Daily Bible Reading: John 8:12; 1 Peter 1:18-19

Have you ever seen the movie “The Princess Diaries”? I’ve seen it several times and love the wonderful storyline. One of the most powerful moments in the movie comes toward the end when the main character, Mia, realizes that she must take her place as heir to a royal throne. She understands that she must leave behind her fears, insecurities, and familiar comforts. She must “come into her own” in order to serve the interests of others.

Well, that is exactly where we are as Christians — as followers of Jesus Christ. We were not redeemed with corruptible things, such as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Jesus (1 Peter 1:18,19). We’ve been made a part of His royal family. We are joint-heirs with the King of all kings! Now we must leave our old identity behind and take on our new identity of strength, dignity, and honor so we can effectively give ourselves away in the service of others.

I encourage you today to ask God to show you how you can sow more into the lives of others. Then be open and expectant for His answer! Don’t ignore the Holy Spirit’s beckoning to do something different — perhaps something outside your comfort zone that you’ve never done before. Now more than ever is the time for you to occupy the God-ordained position you’ve been called to stand in. Jesus purchased it for you to possess. Whether you always feel like it or not, He has made you strong and secure — not so you can boast in yourself, but so you can utilize your God-given strength for the benefit of others. Subscribe to Denise’s 28-Day Journey Email Devotionals! When serving others is your agenda for the day, life will be different for you. So I encourage you to use your strength because of your vital union with Jesus Christ to help someone else today. As you step out more and more to do this, you will see places once filled with despair turn to places of hope. You will see the atmosphere in a room change from one of darkness, loneliness, and despair to one of joy and salvation as you bring to others the precious light of life (see John 8:12).

We don’t have this kind of power and influence because we’re wonderful or because of what family we were born into, naturally speaking. We have the potential to change individuals, communities, and nations because we were born again into the family of God. It’s not because of our personalities handed down to us by our parents; rather, it’s because of our new nature given to us by God that we have authority to reach out and minister in His name.

Friend, you are here on this earth to make a difference in the lives of others. I encourage you today to give yourself more to the plan of God for your life. And as always, if you have prayer needs, we want to know about them. If your burden seems too heavy, we want to help you carry it in prayer to the Father.

Thank you for spending this time with me. Tomorrow is the last of our 28-Day Journey together! I would love to hear what God is doing in your life.

In His great love,

Denise Renner