Could you be a Victim of Identity Theft?

Are you a victim of Identity Theft? Would you even be aware if you had been victimized?
What makes Identity Theft so devastating is the fact it is a Crime of Deception and it can be a long time before you even realize you are a victim. Because Identity Theft unlike being robbed, attacked or burglarized is a crime that is not readily detected it can be far more damaging and costly. it is during that all critical period of time while you are unaware that the damage is done. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes of our society. Over 10 million persons per year are victims of identity theft. And it can happen even to those who think they are safe and protected from it. Are you a victim?

When your identity is stolen you can suffer many different types of loss. There is financial loss, emotional stress, enormous amounts of time lost in restoring and recovering, relationships can be disrupted and sometimes people are even imprisoned falsely due to identity theft.

I want us to think today about a different Identity Theft. Satan, the enemy of our souls is a Master of Deception. In fact, that is the only “tool” in his bag. But, hear me loud and clear he is out to steal our identity. you see when we came to faith in Christ we received a new nature, a new Identity. Our old man is dead according to Romans 6:6. We are new creatures and the “Old” is gone according to II Corinthians 5:17. We have been made the righteousness of God. According to II Peter 1:4 we are partakers of His divine nature. And yes the abundant life has been made available to us according to John 10:10 along with the peace of God that passes all understanding Philippians 4:7.

The problem is many who have come to faith in Christ are victimized by Identity Theft. They in fact, are not enjoying the above benefits of being “In” Christ but, have been deceived by “churchianity” and religion. Being deceived, they believe a half gospel that promises a trip to Heaven in the future but falls short of a life of sure Identity and peace in the here and now. Stop now and ask yourself if you are the victim of Identity Theft. Jesus on The Cross identified Himself with us and we Identify ourselves with Him through baptism. Reflect on the verses above and ask yourself if you are being deceived. It was about twenty years into my walk when I realized my Identity had been “hacked” and I was not experiencing the Life depicted in John 10:10 and Galatians 2:20. How bout you?

Suggested reading:
“The Rest of the Gospel”
By Dan Stone and Greg Smith 

A note for Ladies only:
http://marydsplace.blogspot.com/

What to say when you talk to yourself............

Since negative Self Talk can be so devastating and so many men struggle with this phenomenon I thought it might be good to offer some Truth to combat the lies. Below are several types of negative self talk to help in identifying your particular type. The enemy wants to deceive you in any of the following areas and cripple you by believing his lies.

  He wants us to feel inferior, inadequate or insecure
  He wants you to feel worthless or without value
  He wants you to be paralyzed by what you feel others think of you.

You might call this developing positive Self Talk. This is not the “pop Psychology” type “positive.” This is the Positive Self Talk that comes from understanding our true identity in Christ. This identity for the believer of course, begins at The Cross...at the moment of salvation. Unfortunately however, many are in reality identified with Christ but, are still believing the lies of the deceiver. We are told in scripture that it is The Truth that sets us free.

John 8:31-32
“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” ESV
So, if we are to overcome the lies and enjoy the freedom of Positive Self Talk, we will need to abide in His word.

Here are some suggestions regarding “what to say when you talk to yourself”.......

Ephesians. 1:5          I have been adopted as God's child.
Romans. 8:35ff        I cannot be separated from the love of God.
Colossians.3:3         I am hidden with Christ in God.
John 1:12                 I am God's child.
Ephesians. 2:6         I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians. 2:10       I am God's workmanship.
Philippians 4:13       I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

These verses are only a small part of the Truth of God regarding our identity in Christ. I hope they will be enough to stir your interest in digging into the scripture to discover the depths of our true identity.
You might want to consider reading  the following books:

Classic Christianity by Bob George
Handbook to Happiness by Charles Solomon