"EMBRACING WHO YOU ARE!"

Genesis 45:1-2 (NLT)

"Joseph could stand it no longer. There were many people in the room, and he said to his attendants, "Out, all of you!" So he was alone with his brothers when he told them who he was. Then he broke down and wept. He wept so loudly the Egyptians could hear him, and word of it quickly carried to Pharaoh's place."

Praise the Lord, everybody! Everybody praise the Lord!

I greet you, my sisters and brothers in Christ! It is a good thing to sing praises unto the Lord! The Bible declares in Psalm 47:7 (KJV) “For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding”. Let’s take time to deeply reflect on the wonderful name of Jesus! I give God thanks for you and pray you continue to be encouraged, in Jesus' name! Let’s dive into the Word of God!

Have you ever been ashamed of something in your life, something that made you feel insufficient or worthless? Or have you ever felt like an outcast, because no matter where you go or who you’re around, you just can't seem to fit in?

I believe many of us can relate at some point in our lives, but as children of God we live in this world, but we are not of this world. In spite of what you’ve been through, remember the Word of God, which supersedes our feelings. Colossians 3:1-3 (NLT) "Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God." Our identity as a child of God means that we should rely totally on God and understanding who God says we are. Our heavenly Father wants us to trust His plans for our lives.

 Will you allow Him to navigate your life?

As we navigate through this life with Christ, he desires for you to EMBRACE Who you are in Christ Jesus. Don’t be ashamed of your process.

Today, I want to encourage you to Embrace Who You Are in Christ Jesus. Saints of God, at some point in our lives, we will face challenges, but we must endure like good soldiers for the kingdom of God! He wants us to stand firm in the liberty He has given to set us free. Ephesians 6:14-17 states, "Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God."

Being in a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is one of the best decisions anyone can make. God knows that the valley will get rough, but even though we walk through dark valleys, fear no evil, for the Lord our God is with you. There are moments when we can easily fall into doubt or overlook the goodness of God. However, as we journey through this pilgrim land, we must meditate upon the Word Day and night, seeking the Lord with all our hearts. The Lord delights in those who diligently seek Him, causing our relationship to grow to higher heights and deeper depths. In these moments, we learn to EMBRACE WHO WE ARE.

As we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, revelation of our true purpose comes alive, HALLELUJAH. I believe Paul the Apostle was one who embraced who he was joyfully. In spite of his flaws, he knew it was the power of God that worked in him.

As he wrote the book of Philemon (inspired by God), Paul starts off by saying, "This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy I am writing to Philemon, our beloved co-worker." This word touched my heart, seeing the boldness our brother Paul had while living and serving the Lord.

There was no shame, fear, or resistance in Paul to EMBRACE who he was in Christ Jesus. I pray that in these end times, we too will have the same perspective to maintain this posture in our daily lives. Romans 1:16-17 NLT states, "For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” This Good News tells us how God makes us right in His sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” It's only through Paul's faith and relationship with Christ that he was able to reach the place of embracing who he was in the LORD.

If there's anyone who is having a hard time, I pray the Lord gives you a spirit of boldness and meekness to understand the power of God at work within you. Get up out of that grave of sorrow and arise in Jesus' name. For we are more than conquerors through him that loved us (Romans 8:37). Today, I beseech you, brethren, to be bold and courageous EMBRACING WHO YOU ARE, IN JESUS’ NAME. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are unique, beautiful, and strong in the Lord. You are His special treasure, created for such a time as this. 

The Bible tells us in Exodus 19:5, "Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me." Genesis 45, highlights Joseph who suffered persecution for righteousness’ sake. Nevertheless, after being sold into slavery by his own brothers, falsely accused and imprisoned by his master's wife, and enduring years of separation from his family, in the end, he was not ashamed to reveal his identity. Joseph received a revelation of how all things had worked together for the good of all. In Genesis 50:20-21, Joseph says, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them." 

(Please take the time to read Genesis 37-50).

The story of Joseph is packed with lessons about forgiveness, mercies, envy, jealousy, pride, family struggles, and humility, lessons that can help us in our walk to trust God. No matter the challenges we face in this life God is in control and faithful to His promises. Let us continue to remain faithful unto the Lord and trust the process knowing who we are in Jesus' name!

Psalms 40:2-3

"He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the lord."