What God has spoken to or declared for you is not a distant memory. The dream He placed in you is not dormant but active, vibrant, and alive in you, waiting to be activated. It is never too late, you are never too lost, and the Lord can restore the value lost over the years, even the time you thought was wasted (Joel 2:25).

Satan will try to direct your focus onto all the time you’ve wasted and the things you did not do or should have done. He wants you to be disillusioned and hopeless, to beat yourself up and be so focused on yourself that God cannot help others through you. His goal is to dim our light so those around us cannot find their way out of the darkness, but we must resist this and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us.

God tests us before he promotes us, so we must understand how we should think, speak, and act when faced with life’s tests and trials. This understanding should fuel your determination and steadfastness, knowing that God’s plan is worth the perseverance and that you can overcome any challenge.

Why does God test us?

Although God’s tests are not always pleasant, they are always good for us. Tests serve a vital purpose for believers. They reveal and develop our character, ensuring we are ready for what He has planned. He will not promote us prematurely because we will fail without the right character and mindset.

I remember growing up and hating the tests we had to take every six weeks and at the end of the term. They were tedious and stressful and always took much longer than I expected (or wanted). Although I found them challenging, afterward, I knew where I stood. I could see my strengths and weaknesses. I knew what I was capable of and the areas I needed to work on, and I could move on to the next level and succeed. The trials and tests we face in life are rarely as simple or predictable as tests in school, but things that test our character rarely are.

When God sees we are not ready to be promoted, He tests us, not for His information, but ours. Our faith and character are revealed when we are tested; what we go through helps develop us into who we need to be. God wants to know if He can trust you to be faithful and trust Him no matter the circumstances. If you will have the right character in the worst conditions. Can God trust you to be faithful and trust Him despite the hardship you may face? He is looking at who we are in heart and mind and wants to see us grow in character and faith and, when we pass the test, to promote us.

God Tests Joseph’s Character

Joseph’s story in Genesis illustrates what God frequently tests in all believers: our faith, character, and perseverance in the face of trials. These themes are central throughout his journey, which spans thirteen chapters, starting in Genesis 37.

God gave Joseph a dream, but he faced numerous trials before its fulfillment. Sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph endured these hardships without complaint or despair. He did not let his circumstances compromise who he was. His continued faith and trust despite his circumstances led to God’s anointing in everything he did, paving the way for the dream’s realization.

Psalm 105:19 (NLT) highlights why Joseph faced such rigorous testing and why all believers do. The scripture tells us that God tested Joseph until the time came to fulfill his dream. The focus of these tests wasn’t on Joseph’s abilities but on his character. Why? It wasn’t because God didn’t know, but so that Joseph could learn what he was capable of and for his faith, character, and resilience to grow. Joseph’s character helped the entire nation of Egypt and his family.

Passing the Tests

God will allow you to go through things not because He is building your character. You need to develop three essential things to pass the test and step into God’s plan for you: faith, character, and resilience. Faith builds character and character, in turn, builds resilience.

Joseph’s story exemplifies these tests. When Joseph was sold into slavery, he had only a divine promise from God based on a dream. This promise, which God had shown him, was a vision of his potential. Joseph clung faithfully to that vision, ultimately transforming it into reality.

Joseph tested his character in many ways, including resisting temptation from Potiphar’s wife, fleeing her advances, and demonstrating his integrity. His resilience was evident when he remained faithful and optimistic despite imprisonment for a crime he didn’t commit. Even in prison, God’s favor continued to be upon him. Your character is with you wherever you are; changing it begins within.

God’s testing is not about anger or disappointment but refining your character. If you’ve given up on a dream because of your circumstances, remember that your life experiences contribute to character development. Failure is not the end; it can be a stepping stone. Your response to failure is crucial: use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. When faced with challenges, it’s important to bounce back and continue moving forward. Don’t let failure define you—learn from it and persist.

Conclusion

The Bible doesn’t promise a life free of failure or difficulty, but it does guide us to confront these challenges with faith and resilience. As Jeremiah 20:12 (NKJV) highlights, God tests the righteous to reveal what is in their hearts.  It is during testing that God reveals our inner thoughts and attitudes. We have a choice to make if what is revealed isn’t what it should be. Do we wallow in our shortcomings or get up and make a change? It’s crucial to transform our mindsets, move beyond our feelings, and focus on faith. Commit to righteousness, align your life with God’s will, and strive to reflect the righteousness and character our Heavenly Father wants us to have no matter the circumstances.

The information expressed above is excerpted from the sermon “How To Past the Test” preached by Dr. Lee A. Simpson. You can listen to the complete sermon on our YouTube channel.

Jonathan Craddock

Jonathan Craddock is a licensed minister at Faith Clinic Christian Center Church and has been a dedicated Christian and follower of Jesus Christ for over 12 years. He enjoys deep diving into scripture, learning about God, faith, and walking with Jesus. He is a writer for the blog “God & Gospel: Faith for Life,” and his vision is to help people to understand and apply the sermons they hear, the word of God, and their relationship with God.

godandgospel.com

The post Faith Through the Fire: How God’s Tests Shape Our Character appeared first on God & Gospel.

