Discover Who You Are in Christ

– through the Scriptures

by Lori Ramsey

Discover Who You Are in Christ / by Lori Ramsey

Copyright © 2012 by Lori Ramsey, LARamsey.com.

All rights reserved.  Published in the United States by Lori Ramsey.

First edition.

Cover by LARamsey.com.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The "NIV" and "New International Version" trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Biblica.

Table of Contents

Introduction

You Are Eternally Alive

You Are Co-Heirs With Christ

You Are In Perfect Peace

You Are Complete Good Works

You Are a New Creation

You Are Buried in Christ Therefore You Live

You Are Gifted

You Are Cared For

You Are Filled with Life

You Are Blessed In What You Do

You Are Wise

You Are Chosen

You Are A New Self

You Are Supplied

You Are Strong

You Are Saved

You Are The Righteousness of God

You Are an Ambassador of Christ

You Are Victorious

You Are Washed, Sanctified and Justified

You Are Hopeful

You Are God's Child

You Are Free

You Are Alive to God

You Are Joy Filled

You Are Equipped to Do Great Things

You Are Full

You Are a Rightful Child of God

You Are An Overcomer

Other Books by Lori Ramsey

Introduction

So many Christians walk around like zombies, not fully realizing who they really are in Christ Jesus.  To put on true Christianity you have to make a conscious decision to walk in it on a daily basis.  It is easy to walk forth in the church and publicly proclaim you make Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior.  The real proclamation comes in the way you live your life, the way you show God's love to others and the way you display your faith in every situation you face.

When Jesus died on the cross during the crucifixion, the veil tore in two that separated man from God.  It is through Jesus' death that we are able to face God without the threat of instant death.  When Jesus rose from the dead, he brought forth the victory of life everlasting; proclaiming that all who believe on Him would also have life everlasting.

There is nothing holding you back from realizing your full potential of who you really are in Christ Jesus.  Before reading further with this book, take a moment to pray, that God opens your eyes and heart to the truth.  Do not take my word for it, look it up, research it, pray about it.  Ask God to reveal it to you.  He wants you to know who you are and to act on it.  He wants the enemy put under foot.

He [Jesus] sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. - Hebrews 10:12-14

When Jesus ascended into Heaven, he left us, the body of Christ, in charge of the earth.  It is us who will finish this by putting the "enemy under foot."  We will do this by discovering who we are in Christ Jesus.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 6:23

You Are Eternally Alive

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 6:23

Without the forgiveness of sin in your life, you will die.  True forgiveness of your sins can only come from the One who gave you eternal life, God.  It is His gift to you.  It is a gift, freely given just for asking, but you have to ask in a certain way.  You have to ask Jesus Christ to be the Lord of your life.  You have to invite Him to reside inside your heart.  You have to give your free will over to Him in order to receive this gift.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

How to be eternally alive?  BELIEVE in Jesus Christ, BELIEVE He is the son of God.  Believe what the Holy word (Holy Bible) says about it.  Easy, huh?

You Are Co-Heirs With Christ

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. - Romans 8:17

Who are you in Christ Jesus?  You are an heir with Jesus Christ, an heir of God almighty, an heir of the one who set the stars in the sky and the moon at night, an heir to the one who created all.  We are heirs with Jesus, but Jesus paid the whole price for this awesome establishment.  Jesus took on the suffering of all mankind, so we, his brothers and sisters through God would not have to suffer.  He suffered, and then He shared that suffering with us.  We did not have to suffer, but He suffered for us, so it is as if it was us on that cross.

Isn't that an awesome thought?  This is not just a fairy tale this is real.  This is truth, it is right there in God's Holy word.  God adopted us as His sons and daughters; therefore, His flesh and blood son becomes our brother.  Jesus Christ is our brother through this spiritual adoption.  The adoption papers were signed and sealed by God the day Jesus died on the cross for us.  We received the adoption when we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  Do we act as if we are the brothers and sisters to the King?  Do we live as if we are royalty?

