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Identity Theft - The Attempt to Rename Me - 237 · Marriage Life and More and Bible Study

• 0:02
  Daniel Moore: Many Christians feel intimidated by the world and believe their faith should be kept private, confined to one day a week at church.
• 0:09
  Daniel Moore: While the world boldly proclaims its beliefs and truths, christians are often silenced and made to feel ashamed of their faith, becoming apologetic in a way that does not involve sharing the gospel.
• 0:20
  Daniel Moore: This week, on Connecting the Gap, we continue our new series called Unshaken holding fast in a culture of compromise.
• 0:28
  Daniel Moore: This is the second episode of that series.
• 0:31
  Daniel Moore: We'll be back with that right after this.
• 0:34
  Daniel Moore: Welcome to Connecting the Gap.
• 1:08
  Daniel Moore: This is a podcast about marriage, bible and book studies, and we interview people that have a story.
• 1:13
  Daniel Moore: I'm Daniel Moore, your host.
• 1:15
  Daniel Moore: Thank you, guys for joining us this week.
• 1:17
  Daniel Moore: If you're not familiar with our show, check out our website, wwwconnectingthegapnet.
• 1:21
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• 1:24
  Daniel Moore: We're also on the Christian Podcasting app, edify.
• 1:26
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• 1:33
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• 1:36
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• 1:38
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• 1:38
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• 1:42
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• 1:44
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• 1:48
  Daniel Moore: Well, as I said in the intro, this week we are going to go through episode two of our new series called Unshaken, as we take some scriptural truths from the book of Daniel and talk about standing fast in culture where compromise is so rampant.
• 2:06
  Daniel Moore: How can we do that?
• 2:08
  Daniel Moore: By standing firm but loving at the same time.
• 2:11
  Daniel Moore: We're going to go ahead and get into episode two of that series this week.
• 2:16
  Daniel Moore: This one is entitled Identity Theft the Attempt to Rename Me.
• 2:21
  Daniel Moore: To rename me my name is Daniel Augusta Moore.
• 2:37
  Daniel Moore: My parents had a rhyme and reason for choosing my name.
• 2:39
  Daniel Moore: Daniel was another form of my dad's name, which was Danny, and I shared the name Augusta with my dad and my grandpa.
• 2:48
  Daniel Moore: As it turns out, the name Daniel means God is my judge, which seems fitting.
• 2:53
  Daniel Moore: I like the fact that my name and God's truth are one and the same.
• 2:59
  Daniel Moore: Every year, I have the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus with hundreds of thousands of people.
• 3:03
  Daniel Moore: I represent Christ and who he is ultimately in our life.
• 3:08
  Daniel Moore: I am a Christ bearer.
• 3:10
  Daniel Moore: My name defines me accurately.
• 3:12
  Daniel Moore: It validates me.
• 3:14
  Daniel Moore: I like my name, but it's not the name that I always believed.
• 3:22
  Daniel Moore: Growing up, I was popular in school.
• 3:24
  Daniel Moore: I had some athletic skills.
• 3:27
  Daniel Moore: I was considered very smart, but due to life circumstances I became pretty shy.
• 3:32
  Daniel Moore: It was a struggle sometimes to stay valid with myself and my friends Because of the shyness I had.
• 3:41
  Daniel Moore: I decided to win friends by taking on a new persona Mischief Maker.
• 3:50
  Daniel Moore: I'd be the one to take the dare, crack the jokes or do the ridiculous stunt just to make the crowd laugh and hopefully accept me.
• 3:57
  Daniel Moore: My strategy seemed to work.
• 3:58
  Daniel Moore: For a while.
• 3:59
  Daniel Moore: I made a few kids laugh and I got noticed and pretty popular within my circle.
• 4:06
  Daniel Moore: But, truth be known, it wasn't really me.
• 4:09
  Daniel Moore: Basically, I was trying to live out a name that wasn't who I really was.
• 4:15
  Daniel Moore: It was the name I thought I needed so I could find acceptance and be liked.
• 4:21
  Daniel Moore: But in my teenage years I gave my life to Jesus and the process of healing and redeeming my name began.
• 4:29
  Daniel Moore: I discovered the calling on my life and a passion to share Christ with the world around me.
• 4:35
  Daniel Moore: Soon I had no doubt in my mind that I had been named by God, that I had a God-given identity, that he knew before I was even created.
