Tag Archives: Spiritual Growth

The Hesitancy of Stepping into Discipleship

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Lisa Blair

Part One

Many new and more mature believers grapple with the hesitancy to step into discipleship. A common theme I have encountered throughout my years in BSF is, “I want to be one of Christ’s disciples, but I fear approaching others to share the Good News.”  

God commanded all believers to share His Word, change our character to reflect the character of Christ, and show His love for us through our demonstration of loving others. The thought of loving others as Jesus loved us is a risk. It is the risk of being rejected. Hesitancy stems from not knowing how to approach others with agape love, especially those you do not know. Some fear being intimidated and running the risk of being ridiculed. What is happening is that you are caught in a viselike grip known as a stronghold. Your thoughts, or as we will learn later, your self-talk, reflect strongholds stymying your faith. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, “Though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have the divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

God calls all believers to share His Word, transform our character to reflect the character of Christ, and demonstrate His love through acts of kindness toward others. The idea of loving others as Jesus loved us involves an inherent risk, such as the possibility of rejection or the fear of being intimidated or ridiculed. This hesitancy often arises from not knowing how to approach others with agape love, particularly those we do not know. Our thoughts, or as we will discuss later, our self-talk (internal conversations with ourselves), reflect strongholds that stymy your faith. Consequently, we may find ourselves trapped in a stronghold—a spiritual war. According to Biblehub.com, “a stronghold represents arguments and pretensions that set themselves up against the knowledge of God.”  The Apostle Paul addresses this in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: “Though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 

Why do we perceive sharing the Word as risky when the Holy Spirit dwells in us? God’s Word is embedded within us. Paul reminds us that the Word serves as our weapon to demolish these strongholds, particularly the fear and hesitancy that come with sharing God’s message. Peter encourages us to stand firm in our faith and resist the devil, which includes combating negative self-talk that tells us we are ill-equipped to share His Word. This negative self-talk reinforces our doubts about our ability to be effective disciples. The good news is that we can reverse this pattern of negative thinking and doubt. Zechariah 4:6 reveals that the Lord instructed him to tell Zerubbabel, and by extension, us, that His power and Spirit are the ultimate sources of success. It is not our strength that empowers us to share the Word. The Holy Spirit provides the right words to communicate effectively with those we speak to. Paul prays in 2 Thessalonians 3:5 “that the Lord direct our hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” If we embrace God’s love and Christ’s perseverance, nothing can hold us back from sharing the Word. 

Joshua 1:9 states: “Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” If God is with us wherever we go, He is with us when we share the Word. We should not be frightened or dismayed from spreading His Word.

To address our weaknesses and fears, we must examine three factors that hold us back: a lack of confidence, negative self-talk, and, most importantly, inconsistent faith.

Hebrews 10:35 advises us not to throw away our confidence. Verse 36 further stresses the importance of perseverance so that, when we have done God’s will, we will receive what He has promised. Our confidence is rooted in the Lord. Building this confidence is a gradual process that develops through both success and failure. Each failure teaches us what does not work, while each success reinforces what does. Over time, these experiences contribute to our overall confidence. Our confidence rests on our willingness to rely on God’s Word, surrender to His will, and feel comfortable depending on His strength. The more we practice sharing God’s Word, the more confident we become. 

In Mark 13:1, we are promised we will be given the words to speak when needed. This passage illustrates divine guidance and inspiration for sharing God’s truth and boldly expressing our faith, even in challenging situations. Luke 12:12 affirms that the Holy Spirit will provide the words we need the instant we need them. 

The key is to focus on small, manageable steps rather than becoming fixated on the end goal. Concentrate on God’s Word and seek out scriptures that resonate with your needs. As we develop skills and refine our methods, we build the confidence and strength necessary to share the Word beyond our immediate circle. For instance, initiating a casual conversation with fellow believers and sharing a personal experience can demonstrate how God has influenced, directed, or positioned you to share the Word with others. This approach also opens the door for additional conversations with people you interact with regularly.

As you build confidence in sharing the Word, you will feel emboldened to reach out to a broader audience—associates, friends who are not believers, and even strangers. It is a gradual process; each step brings you closer to feeling comfortable sharing the Word with anyone, including the person you meet on the street.