Realize that you are an heir with Christ, not just "an heir" but "co-heirs."  Co means corresponding, which means equal to or the same as.  Can you imagine God, the Holy One, the Alpha and Omega, looking at US as equals to His beloved son?  Does this humble you?  It should.  Then you should rise up and take charge of your Christian faith, walking about as an heir with Christ to the glory of God almighty.  We get to share in God's glory, not just in Heaven, but here on earth also.  Do you manifest God's glory in your actions?

You Are In Perfect Peace

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. - Isaiah 26:3

God's promise is that if you put all of your trust in Him, if you keep your mind steadfast on Him, He will keep you in perfect peace.  How is it you can be in perfect peace if our world is crashing down around you?  This is where you must step out in faith, and make a decision to put Him first and serve Him first, no matter what is going on around you.  He knows what you suffer; He knows your needs and your desires.  He has a plan for you, if you just agree to stay on the path He lays out for you.  Sometimes you may feel He is not there, He is not providing help.  Yet, He is.  His timing is not yours, his ways are not yours, but His timing and ways are perfect.

How do you put your mind steadfast on God?  You have to make that choice.  Every.  Minute.  Of.  The.  Day.   You have the choice to follow Him and trust Him or not.  You have the right to choose to look to Him through everything you go through or to not.  If you think of spending time with God as important as checking your text messages on your phone, checking emails, taking a vitamin, or drinking a glass of water, you will make it top priority to put Him first in everything.  Try it.  Before you ever reach for your phone, before you check email, even before your feet hits the floor first thing in the morning, give your day to Him.  Tell Him of your concerns and worries, ask His forgiveness of your sins, and then rest in the perfect peace that only He gives.

You Are Complete Good Works

If you ever have a down day and feel unworthy to who you are, reflect on Philippians 1:6 ...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  You must take God at His word, when He says He began a good work in YOU, He will finish it.  When is the day of Christ Jesus?  That is the day He returns, to take back the earth, to call His believers to Him in the glorious trumpet call.  That is the day the dead will rise first, and we will all be reunited with Jesus.  That is the day Heaven is yours.

If you have a bad day, meditate on Philippians 1:6.  Lay claim on it.  "In Jesus name I AM His good work!"  He will not turn His back on you, just as you will never turn your back on your children.  Rest in this knowledge, trust in this knowledge.  Stand firm of your beliefs.  Stand in front of a mirror and say aloud, "God began a good work in me and He will complete this good work until the day of Christ Jesus."  In addition, when Jesus returns, we will all receive complete restoration to all that ails us.  Every tear will be dried, every pain will disappear, everything that is not life giving will fall away.  You will walk away with Him in Glory, and until then, He is with you, continuing to make a good work with your life.

Remember, draw the line - John 10:10 - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  In that full life you ARE the good work of God, you are wonderfully made in His image.  Keep this in your heart, always.

You Are a New Creation

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, that person is a new creation. The old has gone, the new is here! - 2 Corinthians 5:17   This verse is a wonderful statement, saying you are a new creation, if you are in Christ Jesus.  This means that God did not make puppets out of human beings.  You are not cast from the same cookie cutter.  You are made in His image, and when you professed your belief that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, you became a new creation.  When God sees you He sees that which is made new, not the past, ugly sins and imperfections.  The blood of Jesus Christ washes over your soul, rendering you white as snow, forgiven, redeemed.

Do not become hung up over what you may have done in the past, over sins and transgressions.  Some people allow the past to keep them buried in the mire of condemnation, believing they do not deserve any better.  If you look at it closely, no one deserves the great gift God gave to us in His son Jesus Christ.  However, He freely gave us this gift.  He wants to redeem us, no matter what we have done in the past.  Once Jesus blood washes over you, it is a done deal.  You were bought and paid for, redeemed, giving the greatest gift of grace and mercy.  In this, you became a new creation.  Accept it, walk in it, live it.

When you wake up, step your feet on the floor as a child of God, as His new creation.  Walk in His ways and in His will to fulfill His purpose in your life.  In doing this you will experience a peace and joy that no man can ever give you or manufacture for you.

