Category: Walk in the Spirit

For a Victorious Life, Rely on the Lord

On By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Growing in Christ, Knowing God, Walk in the SpiritLeave a comment

     This week I have more thoughts on repentance. In my last blog I wrote about being led by the Spirit rather than succumbing to the desires of the flesh.

     To refresh your memory, I wrote:

     “Through the revelation of the Holy Spirit, we see the incongruity between our behavior and the Word of God… realizing we are out of step. By repenting, turning from the flesh to the ways of God, our walk is restored. As we implement the Biblical verses the Spirit reveals, we are back in step with Him.

In repentance we proclaim “not my way, but your way God.” We turn from sin and turn toward God and His will. It is often a radical transformation of attitude and direction.1”

This time I want to explore Job 28:28, a Scripture pinned to my bulletin board in front of my desk.

Job 28:28—“And he said to man,

‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,

and to turn away from evil is understanding.'” ESV

     We depart from evil, ways that separate us from God, when we understand Scripture, God’s ways and how to walk in them. That is repentance.

     The Bible is a book about God. Who He is, why humans were created, and how we fit in His plan. We gain knowledge when we study Scripture but to apply it, we need wisdom and that comes when we can see it through the lens of God based on His attributes.

The application of Scripture leads to godly living, evidence of understanding. The ability to walk out Scripture.

How do we get to the point of understanding?

-Do not be wise in your own eyes

     When we act independently of God, making our decisions apart from Scripture and prayer, we are wise in our own eyes.

     Sometimes this happens because the decision seems obvious. At other times we may go along to get along. Or the decision may be self-serving.

     Not long ago I decided to make an illegal U-turn because I was in a hurry and everybody else was doing it. The difficulty was a result of a closed road due to construction therefore I felt justified.  My actions did not honor God and I needed to ask forgiveness.

     Consider these questions:

     Do you skip any portion of God’s Word because you don’t want to sit with it for as long as it takes to gain understanding?

Are there any sections with which you disagree?

Are there commands that you balk at, asking “did God really say?”

Remember Scripture supports Scripture so there are other verses that can clarify the meaning.

-Seek God’s wisdom

     In Isaiah 55:8-9 we read, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” NLT

     We find this verse inspiring unless the way we are inclined to go clashes with God’s wisdom.

     Something may be easier, more attractive to us, seem more beneficial but if it doesn’t please God, it is not the right choice. When we fear the Lord, our desire is to honor Him.

-Recognize how to be victorious

When we understand how to apply a Scripture we have gained understanding. But we never walk it out in our power. In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul discusses our battle with the flesh [Ro. 7:14-14-20] and directs us to the Holy Spirit for help.

In the book of 2 Corinthians, Paul tells of an issue he struggled with and how God’s grace helped him in his weakness. [2 Corinthians 12:9]

Knowing how to walk out the Scripture we study goes beyond a head and heart transformation to a reliance transformation. And that brings us full circle back to being wise in our own eyes.

God is our source of victory. And we need the full counsel of God to be victorious in our walk.

©2024 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

References:

1-The Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms by Stanley J. Grenz, David Guretzki & Cherith Fee Nordling. InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, Illinois.

Repentance the Way to Defeat the Flesh

On By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Growing in Christ, Holy Spirit, Walk in the SpiritLeave a comment

     The flesh is an enemy within.

     Walt Kelly, author of the comic strip Pogo, created an Earth Day poster in 1970 with the quote, “We have met the enemy and he is us.” His point was that the environment was polluted by people not by some outside force.

     Likewise, those of us who are in Christ can be our own worst enemy, spoiling the perfection God envisioned when He created us in His image by succumbing to the flesh. I think of the term flesh as our sinful nature which is self-focused, self-centered, and self-gratifying. Fleshly traits that prevent us from becoming the person God created.

     In Christ we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit who gives us spiritual eyesight; the ability to see things from a godly perspective and walk in the ways of God.

     Paul tells us: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) Later in this chapter he tells us to “keep in step with the Spirit.” (5:25)

     Through the revelation of the Holy Spirit, we see the incongruity between our behavior and the Word of God… realizing we are out of step. By repenting, turning from the flesh to the ways of God, our walk is restored. As we implement the Biblical verses the Spirit reveals, we are back in step with Him.