We are all equipped to become disciples; however, many of us are our own worst critics and fall victim to negative thoughts. Our internal critic is a disruptor, reinforcing long-held fears of inadequacy and failure. Yet, there is always light that dispels darkness (fear), and as you continue to share, you will find stories of victory. The hesitation to step into discipleship often stems from negative thought patterns, strongholds, and wavering faith. Remember, you are fully equipped to become a disciple. As a new creation in Christ, you have been gifted with His values and character. The only thing holding you back is you.

Conversation starters: One of the most challenging aspects of stepping outside your comfort zone is figuring out how to start a conversation. Opportunities arise in various situations throughout your life. The scenarios outlined below may assist you in your efforts to open new doors.

  1. Sitting at a Doctor’s Office: You could say, “I am waiting to be called for my annual checkup. How about you?” If they are also waiting, you can add, “We are so fortunate that God has provided us with medical care; many who are less fortunate.” If they mention being there with a loved one or friend, you can ask, “Do you mind if I pray for them? What is their name? My name is ______. What is yours? It’s nice to meet you. Let’s pray.”
  2. At a Coffee Shop: You could say, “I love coming here for my morning coffee and some quiet time. It’s a great place to reflect on God’s blessings. Do you have a favorite spot where you feel close to God?”
  3. Waiting in Line: You could say, “Waiting can be a bit tedious, but it’s a good time to think about the patience that God teaches us. Have you ever felt God’s presence during a moment like this?”
  4. During a Community Event: You could say, “It’s wonderful to see our community come together like this. It reminds me of the unity and love that Jesus taught us. Do you have any favorite Bible verses about community?”
  5. At a Park: You could say, “Nature is such a beautiful testament to God’s creation. Do you ever feel a sense of closeness to God when surrounded by nature?”
  6. At a Social Gathering: You could say, “Meeting new people and exchanging stories is such a joy! Have you noticed how God has been at work in their lives?”
  7. To anyone, anywhere, at any time: “Have you ever had a moment where you felt God’s guidance in your life?”

Part Two

In his book, *The Confidence Gap*, author Russ Harris explains that people often focus on their goals before identifying what values are important to them. As Christians, our values should guide how we pursue our goals. The first step is to evaluate our identity in Christ. Consider the following questions: Do we reflect the characteristics of Christ? Which characteristics feel most comfortable to us? Why might some be more comfortable than others? Which characteristics do we need to strengthen to effectively disciple others? These reflections will help determine our approach to discipleship.

God has given each of us different gifts for discipling others. Some may feel comfortable speaking with people, while others might prefer volunteering services, leading a Bible study, sending letters, texts, or emails, or even writing a blog or devotional. Regardless of where your strengths and comfort lie, you are discipling others through your interactions and by sharing the Word.

Jesus trained His disciples by demonstrating His gifts and sending them out as apprentices. They did not acquire all their skills at once, and we won’t get everything right from the beginning either. The Bible teaches us that we must learn and strengthen our identity as new creations in Christ. Understanding our identity and the values that best represent Christ is an ongoing journey.

God does not leave anything to chance. Scripture reinforces our identity in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Ephesians 4:24 states, “…put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Finally, Ephesians 3:12 tells us we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in Him.

We have all the gifts necessary to become effective disciples, which is part of our new identity. Our values and ethics serve as the standards we follow based on what is important in our lives. As Christians, our values align with the principles taught by Jesus. While our beliefs and values remain constant, the way we express them can evolve.

In Philippians 4:9, Paul reminds the disciples: “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.” Once we identify our values, we can change the messages we internalize and communicate. For example, we can shift from thinking, “I am uncomfortable reaching out to share the Word,” to feeling, “I am comfortable sharing the Word of God with others.” Our communication style will depend on the specific situation or circumstance.

Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence

Building Confidence: Confidence is built over time through both failures and successes. Failure teaches you what does not work, while success affirms what does. Evaluating your values and characteristics in Christ can help build this confidence. Changing negative self-talk to positive affirmations is also crucial.