You Are Buried in Christ Therefore You Live

That indeed sounds like a paradox, that because you are buried in Christ Jesus, therefore you live.  Nevertheless, because you profess Jesus Christ as the Lord of your life, you have taken on His likeness.  He died of crucifixion and was buried in the tomb for three days before He arose from the dead in His new life.  When we become believers, we are baptized as a symbolism of what happened to Jesus.  The act of going under the water symbolizes the burial of Jesus, and then the emerging up from the water represents the resurrection from the dead.  Romans 6:4 - We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Do not become hung up on the doctrine of baptism.  The Bible is clear here:  Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. - Mark 16:16  - It does not say "whoever is not baptized will be condemned."  -  However, the act of baptism is a public profession of your belief that Jesus Christ is the son of God, it shows you are doing what He did.  In Matthew 3:13-17 John the Baptist baptized Jesus:  13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”  15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.  16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

You Are Gifted

6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. - Romans 12:6

Did you know God gives you gifts, according to His will the day you received salvation.  Romans 12 goes on to say:  If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.  If you do not know what your gift is, ask God to reveal it to you.  Stand firm on the promise that because you are a member of the body of Christ, you have a gift, an active role to play, for the edifying of the rest of the body of Christ.

God is not a respecter of persons; He does not give one person more over another just because He feels they deserve more.  He places everyone on a level ground and pours out His gifts according to your willingness to receive and accept them.  47 “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. - Luke 12:47-48

In other words, if you are a child of God, you are expected to carry through with your gift.  If you do not, you will not receive more of it.  If you do, if you are faithful with it, God will continue to pour it out over you.  It is that simple.

You Are Cared For

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:6-7

This one verse should simply give you the freedom to be who you are in Him, because if you are, then He cares for you!  Peter says you do not need to be anxious.  Being anxious is worrying.  Worry and stress are things that rob you of your peace and joy.  You have to just believe Him, take Him at His word.  How do you do this?  You simply believe what He says and you act on it.

If you feel anxious, pray this verse aloud.  Say, "I humble myself under your mighty Hand, Father.  Lift me up in due time.  I give you all my worries, anxieties, stress, and fears.  I cast every one of them onto you, Father, because I know you care for me."  Meditate on this verse until the fears subside and the worries fall away.

1 Peter goes on to tell you how to do this and why:  8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Not only are you cared for you are restored and strengthened.  You are firm and steadfast.  Cling to the word of God and claim your peace and joy now.

You Are Filled with Life

Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. - 1 John 5:12  Can you imagine how it is for those who never believe Jesus Christ is the son of God?  They may live it up and seem like they have it all together, but if you look at it in the whole picture, when they die what will happen to them if they do not have Jesus?  The Bible is very clear here, without Jesus Christ, you have no life.  When you pass on from this life here on earth, your life is just beginning!  The gift God gives you for believing in His son is eternal life.

As a believer, you are filled with the life that never dies.  You will live forever.  Your soul will live forever, in the presence of God and with Jesus Christ.  It is a life filled with joy, as you have never imagined.  However, while you are here on earth, you have that same life inside you.  You are filled with life.  Walk in this life, stepping into your full ability as a Christian, as a believer in Jesus Christ and as a person who has the power within to raise the dead and heal the sick.

Never cower to the enemy; if you have the life giving force inside your heart and soul, you have nothing to fear.  Stand tall and allow your light to shine bright to a world that needs illumination.  Shine your life light so the others who do not have Jesus Christ are drawn to you, and then share it with them so they too will call out to Him for salvation.  This is what God wants He wants no one lost.  He gave you life so let it shine for His glory!

You Are Blessed In What You Do

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.- James 1:22-25

You are blessed in what you do as long as you study God's word and heed to the advice He gives.  How can you live a perfect life?  You cannot on your own accord, but if you place God front and center, if you dwell on Him and His word, you will go in the path He set before you and through Him, your life is perfected.  The verses say to look intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continue in it.  Look intently means to focus, like a horse with blinders, not looking at the sides, but right on what the word says.  The Word of God is what gives us freedom.  Then we must act on it.  It must be at the forefront of all our thoughts and actions.