• 4:46
  Daniel Moore: But I could only be the man he created me to be if I understood and accepted my true name.
• 4:55
  Daniel Moore: I learned the hard way that names are important.
• 4:58
  Daniel Moore: What we believe about ourselves influences every decision we make and also every action we take.
• 5:06
  Daniel Moore: Of course, we all have names.
• 5:10
  Daniel Moore: Whether or not we reflect the characteristics of our given names at birth is not really the point.
• 5:16
  Daniel Moore: What matters most is the name we have written on our hearts and minds.
• 5:20
  Daniel Moore: It's what we believe about ourselves, and then we live it out.
• 5:27
  Daniel Moore: Maybe you were labeled stupid or fat as a kid and despite earning a college degree or running 5Ks, you still see yourself based on those childhood labels.
• 5:39
  Daniel Moore: Perhaps you've let sickness define you.
• 5:42
  Daniel Moore: Cancer or diabetes or MS is not only your disease, but it's also become your identity.
• 5:49
  Daniel Moore: You might let your relationships define you.
• 5:53
  Daniel Moore: You're a husband or wife, an ex, a sister or brother, a boss, an employee.
• 6:01
  Daniel Moore: Perhaps rejection, divorce and betrayal have become your identity.
• 6:06
  Daniel Moore: You may have let circumstances determine your name.
• 6:11
  Daniel Moore: Maybe the death of a loved one, tragedy or bankruptcy have become your identity.
• 6:17
  Daniel Moore: What's your name right now?
• 6:20
  Daniel Moore: What are the names that you secretly feel are attached to you like gum on the bottom of your shoe?
• 6:26
  Daniel Moore: It really is very important to identify these, the names you allow to label.
• 6:33
  Daniel Moore: You often title the scripts that you live by.
• 6:36
  Daniel Moore: What you believe in dictates what you live out.
• 6:41
  Daniel Moore: This explains why the number one goal of your enemy, the devil, is to attack your identity.
• 6:48
  Daniel Moore: He wants to give you a different name, one that stands in direct contrast to the name God gave you when he created you.
• 6:58
  Daniel Moore: In our society today, individuals have grown skilled at determining their own moral standards, shaping their identities based on ever-changing personal beliefs.
• 7:08
  Daniel Moore: There is a growing acceptance of individuals ranging from schoolchildren exploring gender changes to same-gender couples planning their weddings following what they feel is true for themselves.
• 7:20
  Daniel Moore: Quote-unquote.
• 7:23
  Daniel Moore: Live-your truth has become a bumper sticker mantra for generations conditioned to believe that they are entitled to reinvent themselves and live any way that they choose.
• 7:33
  Daniel Moore: Reality TV portrays how anyone can be a star, a model bachelors, chefs, homebuyers, politicians and tattoo artists, as long as they remain quote-unquote true to themselves.
• 7:50
  Daniel Moore: I understand the appeal of the idea of embracing the desires of our hearts, as it offers a sense of freedom.
• 7:57
  Daniel Moore: If I were to let my emotions guide me, I might not be in the role of a podcaster today.
• 8:03
  Daniel Moore: Instead, I could be focused on maximizing wealth for a more comfortable and pleasurable life, indulging in mini-golf at top courses worldwide.
• 8:13
  Daniel Moore: While I may still grapple with these desires.
• 8:17
  Daniel Moore: Sometimes I recognize that I cannot rely solely on them to determine what is truly best for me.
• 8:23
  Daniel Moore: God has specifically created and called me for his purposes, not my own.
• 8:30
  Daniel Moore: Despite any desire to live a life as a wealthy mini golf pro, I understand that it is not the path meant for me.
• 8:39
  Daniel Moore: The reality is that we do not have the authority to define ourselves, as there are limits to how much we can reshape our identities.
• 8:47
  Daniel Moore: The reason for this is straightforward we have already been defined by God, our Creator.
• 8:55
  Daniel Moore: God understands each of us and the purpose for which we were made, and, ultimately, his plan surpasses any visions that we may develop independently.
• 9:05
  Daniel Moore: Daniel grasped this fundamental truth, remaining anchored to his faith in God during his period of captivity.
• 9:16
  Daniel Moore: In a society that prioritized sensual gratification, idol worship and ethical decline, the Babylonians concentrated on pursuits beyond God.
• 9:25
  Daniel Moore: In their efforts to assimilate the new captives, they attempted to influence Daniel and his companions by obscuring their true identities.