Frustration and Fear: tools of the enemy

A common way that he undermines our faith is through frustration and fear. It’s easy to slip out of faith and into fear when frustrated. If you are fearful, you cannot be faithful, and God is looking for fearless people full of faith. For those who will stand firm in the face of adversity, so be unashamed for God in your words, worship, and prayer.

Matthew 8:23-27 shows us this tactic of frustration and fear being used. Jesus and His disciples were crossing a sea, and a great storm arose to stop their progress and hold them in place. Before this, we see that Jesus had declared what they would be doing and was not concerned about the storm, so much so that scripture tells us He was sleeping soundly. Jesus slept through the storm while His disciples were panicking.

Their frustration with the storm and the fear it provoked caused them to question Jesus, highlighting how easily frustration or fear can disrupt our faith. The disciples were frustrated with the storm and got out of faith, taking it out on Jesus. Their questioning is accusatory, and He questioned their lack of faith, implying they should have had the faith needed to address or endure the storm they faced.

Faith in Jesus and His word

Could it be that there is a storm in your life, and you are waiting for God to move, but He is waiting on you to exercise your faith and speak to the storm? You may not have mountain-moving faith right now, but you should have faith in Jesus, in the God who can move mountains.

Remember, the Lord meets you where your faith is. He desires for you to grow in faith, which involves believing and praying your way forward. He wants you to develop a most holy faith, a faith beyond the ordinary.

Understanding Most Holy Faith

Jude 1:20 (NKJV) poses an important question: Is your faith ordinary, or is it “Most Holy”? Most Holy faith is empowered by the Holy Spirit and requires ongoing development. Your most holy faith is a work in progress, it is something you must build up. It’s not a static state but a work in progress that demands continuous building.

What God is imparting to you isn’t just for today’s battles. Most Holy faith comes with perseverance and endurance. The enemy aims to wear you down and make you give up on prayer, but enduring faith is essential. The enemy wants you to get tired of praying for something or someone to get you to give up.

Lessons from Jesus and the Possessed Boy

In Mark 9:28-29, after Jesus’ profound encounter with Moses and Elijah on the mountain, He came down to face a boy possessed by a demon. The disciples’ failure to cast out the demon and their subsequent frustration is a testament to the challenges of spiritual warfare. They couldn’t cast it out and were frustrated and tired of praying. Some spiritual challenges require more than usual effort and faith. Ephesians 6:12 explains the nature of these spiritual battles and the divisions of power we contend with.

Building yourself up in most holy faith

We’ve been assigned a battle, a person or persons only we can fight for, so we must start building our most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit. When you pray in the Spirit, you strengthen your most holy faith. It is a conditioning that prepares us as believers for our spiritual warfare. It equips and empowers you for the challenges ahead and allows the Holy Spirit to pray through you, for you, and the kingdom.

Surrendering to the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is at work in us, helping us grow and develop our faith and the right character so that we can be effectively used by God. If we adopt Jesus’s name but not His character, we misrepresent Him to those around us, and that can have eternal consequences. Surrender to the Holy Spirit and give Him control.

Achieving God’s best requires a willingness to set aside your fleshly desires and surrender control to the Holy Spirit. If you want to be led by the Holy Spirit, you must first surrender control of your life to Him. This surrender allows you to gain control in a way that aligns with God’s will.

Be vigilant and watchful

1 Peter 5:8 warns us that the devil roams about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Being sober-minded and vigilant—watchful and alert—is crucial for maintaining spiritual resilience.

Satan wants to influence you. If he can attack your mind or perception, he can influence every area of your life. The word in your mind can take root and grow into a mindset, which grows into strongholds that feed themselves and impact every area of your life.

We must be diligent and put on the whole armor of God because the enemy is on the attack and wants to see us ineffective. Ephesians 6:10-11 emphasizes the importance of putting on the whole armor of God to withstand spiritual attacks. To effectively combat these spiritual assaults, the enemy will try to wear you down, but by praying in the Spirit and donning the full armor of God, you fortify yourself against his attacks.

As we navigate these challenges, we must strive to build our faith through continuous prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit, transforming our ordinary faith into the Most Holy Faith. In doing so, whether facing personal struggles or broader spiritual challenges, we must surrender to the Holy Spirit and stay vigilant. Let us be unshakable in our commitment to God, embracing His power and the Spirit of Faith to conquer every storm we face.

The information expressed above is excerpted from the sermon “The Manifestations of the Holy Spirit: The Most Holy Faith” by Dr. Lee A. Simpson. You can listen to the complete sermon on our YouTube channel.

Jonathan Craddock

Jonathan Craddock is a licensed minister at Faith Clinic Christian Center Church and has been a dedicated Christian and follower of Jesus Christ for over 12 years. He enjoys deep diving into scripture, learning about God, faith, and walking with Jesus. He is a writer for the blog “God & Gospel: Faith for Life,” and his vision is to help people to understand and apply the sermons they hear, the word of God, and their relationship with God.

godandgospel.com

The post Transforming Ordinary Faith into Most Holy Faith appeared first on God & Gospel.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Jesus introduces the Holy Spirit as “another comforter,” showing the continuation of His ministry on earth. This term “another” suggests a comforter of the same kind, just as present and real as Jesus was to His disciples. As the Spirit of truth (John 16:13 NKJV), He embodies the essence of Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life. The Holy Spirit leads believers in all truth, reflecting Jesus’ mission and character and helping us to do the same. It is through the Holy Spirit that Jesus can abide in and with us. The Holy Spirit deepens our relationship with Christ by revealing His presence, wisdom, and love in every area of our lives.

