Eight Keys to Spiritual Growth and Development

The Lifestyle of a Believer

Spiritual growth is a journey that many people embark on at some point in their lives. It involves exploring your inner self, understanding your purpose, and connecting with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to lead you to all truth. Here are eight keys to spiritual growth that can help you on this journey.

1. Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and being aware of your thoughts, feelings,and surroundings. You become highly intuitive and sensitive to the things around you and to others emotions and the needs around you. It involves observing your thoughts without judgement, as well as accepting and releasing them. Mindfulness is essential to connecting your heart and mind with the intentions that the Lord has for your life. It leads you to a sense of inner peace and awareness, which is essential for spiritual growth.

2. Gratitude

Gratitude is the practice of being thankful for the blessings in your life, big or small. It helps you focus on the positive aspects of your life and shifts your perspective to one of abundance rather than lack. Gratitude also helps you cultivate a sense of humility and appreciation for the people and things in your life.

3. Self-Reflection

Self reflection is the practice of looking inward and examining your thoughts, feelings, emotions, actions and behavior. It helps you identify areas of your life that need improvement and to become more self aware. Self-Reflection also helps you cultivate a sense of compassion as well as set boundaries for yourself and others.

4. Connection with Nature

Nature has a way of reminding us of our place in the world and connecting us with all living things. Spending time in nature releases stress and centers your thoughts. It cultivates a sense of peace and eliminates confusion and chaos. Water is extremely calming and is of the Spirit. It is essential for life. The ocean, sea or river is life-giving and provides your being to relax and embrace the moment. Being in nature helps you appreciate the beauty and expression of God’s creation.

5. Service to others

Service to others is the practice of helping those in need and contributing to the wellbeing of others and your community. It helps you cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in your life and to connect with others on a deep level. Service to others also helps develop a sense of compassion and empathy for those who are sick, elderly or less fortunate.

6. Prayer and Meditation

Prayer and meditation are powerful practices for spiritual growth. When you a build relationship with God, daily communication is the lifeline to your spiritual process that strengthens your faith. Connecting with the Creator is a lifestyle not a religion.

7. Reading the Bible

Reading the Bible is the living word that comes to life on the page. Each time you read the scripture, you receive new insight and revelation. It builds your faith and your character in Christ. You develop a strong solid foundation that cannot be shaken by the events happening in the world. It’s life’s instruction manual to divinely guide you through the obstacles, challenges and difficulties of life. It also fills you with the power, wisdom and strength to natigate through the plots, schemes and plans of the enemy.

8. Forgivessness Sets You Free

Forgiveness is the practice of letting go of, resentment and anger which leads to bitterness towards those who wronged you. It helps you cultivate a sense of compassion and understanding for others and releases negative emotions that can hold you back. Forgiveness also helps you develop a sense of inner peace and freedom. You no longer will keep living in the past and recycling old memories but have the ability to move forward in your life. Forgiveness does not mean you have to accept the person that mistreated or abused you and keep them in your circle. Setting healthy boundaries from toxic relationships is mandatory and allows you to heal from every bad situation, experience or toxic environment.

Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey that requires patience, dedication, and application. When you walk in the fruits of the spirit which is joy, love, faithfulness, forbearance, patience, gentleness, goodness, kindness, self-control, you reflect the character of Jesus. Gal 5:22-23

It deepens your relationship with God and others. By activating mindfulness, gratitude, self-reflection, connection with nature, service to others, prayer and meditation, Bible study and forgiveness, you can deepen your spiritual walk and find greater meaning and purpose in your life.