• 9:35
  Daniel Moore: Take note of the initial experiences encountered by Daniel and his friends upon their arrival in Babylon.
• 9:43
  Daniel Moore: In Daniel, chapter 1, verses 3 and 4, and then verse 7, it says Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king's service, some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility.
• 9:57
  Daniel Moore: Young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well-informed, quick to understand and qualified to serve in the king's palace.
• 10:10
  Daniel Moore: The chief official gave them new names To Daniel the name Belteshazzar, to Hananiah Shadrach, to Mishael Meshach and to Azariah Abednego.
• 10:26
  Daniel Moore: During that era, conquerors typically assimilated, enslaved captives into their culture by changing their names as a symbol of possession.
• 10:34
  Daniel Moore: The Israelites were now under the ownership of their captors, no longer identified by the names from their native land.
• 10:43
  Daniel Moore: However, these Babylonian names were not merely substitutions.
• 10:48
  Daniel Moore: Rather, they aimed to erase the Israelites' true identities.
• 10:53
  Daniel Moore: They were a mockery to their Jewish heritage.
• 10:57
  Daniel Moore: They turned the truth inside out.
• 11:00
  Daniel Moore: They were idolatrous names.
• 11:03
  Daniel Moore: By examining the differences between the original Hebrew names and the Babylonian names given to these four young men, we can understand the tactics employed by our adversary, which are still relevant in present times assigning us a new name in order to deceive us regarding our true identity.
• 11:22
  Daniel Moore: So let's search a little deeper into how this process unfolded for Daniel, hananiah, mishael and Azariah.
• 11:32
  Daniel Moore: First, let's look at Daniel.
• 11:33
  Daniel Moore: Daniel's Hebrew name means God is my judge.
• 11:38
  Daniel Moore: Name means God is my judge.
• 11:44
  Daniel Moore: It was changed to the Babylonian name Belteshazzar, which ironically means Lady, protect the king.
• 11:46
  Daniel Moore: The first thing the Babylonians did was change the gender of Daniel's name, an inherent part of each person's identity.
• 11:56
  Daniel Moore: They also shifted the focus from God to human.
• 12:00
  Daniel Moore: With this new name, daniel's identity, at least on paper, changed from a man held accountable by an all-powerful God to that of a woman who must protect her sovereign.
• 12:13
  Daniel Moore: In their culture, this was a terrible insult.
• 12:17
  Daniel Moore: The meaning of Daniel's new name was the antithesis of his former Hebrew name.
• 12:25
  Daniel Moore: Second was Hananiah.
• 12:26
  Daniel Moore: Hananiah's Hebrew name means Yahweh has been gracious.
• 12:31
  Daniel Moore: It was changed to the Babylonian name Shadrach, which means I am fearful of God.
• 12:38
  Daniel Moore: The Babylonians inverted the focus from God being good to God being bad.
• 12:44
  Daniel Moore: Instead of viewing him as gracious, kind and loving, which was all implied by the name Hananiah, this new name echoed with the kind of fear you'd feel standing before a tyrant, a maniac or a monster.
• 12:58
  Daniel Moore: Third was Mishael.
• 12:59
  Daniel Moore: Mishael's Hebrew name means who can compare to my God no one.
• 13:06
  Daniel Moore: It was changed to the Babylonian name Meshach, which means I am despised, contemptible and humiliated.
• 13:14
  Daniel Moore: Once again, the Babylonians chose a name that subverted the goodness of God in our relationship to Him.
• 13:20
  Daniel Moore: It shifted the focus from our confidence in God to cowardice.
• 13:26
  Daniel Moore: And then fourth was Azariah.
• 13:29
  Daniel Moore: Azariah's Hebrew name means Yahweh has helped.
• 13:33
  Daniel Moore: It was changed to the Babylonian name Abednego, which means the servant of Nebo.
• 13:39
  Daniel Moore: The Babylonian name Abednego, which means the servant of Nebo, azariah went from being a son or heir of Yahweh a term of endearment for the living God to being the slave of another man.
• 13:49
  Daniel Moore: As you can see, in every case, the Hebrew captives' new names obliterated the true nature of God that had been represented by their names and reoriented their identities to become people who serve their Babylonian masters.
• 14:06
  Daniel Moore: It is evident even today that Satan is still trying to distort our identities by redefining them, just as he did with Daniel and his friends, by giving them new names that deny their true identities in God, that deny their true identities in God.
