A True Christian Is A Growing Christian

 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”-Matthew 7:24

“Disciples are called to a level deeper than knowledge. They are called to practice what they know. Jesus is not just calling us to come to Him, He is calling us to GO and DO.”

“Jesus wants us to build our lives on Him because that’s the only way to truly live. Jesus isn’t laying burdens on our shoulders too heavy to carry. He is laying a foundation for our lives too strong to move.”

This quote came from my pastor on the Sermon of the Mount series he’s been preaching for a while.

I’m participating in a bible study at church on Follow Me by David Platt, we’ve just started and so far it’s pretty good. I’ve been pondering and meditating a lot evidenced from my posts about comparison, identity, and the love of Christ. In addition to Follow Me and going over the Sermon of the Mount, I’ve also been studying Romans in Sunday school class, and what I find neat is that they all come together to share the significance of the Gospel invitation of true, abundant living. I didn’t realize the pieces sowing together until one day it just dawned on me.

The freedom there is as we walk in His ways, on the narrow road, dying to sin and flesh as we continue this personal and relational journey we have to knowing more of our Triune God. How it’s supposed to change us and the way we live. Our attitudes, thoughts, feelings, and actions should align to what we’re being taught. James 1:22 says, “Be doers of the Word and not hearers only, otherwise you’re deceiving yourself.”

If there is no change taking place in your life, I would begin to question if you really have an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you’re not interested in knowing Him more, wanting to live for Him in submission and obedience to His will, and the things of Him. And instead are more interested in rebelling against His ways by chasing after temporary pleasures and comforts of this world to satisfy you, staying complacent, and not even trying or wanting to pursue Him and His kingdom, there’s a problem.

The evidences you should be displaying if you’re a true, born again Christian is the fruit you cultivate overtime. The fruits listed in Galatians 5:22. These fruits don’t grow overnight. They are carefully nurtured, watered, and grown with great care. A Christian’s life is marked by their sanctification, a process of growing more to be like Christ. It is the Holy Spirit who does the job of sanctifying as you renew your mind through reading and hearing the Word of God, and obeying what it says. That change is evidenced by a personal and relational journey we have with our God and Savior. Time will tell and the fruit is our outward display of a changed heart within.

As I look back on my life, I shudder at how I acted towards people, the things I’ve said, and things I’ve done that I’m not proud of. I was so immature and self-centered. Quite frankly, I’ve still got a long ways to go. But, I can say with certainty that I’m not where I used to be and I thank God for that. For being so patient and loving towards me as He grew seeds planted in my heart, that became softened and tendered. Producing blossoms that represented my spiritual infancy stages and maturing into deliciously ripe fruit.

Again, I still have a long ways to go. To rip apart and forsake idols, tempting desires, and fleeting pleasures of this world that sit on the throne of my heart instead of my Master, Savior, and King who reigns and should be supreme in my life.

Oh how I fall short of this and slip up. It becomes so easy to compare, to want, and be more so my pride gets all the glory. That very same pride which led Lucifer to rebel and be kicked out from heaven. There is only one who deserves all the praise, honor, and glory. And that is my amazing and awesome God. 

The more we live in surrendered lives to God, submitting to Him and dying to ourselves, the more freedom, joy, peace, love, fulfillment, and abundance there is and the more satisfying and rewarding our lives will be. That is what God wants for all of us. Dying to self-sin actually means stripping ourselves from the things that destroy us and finding new life. And following our Savior will lead us more on that path.

These truths are so beautiful, powerful, convicting, and rewarding despite the challenges it brings. Great lessons and reminders we need to be instilling in our lives if we’re going to keep growing as disciples. 

Unforgiveness

Somebody once said, “Unforgiveness and resentment is like drinking bitter poison and expecting the other person to die.”

This made me think back to 2013, where there was a guy named Jonathan who acted like a mentor for me. I met him through a college bible study held on campus once a week that he led. He’s very wise, knowledgeable, and gifted in discernment. I had wrestled with emotional and spiritual instability constantly and was a mess. I didn’t have a good relationship with God, as there was some much needed development and pruning to take place. Jonathan understood but was very patient and humble towards me as he continued to pour his love into me, even when I wasn’t lovable at all whatsoever. 

One day, Jonathan’s pastor preached a wonderful message over unforgiveness and demonic warfare. Jonathan heard God tell him after the sermon was over, “This is for Jennifer.” He took notes and gave them to me with the link to the sermon and sure enough, it addressed the issues with my unstable moods and spiritual depression.

By refusing to forgive, I was giving Satan access to torment me. And it prevented me from drawing near to God, hence why I felt so far from Him. That’s why I continued to struggle so much and have unstable moods.

