Tag Archives: Holy Spirit

The Battle for Your Mind

20 Friday May 2016

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ID-10034140The mind is a major part of the human body. While other body parts such as the legs, arms, eyes, and even ears serve an important purpose to our well-being, it is the mind that controls the body as a whole. Our movements are tied to the signals that are sent directly from the brain. Essentially, the brain sends messages throughout the body through what are called “neurons.”

Neurons are nerve cells that transmit nerve pulses in response to the brain’s directions. This is done through the nervous system. The brain’s responsibility is to send signals through each neuron which carries out the instructions to a specific body part. The end result is that of a body part that moves based on the brain’s original signal. Without brain functionality, the body itself would cease to exist because the body cannot receive proper instruction unless signals from the brain are transmitted without interference.

Spiritually speaking, all of us are engaged in a battle over our mind. On one hand, the Almighty God desires to reign and have spiritual control over our mind. On the other hand, Satan desires to corrupt our mind so that we follow him in rebellion and in sin. There is no in between as it relates to God or Satan. However, it is better for every human being to have the mind of Christ just as the Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians chapter 2 and verse 16.

In 1 Corinthians chapter 2, in verses 6-16, the Apostle Paul talks about spiritual wisdom and the revelation that comes from knowing God through the Holy Spirit. Paul says in verses 6-8:

(NKJV) “However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

The Apostle Paul is speaking to the Corinthians at the church of Corinth in this chapter. In this part of chapter 2, Paul says that he and those who were working with him in the ministry (e.g. Apollos) were speaking wisdom to those who were mature. In this case, Paul was talking about those who were spiritually mature in Christ. The wisdom that Paul says he was speaking with was that of God’s wisdom and not of the world’s wisdom.

Verse 9:

(NKJV) “But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Paul continues in verse 10 by saying that God has revealed those things to us through His Spirit. “Those things” that Paul mentions are the deep things of God, which are only the spiritual aspects that can be found when you have a relationship with God. Basically, it is through the Holy Spirit and the presence of God that we as humans are able to discern and understand the things of the Spirit. Paul goes on in verse 12 to make a distinction between the Spirit of God and the spirit of the world:

(NKJV) “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.”

Going back to the analogy of the brain, our body operates based on the instructions sent from the brain. It is what we know within our brain that enables our body to function. The same works in a spiritual sense. By knowing God through Jesus Christ, and operating in the Holy Spirit, our lives begin to be transformed into the image of God.

However, conversely, if we are operating in sin and following Satan then our lives take on the very attributes that come with evil intentions and wickedness. Paul said in verse 12 to those who were in Christ that they did not receive the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God. In doing so, Paul said that they would know the things freely given by God.

Verse 14:

(NKJV) “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

If you look at the world around you today, much of our world has shown signs of chaos, confusion, and wicked behavior. The reason is because there are many who are living their lives outside of the will of God, which means that they are unable to accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. If you are in sin, then your are not readily able to see your wicked ways because, in order to be convicted of sinfulness, you must be influenced by the Holy Spirit.

Upon receiving Jesus Christ as your savior, the Holy Spirit then comes into your life and begins to manifest Himself by changing old habits and old mindsets. This is why Paul asks the question in verse 16, “For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?”

In other words, when you are following Jesus, and you are living under the influence of the Holy Spirit you will receive instructions from the Lord. In doing so, you are then enabled to be obedient unto God because then you have as Paul says in the latter part of verse 16, “the mind of Christ.”

What does it mean to have the mind of Christ? If you look at the life of Jesus, His life was one of submission unto God. In John 6:38, Jesus said that He came down from Heaven not to do His own will but the will of His Father who is God. The reason why that is important is because Jesus was obedient to the will of God. He gave up His own will at the instruction of God the Father.

Paul encourages Christians in Philippians 2:5 to let the mind of Christ be in us. Basically, to have the mind of Christ is to walk in obedience to God by being influenced and led by the Holy Spirit. It is a constant battle over our mind because God wants control so that He can instruct us in His ways so that we can fulfill the purpose He has given to us. As mentioned before, Satan also wants control. However, his goal is to corrupt our mind so that we may sow to the flesh which then leads to eternal destruction.

