This is the third post in a series on what the Bible teaches about patience. To read the prior posts, click the respective titles below.

• How Does the Bible Define Patience?
• The Immense Patience of God

Patience: A Fruit of the Spirit

^“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 ESV

In Galatians 5:22, Paul lists patience as a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

As born-again children of God, the Holy Spirit took up permanent residence within us the moment we trusted Jesus as Savior. Since patience is a fruit of the Spirit, who lives in us, why then do many of us fail to consistently express patience in our daily lives?

The answer lies in the word, fruit.

Patience is a fruit of the Spirit, which means that it is the result, the product, the outcome of a life that is yielded to the Holy Spirit. It is an expression or an outworking of an inward transformation in the hearts of believers who are yielded to the promptings and directions of the Holy Spirit.

From a natural standpoint, patience is difficult to develop and consistently express. However, the Holy Spirit produces this fruit in those who trust and are yielded to God.

Multiple Scriptures teach us to put off our former mindsets and behaviors (the flesh) and to put on Christ (Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-10; Romans 13:14).

(If you are unfamiliar with the term “flesh,” it is used in the New Testament to refer to our natural selfish tendencies and behaviors that oppose the Spirit and the Word of God.)

In our children’s church some weeks ago, our children’s director taught the kids about the difference between yielding to the flesh versus the Spirit using three hypothetical characters.

Three Hypothetical Characters

1. Dead Darrin, who is not a believer, does not have the Holy Spirit and puts himself on the throne of his life.
2. Fleshly Frank, who, although he is a believer and has the Holy Spirit living in Him, ignores the promptings of the Holy Spirit and yields consistently to his flesh. He places himself on the throne of his life and does not bear spiritual fruit.
3. Spiritual Sam, a believer who consistently hears, believes, and obeys the Word and the direction of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is on the throne of his life, and he bears spiritual fruit.

While Dead Darrin and Fleshly Frank live on their own terms, Spiritual Sam abides in Christ and bears the fruit of the Spirit.

So, if we will bear the fruit of patience in our lives consistently, we must learn to yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit by abiding in Christ through prayer and the Word so we can discern the voice of God, trust His timing, and OBEY Him.

Expressing The Fruit of Patience in Our Lives

 ^“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 ESV

On close examination of the fruit of the Spirit, we see that they are intricately connected.

A patient person will also exhibit other fruit of the Spirit. We tend to lose patience when our self-control is weak.

According to 1 Corinthians 13:4, patience is an attribute of love. This means that we cannot fully walk in love without learning to be patient with others. Impatience and love do not mix.

It is unkind to lose our patience with others. Acting impatiently is a sign of a lack of humility and gentleness, and if we keep at it, we will ultimately lose our peace and joy.

In Ephesians 4:1-2, Paul appeals to the Ephesian Christians to express behavior and conduct that exemplifies their calling as children of God. He then goes on to list patience as one of the character traits they should display.

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:1-2

Paul makes a similar appeal to his readers in Colossians 3:12.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

Clothing Ourselves with Patience

Clothing ourselves with patience means we consciously submit to the prompts of the Holy Spirit and decide to act patiently, even when we do not feel like doing so. Just as we physically dress ourselves up in nice-looking clothes, we should, more importantly, consciously dress our hearts with the attributes of Christ by yielding to the Holy Spirit.

Of course, being patient with people who love us is much easier, especially when everything goes our way. But the Word instructs us to be patient with everyone and patiently endure evil (2 Timothy 2:24-25 ESV;1 Thessalonians 5:14). And, everyone includes those who get on our nerves, do not like us, and may even be rude to us.

Personally, some of the things that tempt me to lose my patience can be quite trivial. I do not enjoy being kept on hold for customer service. Or what about those long lines in the grocery store? Or teaching someone a task repeatedly? When I face these situations and others, I must be careful to pause and remember that I am equipped by the Holy Spirit to act in love and patience.

In emotionally charged situations, it is wise to recall that patience is an expression of strength. It is better to be a patient person than a warrior without self-control (Proverbs 16:32).

“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” Proverbs 15:18

Jesus is our perfect example. Because of His love for us, He demonstrated the ultimate level of patient endurance by sacrificing His life for us on the cross. We fix our eyes on Him and trust Him for the strength and wisdom to respond patiently to the people in our world.

Reflect

• Who do you need to be patient with?
• What situations tempt you to lose your patience?
• Have you experienced the ripple effect losing your patience can have on your life?
• What practical things can you do to show patience towards others?

Here are a few suggestions.

• Desire and pursue patience through prayer
• Stay in the Word consistently
• Listen actively and respond humbly. You must not have the last word
• Practice forgiveness
• Be encouraging
• Set realistic expectations

Prayer

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.” Romans 15:5

Footnotes

To ensure you don’t miss a post, SUBSCRIBE HERE. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

© Patience: A Fruit of the Holy Spirit. Chizobam Idahosa @Beautiful in Jesus. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified, or adapted, without the prior written consent of Chizobam Idahosa, the author, unless otherwise indicated.

The post Patience: A Fruit of the Holy Spirit appeared first on Beautiful in Jesus.

This is the second post in a series on what the Bible teaches about patience. To read the first post, click the title below.

• How Does the Bible Define Patience?

The Immense Patience of God

To say that God has been patient with me would be a colossal understatement.

I gave my life to Christ after what I typically describe as a tumultuous, chaotic teenage existence. We went to church growing up, so I had heard the gospel innumerable times. Friends and colleagues repeatedly shared the good news with me, but I willfully and knowingly remained in my sins until I was a young adult.

The Bible Clearly Reveals God as Patient

Here are a few of the many examples of God’s patience from the Bible.

From the beginning of human history, God showed patience to Adam and Eve by not annihilating them and starting all over after they sinned in Eden. He was patient in the days of Noah when sin was rampant in the world. He could have destroyed the entire human race. Still, He exercised patience by instructing Noah to build an ark to save his family (1 Peter 3:20).

God was very patient with the patriarchs, an imperfect family full of conflicts and drama that, in today’s lingo, would be described as dysfunctional.

When God revealed Himself to Moses in the wilderness, He personally identified Himself as a gracious God who is slow to anger (Exodus 34:5-7). Jonah echoed the same words, albeit with exasperation, after God forgave the people of Ninevah—a wicked city that, as far as Jonah was concerned, was undeserving of God’s mercy and patience.