In repentance we proclaim “not my way, but your way God.” We turn from sin and turn toward God and His will. It is often a radical transformation of attitude and direction.1

     But this victory does not come in our own strength or by our own will, according to Warren W. Wiersbe. Victory comes by surrendering our will to the Holy Spirit. The direction is in Galatians 5:18, “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” He explains the verse literally reads willingly led.2

Wiersbe explains—The Holy Spirit writes God’s law on our hearts3 so we delight to do His will.4 We desire to obey Him out of love.5

     Another Bible commentator, Tony Evans, writes: “To ‘walk by the Spirit’ is to discover God’s view on a matter, decide to act on that divine perspective, and depend on the Holy Spirit to empower your obedience.”6

     Let’s look at these steps.

*Discover God’s View

     The Holy Spirit brings Scripture to mind when our behavior is out of step with the ways of God. But He can’t remind us of something that isn’t there. Our part is to study the Bible. God’s ways are remarkable and worth the time and effort it takes to gain understanding.

Most often God’s instructions are not something that come naturally. Sometimes we think, “I do that,” or “I can do that.” Then a situation comes up that requires the implementation of this Scripture and we learn we haven’t mastered it. It is not yet written on our heart.

*Decide to Act on God’s Perspective

     Instead of trying to master a Scripture in our own strength, we turn to the Holy Spirit and ask Him for direction on how to implement it. But we must do so with a willing heart.

Hannah Whitall Smith, author of “The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life,” described a willing heart as God’s commands becoming desires springing up within us.

“They will originate in our will; we shall feel as though we desired to do so and so not as though we must,” she writes.

     As we surrender to the Holy Spirit, God’s commands no longer seem like something we have to do but something we get to do.

*Depend on the Holy Spirit

     When we depend on ourselves, we use our willpower to resist the flesh and walk in God’s ways.

     Willpower is “the ability to control one’s own actions, emotions, or urges. Also, strong determination that allows one to do something difficult.” (merriam-webster.com) Sometimes this works, but it takes great effort and often it fails. And it is not transformative. Our behavior looks changed, if our determination remains strong.

     However, striving is exhausting and we always seem to fall short of the mark. Victory comes by divine power not by willpower.

     Yes, there is a war within. Fleshly desire and a desire to walk in the Spirit are at odds with each other. Paul warns us in his epistles.

Rom 7:18—”For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” ESV

     Gal 5:17—“For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” ESV

     As soon as we recognize the flesh, we can wave a white flag signaling surrender to the Holy Spirit. In repentance turn from sin toward God and His will.

©2024 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Photo from Pixabay.

References:

1-The Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms by Stanley J. Grenz, David Guretzki & Cherith Fee Nordling. InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, Illinois.

2-Be Free, A New Testament Study-Galatians by Warren W. Wiersbe. Cook Communications Ministries Colorado Springs, Colorado.

3- Heb. 10:14-17; 2 Cor. 3

4- Psalm 40:8

5- John 14:15

6- The Tony Evans Bible Commentary Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, TN.

Adopt a “No Excuses” Policy for Sin

On By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Growing in Christ, Soul Care, Walk in the SpiritLeave a comment

     How do I make excuses for my sin? I am prompted to ask this question of myself during a Bible study I am working through on the book of Romans in which the author suggests we are prone to excuse our sins.1

     We justify harsh words with such excuses as exhaustion or a tight schedule. Sharing degrading information about another person is disguised as a prayer request rather than labeled gossip. We claim a lie as protection rather than deception.

     Yet God wants us to acknowledge our sin.

     “Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.” Psalm 51:6 NIV

     David, the author of this Psalm, needed a radical transformation of his inner self so that he might learn wisdom and adopt God’s perspective on all things, writes Tony Evans in his commentary on the Bible. “We need the same,” he states.2

     How do we get such a radical transformation of our inner self… letting go of inappropriate thought processes, negative emotions, and self-absorption? How do we begin to see all things from God’s perspective?

Here’s three ways to radically transform our inner self and stop excusing sin:

–Ask God to examine our heart to uncover excuses for sin.

Long ago I was taught to pray Psalm 139:23-24 before my morning devotions so as I read my Bible the Holy Spirit would convict me of any sin I harbored in my heart.

