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"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well". 

Psalm 139:13-16

Yesterday, I answered and explored Q1: Whose feet do you sit at when it comes to holistic growth and productivity? Today, let's explore Q2: Who do you choose to lease space out to in your head and heart? During countless therapy sessions, I've often used the above phrase. Yesterday, I warned each reader about the importance of being careful with who you allow access to and influence upon your thinking. Believe me, there are certain people and certain things you don't want swimming around in your mind. Your mind is not only a terrible thing to waste, it's a dangerous weapon when placed in the wrong hands. With that said, please consider and reflect on the space you occupy in your mind and heart. 

Have you leased your mind and heart out to and is being overwhelmed by:

1. Anxiety?

2. Depression?

3. Anger?

4. Bitterness?

5. Unforgiveness?

6. Grief

7. The unknown?

8. The worst-case scenario (glass always half-empty)? 

If your mind and heart are under siege by any of the above, I need you to know that it is very likely that someone or something else now controls your brand. I'm sure you've heard of the term brand. That's a word both people and businesses use to identify themselves. Branding is a way of saying, 'This is who I am, where I stand, and to whom I belong.' The hard truth of the matter is, if you don't brand (identify) yourself, someone else will. Right or wrong, good or bad, correct or politically incorrect, people will brand you the way in which they want to if you allow it. When it comes to your identity, you have to be unafraid, bold, and tenacious. If you are falsely branded because of false information or things from your past that no longer adequately represent you, you must respectfully stand up for who you are as a person. Don't just say that's OK when you know it's not OK. If you don't stand up for yourself, who will?  

In the book of Galatians 1:1-2, the apostle Paul says these words, "Paul, an apostle--sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead--and all the brothers and sisters with me,..." Why did Paul begin this letter with those words, especially when the vast majority of his writings start with a customary greeting? Paul opened this letter to the church in Galatia with these words because his brand (identity) was being attacked. After reading the entire book of Galatians, you will learn that members of the church questioned Paul's calling, character as they attempted to falsely brand (identify) him. Well, Paul wasn't having it, and he made that very clear when he said, "Paul, an apostle--sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead..." In other words, Paul was clearly saying, I know who I am, where I stand, and whom I belong. The world (you) did not give it--the world (you) cannot take it away. Paul stood up for his brand and wasn't afraid to challenge anyone who questioned his identity. Are you willing to do the same?

This four-question series, which we are now engaged in, will answer three crucial questions by its conclusion. Those questions are:

1. Do you sometimes feel like you are just existing/going through the moments?

2. Are there times when you don't feel like you have a purpose?

3. Are there unresolved conflicts in your life that make you feel like you are just existing instead of enjoying life?

How does your brand (identity) relate to either of the above questions? Once Q1-Q4 have all been answered, I will summarize an answer that will hopefully motivate you in such a way that you will no longer feel like you exist without purpose, and you don't know how to resolve or properly manage conflicts in your life. 

As you prepare for what life has in store for you today, please carry this Discipleship Devotional in your spirit, heart, and mind. 

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