Who Am I?

 

Who Am I?

My favorite musical is Les Miserables, which follows the life of Jean Valjean, who transforms from a bitter, petty thief into a man who seeks redemption. In one scene, a man closely resembling Valjean, is about to be falsely imprisoned as Valjean. Valjean must make a choice: turn himself in, or let another man suffer in his place. Valjean delivers a short but beautiful song called, “Who Am I?’ during which he ponders who he is and what he will do. This is a turning point for our hero.

In our recent study, Heart of a Woman, we have been identifying and confronting the sin in our lives. This study is very illuminating. Like Valjean, we can all identify with having sinned and experiencing the consequences of sin. But we have also experienced God’s grace and goodness, and like Valjean, seek to walk in a way that is worthy of our Lord (Col. 1:10).

Questions to Ask

As we concluded our study, Laurie asked a series of questions for us to consider:

  • Who am I and Whose am I?
  • What determines Who I am?
  • When did I become who I am?
  • Where am I today? Where am I in my walk with the Lord?
  • Why does any of this matter (i.e. Bible Study, time with the Lord)?
  • How can we do this, live the Christian life?

These are great questions to consider. I am journaling my way through them.

For now, however, I would like to focus on ‘Who am I?’ and ‘Whose am I?’ Let’s see what God’s Word alone says about these questions. I pray it will be as encouraging to you as it was for me.

Who Does God say I Am?

When looking at myself, it can be easy to think about who I am and whose I am based on personality traits or the roles I play in daily life. However, before I get caught up in my human thinking (wrong thinking), I must speak the truth to myself.

God’s Word tells me (this list is not exhaustive):

  • I am HIS child. (Jn. 1:12)
  • I am a friend of Jesus. “but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” (Jn. 15:15)
  • I have been justified and redeemed. “My old self was crucified with Christ, and I am no longer a slave to sin.” (Rom. 6:6, Rom. 3:24)
  • I will not be condemned by God. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 8:1)
  • I am free. “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (Rom. 8:2), (Gal. 5:1)
  • I am a fellow heir with Christ. “And if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Rom. 8:17)
  • I am a new creature in Christ. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!” (2 Cor. 5:17)
  • I have been made one with all who are in Christ Jesus. “…for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:28)
  • I am blessed. “(God) has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” (Eph.1:3)

God Himself lovingly tells me—all believers—who we are. We may feel we are many things, but God Himself tells us the truth about who we are, and that is what matters.

Whose Am I?

What does the Bible tell me about whose I am? To whom do I belong? I am the Lord’s. “…you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God.” (1 Cor. 3:23) I am not my own. I was bought at a price by the Lord.

It’s hard to walk out these truths. How do we claim them as truth when our culture bombards us with messages that are hostile to God’s promises?

By Faith

Faith is a gift, given to us by God, to help us live by His Truth and not be swayed by the world or the enemy. Faith is trusting in something we cannot see. (Heb. 11:1) Yet God makes Himself very real to believers. His Word reminds me again and again that I am His and He is working all things for good in my life (Rom. 8:28 ESV).

May you reflect upon these beautiful Truths. When life circumstances cause you to reflect and turn inward, choose to believe that if you have placed your faith in Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are first and foremost a child of the Almighty God’s! Believing this promise puts everything into perspective.

Growing in Grace

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Belief

Belief

Have you ever thought about what you believe to be true and why you believe that? Recently, a prank news site released the story that Reese’s peanut butter cups were going to be discontinued (imagine the horror of that story!). Similarly, another site circulated the “news” that Congress had passed a bill which made it illegal to play Christmas music before Thanksgiving, even in private homes! There are so many constant, bizarre stories released as news that there are now websites devoted to reporting whether the news we read is true.

I have been considering what I believe to be true and why. There are many things I simply accept as truth. For instance, I believe the sun will rise each morning. I believe that if I heat a pot of water on the stove, the water will boil.

I believe these things because, in my experience, they are true. But really, don’t I choose to believe because statistically speaking, the majority of the time, my stove works and the burner gets hot? Don’t I believe that the sun will rise because it always has?

The reality is, we choose what we believe. We choose where to place our faith.

Unbelief

In a recent lecture, Laurie reminded us that unbelief is one of the major ways the enemy keeps us from growing in our relationship with the Lord. Through this study, I have been confronted with many sins, but unbelief runs deep for me. I am ashamed to say I go through periods of time when I believe more strongly that my stove will heat up than I believe that the promises of God apply to me.

I have struggled for many years with health challenges. I have prayed that God would heal me. He has not. I believe God hears my prayers and that He can act. I just don’t believe He will.