  1. Small Steps to Big Goals: Focus on small, manageable steps rather than the daunting end goal of discipleship and reflecting on daily interactions and journaling the outcomes can help build confidence gradually. This approach enables you to feel comfortable sharing the Word with anyone, including strangers.
  1. Practical Approach: Start with casual conversations and understand the person’s needs before diving into scripture sharing. This helps in making the conversation more effective and less intimidating.
  2. Overcoming Negative Messaging: Identify and change the negative self-messaging that holds you back. Rewriting your internal message to positive affirmations can help you become comfortable with sharing the Word.
  3. Focus on What Can Be Controlled: Concentrate on what you can control rather than the end goal. This helps in reducing self-doubt and discouragement.
  4. Listening to Others’ Victories: Hearing others share their victories in discipleship can be encouraging and help you overcome your fears.

Part Three

Summary

Once reborn through faith in Christ, we become new creations, transformed by His love and grace. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, resides within us, guiding and instructing our thoughts and actions. This divine presence leads us along the right path and empowers us with strength during our moments of weakness, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles.

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in helping us combat negative self-talk—those critical inner voices that can stifle our confidence and hinder our ability to share the Gospel effectively. By acknowledging our fears and doubts, we can work through them and gradually build the self-assurance necessary to bravely share the truth of our faith. Recognizing the barriers that hold us back is the first step; once we address these obstacles, we can begin to develop a stronger sense of purpose as disciples of Christ. 1Corinthians 6:17 beautifully encapsulates the depth of our relationship with God, stating, “Whoever is united with the Lord is one with Him in spirit.” This profound unity signifies that we are intimately connected to God, sharing in His love and wisdom. Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 15:57 triumphantly proclaims, “Thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This verse is a powerful reminder that our victories in life are made possible through Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection.

To effectively combat negative self-talk when sharing the Word, consider implementing the following practical steps:

 1. Practice Mindfulness: Take time to be aware of your thoughts. Recognize when negative self-talk arises and challenge those thoughts with truth from Scripture.

2. Affirmations: Create a list of positive affirmations based on biblical truths about your identity in Christ. Repeat them daily to reinforce a positive mindset.

3. Seek Community: Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage and uplift you. Sharing experiences and insights can strengthen your resolve and confidence.

4. Pray for Guidance: Regularly seek the Holy Spirit’s help through prayer. Ask for clarity and courage to share your faith authentically.

5. Start Small: Begin by sharing your faith in low-pressure situations. Gradually expand your circle as you grow in confidence.

By implementing these steps, you can overcome negative self-talk and embrace your calling to share the Gospel with boldness and joy. Once reborn, we become new creations in Christ, and the Holy Spirit resides within us. The Holy Spirit instructs, guides, and directs us, providing strength in our moments of weakness. He helps us overcome negative self-talk that can hinder our ability to become true disciples. By recognizing what holds you back and actively working to overcome it, you will gain the confidence to share the Word and fully embrace your role as a disciple of Christ.

 

 

Vanilla Purpose

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A Short Story, by Lisa Blair

Once, there was a young man entrusted with the creation of a special mixture—an inherited family recipe—vital for launching the town’s beloved bicycle race. One day, as he diligently mixed the ingredients for the highly anticipated Hillside Mountain Race, the bell above his shop door chimed, announcing the arrival of a customer. Distracted by the arrival of the customer, he paused his work to help them. Sometime later, returning to his task, he was unaware that his brief interruption had caused him to miss adding a key ingredient.

This family recipe, which was handed down was not written down, it was in their hearts and was no ordinary recipe. It was crucial that the process be completed without interruption, ensuring every ingredient was carefully measured and blended. The mixture, placed in a balloon, would be ignited at the start of the race, releasing an explosion of fragrance and sound that signaled the beginning of the thrilling event.

That evening, the young man felt a vague sense of unease. Something did not sit well. He knew he overlooked something but exhaustion got the better of him. He decided not to revisit his work and went to bed, promising himself he would wake up early the next morning.

 As he drifted into sleep, his dreams transported him back to the shop. He was mixing the ingredients again, but something felt off—just as it had during the day. In his dream, the scene replayed over and over until, with a start, he realized what was missing: the potent vanilla extract, the heart of the mixture. It was this ingredient that created the iconic scent everyone associated with the race.