 ^“He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2-3

For generations, God warned the Israelites through multiple prophets to turn from idolatry, but they persisted in their evil practices. Eventually, God used the Assyrians and Babylonians as instruments of His judgment against Israel and Judah. In His patience and mercy, He still made a way for the exiles from Judah to return to Jerusalem after 70 years in Babylon.

Patience is not only an attribute of God the Father but also of Jesus Christ.

In 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Paul recounted his testimony of Jesus’ immense patience to him. He identified himself as a former blasphemer, persecutor, violent man, and “worst of sinners” who, through God’s mercy, experienced the grace and love of Jesus Christ.

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:15-16

The Purpose of God’s Patience Toward Us

The purpose of God’s patience is for us to be saved, transformed, and enjoy eternity in His presence. But His patience does have a limit. God is rich in patience, but He is also a God of holiness and righteousness who will execute His judgment at the right time (Romans 2:4-5).

It’s not that we get on God’s last nerve and wear Him out with our actions—not at all. God loves us infinitely. He is a compassionate Father who gives us many opportunities to learn from Him and redirects our steps innumerable times along the way.

But just like a good Father does not allow His children to get away with everything, if we persist in going our own way, we will eventually bear the consequences of our actions.

God’s kindness is not intended to encourage us to sin but to draw us towards repentance—a changed heart.

^“Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” Romans 2:4

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

So, stop and think about the depth of patience God imparts to us daily. He does not punish us swiftly as we deserve, but instead, He is slow to anger and abounding in love (Numbers 14:18). He is patient with us, not wanting us to perish, but that we may all come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9).

I will be eternally grateful that I, too, share the testimony of one who has experienced Christ’s immense patience. By God’s grace, I repented, put my faith in Jesus, became born-again, and received His promised Holy Spirit.

God’s patience toward me did not end after I became born again. My friends and family may not fully comprehend me, but God sees and understands the intricacies of my soul. His patience continues to undergird and strengthen me as the Holy Spirit transforms and changes me to become more and more like Christ.

And that will be the focus of my next article—how the Holy Spirit enables us to express the fruit of patience. In the meantime….

Reflect

• In what specific incidents in your personal life have you experienced God’s patience?
• How have you responded to God’s patience towards you?
• Have you accepted His gift of eternal life?
• If not, what is holding you back?

Prayer

Father, I thank You for being compassionate, gracious, and slow to anger towards me. I am eternally grateful that You displayed Your immense patience by sending Jesus to the cross to save me from my sins. I yield my life completely to You. Mold and transform me through the power of the Holy Spirit to be Your instrument of reconciliation to draw others to Your Kingdom as I display Your love and patience to them. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Footnotes

To support this ministry, DONATE HERE.

To ensure you don’t miss a post, SUBSCRIBE HERE. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

© The Immense Patience of God Chizobam Idahosa @Beautiful in Jesus. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified, or adapted without the prior written consent of Chizobam Idahosa, the author unless otherwise indicated.

The post The Immense Patience of God appeared first on Beautiful in Jesus.

Patience

In our fast-paced, self-focused, results-oriented world, cultivating the fruit of patience safeguards us from being torn apart by the rapid currents of life.

Patience is very important in a Christian’s life. It affects every aspect of our lives—our relationship with God, ourselves, and others, as well as our overall well-being, career, and finances.

Exhibiting the fruit of patience reveals that we trust in God and have yielded ourselves to His direction and timing for our lives. Just as a farmer patiently tends to the soil, sowing seeds and nurturing them through seasons of both rain and drought, so too are we called to cultivate patience in the fields of our own lives (James 5:7-8).

As always, I do not write as someone who has graduated and holds a certificate in patience. No! I write as someone who remains under the tutelage and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and I invite you to learn with me so that we can grow and mature together in patience.

So, join me as we study what the Bible teaches about patience. This is the first in a series of multiple posts, so be sure to come back to read the rest.

How Does the Bible Define Patience?

^“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 ESV

Patience is much more than merely passing time. It is waiting on God and on His timing and direction with good temperance, even in the midst of adversity.

The Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible defines patience as the “Ability to take a great deal of punishment from evil people or circumstances without losing one’s temper, without becoming irritated and angry, or without taking vengeance. It includes the capacity to bear pain or trials without complaint, the ability to forbear under severe provocation, and the self-control which keeps one from acting rashly even though suffering opposition or adversity.” (1)

The Greek word for patience in Galatians 5:22 is makrothumia, which means patience, forbearance, and longsuffering. [Source]

Depending on the Bible version you are reading, you will find the words endurance, perseverance, and patience are used interchangeably in some verses. For example, in Hebrews 12:1, the NIV uses the word perseverance, the ESV and NLT use endurance, and the KJV uses patience.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1 NIV

The Greek word translated as perseverance by the NIV is hupomoné, which means endurance, steadfastness, a patient enduring. [Source]

Below is a word study on patience. Reflect on the listed synonyms and antonyms, as they will help you understand and grasp the meaning and practical implications of patience.

Therefore, we can see that there is tremendous power in patience. A person who exhibits patience can persevere through trials, put up with difficult people, and overcome challenges without becoming overwhelmed and falling apart.

Reflect

• Is the fruit of patience evident in your life?
• What next step would you take after understanding the importance of patience in a Christian’s life?

Prayer

Father, left on my own, I am incapable of developing and cultivating patience in my life. Please forgive me for the many times I have gone ahead of You to say and do things of my own accord. Strengthen me and help me through Your Spirit to walk in love, joy, and peace as I yield to Your timing and direction for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Join me next time as I discuss the “Immense Patience of God.”

Until next time…

Chizobam Idahosa

Reference:

1. Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Patience. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1619). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

Footnotes

To support this ministry, DONATE HERE.

To ensure you don’t miss a post, SUBSCRIBE HERE. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

© How Does the Bible Define Patience? Chizobam Idahosa @Beautiful in Jesus. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified, or adapted without the prior written consent of Chizobam Idahosa, the author, unless otherwise indicated.

The post How Does the Bible Define Patience? appeared first on Beautiful in Jesus.