A Distinct Person

John 14:16 (KJV) beautifully shows the nature and work of the Holy Spirit, where Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will abide with believers forever. This eternal promise introduces us to the Holy Spirit not as a fleeting presence or feeling but as a distinct person—referred to as “He” and “Him,” not “It.” It highlights the personal nature of the Holy Spirit. He is more than the chills or feelings of energy and excitement we might experience; He is a person and is actively speaking to and guiding us.

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;” – John 14:16 (KJV)

Equipped & Empowered

Without the Holy Spirit, our human limitations and weaknesses would hinder our attempts to grow closer to God and His calling on our lives. With Him, we are equipped and empowered to overcome our challenges and fulfill God’s will just as Jesus did. Jesus worked through the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit, and just as He worked through Jesus, He is now working through us if we acknowledge Him.

In John 14:17 (AMP), we learn that the Holy Spirit’s role is to help believers, reveal truth, and aid us in our walk with Christ and everyday lives. The world cannot receive and take to heart the work and identity of the Holy Spirit. They cannot see Him or know Him as we can. He is a gift and abides in us, but if we do not acknowledge Him, we can miss out on what He wants to do in us, for us, and through us.

“the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.” – John 14:17 (AMP)

The Active Choice to be Led

The Holy Spirit desires to help us walk and grow in fellowship with Jesus, but He will not force himself into our lives. By not acknowledging the Holy Spirit, we risk missing out on His work within us and through us. What could you be missing out on if you don’t acknowledge Him? What challenges are you facing that the Holy Spirit has the answer to?

The Holy Spirit wants to uplift and enrich us, intercede for us and our loved ones, and strengthen us through life’s challenges and difficulties, but we must allow Him to lead us. To be led by the Holy Spirit is an active choice to be alert and pay attention, surrendering pride and self-will for God’s will in our lives.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” – Revelation 2:7 (NKJV)

Hearing & Obeying the Spirit

In a world filled with distractions, hearing and obeying the Holy Spirit’s voice is something we must strive not to neglect. The abundance of noise and distractions in our modern lives can make it difficult to hear Him, but He is speaking in our lives, thoughts, and hearts. He is speaking to both believers and unbelievers.

Work in Believers and Unbelievers

For believers, He serves as a helper, comforter, intercessor, counselor, strengthener, and standby—ready to assist, console, intervene, counsel, strengthen, and support us in our journey. As our comforter, consoling and encouraging us through our trials, as an intercessor, He intervenes on our behalf, guiding us away from sin and towards a path of holiness and righteousness. He serves as our counselor, providing wisdom and advice to navigate life’s complexities. Further, He strengthens us, supplying the power and endurance we need to persevere. All things are possible if you are willing to believe and trust with faith in God.

For unbelievers, He is convicting them of sin and leading them towards salvation through Jesus Christ. This act of salvation demonstrates God’s immense love for all of humanity, which is expressed in John 3:16 (NKJV). God’s love for us is the reason salvation is made available. If you are not a believer, it is not too late to receive the free gift of salvation.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16 (NKJV)

Guiding Us Toward Holiness and Purpose

The Holy Spirit is critical to our success and relationship with Jesus. He offers guidance, comfort, and support to believers while also reaching out to unbelievers to draw them to Jesus. By keeping our eyes fixed on the Lord and trusting in the Holy Spirit, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s love and fulfill His purpose in our lives. Let us embrace the presence and person of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide us toward a life of holiness, righteousness, and divine purpose.

Writing this article has helped me reflect on how far I have come in my relationship with myself and God. I pray that it also helped to encourage you. Watch for my next article, where I cover “The Power of the Holy Spirit.”

The information expressed above is excerpted from the sermon “Holy Spirit : His Purpose | His Person & Power Part 3” preached by Dr. Lee A. Simpson. You can listen to the complete sermon on our YouTube channel.

Jonathan Craddock

Jonathan Craddock is a licensed minister at Faith Clinic Christian Center Church and has been a dedicated Christian and follower of Jesus Christ for over 12 years. He enjoys deep diving into scripture, learning about God, faith, and walking with Jesus. He is a writer for the blog “God & Gospel: Faith for Life,” and his vision is to help people to understand and apply the sermons they hear, the word of God, and their relationship with God.

godandgospel.com

The post Holy Spirit: His Person appeared first on God & Gospel.

Reject the “Status quo”

We naturally seek pleasure and avoid pain. But sometimes, our efforts to escape our pain can lead us to more trouble. Our circumstances can feel overwhelming and impossible, so we turn to things we think will help us deal with our feelings. To truly change, we need to shift how we see our challenges and circumstances. We must become dissatisfied with how things are and reject the status quo. Nothing will change until the pain of remaining the same is worse than the pain of change.

