Walking in the Spirit – Maturity Levels

June 24, 2009 by Faith_Mom
Filed under Featured, Walking in the Spirit

Level One: Infancy…aka…baby Christians.

Most Christians never get past this stage. They live and walk through their natural senses and have little or no faith. They still watch and listen to things that are not good for them. They rarely read the Bible and certainly with no real dedication or consistency.

They are moved and swayed by every circumstance and have no power or authority….well, they have it, they just do not use it or apply it because they are clueless. They do not tithe. They rarely serve and still gossip and hold grudges.

Baby Christians are much like real infants. They are helpless. They offer no real contribution other than being needy. We ALL have to go through this stage.

Unfortunately, MOST Christians will remain at this stage their entire lives. It is very sad. They will never live up to the potential and true calling that God has for them.

If you are insulted by level one, you are probably one of them. Or, if you know you fall into this category, you may be thinking, “I do not want to remain here!”

Either way, you do not have to remain at this level. You can make a change and CHOOSE to grow up. How? We will get to that later…

Level Two: Adolescence…aka…childhood/teen

A few Christians graduate to level 2. Not many, but a few. These Christians either tithe regularly or at list give frequently. They have enough faith to pray when something goes wrong. They may sway though if their prayer is not answered right away.

They read their Bible semi regularly, although they find it difficult to apply many times and it can become a religious thing if they are not careful.

They serve on occasion and have spiritually matured enough to make better choices as far as what they listen to and watch. They get convicted when they gossip…they may not always submit to the conviction, however, they do have a recognition of it.

Unfortunately, they are still not completely dependent and submitted to God. So, they have many struggles and many times feel like they will never “grow up.”

Level Three: Adulthood…aka…Spiritually Mature

Very few Christians, actually not many at all, make it to this level. The sad part is this is the level that ALL Christians should be actively aiming for. Do not misunderstand, we will never be perfect here. Perfection will come when we get to be in Heaven with Daddy God.

However, spiritual maturity will not only make life here easier to bare, we will be more effective and productive in furthering the Kingdom and representing Christ properly.

Adulthood means that in your Christian walk, you have leaned not to be swayed by circumstances. You have peace, real peace. You are a consistent tither. You obey God’s Word on a regular basis. You are shedding flesh and self on a daily basis. You have an active prayer life. You hear form God. You are actively involved with your church. You do not allow yourself to participate in gossip. You are in the Word on a daily basis because you want to and cannot function without it. You are aware and active in spiritual warfare. You are completely sold out and on fire for Christ and can care less about this world or the things of it. You are an adult…spiritually mature and maturing more every day.

You will hear; “well done my good and faithful servant”, I am sure.

Now, seriously, what level are you at? Do a self check.

Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life.

I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready,

for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world? – 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

No matter what level, improvements are still needed. We have not arrived anywhere and never will while here on earth.

Practical Steps to Grow into a Spiritually Mature Christian

Develop Active Prayer Life. This requires taking the time to talk to God every day. I do not mean with a list of wants either. Talk to Him. Praise Him. Include Him in your daily life.

Read and Memorize the Word. To really know God and have a relationship with him requires reading and studying His Word. Everything we need to know about Him, life, spiritual growth and how to life here are in His Word. Read it. Study it. memorize it. Make it a priority.

Obey. The Holy Spirit will not yell at us. It is a still small voice. This world is very loud. It is a LOT easier to “hear” the world, flesh and sin. However, we all CAN hear the conviction of the Holy Spirit. We are His sheep and we hear His voice. When you get convicted, obey. Repent. Turn from it. If you continue in your sin, it will be harder to turn later. Plus, eventually, the Lord will stop telling us…He will just let us do what we want.

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. – Galatians 6:9-10

Let’s Pray;

Daddy God, thank You for Your Word and the life and wisdom that it gives. Lord, I ask that You reveal to me where I am in my Christian Walk. Help me to be all that You planned for me to be. Help me to Walk and live in the spirit. Help me to grow up and become a spiritually mature adult Christian lacking in nothing. I want a life that makes a difference and shines for You. Show me. Help me. Teach me. I love You, Daddy! In Jesus MIGHTY Name , Amen!