The Psalm reads: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

The Holy Spirit’s conviction is not the same as the accusations brought by Satanic forces. To be shown where we have gone astray provides opportunity for correction and we desire to repent. And the Holy Spirit is our Helper. He brings to our mind Scripture that addresses the issue and shows us how to walk it out. He lovingly tutors us in righteousness. [The next blog post [Oct. 29] will focus on the how-to of repentance.]

–Determine the appropriate response to the Scripture we study.

Keep a list of questions in your Bible so after you have determined the meaning of the text you can contemplate questions that will result in an appropriate response.

Ask: What response does God want from me?

–Is there anything I need to confess and ask forgiveness for?

–Is there an error to avoid?

–Is there an example to follow?

–Is there a sin to forsake?

–Is there a promise to claim?

–Is there an action I should take?

–Is there a command to obey?

–Is there a warning to heed?

[If you would like a more detailed list of questions, signup for my mailing list and receive a walking paper titled “Transformation Questions to Glean More from Scripture”]

–Replace excuses for sin with memorized Scripture.

As we memorize Scripture, we go over a verse time and again. This close examination helps us notice subtle nuances we never noted before. The words are not only captured in our brain they become ingrained in our heart.

If we make excuses for gossip, what verses might we examine?

–Psalm 141: 3 “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” With this verse we ask the Lord for help, not only acknowledging our problem but seeking the power of the Holy Spirit to refrain from repeating gossip.

–Proverbs 15:4 “The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Words matter. They can be life giving or destructive. This verse magnifies the power of our words. It should help us consider whether our words will build up or tear down.

–Proverbs 26:20 “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.” Divisiveness is fueled by gossip. Before we pass along information that fractures unity within a church, a family, or among friends we might think about the destruction we are causing and what might occur if we keep quiet.

This same method of gathering Scripture can be used with other areas of sin with which we struggle. Research the verses that address anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, judgmental attitudes, or whatever sin you tend to excuse and memorize them. Combine this with the other two tips and soon you will have no need for excuses.

©2024 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Image by Pexels from Pixabay.

Become Fluent in the Language Spoken in the Kingdom of God

On By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Growing in Christ, Walk in the Spirit2 Comments

     Sometimes I have trouble communicating with other Christians. After much contemplation, I have concluded communication is highly impacted by where we are in the transformation process. We all come to Christ entrenched in family traditions, cultural customs, damaged by sin, self-focused, and imprisoned in various strongholds. The only way to get in sync with one another is by learning the customs and the language of the Kingdom of God taught in the Bible. By God’s grace, through practicing His Word by faith, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we lose our worldly view and get a godly perspective.

     One of the best ways to note whether we are walking in the Spirit is to identify the verse or verses that prompt our behavior. I work at understanding how to practice Scripture when I am not sure how to walk it out. How about you?

     It does take some time and effort to comprehend the meaning of a particular passage so the Holy Spirit can write it on our heart. First, we must come to understand what the author meant when the text was written which entails uncovering the historical and cultural background of the times. Knowing the context of the Scripture is also an important first step. That entails noting what was written before and after the one verse we are investigating.

     Yet even with clarity from Biblical verses we can still walk off course. That’s because Christians battle against the flesh. Paul writes of this battle in Galatians chapter five.

Gal 5:16-18

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. ESV

     In his commentary on the book of Galatians, Warren W. Wiersbe writes that we are to surrender our will to the Holy Spirit or to be willingly led by the Spirit.

     “Being ‘led of the Spirit’ and ‘walking in the Spirit’ are the opposites of yielding to the desires of the flesh,” writes Wiersbe.1

     The Holy Spirit leads us by God’s Word. Here is some good advice from GotQuestions.org:

“One of the most important ways to recognize the Holy Spirit’s guidance is to be familiar with God’s Word. The Bible is the ultimate source of wisdom about how we should live (2 Timothy 3:16), and believers are to search the Scriptures, meditate on them, and commit them to memory (Joshua 1:8). The Word is the “sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17), and the Spirit will use it to speak to us (John 16:12–14) to reveal God’s will for our lives; He will also bring specific Scriptures to mind at times when we need them most (John 14:26).