Change is a Choice

Every change begins with a decision. Change begins within, but you must do your part for the shift to start. It takes our participation because God will not do something in you or for you without your participation. God has a plan, purpose, and destiny for us, but we cannot get what God has for us or go where He wants to take us if we have a faulty mindset. We must get His word in us and take ownership of it. We must meditate on it, speak it, and practice it. In scripture, we see an example of this in Joshua 1:8.

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” – Joshua 1:8(NKJV)

Before anything changed in Joshua’s circumstances, God had him change what he was thinking about and meditating on. This scripture demonstrates a fundamental principle of change—it starts with our thoughts and words.

Develop New Mindset and Transformed Life

God wants us to take on the mindset that He created us with. You must develop a new perspective—a new outlook on the pain, adversity, and daily struggles you may face. God has a path for your life, but you can hinder His plan and purpose for you with the wrong thoughts, views of yourself, relationships, and people around you.

We must redefine success and change what we think and say. The word of God must be in our minds and spoken from our lips for every situation or challenge we face. Your tongue authorizes what you say to happen in your life. What you say out of your mouth, your words, you give the authority to be in your life (Proverbs 18:21).

Your thoughts and words matter. How you define and describe yourself controls what is allowed in your life and your actions. When you change your thinking, you will change your speaking, leading to a change in action (Proverbs 23:7). Let the word of God be the filter for your thoughts, words, and beliefs about yourself. Do not let culture or what everyone around you is doing or saying influence how you respond and what you do; stand on the word of God.

Pattern Your Life After God

In our walk with God, we must focus on inner transformation and aligning our thoughts and lives with biblical principles. We must pattern our lives after God and His word. What is on the outside of you doesn’t mean anything to God because He is looking at what is inside of you, your heart. Until you get right on the inside, what you see on the outside doesn’t matter. Genuine internal change is what God seeks in us, not merely a change in outward appearances.

Allow God to work inside you to bring the best out of you. He wants the best out of you and is performing a good work within you from the inside out. God is not trying to change your clothes; He is trying to change what your clothes are covering, the inner you.

“being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” – Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

God is transforming us within, but we are assigned to work on ourselves. Our spiritual growth involves active participation. We must self-reflect and control our thoughts, aligning them with God’s word. We are given the assignment and responsibility to work on ourselves and control our thoughts. To be intentional in making changes that drive us closer to God. Making deliberate changes that draw us closer to God is crucial. It’s not enough to simply profess faith; action and change are necessary.

Personal Responsibility in Spiritual Growth

You cannot just come to Jesus and do nothing. You have to change some things in yourself and your life. We are called to repent, and repentance is turning away from our wrongdoings and changing our behavior. When you repent, you make a U-turn because you realize you are heading in the wrong direction. It is a requirement for entering the kingdom of God.

You are responsible for what you allow in your mind, heart, and environment. Seek to renew your mind with the word of God. Immerse yourself in God’s word. Romans 12:2 urges us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” This transformation allows us to discern and embrace God’s will.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:2

Let your values be rooted in the word of God and not swayed by worldly influences. Make God the center of your life. Your relationship with God should grow every day. When you feel like it and when you don’t. Take up your cross and follow Jesus. Pray and seek Him every day. God wants you to be changed from within so you can change your surroundings.

The information expressed above is excerpted from the sermon ” Change Begins Within” by Dr. Lee A. Simpson. You can listen to the complete sermon on our YouTube channel.

Jonathan Craddock

Jonathan Craddock is a licensed minister at Faith Clinic Christian Center Church and has been a dedicated Christian and follower of Jesus Christ for over 12 years. He enjoys deep diving into scripture, learning about God, faith, and walking with Jesus. He is a writer for the blog “God & Gospel: Faith for Life,” and his vision is to help people to understand and apply the sermons they hear, the word of God, and their relationship with God.

godandgospel.com

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Unfortunately, many believers unknowingly or mistakenly continue to follow the principles of this worldly system, resulting in a life characterized by fear, anxiety, and stress. To live as God designed, we must stop practicing worldly principles and develop more personal awareness of who we are in Christ and who we are called to be.

The Importance of Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is an essential part of our renewal and transformation. It helps us in understanding our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. It’s critical for personal growth and cultivating healthy relationships, including our most important relationship—our relationship with Jesus Christ. Have you reflected on your level of awareness recently?

God has plans for our lives, but there are thought processes, conduct, and behaviors that hinder Him from fulfilling them. His power isn’t limited, but our sins, behaviors, and misaligned thoughts prevent Him from blessing us the way He desires to. It pains Him to see anyone live purposeless lives because we were created for so much more. Many let pain and rejection define them, leading some to believe the lie from the devil that they are not valuable. God values every person, but if we don’t value ourselves, God’s valuation doesn’t manifest in our lives.

The Ongoing Journey of Transformation

When we accept Christ, we are transformed, and our spirits are made new. However, our old selves, our “old man,” still need to change, which requires active participation. God grants us the capacity for change, but the renewal of our minds is a responsibility that lies with us. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul tells us that anyone in Christ is a new creation, and old things have passed away.

Our minds need to align with this newness. If we are not proactive about renewing our minds, we will default to the old programming in our old nature. We will not experience the fullness of our renewal. We must take the steps to renew our minds and align them with God’s word. God does not wish to interfere with our minds, as He desires followers who love Him by their choosing, not robots who are compelled to do so.