Your Homework

Memorize: Yet when we are among the full-grown (spiritually mature Christians who are ripe in understanding), we do impart a higher wisdom; but it is indeed not a wisdom of this present age or of this world nor of the leaders and rulers of this age, who are being brought to nothing and are doomed to pass away. - 1 Corinthians 2:6

Dig Deeper:

Study the Word Daily!

Start here….

Galatians 5
Galatians 6:1; 9-10
1 Corinthians 2:6-3:3
Romans 8:9
Ephesians 2:1
2 Chronicles 7:14
Isaiah 40:31

You might also be interested in studying our Flesh v/s Spirit series.

Tags: Devotionals, In the Word, Series Devotional, Walking in the Spirit

Walking in the Spirit – Being Led

June 4, 2009 by Faith_Mom
Filed under Walking in the Spirit

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For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. - Romans 8:14 (NLT)

Being led by the Holy Spirit means allowing Him to work in us and giving God complete control over our lives. It is allowing God to be what He is…King. In a kingdom, the people obey the King. Period.

Unfortunately, in today’s ever increasingly sin-filled culture submitting to anyone other than self is for mindless morons. I am hear to say it is just the opposite. Submitting to Daddy God does not make you a mindless moron. Quite the opposite actually, it makes you wise, filled with peace, and on a path that leads to life.

God is All Powerful. He does not need us. He could have made us mindless beings that did His bidding. However, He created us with free will and all He desires is for us to come willingly to Him. He desires to break bread with us and have friendship.

Submitting to the Holy Spirit is an act of love in worship to our Daddy God. He wants us submitted BECAUSE He loves us. It is for our protection and welfare. He knows what is best for us more than we do and He does not have any pesky flesh in the way to blind us. All He has is pure love and great plans for us.

All we need to do is WALK IN the spirit and we will live the life we were called to live.

Is it a live of no sorrow?

No. There is sin in this world and with it pain and sorrow. There is no escape from that til we get to Heaven.

Is there peace?

You bet there is. When you are a TRUE follower of the Living God, you have a peace and assurance that nothing this world has can offer…not money, not power, nothing.

Is it easy?

Heck no! Especially in this culture. Everything around us is screaming against waking with the Lord God All Mighty…Creator of all things. Walking the walk is NOT for the faint of heart!

Is it worth it?

YES!!!!! Think about what Jesus did for YOU and me! He walked more than a mile in our shoes. He faced pain and ridicule for us. He loved YOU enough to do what it took to allow us the opportunity to live eternity in Heaven…if we choose to.

I want nothing…NOTHING more than to live a life that pleases my Daddy God. At the end of my days, I want to her Him say, “Well DONE!” NOTHING in the world matters. Nothing.

But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh. - Galatians 5:16 (Amplified)

Let’s Pray;

Daddy God, help me to Walk in the Spirit. Help me to be led by the spirit. I want to live a life that pleases You. Help me to hear Your voice more. Help me to heed Your voice. Show me the areas in my life that are not good for me and give me the strength to let those areas go. I love You, Daddy and I want to learn Your Will for my life and walk in that. Thank You for Your love, help and mercy. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen!

Your Homework

Memorize: For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. – Romans 8:14 (NLT)

Dig Deeper:

Practical Applications…

Let God correct you. If you get offended by correction, that is your flesh. Next time someone corrects you, pray about it. You may learn that you need an adjustment in your thinking or actions.
Do the right thing. When you know what is right. Do it. It’s not always easy. But…right is right.
Read the Word daily. You will not know God’s will if you do not know Him. You know Him by being in consistent relationship and contact with Him. Read the Word and Pray every day.
Study Galatians chapter 5. Good stuff there.
Read our Flesh V/s Spirit Series.

