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Something that will help us all stay connected - keep up the discussion – on the Live Stream. Like, follow, and share these morning devotions. And don’t forget to check in @ Richland Church of the Nazarene. If you think about it, you should comment in the video – whenever you watch this video – and let us know where you’ve seen God lately. I’m looking for you to be looking for what I call God sightings… Put it in the comments.
We have covered lots of ground in just the last few days talking about what it means to invite the Holy Spirit to do His work in us by transforming us into the men and women of God that we need to be for God to accomplish His work here on earth In His kingdom. And all of this transformation comes by the renewing of our minds as we follow and are discipled by Jesus Christ.
So we have looked at how Jesus lived. We’ve looked at what was important to Him. And we learned yesterday that we need to be doers of the Word as much as we need to hear the Word. When we don’t do – then It’s the same as if we look at ourselves in the mirror and moments later forget what we look like.
Very few people have an intentional plan for change or growth in their lives. So here are a few things that might help us along the way. I would say that as you open yourself to the Holy Spirit you will allow Him to speak to your heart about what things He would like to see changed. This is our starting point.
James 1:2-8 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
We simply need to ask for the Holy Spirit to guide you in the process and to fill you with wisdom of what area(s) of life need change. And then be intentional to do your part. Take action and change what you’re doing now to what God is leading you to do instead. Most people possess the desire to change, few people actually take the steps to change. It is not the absence of desire that holds us back but execution.
Proverbs 13:4 (NIV) A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
A diligent effort, in combination with the Holy Spirit's empowerment is critical for our transformation. So make a plan to make the changes the Holy Spirit guides you to change.
It could be setting aside a specific time to sit quietly and simply listen for God to speak to your heart. Whatever change the Holy Spirit impresses you to make, you need to be intentional. No matter how small the step, do it right away and with regularity to help move your change and developmental process forward. Your changes do not need to be hard, need to read your Bible – take 5 minutes, or 1 chapter to start with. Whatever changes they are, they need to be consistent. Plan out your week ahead of time with specific actions. You can take each day and determine when in the day you will do these actions.
And give it some time, maybe you could take a moment each day to reflect upon your changes and write them down. Sit with the Holy Spirit and reflect on your journey. What lessons are you learning about change? What are you learning about yourself? Are you still putting on the truth of God or are your listening to the lies of the Enemy?