I read a story on Joseph Stalin where I learned some interesting facts. Stalin's real name was Iosif Dzhugashvili. He was born and raised in the Russian province of Georgia. His father was a drunkard, a failure who would play on his son's sympathies, and very abusive. His mother was strict, religious, and did domestic work. He was an only child and a good student. He had almost no role models from which to develop a positive identity.
At his mother's urging, he entered a Theological Seminary to study for the Russian Orthodox priesthood, but, like most of his fellow-students, had no use for the dull, restrictive life there. Instead, he read a novel, The Patricide, by Alexander Kazbegi, and was deeply impressed by a character named Koba. Koba became his god, giving his life a new meaning. He wanted to be a second Koba, a fighter and hero to whom others would look up to, he even called himself "Koba", wouldn't allow others to call him anything else, and kept that name well into his thirties.
This was an important step in the journey of Iosif Dzhugashvili's becoming one of history's most murderous tyrants. His failure to find a positive identity and the adoption of a fictional, revolutionary one led to a life that destroyed.
How can we develop a positive identity which will Bless us and make us a Blessing rather than curse us and lead us to lives that destroy? What better person could you identify with than the LORD, our GOD, JESUS CHRIST? Let us strive to follow HIM, to imitate HIM and to be in HIS Amazing Will. Follow HIM.
You will gradually find the identity that GOD intended for you and become the person you've always longed to be. This is the road to your true reality! Will you walk it?
FATHER GOD, Thank YOU that I do not have to look to novels or movies or TV programs to find my identity. My problems in my childhood may have robbed me of the identity YOU intended for me, but I do not have to be deprived forever. I will look to YOU and to those who Love YOU in Truth and learn from them. Please help me LORD, Guide me & Strengthen me! Thank YOU for all that YOU are and all that YOU provide. I Lift YOUR Name On High. I Pray to YOU, JESUS, in YOUR Precious & Holy Name. Amen.
Reading 1Corinthians 10:31-11:2 this morning….
At his mother's urging, he entered a Theological Seminary to study for the Russian Orthodox priesthood, but, like most of his fellow-students, had no use for the dull, restrictive life there. Instead, he read a novel, The Patricide, by Alexander Kazbegi, and was deeply impressed by a character named Koba. Koba became his god, giving his life a new meaning. He wanted to be a second Koba, a fighter and hero to whom others would look up to, he even called himself "Koba", wouldn't allow others to call him anything else, and kept that name well into his thirties.
This was an important step in the journey of Iosif Dzhugashvili's becoming one of history's most murderous tyrants. His failure to find a positive identity and the adoption of a fictional, revolutionary one led to a life that destroyed.
How can we develop a positive identity which will Bless us and make us a Blessing rather than curse us and lead us to lives that destroy? What better person could you identify with than the LORD, our GOD, JESUS CHRIST? Let us strive to follow HIM, to imitate HIM and to be in HIS Amazing Will. Follow HIM.
You will gradually find the identity that GOD intended for you and become the person you've always longed to be. This is the road to your true reality! Will you walk it?
FATHER GOD, Thank YOU that I do not have to look to novels or movies or TV programs to find my identity. My problems in my childhood may have robbed me of the identity YOU intended for me, but I do not have to be deprived forever. I will look to YOU and to those who Love YOU in Truth and learn from them. Please help me LORD, Guide me & Strengthen me! Thank YOU for all that YOU are and all that YOU provide. I Lift YOUR Name On High. I Pray to YOU, JESUS, in YOUR Precious & Holy Name. Amen.
Reading 1Corinthians 10:31-11:2 this morning….
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