Moving Forward in Power
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Remembering who you are
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Remembering your purpose
I QUIT making New Year’s resolutions a couple of decades ago because that wishful thinking had a short shelf life. I then began making lifestyle changes that sprouted from my identity and purpose. Soon after, I discovered that prayerfully sought-after transformation both endured & carried meaning (and it comes with power, if your heart is completely surrendered to Jesus Christ.)
AT The Embattled Spirit, we’re starting with Thessalonians 5 (Amplified version):
The Identity – I NO LONGER BELONG to the night or to darkness. I am a warrior of Day and Light, not a slave to night and dark (verse 5).
SPIRITUALLY LIVING IN ABUNDANCE:
Apathy
Indifference/Nonchalance
Boredom
Unresponsiveness
NONE of the above carry purpose in my heart or mind
BUT THESE DO:
Faith
Love
Hope
THRIVING IN AN ANGRY & SCARED WORLD
- Encourage those who lack courage
- Help the weak
- Be patient with everyone [always controlling your temper].
NO PAYBACKS: don’t repay another with evil for evil, but always seek that which is good for one another and for all people
REJOICE always and delight in your faith
PRACTICE unceasing and persistent prayer
BE THANKFUL in every situation & no matter what the circumstances
CONTINUALLY give thanks to God, for this is the will of God for you who are in Christ Jesus
DON’T QUENCH the Holy Spirit
DON’T SCORN or reject gifts of prophecy [spoken revelations—words of instruction or exhortation or warning]
TEST ALL things carefully so you can recognize what is good
HOLD FIRMLY to that which is good
ABSTAIN from every form of evil [withdraw and keep away from it]
“Now may the God of peace Himself grant you divine acceptance and approval through and through,” that is:
-Separate you from profane and vulgar things
-Make you pure and whole and undamaged
–Set you apart for His purpose
FAITHFUL AND ABSOLUTELY TRUSTWORTHY IS HE WHO IS CALLING YOU.
Press in to God, and He will fulfill His call and purpose by:
making you holy
guarding you
watching over you
protecting you
Because you are His
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