Until Next Time,

Tags: Devotionals, In the Word, Series Devotional, Walking in the Spirit

Walking in the Spirit – Series Devotional

June 4, 2009 by Faith_Mom
Filed under Walking in the Spirit

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Walking in the Spirit should be a staple for every Christian’s life. Unfortunately, most Christians never leave the infant stage. It does not have to be that way!! Let’s grow up and be the powerful forces for Daddy that He designed us to be!

I believe that if we, as Christian Mothers, would live our lives for Jesus and WALK in the Spirit, we would have happier, more peaceful and victorious lives. We would also be training up our children to live the same!

Walking in the Spirit Series Devotional at a Glance:

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for all that I have learned. Help me to remember what I have learned and to walk in the Spirit every day. I love You so very much, Lord. I want my life to be a living example of Your Grace, Love, and Mercy. I want others to see Your Light shining through me. Thank You for Your Word and Your unfailing Love. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Tags: Devotionals, In the Word, Series Devotional, Walking in the Spirit

Walking in the Spirit – The Holy Spirit’s Roles

January 21, 2009 by Faith_Mom
Filed under Walking in the Spirit

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The Holy Spirit has several roles that He plays in our lives. Some of them require action by us and others are done regardless of our actions. It is important that we know them, so that we can better understand the Spirit and His ways.

The Holy Spirit’s Roles…

convict - the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin. (John 16:7-11)

baptize - we are not only to be baptized with water, but with fire. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a very powerful thing and NO believe should lack in this area. In many ways, failure to receive this power is what causes much grief in a believer’s life. ONLY the Holy Spirit leads us to a renewal and a deeper level with the Lord and an understanding that can give us. (1Corinthians 12:13, 30)

rebirth - we are “born again” through the power of the Holy Spirit. We are no creatures in Christ. The old has passed away and the new has come. We no longer have to be ruled by sin. We now have the power to overcome sin through the power of the Holy Spirit. (John 3:1-8)

fill - another job of the Holy Spirit is to FILL us with His presence. However, the only way this can happen is IF a believer ALLOWS Him to and yields to the Lord’s Will. Allowing the Spirit to control us is allowing GOD’s WILL to be our will. It means letting go of ourselves and letting God mold us into His image. This is something that is all based on our own will. The Holy Spirit cannot lead us UNLESS we allow Him to! (Ephesians 5:18)

restrain - the Holy Spirit’s presence in this world restrains evil. We think it’s bad now…we have no clue! It would be a world filled with ONLY hate, lust, sin and an overwhelming wickedness the likes of which we have never seen. There would be NO good thing. There would be every evil thing you can imagine. There would be no hope. No mercy. Only Pain. Without the presence of the Holy Spirit this world would be run by evil and NO good thing would be here. Period. (2Thessalonians 2:6-12)

indwell - he is IN us. The Holy Spirit indwells in us when we receive Him. He makes the Word fully known to us. Even David knew Him and did not want to be separated from Him! (Colossians 1:25-27, Psalm 51:10-12)

seal - we are marked for lack of a better word…sealed as owned by the Living God. We are joint heirs with Jesus Christ. This is a HUGE thing. We are God’s. NOTHING else can have us. ONLY the Holy Spirit can dwell IN us. No demon can harm us or possess us. (Ephesians 4:30)

God wants us to recognize the Third Person of the Trinity. God wants us to understand the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives. He wants us to yield to the power of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to lead us to a victorious and peace-filled life. He wants us to be FILLED with His presence.

Next time we will talk about being led by the Spirit and what that looks like.

Let’s Pray;

Daddy God, thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Thank You that You did not leave us in a world without goodness and hope. Thank You for the Power that Your Holy Spirit makes available to me. Help me to learn how to walk in the Truth if Your Word. Help me to allow the Holy Spirit to lead me down the narrow path that YOU have laid before me. Help me to recognize His presence and yield to YOUR Will. Thank You for loving me and ONLY wanting the best for me! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen!

