1 Corinthians 1:4 (NRSV) — 4 I give thanks to my God always for you 

because of the grace of God that has been given you 

in Christ Jesus,

1 Corinthians 1:4 (The Message) — 4 Every time I think of you—and I think of you often!—

I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, 

given by Jesus.

1 Corinthians 1:30 (NRSV) — 30 He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, 

who became for us wisdom from God, 

and righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

1 Corinthians 1:30 (The Message) — 30 Everything that we have—

right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—

comes from God by way of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 3:26 (NRSV) — 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.

Galatians 3:26 (The Message) — 26 By faith in Christ you are in direct relationship with God.

Ephesians 1:4 (NRSV) — 4 ... he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world 

to be holy and blameless before him in love.

Your identity is IN Jesus!

Therein lies your strength and security,

your focus and your joy.

Amen.