01-22-09 Authentic Identity in God

It is in the sometimes-difficult acceptance of our true inward condition, that we find the grace or “power” to overcome. For those who recognize they are “poor in spirit”, all the resources of Heaven are available! (Matt 5.3) God gives grace to those who acknowledge their need for Him (humility), but resists those who think that they don’t (pride). Whether voluntary or involuntary, the Lord’s desired outcome is that we would encounter Him there in the wilderness of our soul and our hearts would be changed to be like His – authentic in identity and “fully alive in love”.


John 8.32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.


Why is this important? Because we can only impart and multiply what we are- (Gen 1.11). When we operate in the “flesh, false self, old man”, we have no spiritual power to impart the life of Christ (John 15.1-8). Therefore, for our own good, God wants to remove these false identities that choke our hearts and reveal the truth of Christ in us (Gal 1.15-16; 2.20) by releasing genuine power to “turn our hearts” to the Truth, as we acknowledge our need for Him. We become, not only messengers with a message, but we embody the very message itself, “an authentic voice not merely and echo”, those with an overcoming testimony (Rev 12.11) that can give hope, strengthen faith and release true spiritual power as a catalyst to “turn the hearts” of others.


John 15.4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.