I’m learning it all comes down to where I place my thoughts and emotions on the heart-throne of my life. In order to be truly stable in my emotions, I must align my feelings to what is true (Phil 4:8) and go to the Word to renew my mind (Romans 12:2) to let it master over my life instead of being mastered by emotions. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Since the fall of humanity, creation and relationships have been distorted and twisted from its original design. Bringing disorder and dysfunction everywhere, including what’s in our hearts and minds. The Bible has much to say on this in Romans and other Scriptures throughout. There’s always going to be a tug-of-war of what feels right versus what IS right. And the only way to overcome is to bring ourselves to the knowledge of Scriptures that declare who God is, what He’s done, our identities we have in Him, and repetitiously meditating on these until fruitful evidence begins to show.

Notes

Unforgiveness

• Hinders prayers
• Blocks relational intimacy with God and others
• Opens doors to the demonic realm to oppress you (Ephesians 4:27; 6:12; Matthew 18:21-35)
• Causes one to stumble in darkness by resisting God and submitting to the devil (James 4:7-8)
• Negatively affects your health (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual)
• Isolates you from community
• Results from sinful pride in a fallen body
• Damages your credibility and witness
• Is forgetting the evidences of grace, mercy, and tenderhearted love at the Cross

Continued notes

• Does not mean your salvation can be lost
•   A born-again Christian is positionally and eternally secure
•   A born-again Christian is positionally sanctified and will continue to be sanctified. They cannot keep on sinning in the Spirit (1 John 3:9; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
• Forgiveness is a verb that involves faith (Luke 17:4-6)
• Forgiveness does not minimize or diminish wounds
• Forgiveness enables you to walk in freedom and healing from bondage of sin and oppressed chains
• Forgiveness fosters unity and reconciliation, but it doesn’t always mean reconciliation will or should happen
• Forgiveness is remembering that you’ve been forgiven so, so much when it wasn’t deserved and extending that to another person

I couldn’t find the sermon Jonathan sent me with the notes but fortunately, I’ve found sermons very similar from the same pastor down below.

Relational Strain part 1

Relational Strain part 2

Relational Strain part 3

Overcoming Bitterness

When To Forgive

How To Forgive

The Power of Grace

In A Season of Discouragement, Frustration, Weariness, and Discomfort

I have been in a place where I’m constantly feeling tried, tested, and being pruned in difficult seasons of insomnia, loving the unlovable, being kind and loving on people who make me uncomfortable, and wondering when God will come through for me.

I’ve been battling sleepless nights frustrated, worried, and doubtful because I’ve been losing sleep for months now despite exercising, medication, finding ways to relax, and meditating on Scripture, talking to the Lord in prayer, etc. Yet my circumstances haven’t gotten better or changed. My sleep problems have produced this anxiety and dreadful anticipation at bedtime because even when I manage to fall asleep, I’ll suddenly wake up 2 hours later and cannot go back to sleep. I’ll be seeing a sleep specialist in another month who will hopefully help provide a solution to treat this insomnia. I’m deeply grateful for people keeping me in their prayers during this difficult time as I can feel the peace that surrounds me and comforts me in moments of doubt and hopelessness.

God has been showing His faithfulness towards me despite not taking away my problems. Reminding me of His merciful loving kindness and grace which I find myself lacking tremendously on towards others. Showing me His humility and patience to emulate to others no matter how difficult and unlovable they are, or how awkward and uncomfortable they make me feel.

There’s just so much I can’t fathom of God’s sovereignty which makes my trust in Him immensely challenging and difficult. I feel like I struggle in this capacity more than others due to personal experiences and viewing the pain and suffering in others that have begged the question, “Why?” Why does He allow some people to be more afflicted than others? Why does He allow some people to succeed with their suicide attempt yet allows others to survive that? And many more questions I have that are unanswered.

Witnessing theological debates on man’s free will and God’s sovereignty really called my beliefs into questioning and doubtful wariness towards Him. But each time I distanced myself from God when I couldn’t understand Him, He would bring me right back to Him and my awareness of His evident work in my life seemed stronger than others for some reason. As in, I was more receptive somehow. Despite my issues and challenges, God has given me comfort and peace that have transcended all understanding.

I’m reminded of this Scripture, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” -2 Corinthians 12:9

It’s as if God’s speaking to my heart telling me that He is bigger and better than my circumstances, even when I fail to see a way out and when it doesn’t look like it’ll get better. He has it all under control. Even when I doubt and wrestle with questions I’ll never have the answers to, God is still in control. Even when medicine isn’t working, God is still in control of my situation. No matter what I face and no matter what happens now, tomorrow, or in the next month. God is sovereign and will take care of me.

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil”-Hebrews 6:19

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”-Philippians 4:6-7

“In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”-Philippians 4:12-13

“Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’”-Matthew 14: 29-31

“For we live by faith, not by sight.”-2 Corinthians 5:7

“I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”-Psalm 34:4

“Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].”-1 Peter 5:7 AMP

What A High School Basketball Game Taught Me About Faith

Last night, I went to a basketball game with my dad at his old high school where the Somerset Briar Jumpers (Our school team’s mascot) was playing against the Danville Admirals (Boo!) in the Regional semi-finals. At the beginning, Somerset played terribly as they missed a lot of easy shots, did some bad throws, and kept giving Danville the upper hand to score a point left and right. It was miserable and the boys were getting rattled, I could tell.