• 14:19
  Daniel Moore: This same tactic is seen today in society's redefinition of gender relationships and marriage, which mirrors the attempts to change Daniel's identity.
• 14:33
  Daniel Moore: Our culture now claims that these fundamental aspects of ourselves can be altered to fit personal desires, disregarding God's original design.
• 14:39
  Daniel Moore: To fit personal desires, disregarding God's original design.
• 14:40
  Daniel Moore: However, we must not be misled, as there is purpose in how God has created us.
• 14:46
  Daniel Moore: We must understand our true identities in Christ and stand firm against the pressures of our culture to conform to its standards.
• 14:57
  Daniel Moore: The enemy uses various tactics to undermine our faithfulness to God, making it appear foolish to remain devoted to Him.
• 15:03
  Daniel Moore: In Daniel's time, this manipulation of perceptions about God involved tribal methods such as conquest and assimilation.
• 15:12
  Daniel Moore: Today, the enemy employs different strategies, including humor, satire, controversy and scandal within the church.
• 15:21
  Daniel Moore: By discrediting the Bible and creating division, dissension and immorality within the church, the devil seeks to succeed in his plan.
• 15:30
  Daniel Moore: Consequently, many Christians feel intimidated by the world and believe their faith should be kept private, confined to one day a week at church.
• 15:40
  Daniel Moore: While the world boldly proclaims its beliefs and truths, christians are often silenced and made to feel ashamed of their faith, becoming apologetic in a way that does not involve sharing the gospel.
• 15:52
  Daniel Moore: The enemy aims to achieve a shift in cultural identity that distracts us from our relationship with God and instead focuses on seeking the approval of others.
• 16:05
  Daniel Moore: It is tempting to become consumed by the number of likes, facebook friends, positive comments and retweets we receive, as it provides a sense of validation and value.
• 16:15
  Daniel Moore: The constant affirmation can be addictive, offering a 24-hour stream of validation.
• 16:23
  Daniel Moore: You know personally, I struggle with a desire to please others, just like anyone else, despite having a successful service, with faithful attendance to my church and leading lost sinners to numerous decisions for Christ.
• 16:38
  Daniel Moore: A single negative comment on my ministry Facebook page can overshadow these accomplishments and ruin my day.
• 16:44
  Daniel Moore: Instead of recognizing God's work and giving Him glory, I find myself fixated on how to please the one person who criticized my belief.
• 16:54
  Daniel Moore: I must remind myself that it is not about my efforts, but about God working through me, through others and through my ministry.
• 17:03
  Daniel Moore: Furthermore, the change in our focus, the distraction from God and the shift in priorities achieved by orienting our lives around others rather than God, parallels the impact of renaming captives in ancient Babylon.
• 17:19
  Daniel Moore: The impact of renaming captives in ancient Babylon.
• 17:27
  Daniel Moore: Our identities shift when we value those looking at the art more than the artist.
• 17:35
  Daniel Moore: When culture shifts, we need to know who we are.
• 17:40
  Daniel Moore: Scripture tells us this truth.
• 17:42
  Daniel Moore: It says Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.
• 17:46
  Daniel Moore: Before you were born, I set you apart.
• 17:49
  Daniel Moore: I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
• 17:52
  Daniel Moore: That's Jeremiah 1, verse 5.
• 17:54
  Daniel Moore: You are who God made you to be.
• 17:57
  Daniel Moore: You are a unique, beloved child of the Lord of the universe, your creator, your redeemer and your savior.
• 18:06
  Daniel Moore: You have a unique purpose for your life that no one else has had or will ever have.
• 18:12
  Daniel Moore: You are a co-heir with Jesus, adopted into the family of the King and granted eternal life with him in heaven, after your mortal life on earth has ended.
• 18:22
  Daniel Moore: That's Romans 8, verse 17.
• 18:26
  Daniel Moore: This is your true identity.
• 18:31
  Daniel Moore: Unless we're grounded in who God made us to be, the way that we see ourselves will easily morph into an illusion, a cultural mirage.
• 18:39
  Daniel Moore: The truth of who we are will still be unshaken, but it will be covered with a veneer of lies.
• 18:46
  Daniel Moore: How does this happen?
• 18:49
  Daniel Moore: Well, we lose sight of our God-given identity and act according to an off-kilter mental self-portrait, as Proverbs 23 7 says.
