Lasting Change

April 28, 2017 Thoughts 0 Comments

 

 

How does lasting change work? What is the difference between having an experience and living out of that experience?

In Philippians 4:9 Paul was writing to the saints in Philippi and encouraged them to keep going “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Today’s’ culture teaches us we need to know more. Read more books, get more degrees, gain more experience, get more training. The church is not exempt from this mentality. How many books, conferences, trainings and sermons have you attended, heard or read? All of that is like spiritual food. When we eat rich food and do not exercise we can get out of shape and obese.

Even if the only thing we do is attend one church service a week,  do we put into practice what we were taught? Do we challenge ourselves to gain further freedom, breakthrough and maturity?

3 His divine power has (already) given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. 4 Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may (now, without waiting) participate in the divine nature, having (already) escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5 For this very reason, make every effort (daily and consistently) to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-8 NIV *(author added)

Let’s make consistent choices to put into practice what we have already been given.

The best part about this is that we are not going at this alone. The Lord is near and is actively involved in our lives. Allow Him to highlight what He wants to do next, and then just keep telling Him yes. He provides the strength needed so you can persevere with Him. We can’t have lasting change without him.

Blessings to you, today.

 

Peace that Passes Understanding

April 28, 2017 Thoughts 0 Comments

In order to have the peace that transcends all understanding, we must give up our need to understand. Philippians 4:4-9 gives us all the direction and truth we need in times of uncertainty.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9 NIV

 

  • Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS
  • Let your gentleness be clear to all (bad times are no excuse for bad behavior)
  • THE LORD IS NEAR – you are not forgotten or abandoned
  • Do not be anxious. Make the choice to stop worrying.
  • ALWAYS talk to God about everything
  • Allow His peace (not understanding) to guard your heart and mind
  • Train your mind to only think on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy.
  • Actually put into practice what you already know
  • God will be with you. You are not alone.

Blessings to you today!