The realization startled him awake. As he lay in bed, he prayed for clarity, asking God to confirm his suspicion. Deep down, he knew the omission wasn’t just an oversight; it was a metaphor for something greater in his life.

The young man hadn’t always wanted to continue his family’s work. He longed to leave his small town, explore the world, and find something more exciting. The apothecary shop felt like a burden, a tether keeping him from adventure. Yet, that night, he began to see his inheritance in a new light.

 The next morning, as the race day buzz filled the town, he rushed to the shop. He opened the vial of the prepared mixture, sniffed it, and confirmed his fear—the vanilla extract had been forgotten. Quickly, he added the missing drops, carefully blending them in until the mixture was perfect.

At that moment, he realized something profound: this simple task, which had once felt mundane, carried significance far beyond what he’d imagined. Without it, the race wouldn’t begin with the same joy, excitement, and tradition the town cherished. His family’s recipe wasn’t just about starting a race—it was about creating a moment of unity and anticipation for everyone.

This realization shifted his perspective. His work wasn’t just a job; it was part of a legacy, a purpose handed down to him. He thought of Christ, who embraced His purpose as a servant, conducting His Father’s work. Just as Christ’s purpose was part of a greater plan, so too was his own role in the small but vital task of carrying on his family’s tradition.

In our lives, we often overlook the importance of the everyday tasks we perform. We get distracted, searching for something more spectacular, and fail to see the significance of what’s right in front of us. Like the young man, we may initially see our work as burdensome, but these very things are often tied to our purpose.

God has given each of us a unique purpose, woven into the fabric of His plan. It might not always feel grand or exciting, but it is essential. Christ lived His life as a servant, following the recipe given to Him by the Father. In the same way, our purpose is a gift from God, even if it feels small or ordinary.

If you find yourself dissatisfied with where you are, ask God for clarity and direction. Trust that He is weaving your story, preparing you for the next chapter. Sometimes, He reveals our full purpose all at once. Other times, He matures us through the smaller, unrelated moments of our lives, building the character and resilience we need for what’s to come.

The young man’s realization transformed the way he approached his work. He saw it not as a burden but as a calling. His family’s legacy now felt like a gift, and his contribution—though small in the grand scheme—played a vital role in bringing joy to others.

In the same way, our daily efforts, no matter how insignificant they seem, are part of a larger story. Each task, each challenge, and each moment of faithfulness contributes to God’s greater plan. When we embrace our purpose, even in the ordinary, we become part of something extraordinary.

The race began that day with the familiar pop of the balloon and the rush of fragrant excitement in the air. The young man watched with pride, knowing he had played a part in creating that moment.

And so, it is with us. Our purpose, no matter how small it seems, is a thread in the tapestry of God’s work in the world.

The Bible is the story of Christ and consequently the story of us. Several scriptures prove that God created our lives before time began.

Jeremiah 1:4-5, Now the Word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born.”

Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…

Psalm 139:15-16, my frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Here I saw my unformed substance; In your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

1 Peter 1:20, He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you. Ephesians 1:11, in him we have obtained an inheritance comma having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.

God created us and knew us before we entered the womb. Part of his creation was to give each of us a purpose. The purpose is our inheritance. Our inheritance is the gift of advancing God’s Word. God created all of us, some with exciting careers and futures others with essential jobs that are the cogs in the wheel. God has also given us free will to choose and change our direction. This story confirms that whatever your purpose is, do it for the glory of God. Like the young man, change your thinking from that of being burdened to that of advancing and protecting your inheritance. As you grow in the Word, your inheritance may evolve into something new having given you all to the development of earlier stages of your inheritance. For most, life is governed by God’s timeline and purpose. Always seek His direction, and wisdom, and plan for your future as you process through this life.

Remember these keywords: purpose and inheritance. Rick Warren authored the book, Purpose Driven Life. We should seek our purpose in life and live it accordingly. God’s inheritance is our gift. We are the object of God’s love and desire for us is reflected in all He does for us. We experience life through Him. He works on our behalf in ways we can see and in ways only known to Him. While He doesn’t promise an easy road, we may find ourselves on the one less traveled road. He doesn’t promise an easy life but is always with us. In all things, He promises to never leave us or forsake us. He is always with us.He will lead us into our future and guide us to our purpose, which is our inheritance from Him.