• 18:59
  Daniel Moore: For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
• 19:04
  Daniel Moore: Our enemy has become adept at convincing us to accept false labels.
• 19:08
  Daniel Moore: First, he gets us to accept cultural definitions of who we are.
• 19:12
  Daniel Moore: When we do others around us get to create the standards for how we measure up or, more often, how we don't.
• 19:21
  Daniel Moore: Satan skillfully manipulates us into adopting false identities by first convincing us to adhere to cultural labels.
• 19:28
  Daniel Moore: By conforming to societal expectations, we allow others to dictate the standards by which we are judged, often focusing on external attributes such as appearance, beauty and success.
• 19:42
  Daniel Moore: Stereotypes which categorize individuals based on superficial traits, employ a similar tactic of reducing individuals to superficial characteristics like redneck or blonde, or plus-sized or disabled.
• 19:56
  Daniel Moore: While these physical attributes may shape our perspectives, they do not encompass the true essence of who we are, despite many of us acknowledging this fact.
• 20:08
  Daniel Moore: Repeated negative messaging about a specific trait can gradually erode our self-worth and cause us to internalize these false labels.
• 20:16
  Daniel Moore: Many of us would say we know that, but if we hear people tell us often enough that we're no good because of some trait, then we may start to believe it.
• 20:26
  Daniel Moore: However, subconsciously, the enemy employs false labels by persuading us to let our past dictate our identities, labeling us as liar, hypocrite, failure or unclean.
• 20:39
  Daniel Moore: This struggle is pervasive and can significantly impact our faith as we tend to dwell on these negative perceptions of ourselves.
• 20:48
  Daniel Moore: Despite God's unconditional love and willingness to redeem our past, we often hinder this process by holding on to those outdated labels.
• 20:59
  Daniel Moore: The amazing truth is that surrendering control to God results in a new identity for us.
• 21:04
  Daniel Moore: This transformative gift is exemplified throughout the Bible, where individuals who experienced God's love and forgiveness had their names changed in a profound way.
• 21:14
  Daniel Moore: For instance, jacob transitioned from a deceitful coward to Israel, representing God's chosen people.
• 21:22
  Daniel Moore: Abram, initially a truth-challenged nomad, became Abraham, a blessed father in his old age.
• 21:30
  Daniel Moore: Similarly, peter or Simeon and Paul or Saul in the New Testament received new identities through their new names.
• 21:40
  Daniel Moore: Paul in the New Testament received new identities through their new names.
• 21:41
  Daniel Moore: In reality, these identities were not truly new.
• 21:44
  Daniel Moore: They were the ones that Israel, abraham, peter and Paul were always meant to embody.
• 21:54
  Daniel Moore: However, they had not fully embraced their true selves, as designed by God, until he renamed and called them by new names.
• 21:57
  Daniel Moore: It was only when they relinquished control over their lives that they discovered the fulfillment of their true purpose and identity.
• 22:07
  Daniel Moore: This resonates with my personal journey as well.
• 22:09
  Daniel Moore: While growing up, I struggled with feelings of insecurity and unease in social settings, leading me to overcompensate by constantly seeking attention through humor.
• 22:20
  Daniel Moore: It was only when I confronted my fears and placed my trust in God, seeking His approval above all others, that I experienced the liberation to fulfill my calling as a teacher and leader, as God had intended.
• 22:34
  Daniel Moore: In nearly every account of name changes in the Bible, following an encounter with God, an individual's true identity is ultimately unveiled.
• 22:44
  Daniel Moore: They are empowered to break free from societal norms and embrace spiritual liberation.
• 22:49
  Daniel Moore: This same transformative process can apply to us as well.
• 22:54
  Daniel Moore: God does not define you based on your current circumstances.
• 22:59
  Daniel Moore: He envisions the potential for who you can become, based on His plan for your life.
• 23:03
  Daniel Moore: He envisions the potential for who you can become, based on his plan for your life.
• 23:06
  Daniel Moore: While he acknowledges reality, god also sees the endless possibilities within you.
• 23:11
  Daniel Moore: He recognizes your capabilities and ignites the dormant greatness within you that you may not yet recognize.
• 23:18
  Daniel Moore: When you surrender control to him, he will restore your true identity.
• 23:27
  Daniel Moore: I recently knocked my lower back out of place when laying sideways on my couch, and it took me some time and a few trips to the chiropractor to recover.
