Saturday, February 3, 2024

Helpful Tips On Spiritual Growth & Our Relationship With God

 


Growing Spiritually:

Many followers of Jesus continue to learn, serve, worship, witness and become ambassadors for Him in this world. They have a great passion and desire for a deeper and more personal intimate relationship with Jesus. They want to have a greater understanding of God's Word and how to apply it to their lives.  They desire to connect with their Lord and Savior on a daily basis. And are willing to submit to Him for wisdom, perspective, direction, discernment and correction. They welcome being led by the Holy Spirit and are willing to look at their lives to evaluate their spiritual condition.

 How can we reflect this kind of discipleship?

A follower of Jesus can start with adding spiritual disciplines in order to keep growing in their knowledge, faith, trust and wisdom concerning the things of God. We should take comfort in that spiritual growth is a lifelong process. It is God’s desire that we become more like Jesus.

The scripture says:

Ephesians 4:22-24 New International Version

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.


1 John 2:6 New Life Version

The one who says he belongs to Christ should live the same kind of life Christ lived.


 But in order for us to reflect Christ-likeness we must tend to our spiritual garden so we can grow the right heart and mind to be able to imitate Jesus and bear fruit for God’s Kingdom. If we want to be fruitful and live a life pleasing to God, we are going to need help. The good news is God will provide and equip us with what we need to grow, through His Word and through the teaching, power and direction of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the real change agent in a believer’s life.

 

Jesus said this:

 John 14:26 New International Version

26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 


Acts 1:8 New International Version

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

 

Romans 8:26 New International Version

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

 

Galatians 5:22-23 New International Version

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

 

We can learn so much from God’s Word:

 2 Timothy 3:16-17 New International Version

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.


 It is very important to stay connected to Jesus in order to bear fruit for His Kingdom:

John 15:6-8 New International Version 

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

 

 Here are some tips on what we can do to grow spiritually.


 1. Daily work on becoming more devoted to following Jesus:

Living a life devotion requires that we spend time with God, thinking about what God wants, and then living life for God’s purpose. That way when others observe the way we live, they will know we are set apart to God through our identity in Christ and the way we love God and others. Not only should we listen to the Word but also do what it says.

James 1:22-25 New International Version

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.


As an example, God’s Word tells us about the importance of love in every relationship and especially how we can love God.

 John 13:34-35 New International Version

34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”


 Obedience to God’s commands prove we love God.

John 14:15 New International Version

15 “If you love me, keep my commands.


 John 14:21 New International Version

21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

 

John 14:23 New International Version

23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.

 

Can you see the benefit to this kind of Love?

 That is why we are commanded to love. Jesus desires that love overflow from His followers. And as a command we should assume that He desires our obedience to this command.

 

2. We need to include spiritual disciplines in our daily activity to help us continually live our lives devoted to God, and in turn to help us grow spiritually.


Spiritual disciplines, are spiritual exercises that one engages in habitually which bring

 us closer to God and helps us become more like Jesus in character and behavior.

 

Here are some examples of Spiritual discipline:


A. Prayer – Spending quiet time with God, making our requests known and  

spending moments just listening so we can grasp the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, teaching and guidance that help us act in accordance with God’s will.


 God’s Word is clear about prayer:

 Colossians 4:2 NIV

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.


1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

 

B. Meditation – A time where we contemplate the meaning of God's Word  

When we need a positive change our perspective, we can meditate on some good things:

Philippians 4:8 NIV

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthythink about such things.

 

C. Fasting - usually accompanied with prayer, in which one abstains from food, drink, sleep or sex in order to focus on spiritual growth.

 Daniel 9:3 NIV  

So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.


Joel 2:12 NIV  

"Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning."

 

 

3. Actively pursue a relationship with God to understand what He is calling us to do:

2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

 

Jeremiah 29:13 NIV

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

 

Acts 13:1-3 NIV

In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 13:1-3 implies that church leaders were seeking God's direction for their ministry through prayer and fasting. In this instance, people fasted and prayed in order to determine God's will.

 

The Bible also talks about renewing our minds as a way to understand God’s will.  