Your Homework

Memorize: It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us. – 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (NLT)

Dig Deeper:

Study the Following Scriptures…

Psalm 51:10-12
John 3:1-8; 14:16; 16:7-11
Romans 8:38-39
1Corinthians 6:19-20; 12:13, 30
Ephesians 4:30; 5:18
Colossians 1:25-27
2Thessalonians 2:6-12
Titus 3:5

See Ya Next Time,

Tags: Devotionals, In the Word, Moms, Walking in the Spirit

Walking in the Spirit (Devotional Series – Intro)

January 14, 2009 by Faith_Mom
Filed under Walking in the Spirit

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We are beginning a new devotional series today using what the Lord has been teaching me. I believe that if we, as Christian Mothers, would live our lives for Jesus and WALK in the Spirit, we would have happier, more peaceful and victorious lives. We would also be training up our children to live the same!

Walking in the Spirit

Trinity

Note: I am not here to argue the Trinity. It is a fact. If you have an issue with this fact, take it up with God.

How can the Trinity help us walk in the Spirit?

Well, God is the Trinity. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are a package deal. They each have a function and purpose and are ONE God.

This lesson is not meant to explain HOW that is. However, just to help those who may have a hard time wrapping their minds around three being one, let me give you a few practical examples…

the platypus. this creature has the tail of a beaver, feet and bill like a duck, and venom like a snake. However, it is still a platypus. It needs ALL of it’s parts to BE a platypus.
water. it can take the forum of ice, liquid or vapor. In the end, it is still water.
woman. a woman can be a Grandmother, Mother and Daughter, all at the same time. Each with a different role, but the same person.
sandwich. You have ham, cheese and bread. When you put them all together, you have one sandwich. Each part different. However, together, they make ONE sandwich. You must put it all together for it to BE a sandwich.

We can go on and on with examples explaining the Trinity. Honestly, it requires faith and study. None of these examples REALLY explain every part of what the Trinity means. The point is, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are each unique in their purpose and function. However, one cannot be without the other. They are all ONE God as a three part unit.

OK, back to our lesson…

How can the Trinity help us walk in the Spirit?

To answer this, we must dig into the gold mine of the Word of the Living God.

The Father. He is our Abba (Daddy). He is the Will part of the Trinity. He is the Head. I guess the best way to describe the Father’s role would be, Director. We know that Jesus did the Will of the Father and nothing for Himself.

For I have come down from heaven not to do My own will and purpose but to do the will and purpose of Him Who sent Me. – John 6:38

So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I Am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. – John 8:28

The Father has all the plans. He is the one with the vision. He already has our life planned out, if we would just walk into it.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11

The Son. Jesus is the Word. The Word made flesh.He was there at the very beginning with the Father and Holy Spirit. He is the WORD.

IN THE beginning was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself^.

He was present originally with God.

All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being. – John 1:1-3

The Holy Spirit. He is the energy. He is what gives us the strength to DO the Father’s Will that we learn from the Word (Jesus).

IN THE beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

The earth was without form and an empty waste, and darkness was upon the face of the very great deep. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. – Genesis 1:1-2

Hovering or moving means to flutter, move, shake. He was the One that put the energy in Creation. He breathed life into it. Another example of How the Holy Spirit is the energizer is in Psalm 104:30. There are MANY more as well. You should do a study into this for yourself. I have also provided several Scriptures in your homework.

[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight. – Philippians 2:13

AWESOME!

I use the Amplified and KJV for most of my studies. However, for this Scripture, I also like the New Living Translation…

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. - Philippians 2:13

OK, to in closing…

The Trinity DOES help us walk in the Spirit!

The Father has a plan and purpose for our lives that requires us to do His WILL.

He tells us His Will and purpose for our lives in His WORD. We learn it by consistantly studying and reading the Word.

We are then given the ability to DO His Will that we learn through His Word by the POWER of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s Pray;

Daddy God, thank You again for Your Word and the Power to DO Your Will. I love You, Lord and I want not only to live a life that shines for you, I also want to live a powerful, victorious and SPIRIT filled life. Teach me how to Walk in the Spirit and apply what I have learned. Help me to learn Your Will through Your Word and give me the Power of take authority over all of my circumstances. Thank You Daddy. Thank You Jesus. Than You Holy Spirit. Thank You MIGHTY God! IN Jesus Name, Amen!