Knowledge of God’s Word can help us to discern whether or not our desires come from the Holy Spirit. We must test our inclinations against Scripture—the Holy Spirit will never prod us to do anything contrary to God’s Word. If it conflicts with the Bible, then it is not from the Holy Spirit and should be ignored.”2

     Anyone who has ever traveled to a foreign country knows communication is limited if you don’t speak the language. This is true for the Kingdom of God as well.

©2024 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Image from Pixabay

References:

1-Be Free, Exchange Legalism for True spirituality (A New Testament study-Galatians) written by Warren W. Wiersbe published by Cook Communications Ministries Colorado Springs, CO.

2-How can I Recognize the Guidance of the Holy Spirit? GotQuestion.org.

When God is Doing a Work Step Back; Wait for Direction

On By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Growing in Christ, Knowing God, Walk in the SpiritLeave a comment

     How much assistance are we to give those who are struggling? It sure would be helpful if we knew when to step forward and when to step back.

     Sometimes direction is clearly given in God’s Word. For example, James writes we are to give the person hungry and lacking clothes food and clothing, rather than simply wishing them well. (James 2:15-16) We are not exhorted to step into their lives analyzing all the issues that has resulted in poverty, determining the underlying causes, then trying to solve them in our own wisdom and strength.

     My husband, Terry, has warned me about becoming too entangled in the affairs of others. Why? Because God is doing a work and we are not God’s partner, a co-equal with Him. The work is often beyond our comprehension and more transforming than anything we could envision.

     Remember Job? God was shining a light on this godly man. Although his friends analyzed the situation and scrutinized Job’s behavior to figure out why he was going through these hard times, they didn’t get it right. God said, “You have not spoken accurately about me.” (Job 42:7)

     Terry points to Jesus’ encounter with the rich young ruler as an example to follow. In the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke the authors recount a conversation Jesus had with this man about eternal life. When questioned by Jesus, the man thought he was keeping God’s commandments which meant he was righteous. But Jesus revealed his deception by telling him to sell his possessions and give the money to the poor. He was not willing to give up his earthly riches for treasures in heaven.

     “The clear problem in this man’s life was that his love for money prevented him from loving his neighbor, proving that he was not as righteous as he perceived himself to be,” wrote Tony Evans in his Bible commentary.1

     Jesus did not pursue the young man but let him depart. My inclination would be to go after him to try to “open his eyes.” But that is the job of the Holy Spirit.

     Learning God’s Word is vital, but walking it out cannot be by our might and strength. We need a warning label, ‘must be empowered by the Holy Spirit to operate correctly.’

     Recently a friend and sister-in-Christ got sick. Immediately my mind began to churn like ocean waves in a storm. I should make soup, I should see if she wants the head of the meal ministry to arrange dinners, I should… But I got a text that she was resting. The Lord had her in bed sleeping. I know that deep sleep heals us. She hadn’t gotten her medicine from the pharmacy so I offered to go get it knowing in my heart it was vital for her to start taking the antibiotics. She was sure someone was bringing it to her. So now I am covering her in prayer unless the Holy Spirit reveals an action I must take.

     Of course, my summer Bible study reinforced the lesson I’m being taught about running ahead of God rather than waiting for direction; about being a useful tool in His hand rather than a stumbling block.

     The author of the Bible study told a story about a man who “headed down a path of believing wrong things” about God following the death of his son.

     She wrote, “Each conversation left me grieved and frustrated. I sympathized, but I also, desperately wanted to shake Mike, remind him of all the truths I knew that he knew, and make him align his thoughts with those truths.

     There comes a time when the grieving one needs to put a stake in the ground. We can’t do that for our loved ones. They have to come to that decision on their own.”2

     We can’t change people. It is a work of the Spirit.

     Sometimes I have aha moments about scriptural concepts. When that occurs, I am set free from a struggle, a stronghold, or setback. Terry often looks astonished when I enthusiastically share my enlightenment. “I told you that before,” he will say. Maybe he did, but I just wasn’t yet ready to grasp it.

     I think sometimes we forget about spiritual enlightenment. We forget that we are all learning about kingdom citizenship and only God knows exactly what a person needs to be equipped to walk out His commandments (which are the very best for us).

     When we try to supervise situations, provide insight and guidance without revelation from God, we miss seeing His work. It could be something so miraculous we will never stop praising Him. Like Job we will say, “I have seen you with my own eyes.”

