Discipleship isn’t about checking religious boxes—it’s about living from your identity as God’s beloved, deepening your relationship with Christ, letting your mind be renewed, showing up in community, and serving the world with love. In this devotional series, Pastor Nate shares reflections on different aspects of discipleship.
“Your Child of God Self”
So God created humans in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. – Genesis 1:27
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. – Psalm 139:14
But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. – John 1:12-13
One of the first realizations we are invited to make on the journey of discipleship is that our identity is completely tied up in the love of God. God wants us to know that we are loved; that we are God’s beloved children, unique and precious.
In our world of societal pressure, it can be easy to forget what God has already said about us. We waste so much time in our lives trying on different identities and personalities and trends and so often are left feeling empty inside as a result. But our Christian faith has always been trying to share with us a different message: Our identity is in Christ. Who we are was established by God long, long ago and nothing can change that.
When I was in High School, things were sometimes difficult for me as I felt the strain and stress of the various pressures to conform. And so, before school every morning I would wash my face and make the sign of the cross on my forehead and then I’d say, “I am God’s Child, and nothing can take that away.”
Getting in touch with this essential truth is one of the most powerful steps one can take in their spiritual journey. When we understand who God has created us to be and we live from that central identity there is clarity and power and joy beyond measure.
“Your Child of God Self”
So God created humans in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. – Genesis 1:27
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. – Psalm 139:14
But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. – John 1:12-13
One of the first realizations we are invited to make on the journey of discipleship is that our identity is completely tied up in the love of God. God wants us to know that we are loved; that we are God’s beloved children, unique and precious.
In our world of societal pressure, it can be easy to forget what God has already said about us. We waste so much time in our lives trying on different identities and personalities and trends and so often are left feeling empty inside as a result. But our Christian faith has always been trying to share with us a different message: Our identity is in Christ. Who we are was established by God long, long ago and nothing can change that.
When I was in High School, things were sometimes difficult for me as I felt the strain and stress of the various pressures to conform. And so, before school every morning I would wash my face and make the sign of the cross on my forehead and then I’d say, “I am God’s Child, and nothing can take that away.”
Getting in touch with this essential truth is one of the most powerful steps one can take in their spiritual journey. When we understand who God has created us to be and we live from that central identity there is clarity and power and joy beyond measure.
Posted in Faith & Life
Posted in Marks of Discipleship, discipleship, faith in daily life, Children of God, grace
Posted in Marks of Discipleship, discipleship, faith in daily life, Children of God, grace
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April
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May
Enjoy a Good Meal - Practice ResurrectionListen to Music - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 2nd Kings - Hope in ExileWorship - Practice ResurrectionAppreciate Art - Practice ResurrectionLaughter HelpsDrink Water - Practice ResurrectionWatch a Sunset - Practice ResurrectionStretch - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 1st Corinthians - Hope in the TurmoilThe Lord is My ShepherdBreathe - Practice ResurrectionRead - Practice ResurrectionCreate - Practice ResurrectionWalk or Run - Practice ResurrectionCall a Friend - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 1st Chronicles - God's Presence in HistoryLove in ActionFor Aging GracefullyForgive - Practice ResurrectionLearn - Practice ResurrectionWash - Practice ResurrectionExplore - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 2nd Corinthians - The Importance of ReconciliationGod Our ParentAdvocate - Practice ResurrectionLight a Candle - Practice ResurrectionTaste - Practice ResurrectionTake a Nap - Practice ResurrectionDonate - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 2nd Chronicles - Consequences of Unfaithfulness
June
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