1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV): “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

Some people go through life wondering who they are and why they were ever born. For those in Christ, there is no question of our “who” or of our “why.” The Apostle Peter makes it very plain for us. Who we are is a chosen group with royal blood coursing through our veins, distinguished and called out. Why we are is to make much of the One who transferred us from darkness into Light. Once we were orphans, but because of Christ we are adopted, heirs to an Eternal Kingdom. Once we were condemned and hopeless; but because of Christ, we are rich in mercy. There are no identity crises in the family of God. His children have a God-given identity and a God-given purpose. A sure foundation and a clear direction make navigating this temporary life on earth much easier and purpose-filled. If you are still wondering about your significance, turn to Christ. He will be what makes your life make sense.

You have an identity and a purpose in Christ today!
Theresa

Matthew 14:28-29 (NIV): “’Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”

The disciples were in their fishing boat, out in the middle of the sea on that stormy night. The winds were fierce, the waves were angry, and the men were tired. They did all that they could to keep their boat from going under, but fear for their lives had overtaken them. Their circumstances screamed, “Give up! You’ve lost! It’s hopeless now!” Then, through the blackness of night, a Light hovered above the waters. At first, the men thought it was a ghost! But, then, they heard that familiar, calming voice of Christ. Peter called out, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come.” Jesus said, “Come to me.” With eyes steadfast on Jesus, Peter did the impossible, he stepped out of the boat and onto the troubled waters. The circumstances had not changed. The storm was still raging, but Peter’s focus had changed. Instead of listening and looking to the physical, he was listening and looking to the spiritual. Jesus had become the bridge over his circumstances.

Is your mind troubled? Does fear fill your heart? Then, do what Peter did. Change your focus. Stop listening and looking to the natural, and focus on the supernatural. God is not limited by the laws of nature. And, He is not afraid of your circumstances. Christ will show up when you cry out, and He will be the bridge over your troubled waters. Your circumstances may not change immediately, but your outlook will. We are never alone.

The story does go on to say that Peter began to sink in the water. Why? Because he took his eyes off of Christ. He gazed once again to what his circumstances were saying. Let us learn from him. NEVER look away from Christ. Fix your gaze upon Him, and He will lead you safely home.

Focus on Christ instead of your circumstances today!
Theresa

Luke 19:5 (NIV): “When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’"

I wonder what must have been going through the mind of Zacchaeus that faithful day. This man, who was a liar, a cheat, despised by others because of his sinful lifestyle, had heard rumors about this Jesus. Stories about how the Christ could heal, how He could deliver, how He loved all must have captivated Zacchaeus’s curiosity; so much so that he just had to see for himself what all the fuss was about. Could this Jesus possibly love someone like him? The Bible said that Zacchaeus was short in stature, so in order to get a good glimpse of Christ as He passed through the city, Zacchaeus climbed up in a tree…a place where he could see, but not be seen. When Jesus reached Zacchaeus’s perch, He immediately called for him to come down. With compassion in His eyes and hope in His voice, Christ explained, “You are why I am here.” 

As clever as his hiding place seemed to be, Zacchaeus could not hide himself from Christ that day, and neither can we. Make no mistake, Christ sees through the veils and masks we hide behind. He knows the secret places of our hearts and minds. When everyone else judges and rejects, Jesus extends His open arms and bids you come just as you are. Today, as you read this devotion, listen to the voice of Hope as He assures, “You are why I am here.”

Spend time with Jesus today!
Theresa

Philippians 3:7 (NIV): "Whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.”

What are you living for? Is it for family and friends? Is it for school or a career? Perhaps, you would say you are living for retirement; a time when you can finally be free to do whatever you want. This is a question, however, that we all must answer. Our lives are no accident. We were created on purpose and for a purpose. When we consider the short amount of time we are allotted in this temporary existence on earth compared to the vastness of an unending eternity, our priorities will change. Life is not about what we can accumulate for self, it is about what we can do to point others to Christ. Everything pales in value and worth in the light of Christ. When we make Jesus the reason we are living, then life makes sense. Without Him, there is superficial happiness, short-lived dreams, confusion and chaos. Examine yourself today. What are the motives behind you getting out of bed each day? Remember, today is the day to start living for eternity.

Dedicate your life to Christ today!
Theresa

"You weren’t an accident. You weren’t mass produced. You aren’t an assembly-line product. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on the Earth by the Master Craftsman." ~Max Lucado

Psalm 139:13-16(ESV)
13 For you formed my inward parts;
    you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
    my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
    the days that were formed for me,
    when as yet there was none of them.

Looking forward to the Midway Presbyterian Women's Retreat at the Montreat Conference Center in NC on Sept. 19-21. Going to be an awesome time of Word, Fellowship, and hopefully, a little SHOPPING!