I thank the Lord for the amazing revelations He has trusted us with in this journey. A journey together to discover, through Him our true identity. I have been deeply moved and encouraged by your responses and experiences. And to think we are only now on day 3 ! I want to start todays session with this startling statement. Part of who you are, is designed to attach to your neighbour(s). It’s a little like a jigsaw piece, we are a part of a bigger picture with attachments to those around us ! To explain. Personal identity is made whole and more beautiful through corporate identity !In 1 Corinthians 12:7. MSG, Paul shares this unique understanding ; Each person is given something to do that shows who God is : Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people !
And Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 12:14 ;
I want you to think about how all this makes you more significant, not less. A body isn’t just a single part blown up into something huge. It’s all the different-but-similar parts arranged and functioning together.
The believers together become a corporate identity ! So much so that they can now influence the wider body and even believers right across the nation. Wow ! This shows that we were created for relationship with our Father and most importantly each other ! Our identity joined with others, walking in their identity, is an expression of worship to the Father that releases glory. A glory that shines, bringing influence and transformation to the world around us. !
Here is your challenge today :
1. Take 10mins of your day and ask the Lord to reveal His intentions for you. Write this down. 2. Ask the Lord to reveal who of those around you, you should connect with as an expression of worship to the Father. Write this down. 3. Ask the Lord to reveal past words He has spoken over your life. Write this down. 4. Now study all you have written and look for themes. Close your eyes and ask for fresh revelation and wisdom. Allow the Lord through His spirit to lift you up and reveal your full identity.5. Thank the Lord for all He has revealed.
Let’s pray,
Father, I feel indebted to Your kindness, that You would reveal to us, your children these incredible thoughts of how You see our identity. Help us to drink in all we need, to become all you created us to be ! Thank you Father. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Holy Spirit. Amen
Craig and Winnie Patten
Itinerate Pastors/ Apostolic Leaders
Encounter Ministries