Focus on God's word and keep that focus all through the day, all through what you do, even when you are talking with others, make sure to speak life-giving words.  Let your actions be of those that bring glory to God.  Let your life be an example, stay humble before Him, as you decrease, He increases, but as He increases, He lifts you up and fills you with life blessing, blessing all you put your hands to, here and now and everlasting.

You Are Wise

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.-  James 1:5-6

You are wise IF you ask God for the wisdom.  Never think you can be wise apart from God.  Godly wisdom trumps all others.  If you are a believer and you feel you do not have wisdom, simply ask God to give you wisdom.  The scriptures do not lie.  He will pour it out over you.  There is one stipulation though to receive this wisdom and in being wise.  You have to believe with your whole heart that you receive it from God.  If you have any doubt at all, you will not be wise.  The receiving is in letting go of all that is not of God.

Remember God gives life, light, and anything else; be it doubts, fear, hurt, etc. comes from the enemy.  Never doubt the word of God is truth.  When you ask God, ask with boldness that He hears you and gives to you, if it lines up with His word and will.  God loves wisdom, and wants to pour it out over His children.  Approach His throne without a doubt in your mind and heart, boldly ask Him for wisdom, and you shall have it.

Pray this now:  "Father God, your word says if I lack wisdom, I just need to ask You and You will give it to me, generously.  I lack in this wisdom, will You please pour it out over me, over my mind and heart.  I release all doubts and fully receive your gift of wisdom right now.  In Jesus Name, amen."

You Are Chosen

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. - Colossians 3:12

You are chosen as God's person.  He calls you holy and dearly loved.  He requires you wrap yourself in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  What do all these virtues have in common?  They are characteristics of God himself, characteristics of Jesus Christ.  When it says we are to take up our cross and follow Him, it means we are to act as He did.  Compassion is another word for loving.  When we have compassion or love for another, we genuinely care about that person, as God cares for us.

You are to act in kindness towards others.  This is easy to do.  In every situation you face, simply ask yourself, "What would Jesus do?"  It is guaranteed He would be kind.  Having humility does not mean you are humiliated.  It means you act in humbleness.  It means you do not elevate yourself, or bring the glory and praise to yourself, but rather to God.  Humble yourself before God and He will lift you up.  Gentle and patience gives you room to allow the Holy Spirit to work.  God is never harsh or hurried.  He is gentle and patient with you.  That is why you are His chosen person, a member of his chosen people.

Keep these things in mind as you face your day, as you encounter the unloving, the hateful.  Allow God's love to shine through you in humbleness and love.  Be slow in harsh reactions, allowing time for the Holy Spirit to react for you.  Give it all to Him who is able to carry you through all situations in life.  Walk like the child of a King, but remember God loves all equally, never elevate yourself above any others.  Let God do the lifting!

You Are A New Self

...and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. - Colossians 3:10   You are a new self, you are renewed in the knowledge of God.  Prior to this verse, the passage speaks about how not to act.  It speaks of taking off the sinful nature you were born with - 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices - Colossians 3:5-9

When you let go of this sinful nature, you have put on your new self, in the image of God.  You do not have to do anything in your own power to bring this about except to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  Because you desire to walk as a Christian, you agree to repent of all sin and as a result, you are clothed in your new self.  All people will fall short of this new self, because we are not perfect.  All you need to do if you fall back into the sinful nature is ask forgiveness and repent.  True repentance means you turn away from the sin and sin no more.  Pray protection around you to keep you from the evil that causes you to sin.  It is a daily walk.  Keep your eyes on your Creator; follow in the example of Jesus Christ.

