Tag Archives: Christian Lifestyle

Eight Keys to Spiritual Growth and Development

Posted on by yolandaberry
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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

Self–Reflection

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

Great is thy Faithfulness

Posted on by yolandaberry
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I am firmly rooted, built up, established in my faith and overflowing with gratitude. Col 2:7

A few years ago, I started a gratitude jar on New Year’s Day. It was similar to a gratitude journal. I had written one thing I was grateful for each day and penned my experience on a small piece of paper. Then, I dropped it in the jar.

Well, each day whether it was morning or night, I would add something to the jar I was grateful for. I didn’t exactly collect 365 pieces of paper by the end of the year but I did manage to fill up the jar at least three quarters of the way.

On New Year’s Eve, I dumped the jar and all the folded pieces of paper scattered across my bed. I began to read all the things that I did or went through the whole year. I had a flood of emotions of how faithful the Lord has been to me. I acknowledged the richness that life has to offer despite the challenges and difficulties. I even forgot some of the events and activities that took place such as the funny moments as well as the unexpected surprises. it gave me a fresh perspective on how to approach life and how to appreciate every moment given to us.

When you shift your perspective, it can transform your attitude. I’ve learned to appreciate the little things as much as the bigger things in my life. When you change your perspective on how you look at your life, you change your world. As the saying goes, “Gratitude is all about your attitude.”

I’m sure we all have something to be grateful for as we finish off the last quarter of this year. Hold onto your faith and keep trusting the Lord for whatever you need in this season. He is faithful.

How to Find Intimacy with God

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Silent Mediation

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Mark 11:30

The Lord desires your communion and union with him. His deepest desire is for you to have a relationship which starts with learning about his character, his commandments, covenants, promises and laws and then learning how to apply practical instruction to your life.  

You cannot build a relationship if you do not spend quality time with the Lord. He wants your undivided attention to solely focus on Him for His good pleasure and to mold and build your faith. All of your trials, obstacles, challenges and struggles are designed for His purpose to develop your patience, endurance, strength and faith in Him.

There is value in submission and obedience in God. When you enter into the presence of the Lord, you gain peace, clarity, strength and direction. Everything you need is at the foot of the cross. He is the bread of life and the wellspring of life. In the secret place, there is rest even in the midst of chaos, uncertainty and distress. Finding intimacy with God in your daily routine should be a priority.

There is a difference between spiritual rest and physical rest. The Lord can provide you rest for your soul even when you’re tired, mentally exhausted or drained. There is a blanket of peace that comforts you despite the natural emotions that you experience when you tap into the reservoir of His spirit, the outpouring of His presence delivers and restores you.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Phil 4:8

Finding intimacy with the Lord is more than an action or physically doing something. It is being present within the moment. You can connect instantly with the Lord by doing absolutely nothing. When you learn the importance of stillness, as well as stillness of the mind, you can receive instruction, healing, restoration or whatever you may need at that time. There are no rules. There are no schedules, agendas or routines. Just be. The expression of His love will touch the inner and deeper parts of you. When you’re building a relationship with the Lord, you’ll develop a stronger desire to read the Bible and please Him. He will reveal the intimate details of Jesus’ life journey through His word.

Carving Out a Sacred Space

We all need time to be alone but you might find it challenging if you’re around family, roommates or friends on a regular basis. Finding a place where you can be in solitude where you can think out loud, pray, or reflect is so helpful to connect with the Lord. It’s also a healing place where you can release negative emotions. You may prefer to go to a park, the beach or the mountains to get away. You may resort to your bathroom, den or bedroom as a sacred place. Wherever you decide to go, be sure that it’s quiet and serene.

Step into the Silence

When you incorporate Bible study into your daily routine, you will develop a sense of guidance throughout the day. Not every day will be perfect, by any means, but you will gain wisdom, knowledge and understanding to key principles you encounter in life. You will lead with integrity. It will bring new life and perspective on how to handle problems and situations, as well as protection from the attacks of the enemy. It will also bring new insight and revelation based on what you’re going through or experiencing in your current situation. The word of God is a living word that is always active and mobile. It doesn’t matter how many times you read a passage, you will gain fresh revelation at every stage or season of life.