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Bible Scriptures

Mindfulness

Be still and know that I am God. Psalms 46:10

Gratitude

Be thankful in all circumstances because this is Gods will for you who belongs to Christ Jesus. 1Thess 5:18

SelfReflection

But be doers of the Word, and not heaters only, deceiving yourselves. For anyone is a bearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. James 1:22-24

Connection with Nature

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:20

Service to others

For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward his name, in that you have ministered to the the saints, and do minister. Heb 6:10

Prayer and Meditation

Do not be anxious for anything , but with prayer and thanksgiving making your request known to God, Phil 4:6-7

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8

Let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be acceptable in your sight. Psalm 19:14

Reading the Bible

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. Rev 1:3

Forgiveness

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32

Living the Redeemed Life: Eight Powerful Ways that Activate the Blood of Christ in Your Life

That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord so that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3

As the world continues to move towards end time prophecies being fulfilled in the Bible, we will need the Blood of Jesus to cover, protect and sustain us.

The most powerful gift of living a redeemed life is having the precious Blood of Jesus. He bore our sins and transgressions, sickness and disease and by His stripes we are healed, in Jesus name.

In the last days, we will be challenged to hold onto our hope and full assurance of God’s love for us in troubled times.

In Matthew 24, Jesus states, “For many will come in my name, saying, “I am Christ,” and will deceive many. And, you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled, for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” “For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. And, there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. Matt 24:4-7

New Beginnings New Seasons New Era

Whether you are a new believer, backslider, or spirit-filled warrior for Christ, the power of the Blood of Jesus is active and always renewing, replenishing, and covering your life.

The gift of salvation provides a totally transformed life through cycles, phases, and processes of experiences to build your faith, trust and confidence in the Lord. The testing of your faith builds your character so never despise the trials or tribulations that you go through. It is building your strength, endurance and tenacity.

Who said life would be easy? In fact, living a redeemed life is even harder because we live in a fallen world. Not only are we faced with temptation but we are opposing and resisting evil every attack or agenda sent from the enemy. We are going against the grain of the world system.

You can overcome with the power of God, the Blood of Jesus and the help of the Holy Spirit.

He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me. Psalm 55:18

They overcame by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Rev 12:11

Are you not the One who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep; that made the depths of the sea a road for the redeemed to cross over? Isaiah 51:10

The act of redemption means:

1. An act of redeeming or atoning for a fault or mistake or the state of being redeemed.

2. Deliverance from sin; salvation

3. Deliverance or rescue

4. Atonement for guilt

5. Repurchase, as something sold

6. Paying off, as of a mortgage, bond or note

7. Recovery by payment, as of something pledged

8. Conversion of paper money into specie

Shake yourself from the dust, arise; Sit down, O’Jerusalem! Loose yourself from the bands of your neck,
O captive daughter of Zion!
For thus says the Lord; “You have sold yourselves for nothing, And you shall be redeemed without money.”
Isaiah 52:2-3

The wind of change is blowing upon us. A new era has begun. It will take the breath of God to transition and position the Body of Christ for the end time harvest of souls. Breathe on us, Lord. Let it be done as it was in the beginning and now of how it shall be.

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.

Eight Powerful Ways That Activates the Blood of Jesus in Your Life

1. Salvation

Jesus washes away all sin and cleanses and purifies your heart and mind while renewing your spirit. He releases all doubt, guilt, and condemnation once you accept His love, repent and confess Him as your Lord and Savior. When you believe by faith, a beautiful transformation takes place in your life. You must come to God in faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him. For he who comes to God must believe that He is, and he is a rewarded of those who diligently seek Him. Heb 11:6

Once you truly activate the power of faith and tap into His abundance of love, you will not want to live, think, act or do the the same things you use to do. You will be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Rom 12:2

You will have a heart for God. He will be your priority and your desire will be to live for Him. Whoever wants to be my disciples yet deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life, must lose it but whoever loses their life for my sake shall find it. Matt 16:24-26

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me and life I know live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain. Gal 2:20-21

You cannot continue to walk in your own power and self-righteousness. Many new converts stumble or backslide because they have a heart or mind filled with conflict from their past or don’t believe God loves them. They feel they cannot be changed because of all their past mistakes. They may still want to embrace the culture of what’s convenient and comfortable for their needs and desires.

