30 Days of Identity: I Am Welcome

Read this 60 Second devotion. Each day, based on our verse of the day, we will add one new label to our Christian identity. At the end of 30 Days, we will have a life affirming, identity forming declaration. This is life changing stuff! --- Day 14

The Word - "Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him." Romans 14:3 ESV

A Thought - In the midst of explaining to Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome how they need to treat one another, Paul makes an powerful statement. Paraphrasing, he says, Hey, quit judging someone that God has welcomed. Did you hear that? Paul said, "someone God has welcomed!" That's me that Paul is talking about. That's you too. On the basis of Jesus' righteousness which has been credited to us, God welcomes us.

I don't know why, but I have always struggled with feeling welcomed. In fact, I feel unwelcome to varying degrees almost 100% of the time when I am outside of my home. Perhaps it's from being "the new kid" so many times in my life. Does anyone else ever feel that way? Know this! If you are in Christ, you are fully welcomed by God. That thought makes me feel really good inside. What about you?

My Prayer of Declaration - Lord, because of You, I am a New Creation, I am Forgiven, I am Reconciled to God, I am Free, I am Loved, I am complete, I am a citizen of Heaven, I am God's Child, I am Strong, I am not afraid, I am God's Masterpiece, His Ambassador, His Witness and He Welcomes me. - All blessing, honor, glory, power and praise are Yours, Amen.

Touch the Hem of Jesus' Robe and transform your life, 60 seconds at a time. - Scott