A change within is necessary, but God needs our permission (Rev. 3:20) and participation to shape us and to see His will take effect in our lives. God will not alter our minds. As followers of Christ, our old thought patterns and attitudes must be changed by us. Our thoughts govern our lives; they shape our beliefs, feelings, and interactions, highlighting just how vital it is to be careful about the thoughts we let inhabit our minds.

You have to do something and put on the new nature, the regenerated self, created in God’s image—like God in true righteousness and holiness. The Bible says we not only have to renew our minds but also do this intentionally and continuously. To truly transform, we must renew our minds and align our thoughts with our reborn spirits by surrendering to the Holy Spirit.

“…that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:22-24 NKJV

Surrendering to the Holy Spirit

Being “renewed in the spirit” goes beyond a superficial change; it indicates a deep spiritual and mental transformation led by the Holy Spirit. But we cannot achieve this transformation with flesh alone; it requires the alignment of our mind and spirit. By surrendering our minds to the Holy Spirit, we initiate a transformative process that aligns our thoughts, emotions, and responses with God’s will. The Holy Spirit will help develop self-awareness.

Self-Awareness and Repentance

Self-awareness is akin to self-analysis, integral to our relationships with others and with God. It’s a beacon that can guide us even when we stray. The parable in Luke 15:17-18 illustrates the transformative power of self-awareness. It depicts a wayward son who, upon realizing his mistakes, decides to return to his father. Sin can be humbling, but with repentance, genuine change can occur. Repentance involves more than mere acknowledgment; it requires a change of heart and consistent effort.You have to become aware of how far you have come from what you know is right and make a course correction.

Living Righteously in a Complex World

Our thoughts shape our identity and affect our emotions and beliefs. Recognizing the power of thought provokes a more mindful and discerning approach to the ideas we permit to infiltrate our minds.

We must be vigilant and discerning about our thoughts, as they shape who we are and influence our feelings and beliefs. We must proactively renew our minds, aligning them with righteousness and holiness, as followers who love God by choice, not compulsion.

Personal awareness in our faith journey is essential. Genuine transformation requires self-awareness, a heartfelt desire to change, consistent effort, and a relationship anchored in Christ. There are no perfect people. We are all growing, so we must understand the world we live in and how to operate in this world with the Word and principles of God so that we can succeed, no matter what’s happening around us.

How are you aligning your thoughts and actions with God’s divine design and righteousness? Reflect on the role of personal awareness and internal change in your journey and consider the steps you can take to renew your mind and embrace the transformation offered through faith in Christ.

The information expressed above is excerpted from the sermon Out With The Old; In With The New Pt 2 “Renewing the mind: Awareness” by Dr. Lee A. Simpson. You can listen to the complete sermon on our YouTube channel.

Jonathan Craddock

Jonathan Craddock is a licensed minister at Faith Clinic Christian Center Church and has been a dedicated Christian and follower of Jesus Christ for over 12 years. He enjoys deep diving into scripture, learning about God, faith, and walking with Jesus. He is a writer for the blog “God & Gospel: Faith for Life,” and his vision is to help people to understand and apply the sermons they hear, the word of God, and their relationship with God.

godandgospel.com

The post A Journey of Self-Awareness and Renewal in Christ appeared first on God & Gospel.

God must become the stronghold and refuge of our mind and will. If He is our stronghold, we become prisoners of our hope, faith, and trust in Him. The issues of life that many struggle with, like fear, anxiety, depression, regret, and past mistakes, will disappear, and we can receive His restoration and step into our transformation.

Renewing our minds and submitting to His will is not something we do once and finish. We must continually and consciously yield our will and minds to God. Our obedience demonstrates our yielding and surrender to God, and how we serve Him reflects our love, submission, and commitment to Him.

God declares His prerequisites and requirements, but it is up to us to learn what God expects of us and to grow in knowledge and understanding of who He is. The two most essential tools in our arsenal as believers are the word of God and prayer. Through studying the word, God reveals who He is and what He expects, and through prayer and communication with God, we become more intimately familiar with His presence and voice.

The degree to which we pursue Him dictates the degree to which we are transformed to be like Him and to see things the way He does. Jesus calls on us to change from our old way of thinking; repentance is a changed perspective that results in changed actions and going in a different direction.

“From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” — Matthew 4:17 (AMP)

We demonstrate repentance through our words and actions. It is a change of our inner self and the old way of thinking. We cannot pick and choose the word we want to live by. Instead, we must align our thoughts and lifestyles with God’s will.

Everything is tied to our mind, will, and obedience. Our thought processes, thinking patterns, and how we perceive ourselves must change. We must change our inner selves, for this part of us colors our perspective and shapes our world. There must be a difference in what we allow to abide in and around us, for these things influence who we are. Let the word of God abide in you and be the meditation of your heart, your focus.

We must actively engage with God’s word, seeking His guidance and allowing the Holy Spirit to reshape our thinking. Set aside worldly thinking and negative thought patterns and surrender your thoughts, desires, and will to God. He will not force anything on you. You cannot shape your mind as God wants, so you must submit it to Him. He will not do it against your will, so He leaves the decision up to you. You must submit your mind to Him and allow it to be transformed.