You Are Supplied

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19

When this verse refers to the fact that God meets all your needs, it means just that, all your needs.  There are many references in the Bible about trusting in God to take care of you.  God owns the universe, why would He not provide for His own children?  He gives to you richly, if you believe and profess Jesus Christ as His son.  If you ever have any doubts here that you are richly supplied, meditate on these verses:

I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, 10 for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. - Psalm 50:9-10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. - John 10:10

God takes care of His children, He has plans for His children, and that means you too.  He supplies all your needs, so if you face a situation of dire need pray this:  "Father I give thanks that you supply all my needs.  I lay claim on the promise of Philippians 4:19 right now in Jesus Name."

Believe that God puts the desires in your heart to do His will.  If you act on this, He also supplies you to do His will.  Ever read of the Proverbs 31 woman?  In her constant reverence of God, He supplied her and blessed her household.  What did she do that is different from you or me?  She simply put God first, in everything.  All you have to do to receive this promise is put God first, in your thoughts, in your actions and give thanks for the supplication of all your needs.

You Are Strong

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.  - Philippians 4:13  This verse is often quoted as "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, from the King James version.  People quote it when they have to face trying situations.  However, what does it mean really?  Take a look at the verses before to get the true meaning.

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  - Philippians 4:11-12

Paul was referring to being content in whatever he faced.  This means being content even in the toughest of situations.  Nevertheless, does this mean then that God will not take care of us?  No, Paul was content because he knew that even when he faced adversary, God would come through, in perfect timing, to take care of his needs.  This means God does this for you too.  When you face situations that stretch your faith, things that are not pleasant, learn to lean on and trust in God, for He will come through, giving you the strength to get through it and taking care of all that concerns you.

This is good news!  Worry is such a bad thing; it steals the joy and the peace and is not something God gives you.  Even when you face times that the only logical thing to do is worry, you need to relax and let God have it.  He will make it pass and give you the strength to stand firm in Him.

You Are Saved

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. - Ephesians 2:89

Salvation is a gift from God, given right from His heart.  He thought enough of you to become a man, a human being just like you, to come to earth to pay the price for your salvation.  Jesus Christ is God become man, God's own son.  Can you imagine anyone else doing this for you?  Would you?  God loved the world so so much He paid the ultimate price, the redeeming price to grant His awesome gift of salvation to all humankind, to all who will receive it.

How do you receive such a gift?  How do you become saved?  You profess with your mouth, aloud, that Jesus Christ is the son of God.  You believe that He was crucified for your sins, and that He arose from the dead, having defeated all the evil and sin in the world.  Once you do this, salvation is given, open-handed from God Himself.  As an additional gift, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within your heart.  The Holy Spirit is the one who will convict and convince you to stay on the path of salvation, as He speaks to your heart.

Walk in your salvation by allowing the light that shines forth from Him through you to others, thus leading others to the Lord too.  God wants all to receive this gift, but He can only give it to those willing to receive it.  Many will come to His salvation by seeing your example.  Never hide this light, let it shine for the entire world to see.  Share the blessings and share eternity with all you know.

You Are The Righteousness of God

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. - 2 Corinthians 5:21

Apart from Jesus Christ, you do not have this gift.  Let me be clear here, the verse is straightforward.  Jesus Christ, who was God made into man, did not sin, not for one moment of His life here on earth.  He proved that a human being could walk the way without sin.  When He submitted to death on the cross, He died on our behalf.  He took on the punishment for all of our sins.  He paid the ultimate price, once and for all.  Without this price being paid, we would be blamed; we would suffer the consequences of our sins.  We would have no redemption.  It would be a sad world indeed.

However, rejoice, because through Him (Jesus Christ) we are made the righteousness of God.  That is a miracle worth celebrating.  The gift that Jesus gave us is the best gift in the whole universe.  No one else can come even close to such a wonderful gift.  It is a life changing, mind-transforming gift.  It means we are able to approach God without fear.  It means we walk around with the Holy Spirit inside of us, helping us, empowering us to be who we are.  You Are The Righteousness of God through Christ Jesus.