It’s all or nothing with God. The Lord would rather you be hot or cold rather than to be lukewarm. Rev 3:16

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Rom 8:5-8

2. Sanctification

Once you begin transforming spiritually, He will set you apart for His purpose and plan. You will begin to move and speak differently. This new way of being will begin to affect how family, friends and others perceive you.

There will be a cutting away, “pruning” physically and spiritually. The Lord will begin to slice and dice all aspects of your life from the inside out. He will begin to mold and shape your character like Jesus. He will begin to remove people out of your life. The evidence of this transition will impact and disrupt your relationships and your environment. You should never be afraid of the process because God loves you and He wants the best for you so do not resist His plan for your life. Continue to walk in full assurance and faith with understanding and wisdom.

3. Redemption

Jesus rescued us from the plans of the enemy. Jesus paid our sins so we can be set free from sin and death. There was a high cost for Christ to sacrifice His life for our sins. He was persecuted, suffered death and was buried but on the third day He arose from the grave.

Can you think of anyone who would stand in the gap and die for you? Would someone catch a bullet or throw themselves under a bus for your wrongdoings or mistakes?

Jesus fully paid the price of sacrifice and not to acknowledge the cost of His redemption for our sins would be a disgrace.

4. Restoration

When you are discouraged or defeated, frustrated or exhausted, the Blood of Jesus restores hope and provides endurance for life’s journey. He restores rest to the weary and health to the sick. He restores joy in a season of grief. He will refresh and replenish your spirit. He will restore all that was lost and give you victory, if you do not give up.

To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of Joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the Spirit of heaviness. That they may be called the trees of righteousness. The planting of the Lord that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:2-3

If God is for us, who can be against us? Rom 8:31

5. Justification

Justification is an act of God, who is the righteous judge, to declare a man righteous. Although a man is a sinner and does wrong repeatedly, through a right relationship with God he is viewed as righteous in the sight of the Lord. Another words, he is exempt and all charges are dropped. Justification is not a license to actively sin and do wrong but you do not have to work for righteousness because it’s a free gift for the believer who receives Christ by faith.

The transformation through holiness in a sinner is the process of sanctification.

Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Rom 8:33

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.
What can make me whole again? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.
Songwriter: James Hammerly and Robert Lowry

6. Purification

The Blood of Jesus purifies through the gift of Holy Communion. When you repent, your sins are completely forgiven. There is no need to continuously dwell on the past or feel guilty about what you’ve done. Once you accept accountability for your behavior or actions, it’s never to late to change. It’s important to make amends or apologize to others, as well. Regardless, whether others are accepting of your apology or change, the Lord cleanse and releases your bad habits and attitudes, negative thinking or behavior and poor choices, decisions and mistakes. The cross carries the burden so you can be set free to live the life God destines for you to live.

7. Deliverance

Who the Son sets free is free indeed. John 8:36

The act of deliverance is the evidence of being set free physically, spiritually, mentally emotionally, and even psychologically.

In today’s world, there is a host of demonic activity that leads to people being in bondage. Some people are ignorant to the spiritual doors they open while others willfully seek to open these doors. You give Satan opportunity to attack your soul (mind, body, will, and emotions).

If you are a born again believer, Satan does not have the ability to attack your spirit because you are washed in the Blood of the Lamb, however occult involvement such as using Tarot cards, astrology, new age religion, theologies, and practices, witchcraft, voodoo, black magic, clairvoyants, speaking to the dead, and crystals are just some ways you can open the door to darkness.

The results of participating in these types of activities can lead to drugs and alcohol abuse, sinful lustful acts, pornography, adultery, fornication, idle words and cursing, disobedience, idolatry and false religion and worship, violence and suicide. These are some heavy examples that are the nature and results of demonic activity that leads to generational curses of depression, poverty, addiction, sickness and disease.

Lately, there has been a high level of suicides in the nation. Most people immediately think the suicide rate is linked to depression due to the current climate of violence, financial instability, isolation (due to Covid) and other factors such as devastation of loss through natural disasters.

