It's time again to hear the next 'secret' that will help you to
Love Your Life.
If you have not yet read the 1st Secret ; Finding Purpose and Contentment
- be sure to read last weeks post to get caught up...
What I'm sharing has largely been stirring in my own mind and heart over the past several months. I've been moved, changed, molded and I can't help but want to pass it on. Also, the practice of teaching or telling others about an idea has proven to be the best way to really impress it upon yourself as well. I'm largely reminding myself of these secrets in hopes that it will serve to keep me accountable to remember them.
Just like last week, you'll find several links sprinkled throughout this post. Consider them 'hidden treasures'. I encourage you to read through the post in full at first, and then return at a later time to browse the links.
What is it that makes superheroes so super?
It's their...
It's those amazing abilities bestowed upon them either by alien birth or mystical chain of events that sets them apart to aid in their pursuit to protecting the common good of mankind as well as defend themselves from the forces of evil, right?
Did you know that as Christians we also have access to our own set of super powers?Oh yes.
While we may not be faster than a speeding bullet or be able to leap buildings in a single bound, when we become Christians, the holy spirit immediately enters into our life and we are granted access to supernatural powers to be More Than Champions in this fallen world. ('just read Romans 8 until the end...')
These super powers are described in:
Galatians 5:22
"But the fruit of the Spirit is
"Walking by the Spirit means we are submitted to and empowered by God's Spirit and Word. Paul gives us the really good news in verses 22-23{of Galatians}, where we discover that walking by the Spirit has some positive benefits....Think back to a time when you were completely relying on God to get you through a rough patch and sensed his power sustaining you. Do you remember experiencing his peace? Have you encountered a a time when you seemed to have supernatural self control or responded with uncharacteristic gentleness to someone who was being unkind or rude? Did you easily forgive someone who had wronged you greatly and surprise yourself in the process? Chances are in those moments you were walking by the spirit."
~excerpt from "What Happened to My Life" by Danna Demetre~
Our super powers are only as limited as our connection to the power source -
Jesus.
How do we attain our powers?
Simple. By consciously setting your mind on God and his Word.
All day long.
The 2nd secret to loving your life is learning to ABIDE in Christ and thereby discover your super powers! (the fruits of the spirit)
Author, Bruce Wilkinson artfully and comprehensively teaches about John 15:4. I re-read the book at least once a year!
The fruits of the spirit also show evidence of God at work in our life;
"You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?"
~matthew 7:16~
It's also important to remember that enemy is always out to attack on the basis of our natural weakness much like the villains you find in super hero comic books.
What's your kryptonite?
What's your kryptonite?
If you find that you are lacking in any of the fruits consider any possible sin issue that may need to be addressed as well as leaning closer into the Lord and his Word.
In addition to the fruits of the spirit, we are also given Spiritual Gifts - these are more individual powers to benefit the body of believers. Amber did a great post on this just recently - do you know your spiritual gift?
It's so important to remember that Jesus is our power source. It's tempting to try, try and try again to be 'good' in our moral choices and actions, but we'll always tire working out of our own resources. We need to continually 'plug into' the power source. Often we wait until our resources are completely depleted and need to return to re-charge. Consider yourself much like an electronic device. We can rely on our own power (a limited battery life) for a time, but will only be guaranteed to function at our maximum while 'plugged in'.
Which brings us to the 3rd and final Secret to...
Next Week: Renewing the Mind!
In the meantime, be encouraged:
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power...."
~ephesians 6:10~
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
~philippians 4:13~
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
~Romans 8:37~
image credits:
love --- joy --- peace --- patience --- kindness ---goodness --- faithfulness --- gentleness --- self control
"It's tempting to try, try and try again to be 'good' in our moral choices and actions, but we'll always tire working out of our own resources.
ReplyDeleteThat's really interesting. Thanks for giving me something to think about.
Another great post Heidi! I am loving this series you are doing. I can't wait to see what next week holds.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I often forget that I have super powers!
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspirational post! I love how you said that teaching and sharing something you learned is the best way to impress it upon yourself. SO true! I've found that within this past year of blogging I have held myself more accountable than ever. When I share what I learned are a goal I'm working on, I find that I am much more excited about fulfilling them.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, you are an amazing and inspiring writer. What an amazing gift!
ReplyDelete