My prayer for us is that as we read her article and meditate on the Scriptures, we will truly begin to live daily in the fear of the Lord and yield our entire lives to God in obedience. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Until next time…

Chizobam Idahosa

As I read through the Word of God, His Word teaches me to fear Him. It is amazing how many Scriptures talk about the fear of God. This inspired me to write about the fear of God and how the Scriptures teach us to fear Him, highlighting the benefits God bestows on those who do so.

What is the Fear of the Lord?

 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7 ESV

 

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Proverbs 9:10 ESV

Proverbs 9:10 ESV and Proverbs 1:7 ESV tell us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge.

The Hebrew word for fear in these verses is yirah, which means dread, fearfulness, terror, and reverence. (Source.)

These words describe how we ought to respond to God and His Word. We are to be in awe of God, manifesting our reverence for Him by our behavior and having a healthy fear of the consequences of disobeying God just like Noah did. When God warned Noah about God’s coming judgement, he responded in reverent fear and constructed an ark to save his family (Hebrews 11:7 ESV).

In Proverbs 1:7, the word “beginning” is the Hebrew word reshiyth, which means beginning, chief, first, choice part, and principal thing. (Source.)

Therefore, having a reverential fear of God and a dread of the consequences of disobeying Him is not only the beginning of wisdom but also the best and the principal part of knowledge. It is the very foundation of true knowledge and wisdom.

Who is Required to Fear God?

Psalm 33: 6-9, ESV tells us that every inhabitant of the earth ought to fear God because He brought creation into being by His Word. Moreover, we, His children, who have been bought by the blood of the Lamb, are commanded to fear Him. Consider these Scriptures;

“Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him have no lack!” Psalm 34:9 ESV

 

“But the LORD of hosts, Him you shall honor as holy. Let Him be your fear and let Him be your dread.” Isaiah 8:13 ESV

 

“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 ESV

 

“Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him!” Psalm 33:8 ESV

 

 Fear God: Not Man

 In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul told Timothy that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of love, power and self control.

This, at first glance, seems to contradict the instruction to “fear” God. However, the “fear” talked about by Paul refers to timidity, fearfulness, and cowardice before people when preaching the gospel of Christ and living as a Christian (see 2 Timothy 1:7-8 ESV). Therefore, we are not to fear people or circumstances but God alone. Meditate on these Scriptures;

“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Psalm 118:6 ESV

 

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; of whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 ESV

 

“Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:31 ESV

 

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28 ESV

Understanding the Fear of the Lord

“My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2: 1-5 ESV

Proverbs 2:1-5 teaches us that there is a way to handle the Word of God that will cause us to understand the fear of God. We are told to lay hold of the Word of God like we would a prized possession and then treasure it by hiding it in our hearts, seeking to know it, understand it, and apply the wisdom from the Word of God in every area of our lives. Only then will we understand the fear of the Lord because it is rooted in the knowledge of His Word and how we handle it.

Therefore, we cannot understand the fear of God if we have a casual or indifferent approach to the Word of God! If we handle the Word of God rightly in obedience to Proverbs 2:1-5, it will cause us to develop a reverential fear of God, and also, we will not disregard Scriptures that warn us about the consequences of disobedience.

The LORD is righteous (Psalm 11:7 ESV) and righteous in all His ways (Psalm 145:17 ESV). His ways are just and true (Revelation 15:3 ESV). He hates all who do evil (Psalm 5:5 ESV).

If we approach God’s Word with the intention of growing in our knowledge and understanding of Him, we will learn what pleases Him and will be empowered by His grace to live our lives to please Him while shunning everything that is evil in His sight.

This is what the fear of God looks like – God’s saints loving what He loves and detesting what He detests. Consider these Scriptures;

“By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil” Proverbs 16:6 ESV

 

“Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.” Proverbs 3:7 ESV

 

 “The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.” Proverbs 8:13 ESV

How is the Fear of the Lord Expressed?

As we grow in the knowledge, understanding, and wisdom of God, we also begin to learn what pleases God and what is detestable to Him. As we pursue doing what pleases Him and make a practice of abstaining from what He hates, the fear of God begins to manifest in our conduct. The fear of God is expressed in our behavior when we believe the Word and respond in obedience to it.

Biblical Examples

Consider Noah. He expressed his fear of God through his response to God’s warning about the coming flood. He believed God and built the ark to save his household (Hebrews 11:7 ESV).

Consider David. In 1 Samuel 26:8-11, he had the opportunity to kill Saul while Saul was sleeping. Saul and his men had come after David in the wilderness with the intention to kill him, but David rejected the counsel of Abishai to kill Saul because he knew it was wrong to take the life of a king whom God had anointed. David showed he feared God when he chose not to take Saul’s life.

Consider Joseph. Day after day, Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph to sleep with her. Despite the pressure she mounted on Joseph, he refused her because Joseph knew that not only was it wicked to sleep with his master’s wife after Potiphar had entrusted so much to his care, but also that it was a sin against God. Joseph’s fear of God was expressed in his refusal to sin against God (Genesis 39: 7-9 ESV).

Just like Noah, David, and Joseph, believers get to express their fear of God every day. For example, when in obedience to Colossians 3:9, we tell the truth, forgive one another in response to Ephesians 4:32, or abstain from sexual immorality in obedience to 1 Thessalonians 4:3, we show that we fear God. We manifest our fear of God every time we choose to turn away from evil and do what pleases Him.

Meditate on these Scriptures,

“Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.” Proverbs 3:7 ESV

 

“and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil’’ Proverbs 16:6b ESV

 

“And if you call on Him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,” 1 Peter 1:17 ESV

Fear of God Brings Great Gain

There is great gain in pursuing the fear of God and turning away from evil. Many Scriptures highlight the benefits of fearing God. God blesses those who fear Him in various ways. He grants their desires, protects them, and crowns them with long life. His steadfast love remains on them. He is a friend to those who fear Him. He is their help and their shield. The benefits are numerous. Here are just a few to meditate on:

“He grants the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cries for help and rescues them” Psalm 145:19 NLT

 

“ The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life” Proverbs 22:4 ESV

 

“ In the reverent and worshipful fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and His children shall always have a place of refuge’’ Proverbs 14:26 AMPC

 

“But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children,’’ Psalm 103:17 ESV

 

“The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.’’ Proverbs 19: 23 ESV

 

“The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear Him, and He makes known to them His covenant.” Psalm 25:14 ESV

 

“ The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” Psalm 34:7 ESV

 

“ The fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:27  NLT

 

“ The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.” Proverbs 10:27  ESV

 

 In Conclusion

Scripture clearly teaches us that to fear the LORD is to depart from evil. God requires this of us just as He required it of His people before Christ came to the earth to establish a new covenant (Psalm 34:9 ESV, Deuteronomy 10:12-13 ESV).