Romans 12:2 NIV 

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

 

Here are some other spiritual activities that can help train us to become more devoted to God through regular practice:

 


      1. Praise and Worship: (Living a life of worship, not just on Sunday)

      2. Our giving/tithe:  (Trusting God with our finances)

      3. Corporate Worship: (Regularly attending church to help edify (build up) the 

          Body of Christ)

      4. Hospitality:  (Being Christ-like toward others)

      5. Teaching/Evangelism:  (Sharing the Gospel and train others to do the same)

      6. Stewardship: (Using our resources, time, gifts and talents to benefit His 

          Kingdom)

      7. Bible Study: (maintaining a connection to the truth of God’s Word for 

          inspiration and daily living)

 

Through our daily spiritual disciplines, we can move toward living a life that is Holy and pleasing to God.

 

Let strive to make sure everything we do is placed before God as an offering.

 

 1 Corinthians 10:31 New International Version

31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

 

Romans 12:1 NIV

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

 

Our devotion and obedience to God is part of our gratitude and offering back to Him for the new life and future He has provided us.  Together we can inspire and encourage one another to grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus which in turn can help develop that Christ-likeness in each of us. With the help of the Holy Spirit and inspired by the Word of God, we can enhance the mission of the local church to help play a more significant role in our community. The local Church, has a very important role to play in God’s plan to bring hope and salvation to the world.

 

The Church is more than a building, and we are more than church goers.

We can be Christ’s Ambassadors.

We can be Salt and Light.

We can “enhance” the flavor of Christ.

Our good works can shine for all to see and bring glory to God.

We can reflect that light of truth that shines in the darkness.

We can counter worldly thinking by being a voice for God’s truth.

We can be God’s hands and feet called to go out and make disciples, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ!

 

 

Questions to think about when it comes to your life and spiritual growth:


Do you have a plan to grow spiritually this year?


What is getting in the way of you seeking a daily relationship and conversation with God?

What is God telling you to do that you might be avoiding?


Name some things you believe can help you on your spiritual growth journey?


Name some benefits of spiritual growth?


In what areas has God gifted you that you can use to edify/build up the body of Christ?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, July 21, 2023

The offsetting reality of intergalactic weirdness Part 25

 

New Product on the market > Can Soul

 

You are everything but who you think you really are

 

Take 2 steps forward and another step forward

 

Everything these days is a mis……….

 

Amateur Noun

 

Who is teaching your kids, VS, Who is on first …. I don’t know 3rd base

 

The world is in the toilet according to Sir John Harrington

 

Some people who think you are having too good of a time will De-Fun you

 

Will you vote your consciousness?

 

If I take a shot, am I going to be left in the dark?

 

Weird Diners UFO > Unidentified Frying Object

 

Freedom of ………….

 

If you are lazy, you could be an American idle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, April 17, 2023

How We Can Appropriate the Right Perspective and Heart for God’s Purpose

 

How We Can Appropriate the Right Perspective and Heart for God’s Purpose

 

My first point is that living in a nation that is culturally and politically divided cannot begin healing until that nation turns back to God. Regardless of what side of the aisle we may be on, and how much we allow the culture to shape our thinking, a believer in Christ ultimately must believe and acknowledge that only God owns the truth.  Only by submitting to God can we know, understand, and live out His commands and principles His way.

 

Followers of Jesus need Godly counsel, the Holy Spirit and God’s Word to help guide them through life and to be able to turn off the cultural and political mindsets for a while. If we  search for the right channel to gain Godly perspective, there is only one channel that can provide the right kind of programming and information to guide us and keep on the right ministry path and purpose God has designed for our lives to take. When we get distracted by problems we cannot solve and find ourselves in situations that are out of our control, we can easily feel powerless and fall into the trap of despair. Just ask Jerimiah about the sorrow and anguish he felt while living during the divided Kingdom of Israel and Judah and the exile to Babylon.

 

So as followers of Jesus we need to ask ourselves, who is in charge, and what is the mission we are called to be part of? The answer can always be found in God’s Word and the Holy Spirit has gifted us in such a way so that we can fill a need in our Churches mission and strengthen the body of Christ. We must hold on to the fact that in order to bear fruit for God’s kingdom, we must be connected to the author and perfecter of our faith. Jesus explains:

 

John 15:5 New International Version

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

 

 

Here are some ways that connect us to God and His wisdom and perspective:

 

1. We must go to God in prayer:

 

Psalm 32:6-8 (NLT)

Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

 

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

 

2. We must learn to trust God:

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)  

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

 

