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We’ve been given an identity better than we could ever earn or hope.

“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

Father, by your grace, you have freed us from giving you bit parts in our story, and have written us into your big Story of every-nation redemption and cosmic renewal. We’re chosen, not choice; married to the King, not royal by nature In ourselves, we’re comprehensively broken; but in Christ, we’re perfectly righteous. We’re no longer our own (hallelujah!), but your beloved people. For the rest of our lives—and throughout eternity, we have the privilege of declaring the excellences of your grace and the wonders of your love. We have zero desire to default back to a life that neither needs nor glories in you.

 

We have Jesus’ perpetual presence, care, and kindness.

“Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Dear Jesus, thank you for the promise of your perpetual presence. When I’m afraid to be alone, you won’t let me be. When I want to be alone, you won’t let me be. When I need you to come through for me, you will. When it feels like you’re not coming through for me, you are. When I’m discouraged, you don’t chide, deride, or revile me. You always enter, engage, and encourage me. When I’m afraid you don’t say, “Buck up, be strong,” you say, “I understand, I’m here.” Thank you Jesus, so very much.

 

Better than being a new creature, we’re a part of the New Creation order.

“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Dear Jesus, hallelujah… our now and forever address is “in Christ.” In you we have more than we realize, and beyond all we could dream or imagine. Our “newness” isn’t just personal, it’s cosmic. We belong to your now and coming Kingdom. You are the “Yes” to every promise God has made—every hope of the Messianic age. You are the Lamb of God who took away our sin… the Lord of Lords, who is making all things new…  and the Lamp of the New City, whose glory will radiate the new heaven and new earth. Hallelujah, what a Savior you are. Hallelujah, what a salvation we have in you.

So Very Amen

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