IDENTITY CRISIS

A person’s identity is who they are; it is what sets them apart from everyone else. Who are you? Who do you claim to be? Do people know you, and does their knowledge of you match who you claim to be? Don’t make room for them to assume who you are, and don’t make room for them to guess, but if they do guess, make it possible for them to guess correctly. Just be yourself!

For example, if you see an individual with a stethoscope around his or her neck, you could assume he or she is a medical professional. If you see an individual in court, wearing a robe, sitting behind the bench, and holding a gavel, you could assume he or she is the judge.

In our natural world, everyone has parents. So it is in the spiritual world.  You either have God or Satan for a father. Do you call yourself a child of God? If you do, then be a child of God. When you meet people, do they notice something about you that causes them to assume or guess you are a Christian, or will they be uncertain? If they don’t think you are a child of God, you are left with only one other option: they must think you are a child of the devil. But if you are a Christian, then there is something wrong with your identity. What is it? 

If you became a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, then the person you are should be obvious to people around you. If you live a life of obedience to God, you will in essence be saying you love Him (see John 14:15). On the other hand, if you are living in disobedience, people can quickly assume you are not a Christian, even if you claim to be one.

Jesus is not interested in lip service, and He made that plain to the disciples when He asked them, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not what I say” (Luke 6:46 NIV)? When Jesus was warning against false prophets, He said, “By their fruit you’ll recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit” (Matthew 7:16-18 NIV).

If you are a child of God, the characteristics (fruit) you exhibit should be a clear indication that you are His son or daughter. There is no better way of demonstrating that you are child of God than through obedience. The Bible says, “Be holy for I (God) am holy.” In other words, we should exhibit His trait of holiness in the way we live.

Developing those traits is an ongoing effort. We do not arrive at holiness overnight. According to the apostle Paul, we have to work at it with fear and trembling (see Philippians 2:12). It takes meditation on God’s Word and allowing it to transform us into His nature through the renewing of our mind. Then we will shine, as the Scripture says, like stars in the universe (see Philippians 2:15).

Observing the lives of the disciples, the Jewish leaders were able to accurately conclude that they had been with Jesus. If we indeed have been with Jesus, it should be obvious to others. Claiming to be a Christian and yet living as an unbeliever is proof of an identity crisis. It means one is not really sure who one is.

We need to turn our backs on worldliness and all appearances of evil. A Christian should not live comfortably in sin. If you are, then you need to revisit God’s plan of salvation to make sure you are really born again. If we fall into sin, we should quickly repent, confess, and seek forgiveness. That is the mark of a Christian: the fear of sin and the concern for displeasing God.

Are you experiencing an identity crisis? You can change that by making the determination to live a life that is pleasing to God, and then seeking the help of the Spirit to accomplish it. Let’s put on the armor of God and keep it on (see Ephesians 6:11-18), 24/7.

Your New Address

Christian author, Carol Stratton wrote a book titled Changing Zip Codes. Apparently, she had relocated twenty-two times so far; that sounds painful. Knowing firsthand, some of the apprehension and frustration movers go through; she has shared some good ideas to help moving folks. I'll like to share what the Bible says about the relocation that everyone will experience in the near future

I think the average person relocates to a new address at least once in their life time. You are probably someone who hates to relocate, because you are a homebody, or afraid of change. No matter how many times you’ve relocated to date, you have at least one more in your future. This pending address is going to be permanent; your final one! There will never be another opportunity to relocate or make changes! So if this new address is going to be IT, how much thought do you think you should put into your preparation? The wisest thing to do will be to determine, ahead of time, that your new address will have everything you will need to live there comfortably.     

Your permanent address is going to be one of two places, heaven or hell, and fortunately, God has given you the right to choose. Each individual has to choose where they want to be. No one is authorized to decide for another person, be it family or friend. The new address will automatically be hell for anyone who does not make their intentions known by placing their faith in Jesus. 

Let’s compare the two available places. The Bible describes heaven as God’s dwelling place (see Isaiah 66:1)! It has pearly gates and golden streets (see Revelation 21:21). There is no hunger, thirst, or tears (see Revelation 7:16-17).   The Bible describes hell as the dwelling of the devil and his angels (see Matthew 25:41)! It is a place of ongoing torment with inextinguishable fire (see Revelation 20:10). Now think about it, compare the two - which location would you like for a permanent address? This of course is a no-brainer, but Whiles you are thinking about it, let me tell you how you can make the needed reservation at your address of choice.   

