Simple Tips For having A Godly Perspective

Simple Tips for having a Godly perspective:

I don’t know about you but in order for me to successfully navigate through life I need to have the right

perspective on things. Over the years I have gained enough insight to know that I am a terrible

navigator through the twists and turns of daily living. I usually get things wrong before I get them right.

So percentage wise, I need a better batting average.  Too many times have come to the plate unprepared

to hit those curve balls thrown my way.

There are some obvious things that I can do in order to have a Godly perspective on things: 

1. Read my Bible daily.
2. Study and meditate on the passage of scripture I am reading.
3. Pray and ask God to help me understand the passage that I am reading and how it applies to my life.
4. Ask God to help me apply that passage to my life.

Well that seems easy enough. OK lesson over. Not so fast Jack. Do I make time each day to do this?

The Bible says:

Matthew 4:4 MSG

Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: "It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady 

stream of words from God's mouth."

Desire and time play a role in whether or not I will connect with God. The Bible exhorts me to

get a perspective adjustment by renewing my mind. Reading God’s Word, if taken to heart, can

have such an effect and in this case bring us in line with 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.

There are other passages in the Bible that urge us to take God’s Word to heart. Let’s

take a look at some more passages.

Here Jesus urges us to build a strong foundation for life based on His teachings:

Matthew 7:24-27 NIV

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

Jesus explains that His followers are able to discern His “voice of truth” and devote themselves to

living by it by becoming His devoted followers.

John 10:27 NIV

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

The Bible tells us that it is important not just to read God’s Word but apply it to our lives:

James 1:22-24 NIV

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

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror

and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

We are also told by the Apostle Paul to make sure everything we hear passes the test of

being consistent with God’s Word. How many times have we heard others twist the meaning

of scripture in order to fit their particular biased unbiblical viewpoint. 

1 Thessalonians 5:21 NLT

but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.

Remember it is the Holy Spirit that will guide you in the truth by teaching you the meaning  

of God’s Word.

John 16:12-15

"I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth,

comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears,

and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making

it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.

1 Corinthians 2:9-16 NIV

However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him" but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: 

"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

Ezekiel 36:26-27 NIV

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

Ephesians 1:17-18 NIV

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

So one way for believers to attain a Godly perspective is to stay connected to the Holy Spirit Who will  

help them understand the truth and meaning of God’s Word.

Some things we can expect the Holy Spirit to do:

• First, we receive the Holy Spirit when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
• The Holy Spirit will, reveal and direct. Never independent or out of harmony with the Scriptures.
• The Holy Spirit will give us the desire and strength to stay connected to God in various ways.
• The Holy Spirit will encourage, comfort and counsel us in difficult times or times of decision making.The Holy Spirit will convict us of our sin.
• The Holy Spirit reveals the truth and wisdom of God’s Word.
• The Holy Spirit will help us remember the teachings of God’s Word and help us with application.

Once we have embedded the truth of God’s Word in our mind and heart we become responsible

for its proper dissemination.

2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed

and who correctly handles the word of truth.

1 Peter 3:15-16 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

1 Corinthians 10:31-33 NIV

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 

The best way to live life with a Godly perspective is to be filled daily with the wisdom and truth of God’s Word. The more we detach from God the more we open ourselves up to hear the voices of opposition and the more the enemy can get a foothold in our life. Our enemy does not speak the truth. In fact, he is known as the father of lies.

John 8:44 NIV

(The Devil) He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Do we have enough wisdom and strength to discern the truth and fight the temptation to sin?

The Bible tells us this:

1 Peter 5:8 NIV

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Do we have the understanding that a follower of Jesus will have to deal with Spiritual Warfare?

Ephesians 6:12 NIV

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Where Godly perspective comes into play is that the Bible can help us with our spiritual battles.

Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

If we want to stand firm in our faith then we are going to have to trust God and saturate ourselves

with His Truth.

My favorite Bible passage reminds me to trust God to guide me in every area of my life.

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.  

The Bible is one of the most important ways God reveals His Truth to me. It is also important to know that as I desire God’s will for my life, I can count on the Holy Spirit to direct my path and Jesus’ teachings to

help me navigate the rough waters of a world gone mad. I know if I keep God’s Word close to my heart, the

voices of opposition cannot derail me because I have a strong foundation built upon God’s “voice of truth”.

One thing I know for sure, God’s Word contains the Godly perspective I need to live a life set apart to him.

When I set my whole life apart to God this is my spiritual act of worship. With God’s Word embedded in my

heart I am equipped to do the work God has called me to do and I have the Godly perspective I need to

fulfill His calling for my life.

Remember this:

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.

