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WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?
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By Joni Ames
joniames@aol.com
The whole world seems to be going through an identity crisis. Some people don’t even know whether they themselves are male or female. If they don’t know who they are, how will they know who you are?
When I write an article and put it out, I have to try to be sure and cover all the bases because invariably someone will take some thing wrong that I said because they don’t really know me. But it’s shocking when someone I thought really knew me that was my friend for many years does that.
I had an amazing experience with the Lord a few months ago where Jesus told me who He said I was. It rocked my world. I went to church that weekend, and my pastor had also had the same experience with Jesus that week.
When Jesus asked Peter who he said Jesus was, He did not just leave it at that. He then told Peter who He (Jesus) said Peter was. (Matthew 16:13-19)
Lauren Daigle’s song “You Say” was a huge hit because it reminded us all who Jesus says we are. (youtu.be/sIaT8Jl2zpI)
When I travel and minister at churches across the country, I do my best to honor those in authority. There are times they will say something like, “Please do not bring up such and such a topic when you teach because we have a split congregation over that issue right now.” Or sometimes it is a church that does not want me to operate in the prophetic, but simply teach. I always honor the head of the house. Not to people please, but because that is the appropriate thing to do. It is their area of authority, not mine. When I teach at schools of ministry, I remind the students of that as well.
Recently the mask issue became an issue with many across the country. Some knew me well enough to know my stand, yet trusted me to not cause an issue for them if they asked me to refrain from addressing it when speaking. However, one pastor contacted me and told me I was not welcome back because of my stand.
That didn’t bother me half as much as the fact that it caused me to realize that particular person and their spouse didn’t really know me. After all of these years, they did not understand that I would not do anything to cause trouble for them. It hurt my heart, but I didn’t defend myself. I just let it go.
I wasn’t hurt because a door was closed for me. I’m not superficial. Plus that I know when God closes one door He opens others. But because I am a very relational person who loves my friends like family, I was hurt because a friend had turned on me.
“(9) My own familiar friend in whom I trusted...Has lifted up his heel against me.” (12) “As for me, You will uphold me in my integrity, and set me before Your face forever.” (Psalm 41:9 & 12)
I love my friends whether they wear a mask or don’t. I respect your right to your own opinion on that topic.
I never liked Obama, but I had friends who would sing his praises every time we got together, even though they knew that. I remained silent and continued to love on them.
But in this time and season we are experiencing an unprecedented spirit of division.
In Matthew 24, Jesus said this type of thing would happen. We don’t need a prophetic word to find out what is going on today, just read that chapter.
What do we do? We must guard our heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23). Stay in the word. Pay attention to who Jesus says you are and who you know that you are.
As God’s church, we need to operate in love because God is love. (1 John 4:7-21)
Remember who Jesus is. Trust Him that He knows who you are. And don’t let other’s opinions of you change any of that and cause you to harden your heart.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
Check out Lauren Daigle’s song “You Say.” (youtu.be/sIaT8Jl2zpI)
Today I say to you, let’s band together in prayer for the Lord to destroy the spirits of anger, hate, and fear that are trying to overtake our nation.
Remember who you are, and whose you are.
Read God’s Word over yourself.
List of Bible Confessions by Joyce Meyer
joycemeyer.org/everydayanswers/ea-teachings/list-of-confessions-by-joyce-meyer
I say you are awesome and I thank God for you!
Love & Blessings,
Joni
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By Joni Ames
joniames@aol.com
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Joni Ames
P.O. Box 36667
Rock Hill, SC 29732
Email: joniames@aol.com
Main website: www.joniames.com
Newsletters: www.joniames.net
Give Via Cash App: $joniames
Give Via Venmo: @Joni-Ames
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Joni Is available to speak to your group in person or via Zoom. Contact her at joniames@aol.com
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