August 3, 2010
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Who are we? Why did You give us so precious identity.
Long before He laid down earth's foundations, he had usin mind, had settled on us as the focus of His love, to be made whole and holy by His love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into His family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure He took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of His lavish gift-giving by the hand of His beloved Son.
Becaus of the sacrifice of the Messiah, His blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people - free of penalities and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everthing, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. Ephesians 1:4-8 (Message)
In short, the verses bring us a message that EVERY true believer in God was chosen, is blessed, favored, adopted, redeemed, and forgiven. I am wondering why He did or does these for us, though we are rebelled and sinful in nature. I deeply thank God for giving us this prestigious, divine identity and treating us as His own Son. How I respond to this ... um ... even I am living under high stress, frustrations, and worries, I AM still His beloved, protected by His mighty power, encouraged by His tremendous love, and cleansed by His blood. After knowing this reality, I am brave enough and feel very calm to face daily seeming unbeatable challenges and receive unwanted setbacks.
Right now, what kind of stuff that makes me worry ... I guess ... is ... having internship in a private counseling center and seeking job when going back to Hong Kong. These verses certainly give me strength spiritually to deal with my emotions and anticipate His upcoming provision. More importantly, even the 'results' are not what I want, the identity He gave me is unshakable by external matters and His every promises become my hopes toward tomorrow. Thank you Lord.
May these verses bless those who read them thoughfully. Amen.
