we do that by abiding in Him, by staying in His Presence, by keeping our eyes fixed on Him. And the moment we sense we’ve stepped out of His Presence or that flow, we simply step back into it. And Jesus calls everyone who believes in Him to come and drink freely from His “rivers of living water”. We receive this living water from the indwelling Holy Spirit, as we meditate on His Word and listen to Him. And then He tells us that these rivers of living water will flow from our hearts. As we choose to stay in the flow of His working in our lives and to drink from the ‘River of His delights’, the Word of God, He will flow in and through us and touch the lives of those around us.

Prayer:

Written by James Goll, a contemporary evangelist and author.

Father, I am amazed at Your ways, and I purpose to unite myself with Your people as You lead me. I am grateful for all of the streams and tributaries that are joining together into a mighty river of life in this day. I pray to know and flow in that river of Your presence and power. I give all the glory to You. Send Your Spirit more powerfully, for Jesus Christ’s sake, as I offer thanksgiving and praise in His mighty name. Again, I say, Amen!

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Written by Ann Spangler, a contemporary author. This is an excerpt from her book “Praying the Names of God for 52 Weeks.”

Only once in the New Testament is Jesus described as a lion. The book of Revelation (named in part for what it reveals about Christ) portrays the risen Jesus as the only one worthy to open the scroll that contains the ultimate unfolding of God’s purposes for the world. The apostle John perceived Jesus as both Lion and Lamb, who through his death and resurrection becomes the ultimate victor and conqueror. When you pray to Jesus as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, you are praying to the one with the power to banish all fear, to the one who watches over you with his fierce protecting love. You are also praying to the one who is judge of the living and the dead.

Prayer:

Written by Jeff Jones, a contemporary pastor.

Father, thank you for leading us and guiding us in the things you want us to learn from Jesus the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Please give us a passion and desire to worship you in the way that those in Heaven worship you in Revelation 5. Lord, we ask you to challenge and change us as we continue to pursue You and grow in our relationship with You. Thank you God for your Word and your love. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen! 

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Written by Warren Wiersbe (1929-2019), an American pastor, Bible teacher, speaker, and writer. This is an excerpt from his book “The Defining Verse.”

The disciplines of Joseph’s life, plus his faith in the Lord, transformed him into one of the most beloved characters in the Bible, a man who is very much like Jesus Christ. Like Jesus, Joseph was beloved by his father but hated by his brethren. He was illegally sold, he was falsely accused, and he was condemned and imprisoned. Joseph went from the prison to the throne, from suffering to glory, and he provided bread for the known world. (Joseph merely sustained life; Jesus gives life.) Joseph also gave forgiveness to his brethren and provided a home for them. There is much more, but I’m sure you get the point: it is only as we suffer for and with Jesus that we become more like Him. On the other side of Romans 8:28 is Romans 8:29, which says that God’s purpose is that we “be conformed to the likeness of His Son”… In the midst of pain and trouble, it takes faith for us to say, “God intends this for good,” but that’s just what we must do. To say that “everything is against me” when everything is working for me, is to rebel against the loving heart of God. To ask, “What is God doing?” when we know His purpose is to make us more like Jesus, is to make our situation worse.

Prayer:

Written by Peter Hoytema, a contemporary pastor and author.

Lord, sometimes your will seems confusing; guide us to pray like Jesus. Help us to trust you, love you, and obey you. May your will be done in our lives. Amen.