My prayer:

Lord forgive me for all the times I interfered in the work you were doing. Please place the words you would have me speak on my tongue when I am asked for advice. Let me never speak or act in my limited wisdom and view of a situation but wait upon you for clear direction. Remind me to ask… always ask for direction.

©2024 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Resources:

1-The Tony Evans Bible Commentary published by Holman Bible Publishers in Nashville, Tennessee.

2-Rest for Your Soul, A Bible Study on Solitude, Silence, & Prayer by Wendy Blight published by Harper Christian Resources in Grand Rapids, MI.

Better Looking Day by Day

On By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Growing in Christ, Walk in the SpiritLeave a comment

     My husband frequently states: “I can’t wait until tomorrow.” Many who hear that statement will be hooked and ask: “What happens tomorrow?” His reply is: “I get better looking every day.”

     The responses to his news vary. Some think he is full of himself, puffed up and arrogant. Others laugh because it seems impossible, after all day-by-day we grow older and with the aging process comes wrinkles, paunches, and reduced stamina. Those who consider such a statement personally can’t seem to connect. They see physical and character flaws that aren’t very flattering.

     Yet the beauty he references isn’t in the physical realm but the spiritual realm. As God’s Word permeates our hearts and minds, we do get better looking.

     2 Cor 3:18–So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. NLT

We begin to reflect Jesus as we gain clarity on Biblical characteristics, especially agape love. We are told in Romans 5:5 that God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. But until we understand what it looks like we don’t always walk it out. The Holy Spirit gave us clarity in the book of 1 Corinthians.

1 Cor 13:4-7–Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. ESV

     We are told that love is patient, sometimes translated from the Greek makrothumeo as longsuffering. Patient love seeks to understand others, and endures behavior that might be inconsiderate or selfish. It doesn’t issue ultimatums— “Just one more time!” It doesn’t stomp out of the room exclaiming, “That’s it, I have had enough!”

     The kindness Paul speaks of is chresteuomai in the original Greek, which is a desire to help or assist people. It complements patience or long-suffering because it stands beside the person ever ready to do good regardless of how he or she is treated.

     While Paul provides two characteristics that exhibit agape, he lists six characteristics that show its absence. It does not envy, meaning we do not desire what another person has in talent, fortune, or personality traits.

     At the opposite spectrum from wishing you possessed attributes or material goods belong to another, which is envy, is boasting about our abilities as if we are better than others. It is difficult to connect with people if we think we have more education, are more sophisticated, fashionable, and knowledgeable than they are. Because agape love is not arrogant, we make no distinctions between ourselves and others. When we do we can become rude, mistreating and dishonoring others.

     This love does not insist on having its own way, which is the opposite of desiring to please others. Of course, when we don’t get our own way, we become downcast resenting the other person who received the grade, job, raise, house, homelife, family, or lifestyle we desire because it just isn’t fair. Often when we are resentful, we hold a grudge and if given the chance can rattle off a long list of grievances. Perhaps this tally we keep when we are resentful is the reason this concept is translated “keeps no records of wrongs” in some Bible versions.

     It does not seek or rejoice over the misfortune of others or try to harm them but instead stands in the gap for another to prevent such unrighteous acts from happening to them. Instead of pushing someone in front of a train, we are willing to step onto the tracks to push a stranger to safety.

     Finally, when we exhibit agape love we bear, believe, hope, and endure all things. In the New Testament to bear is “to cover over in silence,” therefore love does not expose the faults of others, nor does it dwell on them.

     We don’t point fingers and tattle. Other people’s problems, weaknesses, or vulnerabilities are not a topic for conversation with others. We believe in this person, that he or she can change for the better, and therefore we wait expectantly for our Heavenly Father to do a great work and we don’t give up.

     1 Corinthians 13:8 begins with the words “Love never fails.” It’s long lasting, and what it produces will last as well.

Look forward to tomorrow. But don’t check a mirror for your progress as the sun rises to mark a new day. Instead, check the reaction of the people God puts in your path to determine if they see Jesus in you.

©2024 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Image is from Pixabay.