3. Our Minds and Hearts must conform to God’s ideas and principles: 

 

Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

 

4. We must allow God's Word to equip us and guide us. We must act on what God's Word is telling us to do:

 

Psalm 111:10 (NIV)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) 

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

 

James 1:22 New International Version

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

 

Jesus gives us the "formula" for getting Godly wisdom and perspective:

 

Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV)

Ask, Seek, Knock

 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

 

 

Once we have received the wisdom from God that He freely gives, we should then apply it to our situation. It could be just that we need an attitude adjustment. Or it could be that in any situation God wants us to use the difficulties to strengthen and grow our character and faith. These passages below help us understand about how our actions and attitudes can benefit us and others when we allow God to shape our mind, heart and character through a new spiritual mindset that comes from being a devoted follower of Jesus and led by the Holy Spirit.

 

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)  

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

 

James 1:2-4 (NIV) 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

 

The passage in James goes on to say that if we lack wisdom we should ask God. What better way to approach any difficult situation than to ask God for wisdom in how to handle any circumstance.

 

James 1:5-8 (NIV) (Asking God for Wisdom)

if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

 

Once we have Godly wisdom and perspective to deal with any situation, we can approach a difficult situation with an opportunity to honor God and reflect Christ-like character.

 

As a follower of Jesus, we know God desires us to be more like Jesus. This is because the world is watching how we live and how we handle ourselves. Christians and non-believers alike will decide if we are living like hypocrites or living out the life we are preaching to others about. We don’t want others to stumble in their walk with God based on our words and actions. We don’t want someone who is considering hearing about the Gospel to find out that God’s people are neglecting God’s command to live changed lives set apart to Him.

 

5. God desires for us to be transformed. God wants to use that transformation as a witness to His redeeming power.

 

1 Corinthians 1:30 (NLT) 

God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.

 

1 Thessalonians 4:7 (NASB)

For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification

 

1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV)
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

2 Timothy 2:20-21 (NLT)

In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

 

 

God wants us to use the time we have been given on this earth to help bring others to Himself. Our Christ-likeness will model to others a new perspective on hope because they will see in us that God can change what seems unchangeable; the sinful, arrogant, and self-centered human heart. When people ask us about the hope we have, we have something good to tell them.

 

Philippians 2:3-5 New International Version

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

 

Galatians 5:19-24 New International Version

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

 

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

 

2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

 

Here is some great instruction on how we can live out a God-centered life:

 

Colossians 3:12-17 (NLT)

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

 

6. When we keep our eyes focused on Jesus, we will view our problems differently:

 

John 16:33 New International Version

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 

 

Hebrews 12 (NIV)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

 

 

7. No matter what we are facing right now we can take what Jesus says to heart:

 

John 14:1 (NIV)
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me.

 

Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

 

John 14:27 (NIV)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

 

 

8. We can be confident that Jesus understands and cares about what we go through in life:

 

Hebrews 4:14-15 (NIV)

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.

 

We know Jesus cares about us because He willingly suffered and gave His life so we can have life:

 

Romans 5:8 (NIV)
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

 

We have an awesome God who we can turn to under any circumstance. He can take any problem we are facing and help us discern how to best handle ourselves in the situation at hand.

 

Will we trust Him today with the circumstances we are facing?

 

Peter 5:7 (NLT)

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

 

God promises this:

 

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 

As followers of Christ, we can bank on this:

 

Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Any problem we face can become an opportunity for us to apply Godly wisdom and put on a Christ-centered attitude. When we display love to one another the world will see a real example of what Jesus’ disciples are transformed to be. When we love, we let some of the air out of a divisive and hateful world. So, we need to let supernatural love have its way in us and through us. In our obedience to God’s Word, we speak love to God as well.

 

God’s Word tells us:

Our attitude and perspective should be the same as that of Jesus:

 

Philippians 2:1-8 (NIV)

Imitating Christ’s Humility

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature[a] God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature[
b] of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!

 

 

 

So, in conclusion:

 

We can appropriate the right perspective and heart for God’s purpose by having the same mindset as Jesus. With this in mind, let’s strive to be Spirit led and live out God’s purpose and mission. Let’s go out and make disciples and breathe life into this broken world. Let’s continue to share the truth and love of Jesus that brings hope to those who believe and follow Him.

 

 

 

Just Sayin………………..Dave