Scriptures – Bible.com

Photo – Free Google Images

 

 

Walking with Christ: An 8-Year Inspirational Journey

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Hello Dear Friends,

My site will be temporarily paused beginning September 2, 2024. I started my blogs eight years ago and have enjoyed sharing the Word of God with you and how we can apply His Word to our lives. It is my desire to continue posting on my site soon. Our relationship has been reciprocal in nature. I learned through study, research, and most importantly, about God’s path with you. I have been energized by your visiting my sites. I hope you have deepened your understanding of the Word and how to apply it to your daily life. The Bible is not something to be read like a novel, but rather a guide or manual teaching us how to move beyond worldly thoughts and live like Christ. This has been an amazing and enlightening journey. It is my prayer that we all continue to mature in the Word and walk with Christ every step we take. During this pause, I am taking time to reflect on the past 8 years and the 1,400+ posts I have written.

A CALL FOR PRAYING CHRISTIANS

Walking with Christ is the only way we can survive this world. Loving our neighbor is imperative. The world is in chaos. We are called daily to pray for our families, communities, the nations of the world, and embittered political landscapes.

John shares Jesus’ words, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray they will become one.” (John 17:20-21 NLT, Bible.com)

Jesus prayed for unbelievers. In an article on the RedeemerRockwall.org website, they shared, “In his High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prayed for unbelievers – this means he prayed for us. We were unbelievers, yet he prayed for us. We also are called to pray for unbelievers.”

I believe that when we refer to unbelievers, we are focusing on future believers as well. Unbelievers are future believers. According to the Bible, all unbelievers are future believers because we are instructed to continue to spread the Good News to all people (future believers). We are told that God is calling all of his children to him. God wants all people to come to him regardless of their past; all can repent, and all can be saved. Being an unbeliever today does not mean that one will always be an unbeliever. An unbeliever is a future believer who can become a brother believer. We all sinned and fell short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), yet when we received Christ as our Lord and Savior, we joined his family and became one with him.

I leave this last thought with you – It is important that we, as God’s ambassadors, do not get caught up in the wiles of the day. We should continue to pray for all people and all nations. We must continue to spread the Good News and not fall prey to the evil one’s attempts to shift our love away from our Lord and Savior to him. Satan is a deceiver, liar, and killer who loves to sow chaos and destruction throughout the world. Prayer impacts, weakens, and destroys Satan’s plan to hurt, wound, maim, and destroy.

Blessings,

Lisa Blair, Owner and host of lisasdailyinspirations.com and Youngchristianwarriors.com

The Dichotomy of Obedience and Rebellion: Insights on Heart Matters

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By Lisa Blair

Heart. My recent post, Obedience vs. Rebellion: Learning from Abraham and Saul – Bible Reflection, examines the difference between obedience and rebellion. Our heart is at the center of this dichotomy.

Our heart determines whether we are going to stand fast and be obedient to the Lord or rebel by being swayed by things that entice our flesh. Both affect our walk and impact God’s design or purpose for our lives. Our spiritual development rests on how we respond to our actions, desires, and behaviors. While obedience and rebellion are at the center of this dichotomy, they are controlled by free will which our Lord instilled in us. Free Will shrouds the heart.

Jeremiah 17:9-10 NIV, the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”

God gifted us with free-will which is the ability to know the difference between good and evil, right and wrong and make choices between the two. Further, He gave us free-will because He seeks our companionship and wants us to voluntarily enter into a relationship with Him. If He designed us to be robots, not humans, He would have had to program our responses which is the antithesis of His intent. A loving relationship is not possible if God had complete control over our lives and demanded that we love Him. God created us and instilled free-will to give us the option and desire to choose Him because we love Him. His greatest desire has always been to have a loving relationship with us. Adam and Eve were created for this purpose. He longs for us to choose Him over our flesh.

In Psalm 51:10-12 (NRSV), Paul wrote about the challenges we confront each moment of our lives – the choice between God or our flesh. This internal thought process begins in our mind, but is directed by our heart.