Having a life that is postured in surrender unto God through Christ is what leads to a transformed and renewed mind according to Romans 12:2. The reason why having a renewed mind through Christ is so important is because daily you and I are bombarded by this world system. Since Satan is the ruler of this world, he wants to impose his deception upon us.

Many have become deceived into thinking that sin does not exist, but rather it is something to be embraced. The reason why this deception occurs is because many do not have the mind of Christ that comes through the Holy Spirit. The remedy for sin and a corrupted mind is Jesus Christ. When you have a relationship with Christ, you begin to shed the mindset that Satan gives to you, and you take on a renewed disposition.

Do you know Jesus in the pardon of your sins? If not, then you are operating out of a spirit that comes from Satan himself. He wants to destroy your soul and make your life one that lacks abundance. However, Jesus came, died on the cross and rose again so that you and I could know God through Jesus Christ. Allow Jesus to come into your heart, make Him Lord, and let Him change your mind through daily renewal.

Tools to Equip Every Believer

11 Friday Sep 2015

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Spiritual

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ID-100169199A toolbox is a container that houses various assortments of instruments used to repair broken items. Each tool is designed to address a specific need with the intent to incorporate a solution to a problem. For example, a hammer is used to drive nails into a particular surface. If you need to tighten a loose nut or bolt, then a wrench would be useful. Or you may need to turn or even remove a screw which would mean using a screwdriver. Every tool that is available provides efficiency for the task at hand. Without the appropriate tool, then the issue that you may be facing will be unresolved until there is an intervention.

In the life of every believer, there are various tools that God has given to you and I as we journey through this life. The world continues to show us just how sin and a lack of morality have become the culture that many have embraced. If you turn on your television or even if you visit a website dedicated to the latest news you will see just how wicked and perverse our world has become. The fact is, the times that we are living in require a keen focus into who God is and what He desires for our lives. It also means that there must be the utilization of the spiritual tools that God has made available to every believer. This is so that we can be equipped to battle against satan as he continues to attack God’s people every day.

In scripture, there are various verses that we can examine to show us what tools we have available and also how such tools can be used so that we will be armed against the enemy’s schemes. The following are at least five tools that we who are in Christ have at our disposal. These tools are also taken from key verses of scripture to show you that God’s Word gives us all of the answers that we seek regarding life and how to live.

1. The Holy Spirit – The role of the Holy Spirit is to be our comforter and our helper. John chapter 14 and verse 26 says:

(NLV) “The Helper is the Holy Spirit. The Father will send Him in My place. He will teach you everything and help you remember everything I have told you.”

In this scripture, Jesus is talking to His Disciples, and He gives them the promise that the Holy Spirit will be sent to comfort them after His death on the cross. Basically, Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will be available once Christ leaves the Earth. Notice the key words in this scripture which are ‘teach’ and ‘helper.’ The Holy Spirit is available to every believer which gives you and I the ability to live triumphantly. The Holy Spirit which is one of the 3 in the Trinity (God, Jesus, Holy Spirit) is here to teach us. With the increasing level of deception in our world, we need the Holy Spirit more than ever.

The role of the Holy Spirit is to guide us into all truth so that we would not be deceived and destroyed. Secondly, the Holy Spirit is here to help us. He helps us to avoid the snares of the enemy in addition to giving us the supernatural power to do battle against our enemy. We obtain the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit through seeking God’s presence in prayer and in worship.

2. Pastoral Leadership – Unfortunately, there are some who are in Christ who choose not to find themselves in corporate worship or under the leadership of any Pastor. We are living in a time in which church attendance has dropped precipitously which aligns with the ‘Great Falling Away’ that the Apostle Paul talks about in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. However, God has designed Pastoral care and leadership for the well-being of believers who are not called to serve in that capacity. Every Christian who can should find a Pastor who speaks God’s truth and can teach them the principles of God’s Word.

Titus chapter 1 verses 5-9 mention the characteristics that a Pastor should exhibit. The Apostle Paul encouraged the institution of Elders (which is also aligned with what Pastors are meant to do which is to oversee believers in Christ) within churches. Verse 9 of this chapter says:

(ESV) “He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”

The role of a Pastor is to give instruction to believers. Someone who is in Christ who does not have a Pastor to teach them in the ways of the Lord is someone who is without protection. The role of the Pastor which is also mentioned in Ephesians 4 verse 11 is one that God put into place for the purpose of leading believers and furthering the discipleship process. It is the role of a Pastor that buffers the enemy so that one’s soul is not left unattended and without sound instruction.

