Week Four
How’s it going with the two lists? Have you thought about it? Last week I asked you to start two lists. The first list is what you’re learning about the character of God. The second list is about your identity in Christ. What do you learn about God and yourself through reading the Bible? Is one list easier than the other? Most of us can easily pick out character traits of God, but it is far more difficult for us to listen to what he has to say about who we are because of him.
I’m going to keep talking about these two lists because they’re so important in learning to abide in Christ. We must know who God is, but equally important is knowing who we are in him. This week I challenge you to find 15 to 20 minutes to sit with God in quiet. Take a sheet of paper or your electronic device and write out this question: “What does the Spirit of God say about me?” And then pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what he has to say about you. Maybe spend a few minutes reading the word before you pray. But be sure to stop and listen. And then write what you hear. Don’t question what your heart tells you. Don’t be afraid about what you hear. It’s only Jesus, the Spirit of the living God. He is compassionate and caring. He will never dishonor you. He will not shame you, and he will not condemn you and he is not holding anything against you. If you begin to hear things that sound like shame, guilt, or condemnation, you know that is not of God. Stop writing and rebuke those evil thoughts and center your heart on Jesus again. If you need help understanding the way Jesus will talk to you, read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Everything he says will fit into that criteria.
Let me know how this goes. I’d love to hear from you. I am praying that God will give you great revelation about who you personally are in him and it will strengthen your faith and your ability to abide. You can reach me at mrightmire@crnaz.com
January 23, 2025 Matt 26:57–27:26 NIV, Ps 23 NIV
January 24, 2025 Matt 27:27–28:20 NIV, Ps 24 NIV