Psalm 51:10-12 NIV, Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

When we give in to our own willful desires over God, we lose our joy, we begin to feel the suffocation that it brings. Our spirit weakens to the demands of self, and we falter. Our spirit is no longer willing to fight the good fight. Our heart begins to hurt. When we fail to stay alert, we do not recognize the numerous (threat alerts) warnings that our flesh is taking over. We begin to vacillate between the loving care of God and our earthly desires of the flesh. The vacillation often begins to outweigh our relationship with God as we justify seeking the desires of our flesh. Another way to look at this is, we live in a world of conflict between good and evil. In Galatians 5 we are told that we should use our freedom to walk in the Spirit and should not gratify the flesh.

Paul spelled out the desires of the flesh and explained they are obvious and yet still inviting. Sexual immortality, impurity, excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, anger, blind- ambition, envy, drunkenness, and arrogance are some of the desires.

On the other side of the dichotomy, we find the Fruit of the Spirit, those things of God that reflect the characteristics of Christ. The Fruit of the Spirit are joy, peace, temperance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:25 implores us to live by the Spirit that lives in us and to keep in step with the Spirit. We should not take on conceit, provoke others, envy our neighbors, or gravitate towards any fleshly behavior that separates us from God.

Hebrews 10:22 NIV, Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Our heart is filled with good and evil traits that appear as behaviors. When we live by the Fruit of the Spirit we experience a state of obedience demonstrated through our actions towards others. When we focus on self and personal gain we experience rebellion which separates us from God. We are shackled when we are driven by blind ambition and rebellion. We project God’s love when we are driven by a giving, caring heart.

These things also determine our faith. Abraham lived in a constant state of faith. Whatever God commanded he followed. Saul on the other hand, lived a life of self-indulgence and did not obey God’s commands, choosing instead to comply to a portion of what God asked, never fully complying. Partial obedience is disobedience or rebellion. Most of us are more comfortable when we try to appease God and simultaneously satisfy ourselves. Satan is the author of justification, deceit, disobedience and rebellion.

Proverbs 4:23 NIV implores us to stay alert and Guard (y)our heart above all else, for it determines the course of (y)our life.

Guarding our heart is difficult, it is not pure. Free-will provides the soil to make choices to either serve God or self. Consequently, it is important to focus on our heart. What state is your heart in? When reflecting on your life experiences, do you find that you more heavily weigh in on the spirit side or gravitate towards the flesh? When are you the happiest or experience freedom? When do you experience God’s love? Through self-examination, you can measure the depth of your faith. Do you experience joy and live to serve and support others or do you seek personal gain contrived by Satan?

Our hearts play a key role in who we are. It determines how we will respond to God’s Word. A calm heart gives life to our bodies. As Christians, we should always look through the lens of Christ to refocus our decisions. Do you desire to live as a servant, like Christ, and help others to draw near to Him, or do you prefer to be governed by the flesh and focus more on your advancement regardless of cost? We should not allow our hearts to reside in a state of rebellion, but rather in a state of love and obedience, with love being the more important of the two. If we did not love God we would not desire to please Him through our obedience. If we do not love God we live in a state of chaos, disobedience and rebellion. Our love for God activates our obedience while denying the self destruction of rebellion.

James 4:7-8 NLT, So, humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world (flesh).

Hebrews 10:22 GWT, So let us come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith. Let us keep our hearts pure, our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water.

Additional Scriptures that highlight the importance of the heart:

Ezekiel 36:26 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. (Heart of flesh is not referencing the evil behaviors identified in Galatians.)

 Psalm 119:11 NIV, I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Matthew 5:8 AMP, Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV, Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Psalm 73:26 NIV, My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

John 14:27 NLT, I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart.

1 Samuel 16:7 NIV, But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Matthew 22:37 NIV, Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

Images: Google free images, LABphotos, Pixabay.com

Scriptures: Bible.com, Biblicia.com, Biblegateway.com, Biblestudytools.com

Obedience vs. Rebellion: Learning from Abraham and Saul – Bible Reflection

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The Bible teaches us that we are to be faithful and obedient. Most of us think we are faithful and obedient because we follow the Word of God in the most general of ways. However, God is not looking for general adherence to the Word. He looks at how we listen and interpret His commands.