• 23:35
  Daniel Moore: During this time, I couldn't do a whole lot without pain, like drying the dog's feet after a bathroom run or even trying to tie my shoes.
• 23:44
  Daniel Moore: The time it took to get fixed from that forced me to confront my age and realize that my body is not the same as it used to be.
• 23:52
  Daniel Moore: As I randomly think about aging, I occasionally see a new gray hair pop up in the mornings.
• 23:58
  Daniel Moore: When I look in the mirror, I also notice a few wrinkles that I don't remember seeing before.
• 24:04
  Daniel Moore: My back pain made me slow down, and when I did, my eyes were opened While I still thought of myself as a relatively young man.
• 24:14
  Daniel Moore: My body has started sending me some other signals.
• 24:19
  Daniel Moore: Suddenly, I understand why some people experience this reality called a midlife crisis and do everything in their power to fight the onset of age.
• 24:27
  Daniel Moore: You know, maybe they have plastic surgery or begin coloring their hair, some trade in their family sedan for a sleek new sports car, or get braces on their teeth.
• 24:37
  Daniel Moore: Others even go so far as to divorce their spouses and find much younger partners, and it's all in an attempt to avoid something natural and inevitable.
• 24:48
  Daniel Moore: Indeed, it does make sense.
• 24:51
  Daniel Moore: When we are disconnected from our inherent identities given by God, we seek alternative sources to establish our identities.
• 24:59
  Daniel Moore: For some, it may revolve around physical appearance, in the pursuit of beauty and youthfulness.
• 25:04
  Daniel Moore: However, the reality is that aging is inevitable and life inevitably leaves its mark on us.
• 25:11
  Daniel Moore: The Bible teaches us that genuine beauty originates from within.
• 25:16
  Daniel Moore: In 1 Samuel 16, 7, it says the Lord does not look at the things people look at.
• 25:21
  Daniel Moore: People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
• 25:32
  Daniel Moore: Some of us derive our sense of identity from our performance.
• 25:33
  Daniel Moore: Our self-worth is tied to external validation from others regarding our actions and accomplishments.
• 25:36
  Daniel Moore: We strive to impress others with our latest achievements, accolades or successes.
• 25:41
  Daniel Moore: However, this quest for validation is insatiable.
• 25:46
  Daniel Moore: Despite our accomplishments or fame, an internal void persists.
• 25:51
  Daniel Moore: In Ecclesiastes 2.11, it sums it up.
• 25:55
  Daniel Moore: Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind, nothing was gained under the sun.
• 26:10
  Daniel Moore: Once we fully accept our genuine identities, our work takes on a sense of purpose and significance.
• 26:15
  Daniel Moore: This transformation occurs because we understand that our value is not solely determined by our performance.
• 26:24
  Daniel Moore: We strive to excel and find fulfillment in giving our best effort, irrespective of the results.
• 26:28
  Daniel Moore: We do not need to achieve, grant accolades, amass wealth or establish charitable organizations to grasp our inherent worth.
• 26:37
  Daniel Moore: We are unconditionally cherished as God's children, without any requirements or conditions.
• 26:44
  Daniel Moore: God freely bestows his love, forgiveness and grace upon us.
• 26:49
  Daniel Moore: In Ephesians 2, verses 8 and 9, it says For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves.
• 26:58
  Daniel Moore: It is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.
• 27:04
  Daniel Moore: Despite having all the material possessions that wealth can afford, we may find ourselves disillusioned with our lives.
• 27:11
  Daniel Moore: We come to understand through challenging experience that life does not consist in abundance of possessions.
• 27:19
  Daniel Moore: Allow me to pause here and acknowledge that if you have ever placed your identity in your physical appearance, achievements, belongings or any other external factor, you are not alone.
• 27:31
  Daniel Moore: We have all at some point sought to fill the void within our hearts with things other than God, who is the only one meant to occupy those deepest places.
• 27:41
  Daniel Moore: By acknowledging this tendency, we can strive to cultivate a strong connection with the God who created us, understands us and adores us, to establish a firm foundation rooted in the understanding of our true selves as designed by God.
• 27:59
  Daniel Moore: It is essential to perceive ourselves through His loving gaze.
• 28:02
  Daniel Moore: So how do we do this?
• 28:05
  Daniel Moore: Well, perhaps the first step in this process is recognizing the biblical truth that every person is born for a specific season.
• 28:14
  Daniel Moore: In Acts 17, verse 26, it says.