3. God’s Word – We are living in a time in which deception is increasing every single day. While it is important that we who are in Christ have the Holy Spirit, we also need to know God’s Word. It is knowing His Word and taking it as absolute truth that will spare us from being caught in the web of lies that satan puts forth. So many are now accepting what satan has given as truth instead of seeing God’s Word as the truth that is infallible and immutable.

Hebrews chapter 4 verse 12 says,

(NLV) “God’s Word is living and powerful. It is sharper than a sword that cuts both ways. It cuts straight into where the soul and spirit meet and it divides them. It cuts into the joints and bones. It tells what the heart is thinking about and what it wants to do.”

This scripture clearly states that God’s Word is ‘living and powerful.’ It is so powerful that the writer says that it is sharper than a sword that cuts both ways. Basically, it is God’s Word that convicts and brings the truth of God to our mind and our heart. It is the truth of God that cannot be changed despite how much the world around us changes. Using God’s Word as a filter allows you and I to avoid the lies that the world promotes to us daily. Knowing God’s Word and having it in your heart is what will give you knowledge and a baseline for conviction.

4. Prayer – Prayer is one of the most important weapons that we can use against the enemy. When we pray, we are establishing an open line of communication unto God which creates a relationship. Not only are we talking to God, but in prayer God talks back to us. It is like having a relationship with a person which is to say that constant communication builds the relationship. Through prayer, we have safety in addition to receiving the blessings that God desires for us.

Philippians 4:6 says,

(ESV) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

God wants to know what is on your heart and He wants us to trust Him to the point that we rely on Him through prayer. Some may contend that if God already knows what we need or desire that there isn’t a reason to pray. However, when we pray it is the dialogue that we have with God that creates a closer relationship. Having daily times of prayer institutes a greater sense of who God is what He is able to do.

5. Fellowship with other believers – Knowing others who are also in Christ and having relationships with them establishes a mode of strength and accountability. In this individualistic society, it becomes so easy for us to be self-absorbed into our own thoughts and lifestyles. However, God created us to be relational which means to have relationships with others.

Hebrews 10:25 says,

(KJV) “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

The writer of this scripture wants us to understand that we must not take for granted that we can and should come together in the faith. Exhortation which also means to build each other up is an important part of the process. Weekly interaction with fellow believers gives you a sense of hope and also a sense of connection. This is also why it is important to be connected to a body of believers through regular church attendance.

The overall message is that we must be equipped through Jesus Christ. All of these tools are available to those of us who are in Christ, but to those who are not in Christ these tools cannot be manifested appropriately. If you don’t know Jesus, today is a great day to accept Him as your Lord and Savior. He wants to be your King and He desires that you have access to the tools listed above. In doing so, your life will be enriched and you will have the necessary means to address all of life’s circumstances. This is God’s promise to the believer and those who wish to know Him through Christ.

The Consuming Fire – An Authentic Relationship With God That Can Change Your Life

23 Thursday Jul 2015

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Spiritual

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ID-10077870The natural element of fire is one of the most common entities that humanity has ever known. It is a natural part of our existence that has provided heat during the time of frigid temperatures and light during periods of darkness. Fire has been utilized for survival purposes for centuries, however, one characteristic of fire, is that it has the ability to spread.

A fire or a flame that is not contained has the propensity to spread to anything within its surrounding reach. While the element of fire has proven itself to be useful for human productivity, it can also be dangerous because of its destructive nature.  Fire can literally burn and purge just about any source of matter that is flammable.  It is a fire that can be difficult to contain if it reaches throughout a wide range of area, with wildfires in states such as California and Arizona being examples.

Nevertheless, there is one who exemplifies the essence of what fire is capable of and that is the person who is the almighty God. It is the presence of God that can be likened to that of fire, especially a fire that consumes. The glory of God is so powerful that we in our human condition cannot stand before God and survive.  It is the very presence and existence of a Holy God that permeates through the Earth and can radically change our lives.