Spill the tea with Jesus. He is your comforter and your friend.

Tea Time with Jesus

Spending quality time in prayer is time never wasted. Whether you prefer mornings or nights, it’s your preference. Communication doesn’t have to be limited to a certain time of the day. You can seek him anytime and for anything within His will or purpose for your life. Just like a good friend, prayer is a two-way conversation so listening to the voice of God is important for direction, wisdom and discernment. Its’ not just about submitting requests or petitioning the Lord to move in your situation. Jesus wants you to desire His presence on a continuous basis. It should be based on a genuine and real connection with the Lord.

When you spend regular time in prayer, you gain clarity about your issues and direction on what to do. He also heals past wounds and restores strength, peace or whatever you need at the moment. You may not feel like your prayers are being answered right away but the Lord requires us to be patient. He is building your character, strength and resilience through the storms of life. He is also testing your faith. You may not always receive what you prayed, but you can trust that the Lord will provide exactly what you need within His timing.

During prayer, the Lord may share intimate details about your present or future. He reveals the secret things hidden in divine mysteries. Jer 33:3 The Lord provides the revelation of understanding, knowledge and discernment. Living a lifestyle of prayer provides protection in every area of your life.

Mindful Moments in Your Daily Life

Your daily tasks and routines can easily become moments of reflection and prayer.

Usually when I’m doing the dishes, I tend to drift away into day to day thoughts or just simply meditate as I watch the water and soap suds dance upon the plates and utensils before I load them into the dishwasher. Over the years, I’ve shifted my perspective on how I look at daily chores and find pleasure in folding laundry, cleaning the bathroom or organizing my bedroom.

The process of cleaning and organizing provides contentment and a sense of peace. It connects me to the Lord in solitude time so I can think, reflect, pray or worship as I complete my daily tasks. This is only one example, but you can connect with the Lord while driving in your car, waiting in line at the grocery store or in traffic.

When you take the limits off on how the Lord can move in your life, you will begin to experience His voice in a new profound way. He will show up when you least expect it, and when he does, don’t blow it off as a coincidence, serendipity or pure luck. The happenstance or occurrence is divine and orchestrated. Nothing is by chance. The Lord is a God of order, precise timing and intricate detail.

Worship and Obedience Pleases God

Your body is a temple which is made for worship. A healthy diet and eating habits reflect your intimacy with the Lord. Your social and personal relationships, attitudes and behavior should be in a posture of holiness and surrender. You should set apart time for worship or fasting to purify your thoughts and actions.

Sexual lusts and desires, promiscuity and adultery has no place in the lives of a believer. You must surrender your desires to the Lord and wash away the iniquity that keeps you bound. You cannot escape these desires in your own flesh, however the Holy Spirit can purge these desires from your heart, mind and body. It’s only by the Blood of Jesus that you can walk in purity and righteousness.

But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. John 8:6-7

Finding the Beauty in Forgiveness

Surrender your pain to the Lord and release anger. Whoever you need to forgive, FORGIVE and let it go! Pray for your enemies. God is your contender. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you have to stay in a relationship once someone has shown you their true colors. You can move on without bitterness, pain or anger. Of course, it takes time to heal. Do not allow unforgiveness to steal your peace and joy. Once you learn to forgive others, you are set free from past pain. Remember mistakes can often be the best teacher so learn from them and move on.

Do not be entangled with a yoke of bondage. Gal 5:1

God is the redeemer and will make your crooked path straight. Isaiah 45:2

Seek the Lord for all things. His intentions are well-pleasing to your soul.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord for showering me with your presence. I give you all the praise and glory in my life. My heart is open to your everlasting love. I surrender my own will so you can work through me to heal and mold me according to your will. Forgive me for ________. Purge anything that is not pleasing in your sight. I’m available to be a vessel of your goodness. Help me when I’m weak and strengthen me in every encounter that I face. I pray for a hedge of protection as I come and go from my destination each day. I am blessed from the top of my head to the souls of my feet. I walk with peace under the shadow of your wings. I’m covered by the precious Blood of Jesus. Amen.

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