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Written by Art Lindsley, a contemporary pastor, author and senior fellow at the C.S. Lewis Institute.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones (a Welsh preacher) maintained that almost all our problems come down to an ignorance of God. If we knew who God really is, that awareness would have a deep impact on our lives. Let us consider a specific example: God’s “omniscience.” Is the teaching that God is all-knowing merely a matter of intellectual interest, or does it have profound practical implications? What are the practical benefits of meditating on the nature of God’s knowledge? Do we really want God to know us? God’s exhaustive and constant knowledge of us could be regarded as either a threat or a comfort to us, depending on how you look at it…As we consider the vastness of God’s knowledge, it should lead us to praise him…God not only sees our sins but also the right intentions of our heart…God’s knowledge ought to lead to our humility…We must beware of attempting to usurp God’s omniscience. When someone asked Augustine what God was doing before He created the heavens and earth, he replied, “He was in Himself.” When another asked him the same question, he answered, “He was building hell for such idle, presumptuous, fluttering and inquisitive spirits as you” … The root temptation of Satan in the garden was not only to deity (“You shall be as gods,” Gen. 3:5) but to knowledge. Satan said to Eve that if she ate of the tree, she would “be like God, knowing good and evil” (Gen. 3:15). Let us by all means seek knowledge, but not into God’s secret counsels. God’s character and knowledge provide the philosophical basis for our knowledge. God is not contradictory, and His universe is knowable. Without this truth we could not trust our reason and science. There is much that is mysterious about God, but there is not contradiction in Him. He cannot be holy and not holy, good and not good, just and not just, and so on…this perhaps will stir us to consider more connections between God’s omniscience and our own personal and public lives, and thus lead us to a deeper knowledge of God and ourselves.

Prayer:

Written by Kristine Brown, a contemporary Christian author and speaker.

Dear Lord, I bow before you in reverence. You are the King of kings and Lord of lords. You have dominion over everything in the heavens and on earth. Yet you still care about even the smallest details of my life. That’s why I want to rejoice in you every day. You are worthy! Omnipotent Father, because of your mercy and grace you sent your son Jesus as a sacrifice for my sins. As a Father you demonstrated a love unlike anything this world has to offer. Because of that love, I will get to spend eternity with you. Lord, thank you for this ultimate gift. Without you I would have no hope. I love you with all my heart, soul, and mind! Thank you for your faithfulness that endures forever. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Written by Paul David Tripp, a contemporary pastor, author, and speaker. This is an excerpt from his book “New Morning Mercies.”

I don’t know how much you’ve thought about this, but faith isn’t natural for you and me. Doubt is natural. Fear is natural. Living on the basis of your collected experience is natural. Pushing the current catalog of personal “what ifs” through your mind before you go to sleep or when you wake up in the morning is natural. Envying the life of someone else and wondering why it isn’t your life is natural. Wishing that you were more sovereign over people, situations, and locations than you will ever be is natural. Manipulating your way into personal control so you can guarantee that you will get what you think you need is natural. Looking horizontally for the peace that you will only ever find vertically is natural. Anxiously wishing for change in things that you have no ability to change is natural. Giving way to despondency, discouragement, depression, or despair is natural. Numbing yourself with busyness, material things, media, food, or some other substance is natural. Lowering your standards to deal with your disappointment is natural. But faith simply isn’t natural to us. So, in grace, God grants us to believe. As Paul says in Ephesians 2:8, faith really is the gift of God. There is no more counterintuitive function to the average, sin-damaged human being than faith in God. Sure, we’ll put our faith in a lot of things, but not in a God we cannot see or hear, who makes promises so grand they seem impossible to keep. God gives us the power to first believe, but he doesn’t stop there. By grace, he works in the situations, locations, and relationships of our everyday lives to craft, hammer, bend, and mold us into people who build life based on the radical belief that he really does exist and he really does reward those who seek him (Hebrews 11:6). Next time you face the unexpected, a moment of difficulty you  really don’t want to go through, remember that such a moment doesn’t picture a God who has forgotten you, but one who is near to you and doing in you a very good thing. He is rescuing you from thinking that you can live the life you were meant to live while relying on the inadequate resources of your wisdom, experience, righteousness, and strength; and he is transforming you into a person who lives a life shaped by radical God-centered faith. He is the ultimate craftsman, and we are his clay. He will not take us off his wheel until his fingers have molded us into those who really do believe and do not doubt.

Prayer:

Written by Polycarp of Smyrna (68-155), a Christian bishop of Smyrna who died as a martyr.

May God the Father, and the Eternal High Priest Jesus Christ, build us up in faith and truth and love, and grant to us our portion among the saints with all those who believe in our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray for all saints, for kings and rulers, for the enemies of the Cross of Christ, and for ourselves we pray that our fruit may abound and we many be made perfect in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

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