In the Bible, there are a few passages of scripture that refer to God as a ‘consuming fire.’ One of those scriptures is found in Deuteronomy Chapter 4. In this chapter, Moses is recorded as giving the Israelites instructions regarding the decrees and commands of God. Moses is admonishing Israel not to turn to idolatry but to live in obedience unto God. In verses 1-2 Moses says:

(NLT) “And now, Israel, listen carefully to these decrees and regulations that I am about to teach you. Obey them so that you may live, so you may enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you. Just obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you.”

He also goes on to mention what occurred when there were those who turned to worship the god called ‘Baal.’  Baal was a graven image that was worshiped by some at that time, however, in verse 3, Moses recounts the act of God utterly destroying anyone who worshiped Baal. If you read further in this chapter you will see that Moses challenges the Israelites not to break their covenant with God.  Basically, he gives them specific instructions not to commit idolatry. Here is what Moses says:

Verses 23-24:

(NLT) “So be careful not to break the covenant the Lord your God has made with you. Do not make idols of any shape or form, for the Lord your God has forbidden this.  The Lord your God is a devouring fire; he is a jealous God.”

Notice the words, ‘devouring fire’ in the admonishment that Moses gives.  Why does he use the words, ‘devouring fire?’ When you look at the end of verse 24, Moses says that God is a jealous God.  This means that God will not tolerate any form of idolatry because He is jealous for our love toward Him. Going back to verse 3 of this scripture, Moses mentioned that God destroyed anyone who worshiped Baal. One of the characteristics of fire that was mentioned earlier is that it has the ability to destroy.

One of the things that God will do is bring judgment or punishment upon anyone who decides to serve another god other than Himself. He will also judge any person or nation that openly rejects His decrees which, in essence, is the same as blatant defiance. According to scripture, there is a side of God that produces wrath upon anyone who is opposed to Him or His ways.

However, there is another side of God as it relates to the metaphor used to link the characteristics of fire. While God is a jealous God as the scripture mentioned, He is also a God who is Holy. When you look at what fire is capable of doing, it will literally burn elements that are flammable to the point where it no longer exists. In this context, the devouring fire of God can also mean to purge all forms of unholiness or sin in a person’s life.

When you and I have an authentic relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we are transformed to be more like God. Nothing that is unholy or unclean can remain in the presence of the almighty God. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, (ESV) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Basically, once you have had an actual encounter with Jesus Christ and you have experienced the glory of being in God’s presence, you are made new.

Like a fire changes its surroundings, you too become changed when you are truly in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  It is the fire or presence of God that removes the sin within your life.  You may be struggling with old habits or old mindsets that need to be transformed through Christ.  This is why you and I need the Holy Spirit who is available to teach us and to guide us into His truth.

Much of the reason why our world is the way it is, is because of humanity’s sinfulness. It is the sin that corrupts and causes us as humans to be subject to the schemes and lies of our enemy who is satan.  However, when you become connected and bask in the presence of a Holy God, the devouring fire of His holiness begins to change you at the core.

The final aspect of the element of fire that can be applied to who God is, is a fire’s ability to spread.  Once you and I have experienced God for ourselves, it becomes difficult to remain silent about our encounter with God.  The Prophet Jeremiah said in Jeremiah 20:9, (NLT) “But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!”

Anyone who has truly tasted the glorious nature and presence of God will be unable to withhold such splendor.  That is because the glory of God becomes evident to you personally, and God’s glory begins to emanate from your very existence. What occurs is that the message of God begins to spread to others around you.  It is then that the conviction of the Holy Spirit does the work on the cold-hearted and the lost.

The power of God cannot be stopped, nor can the light of Christ be hidden. There are many who claim Christianity and yet the power and testimony of God is nowhere to be found. Why is that?  It may be because they have not tapped into the presence of God which is available to everyone who will accept Jesus Christ as their Lord & Savior. Or it may be that the testimony of Jesus Christ has been silenced due to fear or living ashamedly of the Gospel.

If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord & Savior, you can do so while you have an opportunity.  Your life will be changed forever once you experience the glory of God in His presence.  To stoke the flame of this Holy fire, you must maintain a steady relationship with God through prayer, meditation on God’s word, and worship. The life of every person who encounters God’s Holiness will be changed forever. There isn’t such a thing as a person who is unchanged by God’s presence.  The Holy and consuming fire of God will burn away all that is steeped within sinful living.  Let God change your life through His consuming fire.