This definitely is a factor and should not be discounted due to the mental and emotional state impacting the person, however people are quick to label depression and mental illness as the problem. They do not consider open doors of demonic activity operating in their lives. They are also quick to medicate their problems without considering their diet or working on the root of their problems. Not all cases of mental illness are psychological.

The continuous struggle in the family breakdown and in our communities, chronic sickness and financial lack and untimely death can also be results from demonic curses.

To break a curse, you must repent and renounce all activity in the Name of Jesus. It’s only by the Power of the Blood of Jesus that can break the yoke of bondage and disintegrate sin and cast out evil spirits.

8. Healing

The Blood of Jesus heals our sicknesses and diseases. He heals our emotions and state of mind. Jesus heals our wounds and binds up transgressions. Oftentimes, we listen to the voice of the world and allow them to dictate our realities of what’s possible. But God is a God of possibilities. Just like open doors of sin can lead to sickness and disease; an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, negative emotions, bitter speech or anger can lead to poor health.

Whatever’s the cause of illness, Jesus heals by faith. The woman with the issue of blood pushed her way through the crowd to touch the hem of His garment and was immediately healed of her ailment of 12 years. The miraculous healing of a blind man whose eyes was restored and the crippled man who was defeated and lied by a pool until Jesus told Him to get up and walk are all evidence of the healing power of Jesus. These stories are not myths, fables, or fairytales. They are evidence of the Bible. I’m a living witness of experiencing my father be healed of diabetes, his eyesight being restored after becoming blind in one eye after a retina detachment. I’ve also experienced my mother’s recovery from a blood bleed on the brain and recovery from a slight heart attack and stroke without any existing conditions.

There is no explanation why some people are healed and others are not but everything that happens is within God’s divine plan. To get through this life, especially as things continue to shift and change in this world, you will need the Power of the Blood of Jesus Christ to sustain you in every area of your life. Speak life over your situation and circumstances and shift the atmosphere and your environment, in the mighty Name of Jesus.

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Related Scriptures

The Blood of the Lamb

Exodus 12:13

Now the Blood shall be the sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the Blood, I will Passover you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

Rev 12:10

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of the brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

Rev 12:11

And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.

Healing by the Blood of Christ

Isaiah 53:5

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

I Peter 2:24

Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.

The Lord’s Supper | Holy Communion

Matt 26:26-28

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which was shed for many for the remissions of sins.

Additional References:

I Corth 11:23-29

Eccl 3:14-15

Heb 9:22

Eph 1:7

I John 1:7

I Corth 6:4-6

Rom 1:28-32

Rom 4:7

Heb 6:4-6

Psalm 103:12

Jer 31:34

Exodus 12:7, Exodus 12:12-13

Psalm 106:7

Lev 17:11

Heb 9:12

Matt 8:17

Exodus 12:31-36

Prov 13:22

Walking with the Lord

Every step you take, the Lord is with you whether it feels like it or not. He is there. In every setback, detour, or roadblock you face, the Lord is always working behind the scenes on your behalf.

In every victory, accomplishment, or goal achieved, the Lord manifests His glory upon your life. The Lord is calling you into a deeper relationship with Him so you can hear His voice clearly. You have to take time to step back, sit in the silence and listen.

There is beauty in the silence. There is rest in the silence. There is peace in the silence. There is instruction in the silence. There is strength in the silence.

Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up as eagles they shall run and not be weary they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable, He gives power to the weak And to those who have no might, He increases strength. Isaiah 40:28-29

Our connection with our source, Immanuel, Jehovah Ezer (the hand Our Helper) strengthens us when we are weak, comforts us when we are lonely, directs us when we are confused, protects us in danger and shields us from all attacks of the enemy. He is the Waymaker. He knows our path from the beginning to the very end.

Walk in Unity

As the Body of Christ, we are called to walk together in love and harmony. We are called to comfort each other in times of despair and grief. The challenges of life breeds conflicts of all sorts, but we’re given the tools to override and overtake the enemy by executing divine strategies and utilizing Godly wisdom led by the Holy Spirit.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all. Eph 4:4-6

Walk in Love

One of the most powerful emotions is love. The Lord provides unconditional love with never-ending mercy, grace and compassion. We cannot comprehend the magnitude of God’s love for us.