1 Peter 2:17 tells us to fear God. Acts 9:31 tells us that the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria increased and multiplied as they walked in the fear of the LORD and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. They left us an example; we are to follow in their steps! We learn the fear of the Lord by reading, meditating, understanding, and obeying the Word (Deuteronomy 17:19 AMPC).

God takes pleasure in those who fear Him (Psalm 147:11 ESV). Therefore, we must pursue the fear of the Lord every day (Proverbs 23:17 ESV). This is possible because under the new covenant, the LORD has given us a new heart and spirit and has placed His Holy Spirit within us, thus empowering us to obey Him! (Ezekiel 36:26-27 ESV)

“Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you to fear the LORD. What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and His ears toward their cry. The face of the LORD is against those who do evil to cut off the memory of them from the earth.” Psalm 34:11-16 ESV

Footnotes

To support this ministry, DONATE HERE.

To ensure you don’t miss a post, SUBSCRIBE HERE. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest.

© Understanding the Fear of the Lord. All Rights Reserved.

The post Understanding the Fear of the Lord appeared first on Beautiful in Jesus.

What Does it Mean to be Crucified with Christ?

As we have been drawing closer to Resurrection Sunday this year, the Scripture that has been playing and replaying in my mind are Paul’s words to the Galatian church from Galatians 2:20:

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 NIV

Crucified with Christ

On the cross, Jesus sacrificed His life in our place so that we could receive forgiveness of sins and be reconciled to God.

I am eternally grateful and thankful for Jesus’ sacrifice because without Him, I would still be held captive to sin and darkness and on my way to Hell.

Jesus gave His life up as a payment for the sins of the whole world, but His sacrifice has not been accepted by everyone (John 3:16-18, Matthew 20:28).

However, anyone who acknowledges that they are a sinner, repents, and wholeheartedly receives Jesus’ sacrifice as payment for their sins becomes born-again!

So, Paul’s words, “I have been crucified with Christ,” means that when we make Jesus’ death on the cross personally applicable, the moment we pray the sinner’s prayer, our old sinful spirit is put to death with Christ, thus receiving His sacrifice as payment for our sins.

Christ Lives in Me

Paul goes on to say, “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”

Our old sinful spirit died at the point of salvation, but we are not left with a vacuum. We receive Jesus’ life – eternal life. God gives us a new spirit created after His righteous nature and causes His Holy Spirit to take up permanent residence within our spirits. (1 Corinthians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 6:16, Galatians 4:6, Romans 8:9, Ezekiel 36:26).

Who we were before committing to Christ ceases to exist, and we receive a new life with a new identity rooted and built on the foundation of Christ Jesus.

Jesus died before He was resurrected. The same is true for us. Our old self died, and a new person in Christ is resurrected to live a life that pleases God, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

My old stubborn, rebellious, low self-esteem-ridden self no longer lives. That person died when the new and true me met Jesus.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

Living by Faith

Paul continues by saying, “The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God.”

As born-again believers, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, lives in us and is forever available to empower and help us. However, we do have a part to play in whether we consistently live in a Christlike manner.

Even though we are new creatures and Christ lives in us, we are not robots. We still have free will and the capacity to decide if we will choose to live like Christ or choose our natural selfish tendencies, referred to as the “flesh” in the New Testament.

The flesh is a mindset—a way of thinking, feeling, and behavior that opposes the Spirit and the Word of God.

As we yield to Christ through faith, we learn to say “no” to the flesh and “yes” to the Spirit so that we can reflect His glory to the world around us.

We cannot do this on our own strength or willpower but by faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, which remains effective as we stay rooted in the Word of God and prayer.

Crucifying the Flesh By Faith

By faith, we trust and believe in Jesus to help us no longer think, believe, behave, and act based on the world’s standards or our former experiences and attitudes before Christ.

By faith in Christ, we reckon ourselves dead to sin and the pull of sinful desires. We refuse to allow worldly convictions and the attitudes we indulged before Christ to rule over us.

“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:11 NIV

This means that we must surrender wholeheartedly and align ourselves and our desires with the truth of the Word. But if we constantly go against the grain of the Word, we stifle the work of Spirit.

By faith, we become free to express our new identity in Christ fully. We become willing and obedient to take up our cross daily, die to our selfishness, and follow wherever Jesus leads us (Matthew 16:24).

Embracing Perseverance as We Crucify the Flesh

By faith, we persevere because dying to self is not a one-day-and-done experience. It is a daily and sometimes moment-by-moment choice to sacrifice our needs, wants, and desires in favor of Christ. Dying to self takes time, especially in areas where we were previously conditioned to behave contrary to God’s will. Just like Jesus suffered pain as He hung on the cross, dying to self can be sacrificial and painful.

We will still face temptations, and we may need to resist for a long time. But as we consistently yield to God in the areas we are tempted, the pressure lessens until we become dead and non-reactive. Similar to how a dead man does not respond to any stimuli.

And, as we gain victory in one area, the Lord may reveal another thought pattern or attitude that we need to surrender to Him.

If we find that we do sin, it causes us great discomfort in our souls because sin no longer has mastery over us. Because we are “crucified with Christ,” we identify with Christ’s death on the cross in such a way that it profoundly impacts our lives.

Motivated by the Love of Christ

Going back to Paul’s statement in Galatians 2:20, we see that Paul was motivated by the love of Christ.

“…The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20b NIV

In context, Paul wrote this letter to the Galatian church because they were departing from faith in Christ and relying on the law for righteousness. They were losing sight of the love Jesus demonstrated by sacrificing His life on the cross.

We may or may not be tempted by legalism. But we must guard ourselves against anything that detracts us from living by faith motivated by the love of Christ displayed on the cross of Calvary.

Because Jesus died on the cross and resurrected on the third day, we must reckon ourselves as dead to sin and alive to righteousness. Sin no longer has dominion over us, so let’s resolve to stay on the side of righteousness.