If you’ll like to relocate to heaven (highly recommended), you’ll need to agree with God that you are a sinner who deserves to go to hell. Then you’ll need to accept His forgiveness provided through the death of His only Son, Jesus (see Romans 3:23; John 3:16). You could pray like this: Dear God, I know I am a sinner.  Thank you for the gift of salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ. I accept Him as my Savior; please accept me as your child. Thank you. Now that you’ve made your reservation, you’ll need to start preparing for heaven by living according to His Word, the Bible. On the day of relocation, you will be ushered into your Savior’s presence, your permanent address, by the angels.

On the other hand, if you prefer to relocate to hell, do absolutely nothing different; continue to live the way you are now, with no regard for God. When your time to relocate comes, you will be sent there with no questions asked.  Remember that not making a decision is the equivalent of deciding to relocate to Hell. 

This is the most important decision you will ever make; so please don’t take it lightly, because God doesn’t. Place your faith in Jesus today, so you can escape the horrors of hell!

HELP FROM EGYPT Vs HELP FROM THE HILLS

Who is the first person you turn to when you have a need or a problem? If you were upset with someone, would you call a friend? How about if you had health needs? Would you turn first to doctors and medicines? How about if you had financial needs, would you turn first to your bank account, family and friends, and the bank? And if you had a disagreement with another that couldn’t be resolved, would you turn to the legal system?

The Israelites had a history of wanting to return to Egypt time and time again when they faced challenges on their way to the Promised Land. Although God Almighty had called them His people, and had repeatedly demonstrated His power amongst them, their response to trouble was always to call on Egypt, or go to Egypt for help. That attitude always saddened God’s heart, and made Him jealous, because over and over again, He had told them to look to Him for help. It saddened His heart because by going to others, they were getting less than He wanted for them; less than they deserved, if they got anything at all.

There is nothing wrong with consulting doctors, banks, or the legal system; God made these available to us, but they should not be the first in our thinking. We need to always turn to the Lord first, and have Him direct us to those if that is what He’ll have us do. Jesus said, “Apart from me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5 NIV). If He doesn’t give doctors the needed wisdom, they wouldn’t be able to help us, and if we do not depend on God to provide the right judges, we’ll not experience the justice we need and seek. Let us go first to God, and then He will guide us to the right resources. The Psalmist wisely says, “I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2 NIV). 

It is important to note that aside from the inability of those we consult to help us, there are consequences for bypassing God, and looking for help elsewhere.  Bypassing Him is a clear indication that we do not trust Him, and in response to     that attitude, this is His response, “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the LORD” (Isaiah 31:1 NIV). Additionally, He says in Jeremiah, “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:5 NIV).

The arm of flesh always fails, but “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him” (Jeremiah 17:7 NIV). Goliath trusted in his size (giant), his sword, and army; David trusted in the living God, although he was tiny in comparison, and only had a sling for a weapon, and an army shaking in its boots. This is our wakeup call to seek God first in everything. 

Sennacherib, king of Assyria invaded Judah during the reign of Hezekiah.  Hezekiah encouraged his army officers and the nation, “Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles” (2 Chronicles 32:7-8 NIV).

Instead of going to borrow from the bank and paying a hefty interest, God could find us the money we need, without us having to pay it back. God does provide you know!  Before I got into using credit cards, I prayed about every need, but after starting to use credit cards, I didn’t always wait for God’s response even if I prayed. The habit of credit use can erode faith, and cause us to take our focus off God. Let us be careful; let us place our faith in God alone, and seek Him first in every situation. 

IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE OVERLY BLESSED?

What does it mean to be overtaken by blessings? To be overtaken in any situation is an indication that there is a race, or a competition going on. So to be overtaken by blessings is an indication that I am racing ‘Blessings’, and clearly, I am not the winner, ‘Blessings’ is the winner. I believe it means being so blessed that I don’t know what to do with it all; blessings ahead of me, behind me, beside me, above me, and underneath me.

Have you ever been overtaken by blessings? In a way, I think we all have, because we don’t really deserve any of the blessings we get as it is, but I believe, to be overtaken means, blessings above and beyond all that.

