Who You Are

     You are a farmer.  Everyday you sow seeds.  And they will produce a harvest.  Good seeds.  Good harvest.  Bad seeds.  Bad harvest.  And the longer it takes for the fruit to grow and mature, the greater the harvest will be.  Sow wisely.
     You are God's light.  And the world loves their darkness as much as "God so loved the world."  They don't like the light.  Jesus said they had hated Him, and they would hate you.  I know it sounds like strong words, but in countries where they can kill Christians, they do.  Here in America they try to administer a slow death.  Be courageous.  Shine.  No baskets please.
     You are a fisherman.  And the "bait" is the truth spoken in love.  And it's not that there may be fish in the sea, there are fish in the sea ravenous for the bait. The rich man's greatest pain was that His brothers would end up where He was in the torment of Hell.  Pursue his brothers with the Word of reconciliation.  And cast the net with confidence.
     You are a clay pot.  And it is the treasure that is within you that makes the difference, not how beautiful the jar is.  You are exactly the kind of vessel the Lord needs for what He has planned for you.  Your beauty and your purpose are fulfilled when the treasure flows from within to the glory of the Potter.
     You are His masterpiece.  The great Creator who spoke the worlds into existence is painting another masterpiece--your life.  He is not finished yet with the workmanship that is you.  When He is finished, it will be gorgeous.  Trust Him.
     You are His letter to the world, an expose on the beauty of Jesus.   The world are avid readers, and they love to try to read between the lines.  Live a life above reproach.  May the words sing out, "Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me."
     You are His salt. In a world that's natural tendency is toward rottenness you are His preservation agent.  Live a life so distinctive that someone will thirst for Him and will taste and see that the Lord is good--always good. Only those who "hunger and thirst after righteousness" will be filled.
     You are His good Samaritan.  Do not pass by the needy--even if they see you as their enemy.  Do not give in expectation of return or a desire for recognition. Leave behind only the perfume of His loving presence.   Remember:  everyone is your neighbor.  The  love for God is measured by your love for them.  And they are the ones doing the measuring.
     You are His soldier, but remember your battle is with spiritual enemies.  Put on the whole armor of God.  Endure because it will be a life of hardships. Don't be entangled in the things of the world.  Wield the spiritual weapons of love, kindness, forgiveness, patience, peace. "Fight the good fight of faith."  And do not sheath "the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God."  But use it first on your own life.
     You are His child doubly.  You have been born again into His family, and He has chosen you with the "Spirit of Adoption."  He who is the perfect Father is transforming you into the family likeness. You cannot escape His tender, gentle care, His embrace.  He loves you with all the passion of infinite love. One day you will be just like Him.  Do not hesitate to cry out, "Abba, Father."  He's always listening for the voice of His children. Eagerly listening.
     You are His disciple.  Follow Him.  Yes, you must bear your cross.  Yes, the road is narrow.  Yes, most people are going in the other direction and do not understand you or care to try.  Yes, the other road looks easier, paved, and the neon lights are attractive.  But it is a road of thorns.  Walk on in His footsteps.  You'll never take a single step alone.

     "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to Me."