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  Rushing Streams Ministries

Thinking out loud

Markers

2/13/2016

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Picture
Who you are in Christ is a crucial part of your identity. However, what others see in you is vital. 

Simply saying, “I am a Christian,” or, “I love Jesus,” or, “I go to church!” does not say much about your identity.  What others see in you is the critical marker.

Can the world see who you have been with? 
Here is a marker:
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Act 4:13 

Who you truly are in Christ Jesus is always evident by the life you live.
There is a life style that speaks louder than words. 
Do you: 
Rejoice always, 
pray continually, 
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus?
 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 

Paul exhorts Timothy to: 
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:4-6 

These are the words of a mentor encouraging a protégé who is under great pressure.  Paul uses the situation to encourage Timothy to become mature in character and action. 

Maturity is always a choice, but no one matures without pressure. 
Pressure comes with the unpleasant circumstances you will face. 
They are the acid tests that always reveal who you are and whom you trust. 
They are excellent measuring tools for checking your identity in Christ. 

How do you respond when a crisis arises? 
How like Jesus are you in your reactions or responses? 
Is there a striking likeness of Jesus Christ in you? 
Are you a living biography of Christ Jesus, written out in your words and actions? 

As a Christian, your assurance of Christ demonstrates your faith, not only by words, but by your actions. Let kindness, hope and love not only be your banner, but your way of life. 
Imitate Jesus in his holiness.  
Was he patient? So learn to endure. 
And in the highest imitation of Jesus, forgive your enemies. 

Live so that the world cannot help but say, “He/she has been with Jesus."
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    Thinking Out Loud

    These are short meditations on some of the thoughts and ideas we receive as we read, study or ponder the things of God.
    They are short blogs meant to cause us to think, explore, meditate or simply delight in the things of the Lord.


    Author

    In a counseling career spanning over 30 years, author and teacher Martin Frankena has shared the life-changing power of Christ’s redemption with individuals and churches in America, Canada, South America, and Europe.  Martin's heart is to further the Lord’s mandate of releasing people into freedom from bondages to experience greater wholeness and fulfillment in life. A major focus of the ministry is healing from generational issues.

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