When God told Abraham (Genesis 22) to sacrifice his son, Issac, he did not deliberate, he did not weigh the loss of a son, he, in faith, knew God had a reason he wanted him to sacrifice his son Isaac. He believed God’s commands had purpose and the outcome depended upon his response and love for the Lord. In this case, because of his obedience the angel, in verse 12, told him not to lay a hand on the boy.

“Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” ~Genesis 22:12 NIV, Biblegateway.com

Sometimes God tests our faith and sometimes He instructs us in which way to go. The angel of the Lord called out to Abraham a second time to convey God’s declaration to him.

15 The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you… ~Genesis 22:15-16 NIV, BibleGateway.com

All scripture, that means every word in the Bible is God-breathed. He uses the Word to teach, rebuke, correct and train us in righteousness.

 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV, Biblegateway.com

The NLT version says that it teaches us what is true to help us realize what is wrong in our lives. The Word teaches us to do what is right.

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT, Biblegateway.com

We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV, openbible.info

Abraham clearly chose to listen and follow God’s command. He was 100% in. He did as instructed. How often do we follow God’s instructions for our lives?

There was a time when God instructed me to stop spending. I thought, I was not overspending and interpreted His message as being more of a request and not a command. God knows the path to our destiny. He is the great architect. I had prayed for Him to reveal the next stage in my life to do His good work. Little did I realize that overspending was a lesson I needed to follow to get to the next stage. I did not follow His command like Abraham. I scaled back, like Saul who interpreted the commandment to meet his own needs.

To borrow a quote from Radical.net, God help us. Help us to give to you in worship what you have asked, the obedience of our hearts. God help us to hear your Word, and to obey your Word; hear your voice, and obey your voice. We pray that you would be glorified in our obeying your voice. ~Obedience of Sacrifice,1 Samuel 15:22 ESV.

God knows us. He created us and He knows how we will respond. The money was not the issue. My heart was the issue. Jesus said to Peter, if you love me obey my commands (John 14:15 KJV, Biblegateway.com), meaning follow my Word. He commands each of us to do the same thing, “obey/follow my commands.”

We pray that you would be glorified in our obeying your voice. God, we pray you would keep all of us, from at any point, getting caught up in practicing religion, and going to church, and taking part in this or that activity, while disobeying you and your word in our lives. ~Obedience of Sacrifice,1 Samuel 15:22 ESV, Radical.net.

In looking back, I now see where I strayed. I did not immediately follow His commands. I did not curtail my spending. I, like Saul, who told Samuel, that he did kill all the Amalekites as commanded, added I brought back Agag their King. I thought I followed God’s command to stop spending, however, like Saul, I left one thing out.  I slowed my spending down. As a sidebar, I felt guilty each time I did, but that did not stop me. How often do we fail to listen to the quiet voice telling us we are in the wrong yet forge ahead anyway? My decision to follow God’s command my way was a form of rebellion.

Samuel told Saul: 3 When Samuel finally found him, Saul greeted him cheerfully. “May the Lord bless you,” he said. “I have carried out the Lord’s command!”14 “Then what is all the bleating of sheep and goats and the lowing of cattle I hear?” Samuel demanded.15 “It’s true that the army spared the best of the sheep, goats, and cattle,” Saul admitted. “But they are going to sacrifice them to the Lord your God. We have destroyed everything else.”

16 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Stop! Listen to what the Lord told me last night! “What did he tell you?” Saul asked.17 And Samuel told him, “Although you may think little of yourself, are you not the leader of the tribes of Israel? 19 Why haven’t you obeyed the Lord? 20 “But I did obey the Lord,” Saul insisted. “I carried out the mission he gave me. I brought back King Agag, but I destroyed everyone else. 22 But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice?

Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. 23 Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols!” ~1 Samuel 15 NIV, Web.mit.edu

Like Saul, I heard what I wanted to hear. I interpreted what I was commanded to do in a way that satisfied me. I did not obey the Lord as Abraham did. As followers of Christ, we must train ourselves to be obedient in all things, not just some things. God listens to our voice and watches our actions that demonstrate either our obedience or our act of rebellion.

We reap the consequences of self-love/rebellion, following our own interpretation of what God commands. In my case, our finances spiraled downward. If I had listened to His command, I would not have been in the position to have to rebuild financial solvency, and Saul would have been the King of Israel.

