April 19, 2015

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: My Identity


There is a very interesting artist/photographer named Nikki S. Lee (if you Google her, make sure you type in Nikki S. Lee and maybe add photographer to it...there is another person with a name similar that you really don't want to stumble across images of!!!!).  She had a series where she would take on the identity of a culture...and photograph herself as part of that culture.  The results were pretty amazing.  She would "become" part of that culture so the photographs would feel authentic.  
photo by Nikki S. Lee
(Nikki is on the far right...she is actually a young woman but made up to look like a senior.)

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I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.  My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.  They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.  Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.  As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.  For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.  
John 17: 14-19
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As Christians, we are called to be IN the world, but not OF the world.  Too often than not, we take on the identity of the world.  There is little that separates us.  I'm not saying that we need to wear huge crosses, "Christian" t-shirts, only listen to Christian music, and never watch anything but TBN!  
I just want you to take a moment and ask yourself..."WHAT SEPARATES ME FROM THE WORLD?"  "HOW WOULD OTHERS KNOW I'M NOT OF THE WORLD?"   If those questions become a bit "fuzzy" & hard to answer...maybe you need to ask the Lord where you might be compromising & accepting the world's identity as your own. 

 I've heard some Christians say they are trying to be part of the "culture" so they can reach them for the Lord. There is something about being able to reach out to the people you are connected.  I have friends that have left a life of addiction and are now reaching out to those who still struggle.  I think that is awesome!  They can speak to those people in a way that I can not.  So should I start drinking so I can have a stronger ministry with the person addicted to alcohol?  NO!!!!!!!!!  I can minister to those struggling with addiction, it will just be from a different perspective than those that have lived that life.  Anyways, it isn't about me....it is about our Savior!!  Jesus can speak through you to anyone He chooses....if you are just available.  You don't have to be one with the culture/world...you have to be open to the Holy Spirit using you.  When we are IN the world...but not OF the world...God can use us in AMAZING ways.  

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, help me to be more like YOU..
the world needs more of you!!  It doesn't need more of itself.
Help me to be open & willing to speak your truth & love to 
anyone & anywhere...not because I'm "comfortable" in doing it, 
but that I'm so compelled to do it because of the love you have shown me!
 In Your Name We Pray Jesus.
AMEN

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