Have you thanked Him for this awesome gift?  It is worthy of praise and thanksgiving daily.  It is worthy of walking upright through life.  How can you show your best thanksgiving for this gift?  You can show your best thanksgiving by living a life pleasing to God, by showing others who He is through your words and actions.  So step out and show the world Jesus!

You Are an Ambassador of Christ

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. - 2 Corinthians 5:20

An ambassador of Christ is one who resides in a foreign land in the place of Jesus Christ.  Think of it this way, an ambassador of the United States goes out to other countries that are not their own home.  They reside on behalf of the USA, representing the USA, under the USA's protection, but in the midst of a foreign land.  They act on behalf of the USA; they conduct business on behalf of the USA.  In the same way, we as Christians are sent here, on earth, in representation of Jesus Christ.

We are to conduct business here as a Christian, on behalf of Christ.  We are living in this world, but are not of this world.  Our true home is Heaven, with Jesus.  He sent us here to represent Him, His cause, His ways.  We are here to win others over to Him.  What an honorable calling!  Every single Christian alive is an ambassador of Christ.  We need to take this role seriously, and conduct ourselves as citizens of Heaven, and as a guest of the earth.

You are an ambassador of Christ.  You wear His emblem in your heart.  He shines through you in your actions, your words, and your presence.  Walk forth in your life with this knowledge and allow the Holy Spirit to be your guide, so you will always make the right choices and represent Heaven the way He wants you to.  Pray this prayer:

"Father, I thank you for making me an ambassador of your son Jesus Christ.  Equip me to follow through with this calling on my life.  In Jesus Name, Amen."

You Are Victorious

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 15:57

This verse refers to the rewards for those who believe in Jesus Christ.  Before this verse the passage talks about the "end days" when there will be some on earth who will never die, but the victory goes to both those who have died as believers and those who are alive.  It says:

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. - 1 Corinthians 15:51-54

This is good news; you can walk in the confident assurance that you have this victory, even if Jesus doesn't come back for another thousand years.  Immortality is yours in the end regardless.  But the fact is, we do not know the day or the hour when Jesus is to return.  Only God knows.  He could return an hour from now.  He could return tomorrow or next week.  The point is we need to live upright lives and be prepared for that glorious day, in case it happens while we are here walking on the earth.

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father". - Matthew 24:36

You Are Washed, Sanctified and Justified

And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. - 1 Corinthians 6:11

This verse may sound confusing just reading it as is.  Whom is the verse referring to anyway?  It is referring to man, after he accepts Jesus Christ as Lord of his life.  Man, woman, you.  The verses before it refer to the people who will not inherit the Kingdom of God, those who sin, and those who never call on Jesus.  In addition, it makes reference that even those who led sinful lives are washed clean in the name of Jesus Christ.  It says they were past tense, the sinners.  When you profess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior you also ask forgiveness of any sin, which is forgiven on the spot.  The redemption gift is the cleansing of your soul making you washed, sanctified, and justified.

Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters. 9Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God - 1 Corinthians 6-9-10

Then you have verse 11, where you are redeemed [washed, sanctified, and justified.]  Even this admits it does not matter what sins you committed prior to being saved, you are able to receive the redemption if you believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God that He died for you.  This is good news and a good image of who most are in Jesus Christ.

You Are Hopeful

For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?  25  But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. - Romans 8:24-25

Can you imagine a life without Jesus?  How bleak that must be, not having Him to call on when you need a higher power.  How bleak it must be to think about the afterlife, oh wait, those without Jesus will not have a pleasant afterlife.  How horrible not to have the One who built the universe with love, the One who loves us so much He sent His own son to pay the price for our redemption.  We have the hope that our afterlife is taken care of, we will be with Him forever.  We will meet with our loved ones who have passed on before us, if they were believers.

You are hopeful.  You are saved.  Hope means you have a confident assurance that what you do not see is real.  You cannot see Jesus Christ with your eyes.  Nor do you see God or the Holy Spirit.  You can feel them, within your heart.  If you look all around, you can see Him through others, through the beauty and good that is in this world.  You cannot see the oxygen you breathe, yet it is there in abundance otherwise you would die.  You cannot see the carbon dioxide you exhale, yet it is there and the green plants and trees are proof.  You walk around confident that when you take a breath, you will receive oxygen.