We will struggle at times to submit to God’s will. Even Jesus did in His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. The devil wants to keep you distracted and focused on your pain or failure to keep you from stepping into your purpose. He will bring to your mind the mistakes, shortcomings, and pain of yesterday to keep you from stepping into the purpose God has for you today.

“that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:22-24 (NKJV)

We are new creations in Christ and must choose to pull off our old selves and put on the new.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

Putting on the new you does not mean taking on a religious outlook with the false attitude of righteousness that often follows, for Christ never formed a religious relationship with us, but to step into the new person you are and let the Holy Spirit guide you and renew your mind as you seek God.

When you commit to or start bettering yourself, there will be unhappy, jealous people. You will face external threats and internal threats. Be bold and undiminished when others question you. Let your focus be on Jesus and what He has done for you. Don’t let the ubiquitous and vague “they” consume your life.

The definitions and expectations of others will define you if you let them. Don’t let yourself be deformed by someone else’s definitions and expectations. Instead, Let the world see the Christ in you.

The information expressed above is excerpted from the sermon “Out With the Old, In With The New: “Renewing The Mind” by Dr. Lee A. Simpson. You can listen to the complete sermon on our YouTube channel.

Jonathan Craddock

Jonathan Craddock is a licensed minister at Faith Clinic Christian Center Church and has been a dedicated Christian and follower of Jesus Christ for over 12 years. He enjoys deep diving into scripture, learning about God, faith, and walking with Jesus. He is a writer for the blog “God & Gospel: Faith for Life,” and his vision is to help people to understand and apply the sermons they hear, the word of God, and their relationship with God.

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Words have the potential to bless, curse, heal, or destroy every time you speak them. Your words are full of power and set outcomes into motion. You can change your life by changing what you say, and you change what you say by changing what you think. As scripture says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21) and “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7).

You determine your future by the thoughts you think, the words you speak, and the choices you make. Your words frame your life, and your thoughts frame your words. They are either creating a path to success or a way to failure. What you believe and say about yourself will determine what you do with yourself. When you change your thoughts, you change your words, which changes your life.

The invisible creates the visible

“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” – Hebrews 11:3 (NKJV)

This scripture teaches us that the invisible Word of God, which is unseen, created the things you can see. Everything God created existed in His mind first. God used His Word as tools and building materials to make the universe. Being built in His image and after His likeness, we are capable of the same. God has created you and me, and like He formed and equipped the universe with a purpose, He equips us to do what He has purposed for us. We must learn to use the invisible (our thoughts) to bring about the visible.

When you speak words, you are speaking from the invisible world. You think about it first, then speak. The words that come out of your mouth become seeds in your life, and you will reap the harvest of your words. We see this principle in action everywhere we look. Everything we use and see around us began in the invisible world of thought and imagination. Something cannot come into existence without first being thought or imagined.

Shaping your words begins with your thoughts

Everything that we see starts from what is unseen. Your life is shaped not by the clothes you wear or the items you have but by the thoughts you embrace and hold onto. It does not reflect what you wear but what you care for and carry with you, what you think, and your mindset.

Success begins in the mind. Your mind dictates your words, so you cannot afford to have wrong thoughts. You seed your success from the invisible world of thought, so you must change your thoughts to be successful. If your thinking is bent out of shape, God cannot help you get what He has for you. That is why God calls on us to transform our thoughts and mindset.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

If you don’t change your thinking, you cannot change your living. Your thinking determines the quality or lack in your life. Transforming our thoughts enables believers to prove, discern, and align with God’s will. Without a changed mind, the words that come from it can impede and stop God’s will for our lives.

God will never violate our will, so without transformation, our words can stop God’s blessings for our lives. You have to frame your mind and move from the old thoughts to the new ones. You have control of your mind and must intentionally take control of your thoughts.

Shaping your thoughts begins with the Word of God

We must get our minds in order and develop a new mindset or way of thinking—our thinking patterns must change. Your life is the fruit of your most consistent thought patterns. A pattern of thought is a mindset. You build your life upon it; it is your framework and the lens through which you see the world. What are you framing your mind around right now? Your feelings and experiences, or the Word of God?

You must develop a faith worldview built on the Word and let it be the lens through which we view everything. You will always see yourself from your fallen state if you do not align your thoughts with God’s. We are a new creation in Christ Jesus and must think like it. You cannot afford to hold on to old thoughts and beliefs because they will always take you back to old outcomes.

Root your mind in God’s word

Root your mind and thoughts in God’s Word and let go of the belief systems limiting you. Your thoughts and words shape your life. God used the Word to create the world; your thoughts and words shape and create your world. When you learn to frame your life with God’s Word, your life will align with God’s order. The decisions you make and the results you see will fall under that order. You will get what the Word says, and as the word proclaims in Joshua 1:8, you will make your way prosperous and succeed.

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” –Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)

Meditating on the Word is the key to developing the faith worldview you need. When you meditate on His Word, you will let it direct you and stand on it when faced with life’s challenges. The Word of God in you will transform you. It will shape and change your thoughts, words, and understanding. It is the path to success and prosperity, but it requires participation.