How possible is it to be overtaken by blessings? Do you believe God honors His promises? Then here is what He promised the Israelites, and Christians can claim it as well. “And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you” (Deuteronomy 28:2 NKJV). 

So how do we get blessings to overtake us? I should mention that this is one of the promises based on conditions. “If you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that ...” (Deuteronomy 28:1 NKJV).

What will it look like when you are overtaken by blessings? “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds …, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you” (Deuteronomy 28:3-8 NKJV).  

Here is a recap of this passage, as I understand it, “If you keep my commands, I will so overwhelm you with blessings that you will ask me to stop, and even then I won’t. I will bless you in all areas of your life, spiritual, physical, social, financial, at work, at home, at play, when you are awake, and even when you are asleep; just name the time, circumstance, and place, and my blessings will overtake you there.”  Signed: GOD!

The secret of being overtaken by blessings is obedience to God’s commands! The thought of being overtaken by blessings is overwhelming, and it really blows my mind! Let us learn to be obedient, whether He blesses or not, because He is the Potter, and we are the clay; we owe Him at least that much. But let us also remember that, all His promises are yes and amen in Christ Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 1:20), and so He will honor them! Our obedience means a lot more to Him than our sacrifices (see 1 Samuel 15:22).

PAYING A DEBT THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN PAID IN FULL

With the current financial system, the average person, including people who don’t use credit cards, has recurring bills. These recurring bills come in the form of mortgages, rents, and utility bills, and the like, which unless under alternate agreements with the creditor, come due every month. Bill payment is therefore, a way of life in society.

Here is a dilemma to ponder. What should a consumer do about a bill that shows a zero balance, even though he or she is sure he or she hasn’t paid it? Should the consumer pay this bill again, after discovering that a loved-one had indeed paid it in full? I am one of those who will answer, “Absolutely Not.” I’ll say it’s time to be thankful, and go on with life. If the consumer insists on paying that debt, after knowing full well it has been paid already, a good number of people would wonder if this person were out of his or her mind. Some might even go on to say he or she is a fool.

As ridiculous as this scenario sounds, many people are doing that right now! They insist on paying for their sins, although there is no need for them to do that.  They’d rather go to hell than place their faith in Jesus. An atheist on television trying to raise support to keep Church and State separate concluded his ad with, “I’m not afraid of burning in hell.” Does he know what that means? Why would anybody look forward to going to hell when his sins have already been paid for? This is heart wrenching, and shows defiance and disdain for God. How sad! But just as a person could be considered a fool for wanting to pay a bill that’s been already paid in full; anybody who rejects God’s provision for the forgiveness of sin is also a fool. The Bible says, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1 NIV). To such people, God is just going to say, “Have it your way” and reluctantly send them to hell (see 2 Peter 3:9). How scary!

 The thing is we owe God a debt we cannot pay; He’ll forgive that debt, but only on one condition—admission of guilt and faith in Jesus. He says the wages of sin is death-the death of a sinless person. No human qualifies as that person, So out of love, God sent His Son, Jesus as our substitute – the only one without sin, and the Bible expresses it this way, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John3:16 NIV).  

Although Jesus died to pay for our sins, it’s sad but certain, that there are people who will still be held accountable for their sins. They’ll go to hell because they refuse to believe in Jesus. But why do they refuse to believe in Him?

Since Jesus has already satisfied God’s required payment for sin, it makes absolutely no sense for anyone to go to hell. If scientists ever discover a cure for cancer, I am a hundred percent sure, that all cancer patients will line up to be treated; not even one will choose to suffer and die when treatment is available. Pain and suffering in this life will end at death, but pain and suffering in the life to come is forever—without end. Sometimes, I think we are very limited in our understanding of eternity, and that is why some individuals accept hell so readily, and even joke about it; hell however, is not a joking matter, and it is not funny. Unfortunately, by the time they understand it, it’ll be too late to choose the alternative—life in Jesus!

God will not take His pronouncement back; He will judge sin, because He knows that man knows the truth about God. Man has chosen to disregard the truth, although deep down in his heart, he knows God exists, and that he is accountable to Him. The apostle Paul reminds us, “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the ungodliness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. Since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them” (Romans 1: 18-19).

If you are reading this, and have not yet submitted to the lordship of Jesus, please do not take it lightly; because hell is for real, and once you arrive there, you cannot turn around. That will be where you will spend eternity. Act quickly!