As a child of God, we are to provide the same compassion and agape love for others. When we look at the nature of a child, they model the same behavior of their parents, siblings, classmates and friends. They are influenced easily and absorb everything they are exposed to like a sponge. In result, they’re a product of their environment and therefore mirrors habits, actions, words and deeds based on their individual experiences in life.

Unfortunately, due to dysfunctional environments based in neglect, abuse or narcissistic qualities, a child may not have the proper role models to imitate. The sensitivity and innocence of a child is a reflection of how the Lord desires for us to live, work and play.

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Eph 5:1-2

Walk in Light

The darkness cannot hide in the light. As a child of God, we are to walk in light of goodness, righteousness and truth. (Eph 5:8) We are to practice the fruits of the Spirit in our daily lives which is love, joy, peace, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Unfortunately, we may not always hit the mark but we should constantly make an effort to walk according to the Spirit shining the light of Christ for the world to witness His love. Our Kingly assignment is to also expose the evil and corruption and implement change, order and justice.

Walk in Wisdom

As the world continues to change and grow darker, you’re to seek guidance, direction and understanding of the will of the Father. As a believer, you should continually seek the face of God for divine wisdom. It takes discipline and obedience to separate yourself from earthly desires, idolatry and worldly pursuits.

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise. redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Eph 5:15-16

It’s within the purging of all greed, impurities, jealousy, evil thoughts and wicked speaking and all emotional, mental or physical substances that has the ability to to shift judgements, character or lifestyle.

Everything that is poured out before the Lord will have the capacity to be filled with all spiritual abundance filling your heart with the goodness and joy of the Lord through thanksgiving and praise with adoration to the Most High.

Walk in Faith

Faith is a spiritual gift given by the Lord. All believers are given a measure of faith. We can learn to exercise out faith by tapping into the supernatural and focusing less on our natural experiences that we encounter on a daily basis.

When you develop your faith which is tested and developed under difficult conditions, situations or circumstances, you will lean on the Lord and not man for your needs. Whether it be increased strength, wisdom, courage, peace or monetary needs, you’re focused on God’s ability to provide and comfort you.

If you experience any type of doubt or fear, you’re leaning into the natural realm. When Peter walked on the water, he focused directly on Jesus but when he took his eyes off Jesus he began to sink. When you’re solely dependent on God, you will walk by faith and not by the tangible things of this world.

Walk in Authority

Our Father has given us the ability to walk over serpents and scorpions and not be harmed. When you grasp the capacity of God’s power working within you, you will experience God’s miraculous power that others may not understand. Walking in authority not only gives you power but confidence in the Lord.

Not by might, nor by power but by my spirit, saith the Lord.

Zech 4:6

There is power in your words and actions by His spirit. You have the capability to command every evil work of the enemy, situation or sin out of your life. It’s not a “name it or claim it” type of new age or prosperity gospel message. It is spiritually led by the Holy Spirit and the will of God.

Every promise in the Bible can be accessed by a believer. You have the authority to shift atmospheres, conditions, circumstances and situations through the power of the Holy Spirit according to the word and God’s purpose for your life.

As you continue communicating and connecting with Jehovah Shammah (the Lord is there), your path will be illuminated through every storm that you face.

With each step that you take, you will grow and develop spiritually exercising the fruits of the spirit and dwelling in the secret place of the Most High.

Additional Bible References

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not until your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Prov 3:5-6

I am the way, the truth will and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

My sheep hear my voice,and I know them, and they follow me. And, I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10:27-28

In Him, we move and have our being. Prov 3:5-6

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Rom 8:1

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Rom 8:5-8

For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Rom 8:24-25

But fornication and all uncleanliness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiest, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Eph 5:3-5

Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. Eph 3:13

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.Gal 5:13

You shall love your neighbor as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another. Gal 5:14-15