Personal Experience

Personally, God is bringing this Scripture alive to me in the area of relating with difficult people. The re- re- re- repeat offenders who trip me up emotionally.

Before I gave my life to Christ, I had no qualms with cutting people off and erecting high walls of defense to protect myself.

But being crucified with Christ and living by faith in the love of Christ calls for a different approach. I can choose to continue to erect fortresses of frustration and offense, or I can choose love.

So, I bring these relationships to Christ. I ask and continue to ask for His help and power to overlook offenses, confront when necessary, and live as a peacemaker.

Questions for Reflection

• What aspects of your life from before Christ are you still holding on to?
• What attitudes or thought patterns do you need to bring to the cross for crucifixion?

Let us Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for the cross of Jesus Christ through which You have brought me from death to life.

I pray that through the Holy Spirit, the power and blessings of the cross of Jesus Christ will be evident in my life. Help me to walk by faith and yield completely to Christ even if it means suffering for Him. May I be a vessel through which the people in my world encounter Your love. In Jesus name, Amen!

10 Scriptures to Meditate on

^“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” Matthew 16:24-26 NIV

 

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” Galatians 5:24-26 NIV

 

”For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.“ Romans 6:6-7 NIV

 

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” Romans 8:12-13 NIV

 

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NIV

 

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:7-8 NIV

 

“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.” Colossians 2:9-12 NIV

 

“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:1-2 ESV

 

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Philippians 3:10-12 NIV

 

“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.” Romans 6:5 NIV

Footnotes

To support this ministry, DONATE HERE.

To ensure you don’t miss a post, SUBSCRIBE HERE. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

© What Does it Mean to be Crucified with Christ? Chizobam Idahosa @Beautiful in Jesus. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified, or adapted without the prior written consent of Chizobam Idahosa, the author, unless otherwise indicated.

The post What Does it Mean to be Crucified with Christ? appeared first on Beautiful in Jesus.

How To Receive and Enjoy God’s Rest

As a busy mother of two and a physician, I have experienced profoundly busy seasons in my life when my plate was full of tasks and obligations. Busy led to chronic sleep deprivation, fatigue, and eventually burnout. As I picked up the pieces, reset my priorities, and learned how to prioritize REST, I realized how sleep impacted our health and wellness journey. As I prioritized REST, I learned how to stop struggling and start trusting.

My coaching and consulting practice has revolved around this message, helping busy moms and their children rediscover rest. I hope you will be blessed and helped as I share what God has placed in my heart about embracing and fully entering His rest.

What is Rest?

Miriam Webster defines rest as freedom from activity or labor OR a state of motionlessness or inactivity.

God, the creator of rest, has called us to follow His example. The Bible tells us that God rested on the seventh day after His work of creation. He worked on the details of creating the earth and rested after His hard work.

 “On the seventh day, God finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.” Genesis 2:2-3 NLT

What Happens When We Rest?

1. Energy is renewed and restored.

Jesus is our role model for rest. Although His earthly ministry was tasking, He took time and encouraged His disciples to rest. In Mark 6:31, we see that the day had been so busy that neither He nor His disciples had even gotten a bite to eat.

 “Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.” Mark 6:31 NLT

Jesus recognized their need for both rest and food. There were probably still crowds of people who needed healing. He still had messages to preach and lives to touch. However, He also realized that adequate rest was an important part of His mission as He went about His Father’s business.  He encouraged the disciples to follow His example and get some much-needed quiet time. When we rest and replenish, we have the renewed energy to follow our calling without burnout.

2. We build a reserve for the journey ahead.

Elijah ran from Queen Jezebel. He was at a shallow point in his life. He was afraid, burnt out, and depressed, and he likely fell asleep from sheer exhaustion.

“Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” He looked around, and beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again.

Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” 1 Kings 19:5-7 NLT

During this time, the angel ministered to him, and he was able to renew his strength. We sometimes need to build on reserving energy for the journey ahead. You may anticipate a stressful season of life, travel, or other significant life changes. You must make rest a priority during this time.

3. We get out of our way and let God get to work.

Sometimes, our inability to rest comes from the fact that we are overburdened with the cares of this world. We are constantly worrying instead of trusting. As a result, we stay in fight/flight mode, which makes it hard to focus on what God is teaching us. When we rest or cease from our endless activities, we let go and let God.

 “Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT

4. We enjoy God’s special gift to us.

Rest is a gift from God. Many times, we see rest as a luxury and not His promise. He calls us to come boldly to His presence and receive the rest we need.

“Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].” Hebrews 4:16 AMPC

We are not coming to seek help from a mere human. We receive help from the God of the universe. When we come into His presence, we can embrace His grace. This grace shows up when we need it most. Imagine fully relying on His mercy and grace for areas where you have failed and fallen short. Being able to rely on Him rather than your limited ability. Full trust in Him allows us to rest. We can go to bed knowing He takes care of things on our behalf.

If our Father doesn’t sleep or slumber, we can be reassured that He will take care of things while we do.

“It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat, for God gives rest to his loved ones.” Psalms 127:2 NLT

How To Receive and Enjoy God’s Rest

God gives rest, but it takes faith to receive it. It takes us embracing this beautiful gift rather than feeling like we must work for it. How do we enjoy God’s rest on every side?

1. We follow His example by responding to His invitation.

We can learn from the source of rest Himself. Jesus saw that His mission on earth was so critical, yet He still needed to set time apart for rest. He welcomes us to do the same. We may feel like the world will stop moving when we rest, but it turns out life goes on!

“Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways, and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, and easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.” Matthew 11:28-30 TPT

2: Engage in prayer.

Prayer is communicating with God. Just like Jesus found rest in an intimate relationship with the Father, learn to cast your cares and commit your worries into His hands, knowing He will take care of you.

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.“ Hebrews 4:16 NLT

3: Receive God’s Rest Through His Word.

We don’t just go into the Word religiously. We approach His Word to learn His will, to draw closer and hear from Him. His Word has authority over our circumstances. When you approach the Word, pray for a deeper understanding of the Scriptures and that you will encounter the presence of the Holy Spirit.

 “Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24:45 NLT

4. Walk in gratitude.

Gratitude takes the focus off your circumstances and worries and helps you focus on God’s faithfulness.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good, and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:4-5 NIV

5. Be intentional About Entering God’s Rest.

The devil will always try to steal your rest. It is up to us to be alert and aware of these peace stealers. Avoid negative company, and limit exposure to social media, news, and other content that can deprive you of peace.