• 28:18
  Daniel Moore: It says should inhabit the whole earth and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.
• 28:28
  Daniel Moore: God chose us and has always loved us.
• 28:31
  Daniel Moore: He determined when we will be born and when we will die.
• 28:35
  Daniel Moore: In Ephesians 1, 4, it says For he chose us in him before the creation of the world, to be holy and blameless in his sight.
• 28:44
  Daniel Moore: We can take comfort in knowing that our Father specifically chose this place in all of time and history, for our lives to exist.
• 28:54
  Daniel Moore: You can find reassurance in the understanding that within your unique identity there lies a distinct purpose.
• 29:00
  Daniel Moore: God not only created you for this specific season of life, but also equipped you with precise personality, abilities, talents and gifts required to fulfill your calling.
• 29:11
  Daniel Moore: Your existence is not a random occurrence.
• 29:15
  Daniel Moore: You are here intentionally, with a designated purpose.
• 29:19
  Daniel Moore: Discovering and embracing your life's purpose will lead to a deeper comprehension of your true identity.
• 29:26
  Daniel Moore: Armed with this knowledge, you become unstoppable.
• 29:30
  Daniel Moore: While others may attempt to label you, living authentically from your God-given identity renders these false perceptions powerless.
• 29:38
  Daniel Moore: Aligning with the person God intended you to be influences every aspect of your life, from your choices to the risks that you undertake.
• 29:48
  Daniel Moore: This pattern is evident in the stories of various figures in the Bible.
• 29:51
  Daniel Moore: Consider Moses, who was rescued as a baby from certain death by his resourceful mother and Pharaoh's daughter.
• 30:07
  Daniel Moore: From an early age, moses was aware that God had destined him for a significant role.
• 30:13
  Daniel Moore: Despite his initial reluctance to assume a leadership position due to fears and insecurities, moses could not ignore the presence of God in his life and the divine guidance that he received.
• 30:24
  Daniel Moore: While Pharaoh believed he could control the Hebrew people through Moses' leadership, god had different plans.
• 30:38
  Daniel Moore: Despite the challenges posed by cultural norms.
• 30:39
  Daniel Moore: God ultimately called Moses to serve as a liberator, showcasing how divine purpose can prevail over external obstacles.
• 30:45
  Daniel Moore: Despite being raised as an Egyptian prince a designation that may be perceived as favorable Moses could not detach himself from his Hebrew lineage.
• 30:53
  Daniel Moore: Subsequently, as a fugitive and an outlaw roles typically deemed negative Moses remained unable to escape the calling of God, who directly communicated his purpose through a burning bush.
• 31:06
  Daniel Moore: Despite Moses' reservations, including concerns about his speech impediment and public speaking abilities, he could not ignore his inherent identity, crafted by God.
• 31:16
  Daniel Moore: Eventually, he was driven to heed God's directive and fulfill his destined role as a deliverer.
• 31:23
  Daniel Moore: Joseph's life exemplified a similar unwavering commitment to purpose and identity.
• 31:30
  Daniel Moore: Despite enduring significant hardships, sold into slavery by his own brothers and unjustly imprisoned, joseph refused to succumb to the false identities imposed upon him by his captors.
• 31:42
  Daniel Moore: Instead, he remained steadfast in his faith and allowed God to utilize his talents and skills.
• 31:49
  Daniel Moore: Although faced with adversity that could have defined his existence and purpose, joseph chose to trust in God and remained obedient to fulfill the purpose for which he was created.
• 32:00
  Daniel Moore: In the end, joseph's loyalty was richly rewarded, as he played a pivotal role in saving the people of Egypt and Israel from a looming famine that God had forewarned him about.
• 32:14
  Daniel Moore: So how about you?
• 32:14
  Daniel Moore: Have you discovered your purpose and your identity?
• 32:18
  Daniel Moore: If you have identified your divine calling, I rejoice with you and I urge you to persevere, find peace in difficult circumstances and have faith that God will guide you through them, acknowledging that you are precisely where he intends you to be engaged in the task for which you were created.
• 32:37
  Daniel Moore: Now, for those of you that are still in pursuit of their divine purpose, continue to seek God's plan for you.
• 32:44
  Daniel Moore: Do not falter until he unveils your unique assignment in this life.
• 32:48
  Daniel Moore: Remember what's true In Ephesians 2.10,.
• 32:53
  Daniel Moore: It says, for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them To fully embrace your identity in Christ.
