Your Identity in Christ
In Christ, I am loved perfectly and empowered to love perfectly – totally, completely: Heart and soul, mind and body.
Pondering Point
In Jesus we have been loved perfectly. We have been loved totally. Our sin has been forgiven completely. God has not held His love back; He has not held His mercy back. The only thing that is held back is punishment for sin. That punishment He infamously places upon His own son Jesus, leading to Jesus' death on the cross. And there Jesus, 100% God and 100% man, laid out 100% of His heart and soul, mind and body for our benefit, the execution of love in a most perfect way. And He still loves us perfectly -- praise God!
Prayer
I praise You Father for a love that goes beyond measure. Thank You Jesus for a life given, for taking on a punishment beyond comprehension. Help me reflect Your perfect love and action, imperfect as it may be. I want to be like Father God and like You my Savior. Holy Spirit, make this possible by Your inspiration and leadership. In Jesus' name I pray it. Amen.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119:49-56 7th letter: Zayin (ז)
- Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope. - My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life. - The arrogant mock me unmercifully,
but I do not turn from your law. - I remember, Lord, your ancient laws,
and I find comfort in them. - Indignation grips me because of the wicked,
who have forsaken your law. - Your decrees are the theme of my song
wherever I lodge. - In the night, Lord, I remember your name,
that I may keep your law. - This has been my practice:
I obey your precepts.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Deuteronomy 5:32-33
Do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.
The Promise
Psalm 27:14
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Pondering Point
Point to Ponder: What’s your favorite verse for comfort in times of trouble? Psalm 46:1? Romans 8:37? Share this with your Micro or small group.
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Romans 8:36-39
36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.