So again, let’s do these obvious things and more:

• Develop our level of spiritual maturity by reading and studying our Bibles.
• Meditate and apply by God’s Word to our lives.
• Standing firm in our faith.
• Live a life set apart to God. (Serving, Worshiping, Obedience, Holiness)
• Trust and receive God’s leadership in every area of our lives.
• Develop into fully devoted followers of Christ.
• Trust that God will keep His promise to give us a hope and a future.
• Acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior.
• Pray
• Confess sin and repent.
• Loving God, Loving others.
• Trust and act upon the wisdom and discernment given by the Holy Spirit.

Our enemy likes to throw a mean curve ball.  With a Godly perspective on life we can have the confidence to stand firm in the batters box and even swing for the fences.  

Just Sayin………………..Dave      

Transformation Part 2

Sanctification: 
The Process by which believers become more and more conformed or shaped into the image of Christ.

Let’s remember sanctification is a process that continues on for the rest of our lives here on earth. It is helpful to know with complete certainty that God's desire is to transform us from the inside out. God wants us to reflect His Holiness and be a light for His Gospel in a dark and fallen world.  So God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, begins to shift our old ways of thinking and acting into new ways which reflect an eternal perspective, a loving heart, and a desire to good.  God desires a personal relationship with us, and  desires for our lives to be set apart to Him. We need to understand that this process of transformation is part of our preparation to be with Him for all eternity. God is also renewing our minds and shifting our focus from living a self centered life to living a God centered life. This way, our understanding of life itself will now carry with it God's unique purpose, which unfolds as He directs us into living for His good purpose. This new life can not be purchased or extracted from an earthy based system. Only through God's grace can we receive the gift of salvation and faith. Only through His grace and supernatural intervention can we be changed and receive His promises and great blessing.

God changes us from the inside out. In fact, God has designed in each of us a “God Shaped/Sized Hole”.

This hole is the longing of the human heart to be filled by God alone. Yet many people do not recognize this specific need. Unfortunately many people try to fill this God sized hole with things that can never satisfy the need for something greater than themselves. But those who come to know God understand only He can satisfy the emptiness we feel inside. 

Jesus, recognizing this need to be filled, calls us to come to Him for the strength, comfort and rest

that He can only satisfy:

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.

The Bible tells us to have fellowship God and open our hearts to Him:

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.

When we come to Jesus He will unlocked the doors to understanding and give us the perspective

we need to live out the abundant Christian life:

Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

"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.

To help us gain eternal perspective it is vitally important to realize that everything the world  

has to offer is temporary in contrast to our God who is everlasting:

Matthew 6:19-20 NIV

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

God offers us the greatest gift we could ever receive, eternal life. There is no greater gift than to

be able to spend our eternity with God in Heaven, free from the sin, evil, death, destruction and

persecution that are always at the forefront of living in this fallen world:

Revelation 21:3-4 New International Version 1984 

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Faith is a gift from God:

Ephesians 2:8 NIV
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

God loves us and gave His life to save us:

John 3:16-17 NIV

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

God saved us from the consequences of sin:

Romans 6:23 NIV

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jesus reassures us about the result of His work on Cross because in this world we will struggle and suffer: 

John 16:33 NIV
"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."

Matthew 5:10 NIV
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

There is great hope for followers of Jesus. God has made an incredible promise to His people.

In return for God’s grace, in gratitude, we can offer him what he desires:

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.

All the scripture above remind us that we have a God who loves us and wants to be part of our life story. God really cares about helping us navigate through the rough the rough waters of this fallen world. We can't do this in our own strength or with limited perspective. That is why we need God's help and guidance. That is why we need transformation and sanctification.

It is good to remind ourselves that each day we have to make a choice to pursue our relationship with God and fight the temptation to pursue things that separate us from Him. Spiritual growth is important and God desires that we continue on that journey.

Colossians 1:9-10 New King James Version

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Interestingly enough, one of the subtle ways we interfere with our spiritual growth and development of our Christ-likeness is to desire a comfortable Christian life. I have tried to live out this comfortable Christian life and I can tell you it does not serve me or others well. Attempting to live this way flat lines our spiritual growth and maturity. We need to pursue the things of God and desire to continually have our eyes open to the source of all truth. The good news is, when we act on the desire to change, grow spiritually and allow ourselves to be filled and influenced by the Holy Spirit, we can live out our Christ-likeness and reflect God's Glory to the world.

Remember this: We have been given the great privilege of  serving an awesome, loving and gracious God. Let's not take this privilege lightly. Let's make sure we live out God's purpose for us to become like Jesus. Let's make sure we continue influence others to consider the message of the Gospel by telling our story of our transformation and hope.