• 33:06
  Daniel Moore: Consider how you can support those around you in recognizing and honoring their God-given identities.
• 33:11
  Daniel Moore: This entails not dictating who you believe they should be, but instead seizing opportunities to assist individuals whose struggles stem from a lack of understanding their intrinsic purpose.
• 33:23
  Daniel Moore: Jesus grants us freedom to aid in liberating others, often necessitating a more nuanced approach rather than a forceful intervention.
• 33:32
  Daniel Moore: This could involve guiding your children through peer pressure by sharing your own past experiences at their age, alongside biblical truths, on pleasing God over people.
• 33:43
  Daniel Moore: It might entail engaging in a heartfelt conversation over coffee with a friend, exploring different lifestyles, offering a listening ear to comprehend their inner turmoil.
• 33:55
  Daniel Moore: Additionally, meeting a fellow small group member for lunch to address their challenges in maintaining fidelity to their spouse could serve as another opportunity for support and guidance.
• 34:07
  Daniel Moore: It's important to keep in mind that we all grapple with recognizing our authentic identities.
• 34:12
  Daniel Moore: Every individual that we encounter carries hidden struggles, burdens or emotional weight.
• 34:18
  Daniel Moore: Rather than imposing ourselves on others or being intrusive, we can offer our presence to listen and show care.
• 34:26
  Daniel Moore: Listening and displaying compassion are crucial components in forming a strong, respectful relationship conducive to sharing God's truth.
• 34:36
  Daniel Moore: The currents of societal norms will always attempt to divert us away from our true selves as ordained by God and sweep us downstream.
• 34:45
  Daniel Moore: The adversary of our souls will continuously seek openings to distort our genuine identities as children designed by God.
• 34:54
  Daniel Moore: This underscores the need to reflect on the assurance of who God declares us to be and to be driven by fulfilling the purpose for which he crafted us.
• 35:03
  Daniel Moore: Holding on to this lifeline of truth will enable us to navigate turbulent cultural waters, ensuring that we remain steadfast regardless of the challenges that we face.
• 35:17
  Daniel Moore: No one can name you.
• 35:19
  Daniel Moore: No one can rename you, no matter what.
• 35:24
  Daniel Moore: God knows who you are, but you need to know too, and now you can help remind others who they really are as well.
• 35:35
  Daniel Moore: That's going to do it for this week's episode.
• 35:39
  Daniel Moore: Please subscribe to be sure that you don't miss any other episodes in this series called Unshaken.
• 35:44
  Daniel Moore: As we release these over the next couple of months, we'll be mixing in some marriage episodes as well, so you don't want to miss those either.
• 35:51
  Daniel Moore: I'm Daniel Moore.
• 35:52
  Daniel Moore: Thank you for listening.
• 35:53
  Daniel Moore: This week.
• 35:54
  Daniel Moore: This show really would be possible without you, and if you're a fan of the show, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or, if you'd like to help us out, just take a few seconds, give us a five-star click and please subscribe to us on your favorite platform, and the links to those are in the show notes.
• 36:08
  Daniel Moore: Well, that's all for this week, and we believe that God's Word never fails us.
• 36:13
  Daniel Moore: God's Word has stood the test of time and, through Jesus' death on the cross, he has connected the gap.
• 36:20
  Aria: You've been listening to Connecting the Gap podcast.
• 36:22
  Aria: In this world, there are many disconnects that cause chaos in our lives.
• 36:26
  Aria: This podcast is birthed from the desire to share hope and restoration of the power of the gospel by being transparent and open in our biblical walk with God.
• 36:34
  Aria: Each week, we take a few moments as we navigate God's word and peer into other people's testimonies and encourage each other to connect the gap.
• 36:41
  Aria: We upload a new audio podcast every Thursday and a video version of it on YouTube and Rumble.
• 36:46
  Aria: We are also on the Christian podcasting app Edify.
• 36:49
  Aria: You can subscribe to our podcast on many of the available podcasting platforms, including Apple Podcast, spotify, amazon Music, iheart Radio, tunein Radio and more.
• 36:59
  Aria: We are also available on your Alexa-enabled devices.
• 37:02
  Aria: If you would like to contact our ministry for any reason, visit our contact page and send us a message.
• 37:07
  Aria: We hope you are blessed by this ministry.
• 37:09
  Aria: This is a production of Connecting the Gap Ministries.