There is no greater joy than living in light of the incredible gift of the restored identity our Abba Father has gifted us with.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Through faith in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, we have been transformed from a rebellious and sinful people into a reflection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

God ran out to meet us at our point of greatest weakness and clothed us with a new nature that we might no longer sin against him but live with him in glorious, powerful, endless communion. Like in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32 ESV) our Father will never leave us or forsake us. He is always waiting for us to come (back) home so he can shower us with his love and affection and his best gifts.

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine." Isaiah 43:1

Our Father saved us from a life of aimlessly searching for who we are by calling us his children. Because of this we are now called righteous, holy and redeemed. We are no longer associated with our old sinful nature but rather with the bloodline of Jesus. We are now adopted into God’s family making us a sibling to Jesus!!

It wasn’t our power that transformed us, redeemed us and set us free. Nope, it was the power of the redemptive work accomplished by Jesus on the cross. The gathering of all our sins, past, present and future being dragged down to the pits of hell that saved us from hell itself!! Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice. Help us walk worthy to the offering you made for us on that cross. May we NEVER forget what you did for us or that our identity is found only in you.

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9

We have an identity that reaches far beyond simply getting through this life on auto pilot. Our identity is to proclaim the unimaginable brilliance, richness, grace, forgiveness and peace of our heavenly Father. We are called to declare to the world the undeniable power of our God, that he could take our weak and sinful lives, give us a new nature, place his powerful Spirit within us and ignite a passion and a purpose no circumstance or person could ever change or take away. In light of all this we must live with purpose, passion, direction and a grateful heart. We need to live life to its fullest enjoying the journey. Taking pictures, documenting our experiences, writing down our dreams and prayers so when we reach a goal or have a prayer answered we won’t miss the opportunity to thank God for it. (Don’t be living in answered prayers while complaining about your life! That isn’t right!!) Get off the sidelines and into the game, none of us are called to only be a spectator.

This world is not your forever home. You have been forgiven. You are righteous and set free. You are the child of the one true God. He has made you new and whole. He has a purpose for your life which include works of eternal significance. Allow him to work through you to achieve all he has for you. Allow God to uncover the real you. Surrender to his will.

To claim all God has for you learn to walk as Jesus did with every step guided by His Heavenly Father. Learn to talk like He did with positivity, encouragement, kindness, compassion and love.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

Learn to bear fruit as Jesus did by surrendering to God daily. Arms wide open, here I am God, use me. Stay connected to God as Jesus did through simple honest heartfelt prayer.

 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 ESV

Find who you are by looking to Jesus. He will tell you; you are his beloved. Marked, chosen and sealed by God.

Jesus, thank you for the sacrifice you made for me on the cross. Today I choose to embrace the gift of this new nature and abide in you. I will live each and every day with purpose, passion, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Speak to my heart Lord, teach me your truths about who you say I am and fill my heart with your love and peace in Jesus Name, Amen.