During 2nd quarter when both teams went on break, I excused myself from the stadium also to wander the halls a bit and pray for a miracle that the game would turn around and we’d win a victory lol. And as I was praying, I felt calm and a sense of joyful anticipation when a sudden realization hit me.

Often times in my faith, I get discouraged when the beginning looks awful and it feels like it will stay that way. I knew that’s how the boys must’ve felt as they were getting ran over by the other team. It made me think about difficult times in my life when things weren’t going the way I had hoped. And my prayers weren’t getting answered the way I wanted it, but looking back now, God did answer by reminding me that He was in control. No matter how many obstacles there are or how hopeless a situation appears, He is faithful regardless of the situation and outcome.

It made me reflect that on my faith. That even when my journey has ups and downs and terrible beginnings or middle, it doesn’t mean it will have a terrible ending. And when the result isn’t what we expected, will we still trust God and His character in tough and dry seasons? Believe that He is good and faithful regardless of the outcome?

That’s when I realized I needed to step back and just continue watching, cheering those boys on, and enjoy the game no matter the score. And I had this odd feeling that things were gonna change. Sure enough, those boys made a fierce comeback during a 18 point halftime deficit to tie the game with less than 12 seconds on the clock once they figured out how to intercept the key players from the other team. But sadly lost at the very last shot from the opposing team at the buzzer. Would’ve been a fantastic finish for the boys had they won but they lost by 2 points!

My heart would’ve been so happy but it was a good game. And I had faith in them. The student body and the crowd’s high spirited energy filled the stadium and never once gave up on those boys, and the boys didn’t give up either. The final score was 66 to 64. That’s what I call perseverance. I’m so proud of the boys for not giving up and playing their very best despite a terrible beginning and bad calls from the refs. They played hard all season and became District Champs which is a great accomplishment!

So the students, fans, and alumni have every reason to be proud of them. It all depends on how you look at it. Even though my God didn’t answer my prayer the way I hoped, He still answered by reminding me of who He is and taught me something in the process. God moves in mighty ways, but answers prayers according to His ways and on His terms.

Next year, some of those returning players are coming back for the next season so I’ll be sure to be rooting for them! Way to go Briar Jumpers!

Church Hopping

Not satisfied with your church?

Yeah, I’ve been there too many times. Someone ignores me, pastor abruptly leaves the conversation, nobody makes effort to greet me or notice my existence, etc. The list goes on. It was the perfect excuse to church hop and land in a totally new environment where everything went smoothly, until….

Someone ignores me, pastor brushes me aside, my feelings get hurt, etc. Tempting me to move once again. I’ve avoided going to church or sticking with a church body for a long time. Oddly enough, after settling in Somerset, I’ve joined a church called Beacon Hill Baptist, where the same things I’ve mentioned have happened to me there. Yet this time, something in me wanted to stay despite strong temptations to church hop once again. It was this inner voice telling me, “this is where you’re supposed to be.”

I remember reading a book from the church library called, “I Am A Church Member” by Thom Rainer. It was eye-opening and helped me understand the importance of being committed to a church body. There isn’t a perfect church. No matter where you go everybody has sins, struggles, character flaws, and much more. There will be people you won’t get along with, quirks that drive you nuts, wrestling temptations, and so many more. But if the Holy Spirit tells you to stay, He has a reason for putting you there.

The more I stayed at my church, the more I noticed my flaws, inadequacies, temptations, personal struggles, and sins. Why do I stay in a place where my struggles and hurts only increase? I believe it’s because in those moments, God is refining me and healing my wounds. I know it sounds crazy, but God often uses painful moments to help you grow and flourish in your faith. To rebuild and reshape your character to look like His. It comes through trials and hardships. No pain, no gain right? If I had left and continued bouncing from one church to another, I would be so miserable and weaker because I wouldn’t have the support, accountability, and prayers that comes from staying in a local church.

It’s still hard and messy, I won’t lie and at times I’m tempted to leave when people are difficult or don’t meet my expectations. I’m still learning to accept people for who they are and not be offended by their actions, which might be a reflection of their problems that they need to work on. Just as I must work on mine.

Some people are intimidated to approach others or scared of looking and saying something stupid or making you uncomfortable. Or they could be just occupied or not feeling well. Don’t expect too much from people or expect them to act a certain way towards you to please you. It increases more of this entitlement behavior you contributed and misery when they reject you.

Invest in asking how you can benefit others by being there. Maybe you could be that greeter or someone who approaches visitors with a beaming smile and a friendly hello. Ask how you can assist or pray for someone in particular. Always be willing to serve and have a prayerful attitude no matter what. Remember that Jesus came to serve and not be served. Matthew 20:28. Pray for those who’ve offended you or are acting difficult. Bless your pastor with uplifting and edifying words and deeds. Remain faithful to your church and treat them the way you’d want them to treat you and your family.

If this helped you, I’m humbled and thankful. If not, at least I got it off my chest. I’ll be looking at this post as a reminder when I need it. Thank you for listening lol.