Know and follow the Word of God

Knowing the Word of God is not enough—it must be followed and pursued. He is looking for our participation and patience. The instructions you follow determine the future you create. When God gives you instructions, don’t act according to your desires; act according to your instructions.

You can miss what God wants to do for you when you get in your feelings. When you let the thoughts, opinions, and feelings of others influence you, their words in you can separate you from the destiny God has for you. Do not let yourself care more about what others think, feel, or say about you than what the Word of God says. Choose the Word of God over anything and any person. Do not allow people or difficult situations to influence your relationship with God.

Speak in Faith

You are here for a purpose, and it is what you say it will be. God’s Word has to be in your mouth. If you aren’t saying what God says, you will speak what your feelings, experiences, and others say. Through faith, you open yourself to receive everything God says to and about you. Your faith will produce the visible thing you want from the invisible. Faith is proof that the invisible exists. There must be an alignment of your mind, heart, and the words you release with your mouth. You must believe it in your heart first and speak what you believe by faith.

Every problem is pregnant with opportunity. The seeds of opportunity are in your mind, and you must release them with your mouth. You must speak life to a dead situation, have hope in the face of hopelessness, and believe that you are in God’s hands no matter how difficult the situation may appear.

The information expressed above is excerpted from the sermon “ Framed For Success: Word Activation” preached by Dr. Lee A. Simpson. You can listen to the complete sermon on our YouTube channel.

Jonathan Craddock

Jonathan Craddock is a licensed minister at Faith Clinic Christian Center Church and has been a dedicated Christian and follower of Jesus Christ for over 12 years. He enjoys deep diving into scripture, learning about God, faith, and walking with Jesus. He is a writer for the blog “God & Gospel: Faith for Life,” and his vision is to help people to understand and apply the sermons they hear, the word of God, and their relationship with God.

godandgospel.com

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You are a child of God because He chose you (John 1:12-13 NKJV), and you received Jesus by faith. In and through Christ, every believer is a child of God (Galatians 3:26 NIV). You are not just called a child of God; that is who you are. (1 John 3:1 NIV) You must know who you are. If you don’t know who you are, the devil will tell you who you aren’t and try to convince you to accept the identity he has for you. If God calls you something, that is who and what you are. Call yourself what God calls you. Not only are we children of God, but we are also citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20 NKJV). God did not just adopt you and leave you outside of the kingdom. You are a member of God’s family.

People today place their identity in their sexuality, culture, and earthly things above their heavenly identity in Christ. So many are distracted and deceived, basing their worth, value, and identity on a shaky foundation, on fleeting things that can change from moment to moment. When you get distracted from who you are in Christ and start looking for labels, it puts you in a bad place. Satan uses all the “isms” to distract you from the word of God and your identity in Christ and keep you divided with an ”us versus them” mentality.

Put your priority and focus on your kingdom citizenship. Do not put who you are above whom God has made and called you to be. Love your heritage but prioritize God’s. Your identity is in Christ. When you see yourself as a child of God and a citizen of His kingdom, your thoughts, words, and behavior will exemplify the kingdom, and you will live by the kingdom’s principles.

We have been transferred out of the kingdom of darkness, and the driving factor of our life should be the principles of the kingdom. The kingdom way is the king’s way. You can’t help but receive kingdom results when you follow kingdom principles.

There are 7 kingdom principles that, if you practice, will establish you in God’s word and will and help you embrace the ways of the kingdom.

Prioritizing the Kingdom

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

The first kingdom principle is to prioritize the kingdom of God and seek God first. It should be the foundation of your faith and relationship with Him. Jesus directs us as believers to prioritize kingdom pursuits and our relationship with God.

When you make the kingdom of God your priority, God will make you His priority. By seeking His kingdom, we are encouraged to live by faith, conscious and mindful of him. If you address the spiritual and relational, your physical needs will be taken care of.

Following Christ and prioritizing His kingdom means denying yourself, embracing Him, and living according to His kingdom principles. In everything you’re dealing with, put God first and be aware of His presence. How you think, speak, and act should reflect this awareness; how you live should align with your relationship with God. Being mindful of the relationship you have with God will be helpful in your pursuit of God and keeping His will. God is committed and wants to know what your level of commitment will be and is.

Recognizing the value of the kingdom

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” – Matthew 13:44 (NKJV)

The second principle is to recognize the value of the kingdom. As believers, God wants us to know the value of the kingdom of God. When you understand its value and take ownership of it in your heart, you are willing to sacrifice everything for it.

This parable is a profound message from Jesus concerning the true value of the kingdom and the level of commitment required to attain it. This man saw the value in what he found but did not immediately tell everyone he knew. There are some things of value for you that are not for others’ ears. You see value in it, but others won’t and will trample on it or chew it up. When you tell people who don’t value the knowledge, blessing, and the move of God you have experienced, they will trample over it and you, causing you to lose faith in the valuable thing you found.

Instead, this man sold everything and took ownership of what he found. He had so much faith and understood the value of what he found that he sold all he had to get that which had more value. Are you ready to go “all in” for God and be willing to trade everything you have now for the immense value of your relationship with Him? If you do not own it and make it a core part of who you are, you can be talked out of it or convinced to give it up.

