Change is a hard thing, but it is also a natural thing. We grow and change all the time, the problem comes in when we want to work at personal change. It is hard and often painful. But hard and painful does not equate with impossible. We have been exploring how we view ourselves, and we complete that study today. We don’t have to be what we were, and we an work at who we are trying to become. The focus of that change must be the Word of God. Sometimes in this journey we need help. That can be in the arena of accountability or in the area of discipleship. Both are valid. As we look for someone to assist us in life changes, make sure that the person is someone who loves the Lord and who is willing to firmly (albeit gently) hold our feet to the fire until the changes necessary become “second nature” We need to remember that Jesus sought out the 12, and poured out special training on them. It is no disgrace to understand that we need the help of others to do the right thing. James 5:14-15 reminds us that if we are … READ MORE

We spend so much time on the outward appearance of our bodies. We bathe them, we clothe them, and we nurture our looks so that we can make everyone think that we are good to go. We put so much value on the outward, that a person’s worth is often determined by how “beautiful” they are on the outside. However, there is an old but true saying, “beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clear to the bone!” In dependence on the Spirit of God, we must learn to strive for godly behavior. I Hollywood doesn’t teach us anything else about the lifestyles of the rich and famous it is that outward beauty does not manifest itself by inner security. Therefore we need learn to replace sinful behaviors with their biblical alternatives. 1 Timothy 4:7 reminds us to exercise ourselves toward godliness” Exercise prepares us for the challenges of life. As we understand our weakness, we need to draw upon the strength of God’s Word to gain victory. What the Spirit of god uses to most effectively transform us into the image of Christ is the Word of God as it is applied to the circumstances of life. It … READ MORE

The first step to overcoming accurate self-perceptions that are sinful is to be sure that you understand the doctrine of progressive sanctification. Progressive Sanctification is the process that involves our cooperation with the Holy Spirit that makes us more like Christ. We are told in Galatians 5:16 “Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” The word “walk” is in the present tense and is a command indicating that this is a continued regular action that we are to follow. Our problem is that we do two things that hinders this process. 1. We do not “put off” and “put on.” In other words we are so busy trying to stop a behavior, that we forget that as creatures of habit we need to establish a new habit in order to overcome the old habit that we are struggling with. When we are pushed into a corner by temptation, if we are not replacing a sinful approach with one that is godly, we will revert to what we know to do, which is to sin. “putting on the new man” (Ephesians 4:24) gives a new and godly action that will lead to victory. 2. … READ MORE