Partner with someone if you can … 2 are better than one (Eccl. 4:9-12)
Most people would say they want some kind of change in their lives … something that would increase their joy, certainty of success or a greater sense of wellbeing. They have some of what they desire, but what typically eludes them is how to make real change happen. They are longing for answers to questions like: 1) why am I here; 2) what am I supposed to do; and 3) can I do it.?
If these questions go unanswered, it can be difficult to know which way to turn … we may not know what to do or what the first step should even be. Living like this too long makes it much easier to just put it out of our minds and try to make ourselves content with the current state.
The good news is, change really is possible and anyone can do it who is willing to first silence the old thoughts and begin to explore “possibility.” This points us in a brand new direction where we begin to see ourselves as God says we are.
The Learning Tool
Relationship | Training | Living Reality
For citizens of the Kingdom of God, learning is as constant as repentance is. We can never outgrow God’s truth, His wisdom, knowledge or understanding. It’s something that increases in us over time, making room in us so that we become fully mature sons of the Living God.
This is not a quick, overnight fix. It is seasoned and marinated through repetition, planting the seeds of the Word, obedience to God’s instructions and by believing God! It is designed to help your spiritual growth process, enabling you to put vital pieces of your new identity into place gradually yet continually, in an orderly, layered way in God’s perfect timing. And, if you are late arriving, don’t worry, He will allow you and enable you to get on the course He has set especially for you.
A disciple is a “skilled learner” who continually assimilates truth and puts that truth into practice!
STAGE 01
identity and relationship
This is your starting gate. It’s where you Begin to learn who you are as a new creation in Christ who can now have a deeply intimate relationship with your Creator. This new life is best lived with the knowledge of what being “new” means … what it means to have Jesus take all of your sin upon Himself and, in turn, impute His righteousness unto you. And, that is best achieved out of a deep and growing relationship with God. You are a citizen of His Kingdom. Once you get a revelation of your new identity, you will have to learn how to live this new life, and the Holy Spirit is in you to enable you to do just that.
STAGE 02
Discipleship and Mind Renewal
This is where growth and development happens by your decision. As you stay on course, your thoughts will continue to be renewed. That’s great news! But, you must also learn how to allow mind renewal to go through it’s many challenging and unexpected, yet glorious stages.
STAGE 03
Living it Out by Faith
This stage is where you put into practice the new creation life. It’s where you are on a path of living out of the truth that you are a new creation, being conformed to the image of Christ and more and more thinking like God.
Looking Through the Truth Lens
God doesn’t seem to call on us when we think we are ready. He loves us so much that He takes the time to prepare us and teach us to look at everything through His lens … sometimes for many years … so that our “sight” is mature enough to show forth His glory then we won’t be crushed under the weight of what circumstances will require of us.
He calls on us when He’s ready … when He knows the fruit in us has ripened throughout the stages of our sonship. His perfect preparation is what makes us ready to act out of the faith He’s given each one of us! And, this is much like repentance … a “work in progress” with each step of this new creation life, transforming us from glory to glory to glory. May we all allow Him to “make that room in us,” so His will can get out through us!
Prov. 3:5-6 (AMP) ~ Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].
01
Getting to know god intimately for yourself
Getting to know God intimately is a tangible experience that is available to every believer. God has enabled all believers to draw near to Him and live in this growing reality. It brings with it a new identity in Christ, the Kingdom of God within us, which fills us with righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Through this intimacy, we are progressively conformed to the image of Christ, empowered by His Spirit and systematically renewed in the spirit of our minds.
02
careful or careless - what kind of hearer are you?
A question we must all ask ourselves. This will impact how we live and experience every area of life … how we conduct ourselves, in our relationships with others, in our own spiritual growth, on the job, our interactions with strangers, etc.
How we hear is even more important than what we hear. We can easily decide if what we hear is necessary, worth our time, or true. A careful hearer does not forget what he/she hears; they protect it by holding it in their hearts. They give it more than just a passing thought and look deeper into it intentionally so as not to forget. They carefully consider what they’ve heard and seek the wisdom of God through His Spirit so that their understanding is accurate and fruitful.
03
Renewing Your Mind - Practical steps to real change
We are told in Romans 12:2 that we are to stop being molded and shaped by the world around us and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This renewal enables us to turn from our old thoughts and various ways of being to God’s thoughts and His way of being … less of us and more of Him.
Meditating the Scriptures (pondering, rehearsing them in our minds and speaking them aloud, chewing the cud, etc.) is a practical way to facilitate a permanent change over time. When we train ourselves in the Scriptures, a re-write begins to happen in our perspective and perceptions that change us from the inside out. I invite you to explore the notes provided as one of the central ways the old you is effectively put off and transformed.
04
Refuse to Quit Believing God as You Run Your Race with passion
Although this journey may seem strange, confusing and impossible at times, it won’t always be that way … that is, if you refuse to quit. What you are experiencing is what everyone faces who wants to actually take charge of their life, fulfill their purpose and not conform to the norm any longer. There is work to do and, in God’s strength, you must do it. It takes great courage to endure the process of true growth and development to the end. You must train like an athlete with the prize always in your mind’s sight (1 Cor. 9:24-27). You will get there … that is, if you refuse to quit!
05
repentance - a road well traveled
We may have thought that repentance was feeling sorry when we’ve done something wrong. That is as it should be, but repentance is much bigger and far wider than that. The Scriptures say it’s that very sorrow that “leads us to repentance.” It is more accurately described as a change of heart, mind, or direction. It is beginning to say “No” to what God says “No” to and “Yes” to what He says “Yes” to. It’s not an easy “tip toe” process either; there are potholes and landmines all along the way. That’s why repentance is a necessary and routine decision. It is really quite beautiful. It will be a regular occurrence weaved into your spiritual journey and, as you mature more and more, you will come to appreciate its benefits … you’ll even invite it to come.
06
Signs of a Hardened heart
I wonder if you knew that you could love God and be hardened toward Him at the same time. It’s true; you really can. One way you can uncover this is to examine yourself regularly with the Scriptures. It may reveal startling news to you. You may find that as much as you have feelings of love for God, you may not love all of His Word or all of His ways. Consider the accompanying diagram and see if you personally identify with any of the characteristics that routinely indicate a hardened heart. If you don’t like what you discover, fear not! God has given you repentance as a gift and you can put it to work so that you may overcome and be changed … first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear.