Our Identity in Christ and The Father's love for us.
These past weeks have been an amazing journey in exploring my identity in Christ. It's been a challenge in posting this blog because it seems that the enemy did not want this blog posted. However, God had a different tactic in mind. He needed me to mull and pray over it some more and really consider what I needed to say as well as what you needed to hear. In this time, I took part in a private little naming ceremony where I read several scriptures, took notes, and contemplated what they said about my identity in Christ. Afterwards, I stood in my bathroom mirror- morning breath, messy hair, and all and proclaimed out loud who I am in Christ! Thank goodness he loves me no matter what and is not hung up on appearances, though I'm sure I was quite a comical sight.
This naming ceremony was recommended by Arabah Joy, a christian author and blogger that I have been following and reading up on. As a Christian woman, it was enlightening, empowering, and strengthening in my life in Christ. How does it work? Well, keep reading and I'll give you the steps in preparing and performing your own naming ceremony.
Understanding our identity in Christ is fundamental to our Christian walk with Him! Knowing who we are and who's we are is crucial, otherwise, how can we begin our relationship and life with him? Our identity in Christ is like Christianity 101. We have to get the basics of how it really works before we can understand what God wants for us and our life. If we wanted to become a doctor or a lawyer, we couldn't just jump in and settle a case or perform brain surgery without first taking the basics and learning the fundamental principles. The difference between becoming a doctor or lawyer and being a Christian is that we can claim to be a Christian no matter what, but we must be licensed to be a lawyer or doctor. Isn't it wonderful to know that the only validation we need to be Christian is the belief that Christ died for us and has given us eternal salvation? 2 Corinthians 5:21 - For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Having that foundation, knowing this truth, gives us the the ability to follow God's will for our lives with a better understanding. We may not understand his will all the time,. We may not even get an immediate answer to our prayers, but our foundation, our identity in Christ is the mainstay for our faith and patience to wait on him - To "be still and know I am God!" (Psalms 46:10)
Of course, we can not forget to mention that our Identity in Christ is a direct product of God's love for us, as told through John 3:16-17-"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
THAT is true love, folks!!! A love that can not be matched by ANY man, woman, or child!His love, grace, and mercies are sufficient enough!
Now, as promised, here is how the naming ceremony works! (How I prepared for it)
Each day you'll read specific scriptures from different books of the bible. I recommend getting a journal or whatever you use to take notes on the scriptures you read. Write each scripture down and leave a space for notes after each scripture. What is each scripture saying to your heart? What is it telling you about your identity in Christ?
Day 1: Morning Prayer
Read: Romans 3:24, 5:2, 5:9, 8:1 & 2
Closing Prayer
Day 2: Morning Prayer
Read: 1 Corinthians 1:20-21, 15:57
2 Corinthians 1:20-21, 2:14, 3:14, 5:19, 5:21, 11:10
Closing Prayer
Day 3: Morning Prayer
Read: Galatians 3:27, 4:7
Ephesians 1:3, 1:4, 1:6, 1:11
Closing Prayer
Day 4: Morning Prayer
Read: Ephesians 2:5-7, 2:10, 2:13, 2:18, 5:8, 6:10
Closing Prayer
Day 5: Morning Prayer
Read: Colossians 1:19, 1:28, 2:10-13
Closing Prayer
Day 6: Morning Prayer
Review your notes for each scripture
Closing Prayer
Day 7: Morning Prayer
THE DAY HAS COME! ARE YOU READY??
Go Into your bathroom, Look into the mirror and say out loud WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST!
It may go something like, "I AM A KING'S DAUGHTER! A CHILD OF GOD! I AM REDEEMED, SANCTIFIED,ETC..." Let the Father speak to your heart, whisper into your ear and name you, then repeat it back to him to let him know you heard him!! How do you feel?
Repeat the ceremony as many times as you want! God wants you to know who you are and who's you are! Don't stop until you truly believe it in your whole heart! If you feel the need to cry, shout, laugh, or scream, God hears you and will listen. Emotions may overwhelm you in this process because it may be a new discovery or a rediscovery in yourself. Don't be afraid of them because God will release you from anything that binds you and will set you free if you allow him to!
I love to hear how this ceremony changed you or effected you in Christ. How did God reveal his Identity in you? What words hit home to you? Please feel free to share!Thank you so much for reading and being my Sister in Christ! Be blessed and know I am praying for you always!
God Bless,
Aspiring Shulamite