How do we Make Good Use of Time

On By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Growing in Christ, Knowing God, Walk in the SpiritLeave a comment

Ps 90:12–So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. ESV

Ps 90:12– Teach us to use wisely all the time we have. CEV

Ps 90:12– Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. NLT

     My husband, Terry, and I were completing errands. One was to pick up his bicycle at a large sports store where he had taken it for an upgrade on the gears. Loading it into the pickup, he realized the clipboard with his papers and lists was missing. So, we returned to the shop find it.

     It was on the counter so he could have simply scooped it up and headed for the exit. But instead, he gave a shoutout to the repair guys then began to speak with a couple waiting to be helped.

     “Are you a fitness trainer?” the woman asked, having read his training schedule on his clipboard.

     When he answered that he was a pastor, her husband blurted, “I think I am wasting my time.”

     Terry told me all about the interaction he had, recognizing it as God ordained. I wasn’t close enough to listen, instead pacing by the cycling jerseys hoping for a quick retreat. There were so many errands…

     But the man was truly seeking guidance. Retired, he felt he wasn’t contributing much to society. He attended a church, but the pastor was young and wasn’t resonating with the older people in the congregation.

     “You could work with your pastor. Help him learn to interact with older people. Mentor him,” Terry suggested.

He added it wasn’t by chance a young pastor who didn’t know how to relate with older people was placed in a church filled with people in this season of life. It was a skill he needed to learn. This man now had a purpose. A way to use his time wisely.

Due to my impatience I failed to recognize the presence of God. I was wasting time, angrily watching my husband from afar, focused on my own agenda. Because of this attitude I missed out, failing to grow in wisdom.

Moments are precious. They aren’t unlimited. Therefore, each should be exchanged for something of value. Something that is expanding the kingdom of God, contributing to the sanctification process, and making us more Christlike.

How do we use time wisely? The best way is to get to know the God who created us and with whom we will spend eternity. Also to make sure our actions are the result of Scripture not by our might but because we are transformed becoming Christlike by learning how to walk out each word.

To use time wisely:

–We are mindful of our thoughts.

     Strongholds are patterns of behavior we return to again and again that are contrary to God’s Word. They result in disobedience. Yet we know we have come to know Christ by keeping His commandments. (1 John 2:3-4)

     Satan wants us to believe a lie that leads us astray. To conquer strongholds, we learn truth to dispel the lie. 

In 2 Corinthians chapter 10 Paul writes: “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Cor 10:3-5 ESV)

Tony Evans writes in his commentary, “Strongholds can only be demolished by the knowledge of God—that is, by truth. If you’re not taking every thought captive to obey Christ and are instead succumbing to a stronghold, it’s because you either don’t know the truth or aren’t making use of the truth you know.”

–We are mindful of our walk.

     The Apostle Paul tells us to walk circumspectly, or carefully. Why? “Because the days are evil.” He advises us to take the time we need to determine the will of God. (Eph. 5:15-17)

     Eugene Peterson, author of The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language, paraphrases these verses as: “So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.”

–We are mindful of our talk.

     Sometimes we don’t like our situation. We would rather be sipping iced coffee on the beach than stuck at the airport waiting for a late flight. So, we complain. While our complaints are directed against the airline, they are against God because He is sovereign.

     Remembering the attributes of God and the fact we are to glorify Him will remind us to speak graciously, choose kind words, make sure our speech benefits all who overhear us. (Ephesians 4:29)

     As we navigate each day, let’s look to see what God is doing and join Him instead of hanging back in the cycling jersey section determined to complete our agenda. We can reflect Christ in our attitude, actions, and verbal expressions.  

©2024 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Photo from Pixabay

Unspeakable Situations

On By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Growing in Christ, Walk in the Spirit2 Comments

     I am in a walk-off-into-the-sunset mood. I have this issue I haven’t been able to resolve, and it is creating all sorts of emotions I wish I didn’t have but I do. And I am struggling.

     Hopefully, I look godly on the outside because God knows I am not so godly on the inside. I remember 2 Peter 1:3—”His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” NIV

     Yet, I am lacking. I have not really taken time to chase down what the apostle Peter meant by this statement and thus I am a needy person.

     The title to a book on the shelf next to my desk is “The Practice of Godliness” by Jerry Bridges. I read on the cover that over 600,000 copies have been sold. In book sales I know that is a lot, but in Christian tallies (about 210 million in the U.S.) that is only a few. Of course, you can buy a book and set it on a shelf. I wonder how many copies sold have been read?