You have the confidence you have Jesus.  You are hopeful He is there, He will return, you are with Him forever.  What a blessed hope!

You Are God's Child

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. - Romans 8:16

When you were saved, when you first proclaimed you believe in Jesus Christ, a few things happened to you.  For one, you were reborn spiritually; you died to your old self, the old self that had no Lord.  Your rebirth occurred and you received the Holy Spirit, which is God in spirit form, to reside within you, within your body.  When the rebirth happened, the Holy Spirit testified with your spirit, and you became a child of God.

Are you a parent?  How do you feel toward your children?  Normal parents love their children more than they love anyone else in the world.  Normal parents will do all they can to help their children.  Normal parents will help to guide their child through life, no matter how old their child is.  Parents raise their child, each day giving them their daily provisions, always watching out for their well-being.  Parents help their children to grow up and give them more responsibilities as they mature, as they can handle it.

But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” John 16:7-15

You Are Free

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. - Romans 6:22

Isn't this wonderful news that you are FREE.  The price of freedom is steep.  Just ask the forefathers of the USA.  They fought long and hard to make this the land of the free.  The price cost them lives, but in the end, they triumphed and we now have a USA that allows people to be the fullness of their dreams.

Jesus paid the price and fought long and hard to give us, Christians, freedom.  He walked this earth, God incarnate, never once committing a sin.  Yet He took on the job of fighting for the freedom for us.  He took on the punishment of a sinner, the death on the cross.  He paid the ultimate price for you.

This gift of freedom, being set free from the clutches of the curse and of sin, is yours.  The redemption gift grants you free passage into eternal glory, walking the streets of gold with Jesus Christ.  The verse refers to being a slave of God, but this is something good.  God's work is always good, always leading down paths of joy and peace.  If you give yourself over fully to God you will want to do His work, you will want to please Him above all.  His path is true happiness.  If you do not, you will never know real freedom.

Living a Holy and upright life leads to the perfect freedom, once you receive your salvation.  What more in life could you want except to be on the path God laid out for you?  Veer off this chosen path for your life and you will not find eternal life or happiness or peace and joy.  Stay on the path and stay focused on the giver of this freedom in life eternal.

You Are Alive to God

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.- Romans 6:11

This verse refers to Jesus Christ, how He died on the cross, and then rose from the dead and lives.  It says in the same way, we died with Jesus and came alive to God.  Jesus died the ultimate death, paying the price for the sins of all mankind.  His death in this manner was the final redemption for the curse of the law that man was under with God.  Before Jesus died, the law held man captive, as he had to sacrifice animals to atone for his sins to God.  The law kept man damned, not finding his way to God except through these animal sacrifices.  The veil separated man from God up until that time.

45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”

48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”

50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God! - Matthew 27:45-54

When it says the curtain of the temple was torn in two, it means the veil that separated us from God was removed and we can now see and approach God without fear.  This is wonderful news, it means Jesus paid the price to remove that veil.  Have you accepted Jesus gift of eternal life?

You Are Joy Filled

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. - John 15:11

What did Jesus tell you that your joy might be complete?

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. - John 15:9-10

Jesus asked you to keep His commands.  His commands are the ten commandments:

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

3 “You shall have no other gods before me.

4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

13 “You shall not murder.

14 “You shall not commit adultery.

15 “You shall not steal.

16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”  Exodus 20:2-17

And the most important command, the golden rule:

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. -Matthew 7:12

Keep all of these and your joy is complete.  It is that simple!

You Are Equipped to Do Great Things

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. - John 14:12

This is one of my most favorite verses.  This verse packs such power and punch.  Do you understand the implication here?  Jesus said that "whoever" meaning YOU believe in Him and in the works, He did, and then YOU will do even greater things than He did.  Wow!

