When we talk about sanctification, it's easy to slip into thinking it's something we have to work to achieve. We might feel we have to climb a mountain of effort, behavior, or spiritual discipline to reach holiness. But the truth, the Good News, is that sanctification isn’t something we accomplish through our own striving. Sanctification is a gift, completed in us by Jesus Himself. His once-and-for-all sacrifice has set us apart for God and made us holy, forever.
Guarding your heart and keeping it open to the Spirit of God is essential for walking in His fullness. Proverbs 4:23 tells us, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." But how do we keep our hearts receptive to the Word of God and fertile ground for His Kingdom?
The answer lies in practicing four key spiritual disciplines that condition your heart to respond intuitively to God's Spirit:
Judging God Faithful
Putting on the New Man
Doing Good to All
Walking in Love
These spiritual disciplines are more than just religious activities—they are practices that align your heart with God's truth, making it sensitive to His Spirit and creating fertile soil for the Word of God to bear fruit in your life.
In the Gospels, the Apostle Peter stands out as one of the most passionate and impulsive followers of Jesus. His bold declarations and zealous actions often put him in situations where he unintentionally misrepresented the heart and mission of Christ. Yet, what is striking about Peter’s journey is not just his frequent need for correction, but the way Jesus responds to him with patience, grace, and unwavering trust. Each time Peter falters—whether by misunderstanding, acting out of fear, or even denying Jesus—he is met with loving rebuke, instruction, and restoration.
Faith is the key to unlocking the reality of God's Kingdom in our lives. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Faith is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on God's character and promises. It is by faith that we understand spiritual truths and perceive God's Kingdom, even when it is not visible to our physical eyes.
Faith is not merely a mental exercise; it is an active, dynamic trust that works through love. By gathering evidence from God’s track record and reflecting on His faithfulness, we build a stronger, more resilient faith. This approach not only prepares us to face challenges with confidence but also aligns our hearts with God’s spiritual influence, refining our perception of His kingdom and leading us to live more fully in His grace and purpose.
Hope is a choice rooted in God’s unchanging Word. As you choose hope, you will see life through the eyes of faith, recognizing the possibilities God has prepared for you. Neuroscientific research on hope and positive expectation involves exploring how the brain processes these concepts and the impact they have on mental health, physical well-being, and faith. Join us today as we do a deep dive into how to cultivate hope in the heart.
When you become a believer in Christ, something incredible happens—you receive a new heart. This isn’t just a metaphorical change; it’s a profound transformation that affects every aspect of your life. Just as a physical heart transplant can cause a person to take on the desires, interests, and even personality traits of the donor, our spiritual heart transplant does something even more miraculous: it encodes God’s desires into our very being.
In a world that often seems increasingly chaotic and dark, the reasons Jesus was sent provide a beacon of hope and encouragement for believers. As we reflect on the myriad purposes of His mission, we find reassurance and strength to continue our faith journey, trusting that His work will be fully accomplished, just as foretold in the parable of the wheat and the tares.
In a world that often measures worth by productivity and approval, it's easy to feel like we have to work tirelessly to earn acceptance. However, as believers in Christ, we are invited to approach our kingdom work from a place of rest, knowing that we are already approved by God through Christ's finished work. We can co-labor with Him, ceasing from our own works, resting in Christ’s completed work, and live free from the fear of scrutiny, thriving in our God-given passions and callings.