     My plight is difficult to explain. I can slap several Scriptures on why I am not supposed to feel this way.

     What do you do when you cannot confide in anyone? When there is no one with which you can share your feelings freely without being misunderstood? Without receiving advice you already know but can’t process?

You talk to your one and only true confident, God.

1 Peter 5:6-7

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” ESV

I have been doing everything I can to make the situation better but it only gets worse. And as the situation plummets so does my attitude. But God can stop the freefall.

One of the Scriptures I have been skirting is Phil 2:14- “Do all things without grumbling or questioning.”

My grumbling and questioning have been pointed toward God. He has not chosen to solve my problem and I feel like the fighter going down on the mat for the count.

But then I come across something that lifts my spirit. Permission for healthy lament. Although the lament is in the context of community it seems to fit my situation. The sticky statement pulled from the text in the margin reads: “Being able to talk through what we’re going through is a key to our mental, physical and spiritual health.”1

Therefore, I am talking through my situation with God. Already my attitude is changing, He is lifting me up.

I know the problem needs a work of the Spirit. Peter explained it. It is Christ’s divine power that gives us everything we need. Power is “dunamis” in koine Greek, which is miraculous power usually by implication, a miracle itself.2

So, I am talking to the one who works miracles… God. Miracles not only in our situations but in our souls. I cast my anxieties on Him in my lament. He is changing my perspective, so the complaints are addressed. While the problem remains, my viewpoint is shifting.

What may be unspeakable to mere humans is always a conversation we can have with God.

Let’s Talk:

1-How has your attitude changed when you have taken your problem to God?

2-What miracles, minor or major, have occurred after your talk?

Resources:

1-The Surpassing Value of Knowing Christ, A Study of Philippians by Beth Moore and Melissa Moore. Published by Living Proof Ministries Houston, TX. Page 71.

2- Interlinear Transliterated Bible by Biblesoft, Inc.

In Obedience We Become Our Best

On By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Walk in the SpiritLeave a comment

     I did a little research on the Internet to see why rebels are popular characters in novels and movies. One author wrote, “Everybody loves a bad boy.”

     We often elevate the “free spirit” or “mischievous” giving them accolades for being “unique” or more “imaginative.”

     Those who “color outside the lines” are esteemed. This idiom implies rules are not followed, thought processes are more creative, and behavior is unconventional.1

     Yet the Bible teaches it is in obedience that we become Christ-like, the image of God just as we were created.

     Jen Wilkin writes in her book “Ten Words to Live By,” “Lawfulness is Christlikeness. To obey the law is to look like Jesus Christ.” She adds that legalism is a form of lawlessness because it is external righteousness only, not true transformation.2

     Often, we equate obedience with legalism, but Jesus tells us, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” [John 14:15]

     John 15:9-10—“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.”

     Abide in the original Greek is meno, which is to remain in or with someone. It is to remain united with Christ, one with Him in heart, mind, and will. To remain steadfast, persevering in Christ’s love.3  

     The apostle John writes: “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”

     Equating obedience with agape love, that intense, intelligent love that wills the best for another, causes me to seek guidance from my Helper, my Counselor, the Holy Spirit. Agape love is an act of the will but it can’t be accomplished by willpower. It is a work of the Spirit within us.

     When I follow Scripture, I do what is best for others and that brings glory to God for I reflect Him.

We want to bring Him glory because we love Him, and we do so by becoming the people He created in His image. And His Word tells us what those people look like.

They are people who make decisions with the best interest of others in mind.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Phil 2:4

They are people who willingly give others a cup of sugar or money even though the borrower may not pay them back.

“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Luke 6:35

     They are prepared to give the message of salvation through Jesus Christ not wanting anyone to perish.

     But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15

     It is in obedience to God’s Word that we are just like our Father.

Let’s Talk:

1-How has the Holy Spirit helped you understand how to put Scripture into practice?

2-What lessons has the Holy Spirit taught you about walking in love?

References:

1-grammarist.com.

2-Ten Words to Live By, Delighting in and Doing What God Commands by Jen Wilkin. Published by Crossway in Wheaton, Ill.

3-The Complete Word Study Dictionary New Testament by Spiros Zodhiates Th.D.