So what exactly did Jesus do?  Look back in the gospels and read his life story.  He performed miracles.  He made wine from water.  He multiplied a few fish and loaves of bread into enough to feed multi-thousands.  He healed the sick.  He raised the dead.  Now, do you believe you can do these things?  If God's word is true, then it is right there in black and white, if you believe in Him and in the works He did, you will do greater things.  Pray that God reveals your abilities and gives you the strength and courage to step up and do these great things.

You Are Full

35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”- John 6:35-40

There is so much provided in the gospels about what you are in Christ, you just have to read a few passages to see the full truth unfold.  Jesus is talking here about how He is the bread of life, and whoever comes to him will never hunger or thirst.  This means your belief in Him has you full, as a full person will never by hungry or thirsty.  This is not talking about literal food and water hunger and thirst; it is talking about spiritual hunger and thirst.  People who do not believe in Jesus Christ may go around trying to find other "food and water" to satiate their hunger and thirst, but they will never find it.  The only true satisfaction comes from belief in Jesus Christ.

You Are a Rightful Child of God

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - John 1:12

It is a message worth repeating.  If you believe in Jesus Christ, if you call Him your Lord and Savior, then you have a "right" to become children of God.  It is a right and privilege.  This gift is not given to all, though it is offered to all.  God wants no one condemned, but free will requires we have to do something first to receive the gift of being called His children.  Do you choose to be His child?

You Are An Overcomer

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. - Luke 10:19

Now, this verse should excite you as it does me.  It says you have authority from Jesus Christ to overcome ALL the power of the enemy (Satan).  One of my daily prayers is for protection, read Psalm 91, which is a powerful prayer of protection.  It goes on to say that the angels of God protect you.  You are surrounded by protection.  The Holy Spirit is on the inside, protecting your mind and heart, the angels on the outside, protecting you from unseen evils.  Moreover, you have power because Jesus gave you the authority to trample on all evil.  Stand up and claim this authority in Jesus name!

Other Books by Lori Ramsey

Search for "Lori Ramsey" at Amazon for more books by me.  Here is a partial list:

Preparing to be a Work at Home Mom

100 Days Prayer Journal

How to Get Pregnant

Stages of Pregnancy

Living a Virtuous Life

Mom's Lifestyle Guide to Making Ends Meet

How to Write a Book in 30 Days

Holiday Recipes

Powerful Scripture Based Prayer

Pay it forward, if you liked this book, please leave a LIKE or a review.  Thanks!

Table of Contents

Copyright

Introduction

You Are Eternally Alive

You Are Co-Heirs With Christ

You Are In Perfect Peace

You Are Complete Good Works

You Are a New Creation

You Are Buried in Christ Therefore You Live

You Are Gifted

You Are Cared For

You Are Filled with Life

You Are Blessed In What You Do

You Are Wise

You Are Chosen

You Are A New Self

You Are Supplied

You Are Strong

You Are Saved

You Are The Righteousness of God

You Are an Ambassador of Christ

You Are Victorious

You Are Washed, Sanctified and Justified

You Are Hopeful

You Are God's Child

You Are Free

You Are Alive to God

You Are Joy Filled

You Are Equipped to Do Great Things

You Are Full

You Are a Rightful Child of God

You Are An Overcomer

Other Books by the author

Table of Contents

Copyright

Introduction

You Are Eternally Alive

You Are Co-Heirs With Christ

You Are In Perfect Peace

You Are Complete Good Works

You Are a New Creation

You Are Buried in Christ Therefore You Live

You Are Gifted

You Are Cared For

You Are Filled with Life

You Are Blessed In What You Do

You Are Wise

You Are Chosen

You Are A New Self

You Are Supplied

You Are Strong

You Are Saved

You Are The Righteousness of God

You Are an Ambassador of Christ

You Are Victorious

You Are Washed, Sanctified and Justified

You Are Hopeful

You Are God's Child

You Are Free

You Are Alive to God

You Are Joy Filled

You Are Equipped to Do Great Things

You Are Full

You Are a Rightful Child of God

You Are An Overcomer

Other Books by the author