This is unbelief.

Unbelief is insidious. It worms its way into the crevices of our thoughts, distorts the lens through which we read God’s Word, and produces wrong thinking and wrong motives. It hardens our hearts. It makes us feel that God is distant.

Belief Choice

BUT GOD. God does not leave us alone in our unbelief. God grants us faith in the form of a gift (Eph 2:8). His Word tells us, “in all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one…” (Eph. 6:16). The faith God gives us empowers us to believe Him and His promises. It enables us to “walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). The Bible tells us that “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Heb. 11:6) We must choose to believe God. For me, this means I can choose to believe God or I can choose to believe lies. I cannot believe both.

Be Armed

Practically speaking, this means I must speak Truth to myself. I have learned to do this more as I have grown in my walk with the Lord through Thistlebend studies. I have been challenged to memorize scripture and to look up Bible verses that apply to me. This has helped “arm” me with Truth I can speak to myself when unbelief hovers.

  • “but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. “(Is. 40:31)
  • “Blessed be the LORD! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; (Ps. 28:6-7)
  • “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us…” (Eph. 3:20)
  • “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Heb. 11:6)

These verses are part of my arsenal. They help remind me that God is God and I am not. God is in control. Without faith, I cannot please God. So, I go to Him in prayer asking for strength. I go to His Word to believe Him, even when it’s hard and it hurts.  I recount His faithfulness just like the rising of the sun or my stove heating to boil the water.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2 NLT)

I need God to change the way I think. What are some verses you use to counteract lies in your mind?

Blessings in Christ,

Thistlebend

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What is Deep Discipleship

Introduction

In a world filled with distractions and challenges, individuals seeking a profound and transformative relationship with their faith often find solace and strength in the concept of deep discipleship. Deep discipleship goes beyond surface-level engagement with one’s faith and delves into the core of spiritual growth, fostering a connection that is both intimate and enduring. This journey is paved with essential elements such as small groups, mentorship, and a purposeful curriculum. This blog explores the significance of these components, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive study curriculum that includes accountability and the practice of confessing one’s sins. We’ll also shed light on Thistlebend Ministries’ women’s study curriculum, particularly the “Falling in Love Again with Your Lord” series.

The Power of Small Groups

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” – Matthew 18:20

Small groups form the backbone of deep discipleship, providing a space for individuals to connect, share, and grow together. In the context of faith, these groups create a sense of community and accountability, fostering an environment where members can openly discuss their struggles and victories. The intimacy of small groups enables individuals to build relationships that go beyond the surface, creating a supportive network for their spiritual journey.

Discipleship: Guiding the Way

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” – Proverbs 19:20

Thistlebend studies incorporate discipleship within large group, small group, and smaller “Bring the Truth to Life”* group formats. These work together to provide spiritual guidance and offer wisdom, encouragement, support, and accountability to those navigating their faith journey. This allows for a greater understanding of themselves, provides growth opportunities, and fosters a connection with God that transcends mere intellectual instruction.

Curriculum: A Blueprint for Growth

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

An effective study curriculum acts as a blueprint for spiritual growth, guiding individuals through intentional and purposeful learning. A well-structured curriculum addresses various aspects of faith, incorporating elements like accountability and the practice of confessing one’s sins. Thistlebend Ministries’ “Falling in Love Again with Your Lord” series, based on Psalm 63, exemplifies a curriculum designed for deep discipleship.

Thistlebend Ministries: Nurturing Spiritual Thirst

Thistlebend Ministries understands the profound thirst individuals have for a deeper connection with their Lord. The “Falling in Love Again with Your Lord” series takes women on a transformative journey through twelve chapters, delivered monthly. Grounded in Psalm 63, this series focuses on entering into divine communion with the Lord and growing to love Him with heart, soul, mind, and strength each day. The testimonies of women from diverse backgrounds and churches attest to the radical heart and life transformation experienced through this Thistlebend Bible study.

Conclusion

Deep discipleship is not a solitary pursuit but a collective journey that thrives on community, discipleship, and purposeful curriculum. Small groups provide a supportive environment, encourage accountability, and offer guidance, and a comprehensive curriculum acts as a roadmap for growth. Thistlebend Ministries’ “Falling in Love Again with Your Lord” series exemplifies a curriculum that meets these criteria, facilitating radical heart and life transformation. As individuals embark on this journey of deep discipleship, they discover a thirst-quenching relationship with the Lord that surpasses the challenges of a dry and weary land.

*“Bring the Truth to Life” is an integral part of our studies and is described in the Welcome section of each study.

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