Author and Pastor Mark Buchanan said, “The rest of God is not a reward for finishing. It’s not a bonus for work well done.” When we embrace rest, we realize that it’s not about getting more done but more about getting the right things done.

Remember, without God, no rest can be enjoyed. He is the source of everything that restores and replenishes. He gives us rest that lasts. We can fully trust in Him when we embrace His rest.

“Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.” Hebrews 4:11 NIV

Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown is a sleep medicine physician passionate about helping people discover the gift of sleep as a superpower. 

Dr. Brown is a speaker, coach, educator, writer, and the founder of RestfulSleepMD. She helps busy women and their children prioritize sleep to achieve optimal health, thrive, and live to their fullest potential. 

Dr. Brown is also passionate about empowering women through her gift of encouragement. She is a frequent speaker nationally and internationally.

Connect with Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown: RestfulSleepMD | YouTube | Instagram 

Footnotes

To support this ministry, DONATE HERE.

To ensure you don’t miss a post, SUBSCRIBE HERE. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest.

© How To Receive and Enjoy God’s Rest. All Rights Reserved.

The post How to Receive and Enjoy God’s Rest appeared first on Beautiful in Jesus.

Reflections from Judges Chapter 5:

Choosing God over Self

Scripture

Read: Judges Chapter 5

Key Scripture:

“Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I, even I, will sing to the Lord; I will praise the Lord, the God of Israel, in song.” Judges 5:3

Judges Chapter 5: Observation

Judges chapters 4 and 5 are very similar as they both recount the same incidents. Chapter 4 is a historical account of what happened in Israel when the Lord led Barak and Deborah to war against Sisera, while chapter 5 is a detailed and heartfelt praise song to God for winning the battle for them.

In the Bible, Deborah is not the only woman who sang a praise song to God. Other women, including Miriam (Exod. 15:20-21), Hannah (1 Sam. 2:1-10), and Mary (Luke 1:46-55), also sang with deep gratitude to God.

Deborah and Barak begin their song by praising God for the leaders and men of Israel who willingly presented themselves for battle against Sisera (v. 2). They continue by recalling a time in Israel’s history when the Lord similarly rescued them from their enemies during the Exodus from Egypt (vv. 4-5).

Deborah reflects on the hardship and intimidation they faced until she arose as a leader in Israel. She praises God again for the leaders and volunteers who went to battle and invites others to praise God with her (vv. 6-12).

In verses 13-18, Deborah and Barak praised God for the tribes who came out to fight with them. But they also called out the tribes who refused to come out and stayed back as spectators. Specifically, in verse 23, the city of Meroz is cursed because they did not come out “to help the Lord against the mighty.”

Deborah and Barak continue by praising God for Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, who struck and crushed Sisera’s head with a tent peg, killing him instantly (vv. 24-27).

In verses 28-30, we see that Sisera was an evil man who used women as tools to fulfill his lusts. In the end, a simple woman with a household tool brought him down.

Deborah’s song ends with this powerful declaration.

“So may all your enemies perish, Lord! But may all who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.” Judges 5:31a

As we see in Judges 5, the ultimate glory for the victory went to God, not Barak, Deborah, or even Jael, who personally killed Sisera.

“Then the land had peace forty years.” Judges 5:31b

Judges Chapter 5: Application

Praising God

Just like Deborah took time to sing praises to God, let us be intentional about looking back over our lives and praising God for our victories. There’s not a time that God has failed you. It may have felt like a battle, but He sustained you, strengthened you, and made a way. Therefore, let’s be in the habit of consistently honoring God for His faithfulness and celebrating all the things He has brought us through.

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.” Psalm 105:1-2

Fulfilling our Calling

Some of the tribes remained spectators and did not come out to fight with Deborah and Barak. God wants us to be actively engaged in doing the work He has called us to do in each season of life. He does not want us to sit back and do nothing with our calling. It is a sin to know the right thing to do but choose complacency instead. We are to be doers of the Word, not hearers only (Jas 1:22).

When we don’t show up to do God’s work, the church leadership – pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc., get burdened with roles that do not belong to them. The role of leadership is “to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church” (Eph. 4:11-12 NLT). They cannot do all the work by themselves.

Jael, a simple housewife, killed a powerful and highly influential warlord with a common household item of her day – a tent peg. To obey God and step out in faith, He does not require us to be the most powerful, have the most influence, advanced training, or special skills.

God does not call all of us to the same ministry, but whatever He has placed in our hands to do, He expects us to use it diligently for His glory. He called Deborah to public ministry as a Judge and Prophetess, while Jael had a simpler life. God made us all differently and is delighted to use us all to further His kingdom agenda.

Victory Over the Enemy

“At her feet he sank, he fell; there he lay.
At her feet he sank, he fell; where he sank, there he fell—dead.” Judges 5:27

When I reflect on Sisera’s death at the hands of Jael, I am reminded that it was God who orchestrated the events from start to finish. Sisera seemed indomitable, yet he died at the hands of a woman.

The devil may throw many things our way, and sometimes we may face situations that seem impossible. It is crucial to remember that Jesus has been victorious over sin and Satan. Jesus’ last words on the cross, “It is finished,” is our testimony that our victory over Satan is perfectly perfect and completely complete (John 19:30).

We can look back on our lives and praise God for drawing us to Him, orchestrating the events that led to our salvation, and literally transferring us from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son, Jesus Christ (Col. 1:13-14). We also look ahead with hope and anticipation, knowing that Jesus will surely return to bring justice to His enemies and to rule and reign forever (Rev. 11:15-18).

So, if you feel like the devil is after you today, remind him that just like victory came to Israel when Sisera died, you already have total and complete victory over him in Christ (1 Cor.15:57; Rom.8:37). Then, surrender yourself completely to God, resist the devil, and he will surely flee!

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

• Is your heart filled with gratitude or discontent?
• Do you consistently praise God for His unwavering faithfulness to you?
• Are you a spectator, or have you fully embraced God’s call on your life?
• Are you appropriating the victory that Christ won for you?