Let's not forget that God has a great plan and good purpose for us.  

Philippians 2:13 NIV

for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose

Romans 8:28 New International Version 1984 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been 
called according to his purpose.

Philippians 1:6 New International Version 1984

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion 
until the day of Christ Jesus.

Our sanctification and transformation are part of that good purpose.

Just Sayin………………..Dave   

Transformation Part 1

2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV  

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his

likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Transformed into the image of Christ

Something happens to us when we become followers of Jesus. We begin a process of transformation,

which over time, is conforming us into the image of Christ.

This process is called Sanctification: 

“An act of God by which believers become more and more conformed to the image of Christ.”

Sanctification is God’s desire for us:

1 Thessalonians 4:3 NIV

It is God's will that you should be sanctified:  

John 17:17 NIV

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

Romans 8:28-29 NLT

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Sanctification is part of God’s purpose for believers:

God has a purpose for our lives. When we become more like Jesus in character we can become more effective in reflecting who He is to others. The Holy Spirit helps in this by working in us to bring about the attributes of  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These attributes are also known as the “Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23).  We also know that Jesus was obedient to the will of God, a servant leader, and deeply compassionate to even the worst of sinners.  So when these attributes begin to take hold in our lives, others will notice that there is something different about the genuineness that exudes from those who live by the Spirit. This Christ-likeness is the way we can help change the perception of the stereo-typical Christian who is sometimes viewed as hypocritical, self righteous and weird. We can change this worldly perception by living authentic, loving and selfless lives.

No Christ-like follower of Jesus can determine who we be influenced by their transformation, but they do know to keep on trying to live a life of integrity and great character, continuing to share the Gospel to no end.

Steps involved in the process of Sanctification:

Step 1 - the process begins:

As soon as we become followers of Jesus the process of sanctification begins. One of the first changes I made was that I stopped using bad language. Can you think of what began to change in you as you gave you life over to Christ?

One of the most important things we can do during God's process of sanctification is to trust Him with the transformation process. The indwelling Holy Spirit is in charge of conforming us into the image of Christ. We are filled with the Holy Spirit who is our counselor, comforter, guide, conscience and convicter of sin, source of revelation, and change agent.  

Scripture to guide us:

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.  

Isaiah 11:2 New International Version 1984 

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,the Spirit of counsel and of power,the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord—

John 16:13 New International Version 1984  
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

Step 2 - We need to know to God’s principles pertaining to transformation:

We are instructed to put off our old ways of living, to grow and mature in our faith.

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.

We can mature in our faith through the reading of God’s Word and Bible Study, and by the development of our character through our perseverance through life’s circumstances.

Step 3 - We need to apply what we have learned:

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.

Step 4 - We need to persevere for the sake of our spiritual maturity:

James 1:3-4 NIV 
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.

Step 5 We need to understand what the future holds and live with an eternal perspective:

John 14:1-4 NIV

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.  In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  You know the way to the place where I am going."

Step 6 - we need to trust in God's promises:

We will have to wait for Jesus’ return before we will receive what has been promised. The

imperishable body we will receive will be like that of Christ in that it is capable of sustaining us forever.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 NIV

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.  Therefore encourage each other with these words.

1 Corinthians 15:50-58 NLT

What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever.  But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.  For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:

Death is swallowed up in victory  

O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?

For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

So as we live in this world, growing in our faith, knowledge, wisdom and truth of God’s Word,

we will notice a change in our heart attitude because the Word, along with the Holy Spirit in us, has the

power to change who we are and transform us into the image of Christ. Once Jesus returns we will then inherit the promised imperishable body that completes the transformation. Think of it as a metamorphosis in the way the caterpillar becomes a butterfly. The butterfly spreads its beautiful wings and begins to fly free

from the constraints of it earth bound prison. In the same way we will no longer be bound to the sinful

nature as we have become totally transformed free from sin in order to be able to live forever in the presence

of God. Now you may say to yourself this sounds kind of supernatural, sort of in the realm of Ghosts, UFO’s and maybe even Sasquatch. But this is what God has promised and whether or not it sounds crazy, I bet it is not as crazy as you think. Think how impossible it might have been for you to have become a Christian in the first place. I know for me it is impossible that I am where I am today. I took the power of God to transform the old me into the new me. I would have never chosen this life on my own. When I reflect on all that has taken place over the years, I realize all the answer to prayer, all the interesting circumstances that have led me to where I am today, could only have been directed by a Sovereign God. If God has the power to change my stubborn, self centered, ego driven, OCD heart and mind and soul, then it is possible for Him to have the power to transform me physically and spiritually at Christ’s return.

***Stay tuned for part 2

Just Sayin..................Dave