26But Samuel said to him, “…You have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you as the king of Israel!” ~1 Samuel 15 NIV, Web.mit.edu

All scripture is God-breathed. The Word is not open to interpretation that satisfies our pride. It requires complete obedience. Obedience is defined as an act or practice of obeying, dutiful or submissive compliance. ~ Online Dictionary.

Our actions are judged through the lens of obedience or rebellion. As Christians, we are being observed by many. Our actions speak louder than words. If we tell others to submit to the Word and be disciplined, we must first practice what we preach. As doers of the Word, we must learn to be obedient. God, through the Holy Spirit, reinforces His Word and His Will for our lives.  We are rebuked as needed, trained, and corrected in righteousness. God continually prunes the dead and withering branches in our lives to strengthen our dedication and submission to Him.

This article is purposeless if we do not examine our motives and submission to the Word of God. Ask yourself:

  • Am I an Abraham or a Saul?
  • What have you learned about yourself from this study?
  • Do you obey God’s commands like Abraham, operating in the spiritual realm being obedient and specifically following God’s commands and instruction for your life?

or

  • Do you operate in the carnal realm of rebellion like Saul?
  • What are your plans to fully submit?

Our life is a journey. We will stray from the straight and narrow path more than once during our lifetime. Our mission is to learn from each mistake, apply it to our lives, submit to God, work to eliminate rebellion and serve our God by sharing the Good News with all within our scope of influence.

We must always work to be faithful and obedient understanding that God’s way is not our way and stop interpreting His Will for us using our finite scope of understanding to forge our own path.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. ~ Isaiah 55:8-9 NIv, biblegateway.com

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all of your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. ~Proverbs 4:26-27 NIV, biblestudytools.com

Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” ~Isaiah 30:21NIV, biblehub.com

Photos: Google.com, free images

The Sound of God’s Love is Quiet

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One definition of ‘sound’ is the vibration transmitted through the air or other medium. (Dictionary.com) The sound is noisy, loud, and resounding. But in the Bible, John tells of a vastly different sound, one that reverberates through the body and throughout the world. I call this sound the sound of God’s love and this sound reverberates in the form of inner peace.

God loved us so much that He sent His Son to earth to take away our pain of living in eternal sin in exchange for His Son’s death. He sent Jesus to die on the cross for us.

During His three years in ministry, He taught His disciples to love as the Father loves Him and He loves us. This type of love, agape love, is free of condemnation. He teaches us to listen beyond the words of those who betray us, hate us, and have disdain for who we are in Christ. He taught us to love regardless of personal interactions.

In the Old Testament David slayed Goliath hurling a stone that killed him to save his people. This young boy relied on his faith in God to slay a giant. It was not the noise of the stone jettisoning towards the giant’s head that he heard, it was the love of his Lord that spoke to his heart and gave him the confidence to take on an unimaginable task. Most of the stories in the Old Testament reflect quiet sounds when God communicated with His people, during other times it was verbal and often loud, as the Holy Spirit had not yet entered our hearts. All of the stories demonstrated the love of God for His people that reverberates in us and around the world today.

In the New Testament, we no longer audibly hear God’s voice, instead, He speaks through the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, and instructs us in the quiet still sound of His voice. His voice is the voice of God., God’s love emanates His Glory. His Glory reverberates in the hearts of believers and gives new life. God’s love is quiet yet reverberates throughout the world, calling all to join His family. God’s love is the love of a Father calling out to His children. the sound of God’s love is quiet, intense, profound, and peaceful, all in the same moment.

Associated Scriptures

John 10:27 ESV, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

Hebrews 4:12 ESV, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of would and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

John 10:16 ESV, “And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock.”

Hebrews 3:7 ESV, “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice,”

Psalm 85:8 ESV, “Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people…”

1 John 5:14 ESV, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him (faith), that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

John 3:16 ESV, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

“God loves each of us as tho there is only one of us.” St. Augustine

Scriptures – biblegateway.com, ESV; Itakeoffthemask.com

Images – The God of Love – NIV; Michael Dudlash, Pinterest; spreadinghopeeverywheretalks.com