Prayer

Lord, I am eternally grateful for Your kindness, mercy, and faithfulness toward me. Thank You for saving me and providing for me through all the seasons of my life. When my heart is tempted to slip into discontent, fill me with joy through the Holy Spirit. Help me to burst into songs of praise and gratitude to You as I recall all the ways You have shown Yourself faithful.

May love and gratitude overflow into all areas of my life so that my life reflects Your glory “like the sun when it rises in its strength” (Judg. 5:31). In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Footnotes

To ensure you don’t miss a post, SUBSCRIBE HERE. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

© Reflections from Judges Chapter 5: Praising God for Victory. Chizobam Idahosa @Beautiful in Jesus. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified, or adapted without the prior written consent of Chizobam Idahosa, the author, unless otherwise indicated.

The post Judges Chapter 5: Praising God for Victory appeared first on Beautiful in Jesus.

Jesus: A Reflection on God’s Gift of Salvation

A couple of years ago, Asheritah Cuicui introduced me to studying the names of Jesus through her devotional, “Unwrapping the Names of Jesus.” I have come to learn more about who Jesus Christ is and who I am in Him as I have spent time meditating on His many names/titles.

Each name of Jesus Christ gives us insight into His nature, character, attributes, and personality. As we get to know Him more, we can worship Him with awe and fellowship more intimately with Him.

Click on the links below to read two articles I previously wrote on the names of Jesus.

1. Reflecting on the Meaning of Immanuel: God with Us
2. Three Names of Jesus: Devotionals

This Christmas, the name that I am focusing on is…

Drum roll, please!!

JESUS

The name Jesus comes from the Hebrew name Yeshua, which means “the LORD is salvation.” [Strong’s Hebrew 3091]

The English version of Yeshua is Joshua. However, as English speakers, we refer to our Lord as Jesus, not Joshua, because we read the English translation of the New Testament, which was originally written in Greek.

Jesus is the English version of Iēsoús, which is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Yeshua (short form of Yehoshua).

Therefore, the names Jesus and Joshua are essentially the same name, as they are both derived from Yeshua. [Strong’s 2424]

Everyone Needs Jesus

When the angel of the Lord visited Joseph in a dream to tell him that Mary had become pregnant through the Holy Spirit, he said,

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NIV

The name Jesus is a direct revelation of His purpose in leaving Heaven to come to earth. Jesus came to save us from the penalty and consequences of sin and reconcile us to a peaceful relationship with God (2 Corinthians 5:18).

If you are unfamiliar with the gospel message, you may wonder why we humans need Jesus to be saved.

The Bad News

The bad news is that all of us, without exception, came into this world with a common problem— we were all born as sinners (Ephesians 2:1-3). Adam sinned against God in the beginning, and since we all descended from him, we all inherited his sinful nature (Romans 5:12;3:23).

God is infinitely holy, and sin separates us from Him. Similar to how a human Judge determines if people are guilty of their offenses and sentences them accordingly, God does not overlook our sins. The Bible states that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). In plain words, God’s verdict for sin is that those who remain in their sinful state will forever remain separated from God and spend eternity in Hell.

Now, the Good News

The gospel, aka the good news, is that although we deserved death because of our sins, God in His mercy, provided a substitute – Jesus. Jesus took our punishment, died in our place, and, in exchange, gave us His life – eternal life.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, which means that it is completely and totally unmerited. We do not become saved based on how good we are, nor do we earn eternal life because we give to the poor or come from a family that identifies as Christian.

Ephesians 2:8-9 puts it this way, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

In John 3: 16-18, Jesus Himself said that He came to save and not condemn the world. His salvation is an all-inclusive and open invitation for whoever, wherever. However, His invitation requires a response and is not to be ignored.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to SAVE the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” John 3: 16-18

Receiving God’s Gift of Salvation

Salvation is a gift available to everyone; however, only those who repent and put their faith in Jesus Christ receive, open, and enjoy the gift. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them” (John 3:36).

The gospel is the good news that shows everyone the only Way to God, and His name is Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). But, to receive salvation, everyone must at some point in their life acknowledge that they are a sinner who needs Jesus. If you are reading this and are not sure if you are saved, I invite you to pause right here and receive the best gift ever – eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord!

Romans 10:9 states, “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

You can pray in your own words or use the prayer below as a guide.

Father, I ask You to forgive me of my sins. Specifically, I repent for rejecting Jesus as my Savior. Today, I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord, and I wholeheartedly believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead to give me eternal life. I lay my life down, and I receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I commit to follow Jesus and obey Him all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Enjoying the Complete Salvation Package

It is crucial to understand that God’s gift of salvation continues to have a profound impact on our lives here on earth after we receive the forgiveness of our sins.

Being saved and becoming a child of God is a one-time experience, but appropriating and enjoying God’s gift of salvation is an ongoing process.

In Ephesians 2:10 and Titus 3:5, Paul states that it is by God’s grace and mercy that we are saved. This shows us that we are saved completely and perfectly when we place our faith in Jesus Christ. However, in 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul tells us that the message of the cross makes the power of God manifest in the lives of those who are “being saved.”

“Being saved” is in the present continuous tense, showing that Christ’s perfect salvation continues to have an ongoing impact on our lives.

To understand the full implications of salvation, it helps to do a word study on a Greek word that is used multiple times in the New Testament.

The Greek word defined as “to save” in the New Testament is sozo. Sozo is an umbrella word that encompasses salvation, healing, preservation, and deliverance (Strong’s Greek 4982).

Here are five examples of the use of sozo in the New Testament

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save (sozo) his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

“He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed (sozo) you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Mark 5:34 (The woman who had the issue of blood)

“Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured (sozo).” Luke 8:36 (the demon-possessed man restored)

Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed (sozo).” Luke 8:50 NIV (Jairus’ daughter raised from the dead.)

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved (sozo) it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18

All these references show us that the salvation Jesus provided on the cross for us is truly all-encompassing.

Chizobam Means God Saves Me

My name is Chizobam. (Just in case you haven’t read my “About Me” page.)

Chizobam is an Igbo name (from Nigeria) that means God saves me in the present continuous tense.

I grew up going to church but did not get saved until I was a young adult after surviving what I typically describe as a tumultuous and chaotic teenage existence.

At the point of my salvation, my sins were completely forgiven, and I received a brand-new life in Christ Jesus.