God will not be what he wants to be for you until you’re willing to become what He needs you to be to Him. God is a protector, provider, and guide. What are you looking for in your relationship with God, and what are you willing to give Him? When you value something, you give it great attention and care, protect it, and care for it. God wants the same.

The Mysteries of the Kingdom

“10 And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” 11 He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” – Matthew 13:10-11 (NKJV)

The third principle is the mysteries of the kingdom. The kingdom’s secrets are personal between the king and His subjects. Things will remain a mystery if you’re not in a committed relationship with Him. There are some things Jesus wants you to know, and the Holy Spirit reveals those things to those committed to God. Be careful what you are sowing into your life and what you allow to remain in your life (relationships with wrong people, mindsets, habits). Seek the kingdom of God with genuine faith, and you will begin to see your life transformed as you gain understanding.

The Principle of Sowing and Reaping

“26 And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, 27 and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how.” – Mark 4:26-27 (NKJV)

The fourth principle that will help you embrace the ways of the kingdom is the principle of sowing and reaping. This principle is automatic if you live a life of faith-filled expectations. Trust God no matter what is happening around you. Don’t be afraid to do what God has called you to do. Believe for what He has already said is yours.

When Jesus tells you, “The kingdom is like..” He tells you how the kingdom works and how you should apply that principle. Jesus wants you to put your faith in the word and trust God. Mix your faith with the word you believe and rest in the Lord. When you work the word, your faith will make it come to pass. Once you sow your seed, you do not need to check on it constantly. Your faith will cause it to yield a harvest, so rest on the word of God and trust Him.

The Principle of Divine Provision and Blessing

The fifth key principle to embracing the kingdom is the principle of divine provision and blessing. We are all looking for security, protection, and provision. However, many are looking in the wrong place and to the wrong things to see those needs fulfilled.

God is our divine and supernatural supplier. He has provision for us in every area of our lives, but He waits for us to hear and listen to His instruction. There is no limit to His provision, and when you are obedient and do what God instructs, His provision will become a vehicle for abundant blessing and prosperity in your life. We see one example of this principle in Genesis 26.

“There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, in Gerar. 2 Then the Lord appeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you… 12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him. 13 The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous;” – Genesis 26:1-2, 12-13 (NKJV)

God instructed Isaac, and by being obedient and following that instruction, Isaac received provision. It is through Isaac’s continued obedience that the provision became a blessing. Not just for him but his descendants and the people around him.

God gives you provision, but you find the blessing in your obedience. When you do what God instructs, you will be blessed. This does not mean things will always be easy. Your faith will be tested just as Isaacs was later in the chapter. The devil wants to destroy your faith, but God wants to strengthen it. Trust in God and His word no matter the circumstances you face.

The Principle of Speaking by Faith

“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” – Mark 11:23 (NKJV)

The sixth principle of embracing the kingdom is speaking by faith. Speaking is one way we exercise our faith as believers. You will have whatever you say when your heart and mouth align and speak in faith or with faith-filled confidence. Whatever mountain is in your life, you can speak to it. Put a word on it. Give your problems instructions by the word of God.

Speaking in faith is an area that I find needs the most maintenance and attention. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it can be easy to get caught up in your feelings, complaining about every perceived injustice or problem you face. Speaking is easy, but speaking the right things requires attention and focus. Check out your words, take inventory, and ensure they work for you and not against you. Will you speak what is true or the Truth(God’s word)? Faith words are simply words that agree with God’s Word. Say what God says about you. Refuse to say things contrary to God’s Word concerning you. Allow God’s Word in your mouth to change things in your life.

The Principle of Praying in Faith

“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” – Mark 11:24 (NKJV)

You can have all the faith in the world, but if you do not put your petition before the Lord by praying for what you believe, it does you no good. The seventh principle of embracing the kingdom is praying in faith.

You must pray the Word in faith, for the Word of God is the power of God. Jesus taught us how to pray faith-based prayers that produce results. Notice that Jesus’ emphasis in this scripture wasn’t on prayer but on belief and faith. When you pray, you must step further, believing you have received what you requested. Learn to pray in faith and have faith in prayer. Say what you believe and pray because you believe.

The word of God expresses many kingdom principles, but these seven will aid you in your walk as a believer and help you embrace the kingdom as a citizen and child of God. As believers, we must live by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7 AMP) and be principle-driven. Don’t allow the situations or adversity you face to change what you believe. Seek the kingdom, be rooted in the word, and mix it with your faith in applying the principles of the kingdom. If you do so, you will see kingdom results in your life. Have faith in God’s provision and not the difficult circumstances that will come.

The information expressed above is excerpted from the sermon “Embracing The Ways Of The Kingdom” preached by Dr. Lee A. Simpson. You can listen to the complete sermon on our YouTube channel.

Jonathan Craddock

Jonathan Craddock is a licensed minister at Faith Clinic Christian Center Church and has been a dedicated Christian and follower of Jesus Christ for over 12 years. He enjoys deep diving into scripture, learning about God, faith, and walking with Jesus. He is a writer for the blog “God & Gospel: Faith for Life,” and his vision is to help people to understand and apply the sermons they hear, the word of God, and their relationship with God.

godandgospel.com

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