Because I am now saved, the power of God continues to work in my life through the Holy Spirit. God’s saving grace empowers me to live daily as a Christian and walk in obedience to God as I am continuously transformed and changed in my thinking, attitudes, mannerisms, and actions to be more and more like Christ.

Because I am saved, I can depend on God to deliver me from the mental and emotional traps that the devil positions in my path.

And because I am saved, I call on God in sickness and trust in Him as my Great Physician and Healer.

And I trust in Jesus’ complete and perfect gift of salvation for every aspect of my life until I see Him face to face and hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

In Conclusion

Salvation refers to every blessing, grace, mercy, and provision we receive through Jesus’ finished work on the cross.

God gave us the perfect gift of all time, and His name is Jesus Christ!!

If you are yet to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, this Christmas is the appointed time to receive this gift!

Footnotes

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

© Jesus: A Reflection on God’s Gift of Salvation. Chizobam Idahosa @Beautiful in Jesus. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified, or adapted without the prior written consent of Chizobam Idahosa, the author, unless otherwise indicated.

The post Jesus: A Reflection on God’s Gift of Salvation appeared first on Beautiful in Jesus.

This is the sixth devotional in a series on renewing the mind. To read the first five devotionals, click the links below.

1. Change the Way You Think
2. The Benefits of Renewing Your Mind
3. Transformation: How Does it Happen?
4. Practical Ways to Renew Your Mind
5. Breaking Down Strongholds

Spiritual Warfare: Victors, Not Victims

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:8-9

Have you ever seen a cartoon of an ostrich with its head buried in the sand? According to the popular myth (which, by the way, is not true), ostriches bury their heads to avoid predators.

1 Peter 5:8 plainly states that the devil prowls around looking for victims to devour. However, as Christians, we are not to shake in our boots or bury our heads in the proverbial sand out of fear.

The devil may have power, but his power is no match for Jesus, the Lion of Judah, and the authority we believers have through our relationship with Christ.

Spiritual warfare is our response against the devil and the tactics that he uses in his attempts to derail us from fulfilling God’s mission. It is a fight of faith, and not fear, meaning that we believe and trust what God’s Word says about us as we exercise our God-given authority over the devil (1 Timothy 6:12). As Paul puts it in Ephesians 6:10-18, we put on the full armor of God and take our confident stand against whatever the devil throws our way knowing that God’s protection is bullet-proof.

Jesus Christ purchased our freedom by His death and resurrection. God gave Jesus victory on our behalf and empowered us to live as conquerors and overcomers through the power of the Holy Spirit, who dwells permanently in us (Romans 8:37).

Our part is to stay spiritually alert through prayer and the Word (Ephesians 6:18). Just like Jesus did when tempted in the wilderness, we speak the Word and refute Satan’s lies.

We do not stay ignorant of the devil’s tactics (2 Corinthians 2:11). Instead, we should be quick to recognize that we are not fighting against people but against Satan.

We are to yield ourselves to God wholeheartedly by walking in love, avoiding strife, and maintaining peace (Ephesians 4:27). When we submit ourselves to God and resist the devil by believing and speaking the Word consistently, he flees from us (James 4:7).

Below are 10 Scriptures on spiritual warfare. You need them! So, if you are unfamiliar with the Scriptures, take time to study them and meditate on them consistently.

You can download a free PDF of the ten Scriptures below by clicking HERE.

God’s grace surrounds you.

10 Scriptures on Spiritual Warfare

“… thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

^“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

^“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Luke 10:19

“The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” 1 John 3:8

“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lam band by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Revelation 12:11

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life,and have it to the full.” John 10:10

To ensure you don’t miss a post, SUBSCRIBE HERE. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

© Spiritual Warfare. Chizobam Idahosa @Beautiful in Jesus. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified, or adapted without the prior written consent of Chizobam Idahosa, the author unless otherwise indicated.

The post 10 Scriptures on Spiritual Warfare appeared first on Beautiful in Jesus.

This is the fifth devotional in a series on renewing the mind. To read the first four devotionals, click the links below.

1. Change the Way You Think
2. The Benefits of Renewing Your Mind
3. Transformation: How Does it Happen?
4. Practical Ways to Renew Your Mind

Breaking Down Strongholds

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

A stronghold in the mind is an area of resistance in our thinking that goes against the Word of God and His plans for us.

The Bible makes it clear that Satan is a liar (John 8:44). Therefore, when we believe his lies about who God is and who we are, we end up with fortified strongholds or thought patterns that keep us in bondage.

We eventually move in the direction of our dominant thoughts. So, if we do not counteract the lies with the truth of God’s Word, we will not enjoy the blessings God has already gifted us, and we will not live our lives to our full potential in Christ.

Is there an area of your life that is resisting change?

Perhaps you may struggle with low self-esteem, pride, anger, anxiety, or an addiction. Or you may be confused and doubting God’s Word because you opened your mind to the ideologies and reasonings of this world. There is hope!! Paul instructs us in 2 Corinthians 10:5 to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Simply put, we must pay attention to what we are thinking. God’s Word is truth (John 17:17; Psalm 119:160). When we recognize an attitude or thought pattern that goes against the Word, we should go to God in prayer and ask for His help. Then, we replace the lies with the truth of Scripture – we align our thoughts with Christ.

Typically, it takes a long time for a negative thought pattern to fully develop into an attitude. Therefore, we must patiently stay in the Word and allow it to transform and change us.

Below are 10 Scriptures on renewing the mind and breaking down strongholds I previously saved on my Notes App. If you are unfamiliar with the Scriptures, I encourage you to study them and meditate on them consistently.

You can download a PDF copy of the ten Scriptures below by clicking HERE.

Grace and peace be multiplied to you.

10 Scriptures on Breaking Down Strongholds and Renewing the Mind

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 NIV

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV

“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2 NIV

“for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16 NIV

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2 NIV

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” 1 Peter 1:13 NIV

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NIV

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV

“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 NIV

“My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:20-23 NIV

To ensure you don’t miss a post, SUBSCRIBE HERE. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

© Breaking Down Strongholds. Chizobam Idahosa @Beautiful in Jesus. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified, or adapted without the prior written consent of Chizobam Idahosa, the author unless otherwise indicated.

The post 10 Scriptures on Breaking Down Strongholds appeared first on Beautiful in Jesus.