New Year, New Wineskins
And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.
Mark 2:22 NKJV
Wineskins were used in Biblical times to store wine and grape juice, and they were made from animal skins. Over time, the wineskins would become brittle and weak as the materials within them broke down. In the same way, a life that is not renewed in Christ can become worn out, unable to hold His life fully.
Our lives in Christ, however, are like new wineskins—fresh and ready to hold His life within us.
Many aspects are at work when we consider what a life in Christ looks like. A few to consider would be our free will to say yes to Jesus, and how our mind responds to the beginning of an inner transformation that eventually will be seen externally.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 NKJV
When we give our lives to Christ, we are choosing a new way. This choice is an act of our free will. Following Jesus requires us to think differently, and that decision shows we are accepting that He is setting us free from past choices, judgments, and more. Through His crucifixion, sin has been removed from us—purifying us and preparing us for new life. This new life cannot be placed into an old wineskin.
Think of a wineskin as old traditions and belief patterns. These patterns stem from the person we once were and the things that no longer serve us. Living from an old wineskin can pull us back into darkness and bondage, never fully feeling at peace and keeping us in a never-ending cycle—essentially never arriving at what God has planned for us on the other side of Jesus’ resurrection.
The old wineskin cannot hold a new way of thinking. When Jesus tells us we are a new creation, we begin developing a new wineskin—a new way of understanding who we are and what is waiting for us from this day into eternity.
The weaver prepares the wineskin before He pours the wine
Transformation begins within and often cannot be seen. We may feel the same on the outside, yet we are anything but the same. Saying yes to Jesus begins a spiritual movement within the heart of the one who believes by faith and steps forward, as well as within the spiritual realm.
As we continue to role model after Jesus, others begin to see an outward change. This is the Romans 12 transformation. Only a new wineskin can hold what God is doing.
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Genesis 1:27 NKJV
God is in every cell of the human body. He is the Weaver, shaping us from the inside out and keeping the wineskin intact. We can be seen as the new wine contained within the wineskin. As we take each step, He continues to provide. The uncertainties we face in life can become opportunities to see how God is reshaping and expanding the new wine within us.
Change creates space for something better. As our wineskins begin to stretch—which can be uncomfortable—we can recognize it as a sign of God’s renewal in us. This transformation leads to a new way of thinking and a deeper understanding.
The Lord gives us work to do as part of co-laboring with Him. We must continually choose, by our free will, to follow God. Jesus was the perfect example of this. He said He only sees what the Father does, and He does it (John 5:19, NKJV).
When we choose, it does not come from the mind but from the heart. It is the heart that opens and yields to the Lord’s call. The mind thinks and continually plans, but following Jesus requires a heart adjustment—an alignment that allows growth and renewal to take place. The Holy Spirit is received through a heart after God.
The mind can analyze but only the heart can receive
Jesus and His disciples were called followers of “The Way.” Today, anyone who chooses to follow Jesus is making that same choice—to walk in His way. This new life is open to guidance. Following The Way means allowing our hearts and minds to be renewed and stretched like new wineskins, so we can receive everything God desires to give us. He wants us to experience the fullness of the riches of His kingdom.
Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV
As 2025 comes to a close and 2026 begins, let the past remain where it belongs—release the old wineskins and make room for the new ones, ready to hold all that God is about to pour out.
May God Bless you
Beyond What The Eye Can See
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:45-46 NKJV
Our knowledge of Christ holds immense value. Imagine a pearl—radiant, rare, and precious. Now, consider this in a spiritual sense. What resides within us? God Himself. The truth He has written on our hearts is of immeasurable worth, yet it must be stewarded wisely. If we seek knowledge merely for personal gain, we misuse it. God’s gift is not for intellectual satisfaction but for the nourishment of our spirits.
Acquiring a pearl requires great cost, sometimes everything we possess. In Matthew 13:45-46, Jesus illustrates this concept spiritually—God has entrusted us with the knowledge of who He is and who we are in Him. To fully embrace this, we must surrender all. Following Him calls for releasing worldly attachments so that we can truly become part of His divine purpose.
Throughout life, we build belief systems, often striving to validate them. Yet, with time, we may realize much of what we held onto was shaped by worldly wisdom rather than divine truth. God’s desire is simple: that we trust in Him and allow His presence to flow through us. He invites us to seek Him with the same passion and commitment we would dedicate to something of great worth. Instead of clinging to temporary things, He calls us to invest in what is eternal—His wisdom, His truth, and His presence.
We often think, “If I could just have this, I would be content.” Yet, God reminds us that our deepest longing should be for Him. The difference between earthly and divine pursuits is that everything in this world fades, but what we gain in knowing God lasts forever. Our relationship with Him prepares us for eternity. That is why He calls for our whole hearts—He desires our complete devotion. As we let go of our fears, attachments, and misconceptions, we uncover the true essence of His presence. It is in this surrender that we experience His peace, which surpasses all understanding. Jesus declared, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” True freedom is found in releasing everything that binds us.
Life is a journey of searching, striving, and often encountering dead ends. Only in full surrender does God begin His deepest work within us. When Jesus says, “Leave everything and follow me,” He speaks beyond physical possessions—He calls us to release everything that hinders our spiritual growth. Our routines, ambitions, and ingrained beliefs can become strongholds. Whatever controls us holds power over us, but only God is meant to reign in our lives. This is the heart of the parable of the merchant and the pearl.
Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of humanity, came to fulfill a divine purpose. His life and mission are woven throughout scripture, including the profound words of John 1:14. When we accept Him and receive His forgiveness, we do not merely witness His presence—we experience Him within us. This marks the beginning of transformation, a journey that moves beyond the physical and leads to spiritual renewal.
The wisdom and power given through Christ can be misused. The apostle Paul frequently warned early believers of this. We all have access to divine power, but without discernment, we may unknowingly operate in our own strength rather than in alignment with God. This often happens when we fail to spend time in His presence. In the beginning, Adam and Eve communed with God freely. Though we may not see Him physically, He dwells within us, always accessible.
Through scripture, prayer, meditation, and seeking His voice, we can grow in our understanding of Him. The Holy Spirit prompts us in ways that surpass human reasoning, guiding us toward truth. However, we must discern whether our inclinations come from God or from our own desires. Without knowing who He is and the authority He has placed within us, we cannot fully live out His will. Paul’s words serve both as a warning and a call to walk in God’s wisdom.
When we let go, we invite a transformation within. True freedom comes when we surrender control, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and Christ to be our foundation. Ask yourself: What holds power over your life? What beliefs shape your reality? What burdens do you carry? All of these must be entrusted to God.
Do you believe that certain actions—rituals, good deeds, or personal efforts—will bring you closer to Him? Even these can become stumbling blocks if they replace true reliance on God’s grace. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Acknowledging this is the first step. However, we often fall into the mindset that we must work to earn His love. Yet, Christ freely offers mercy and grace.
The only barrier between us and God is our unwillingness to surrender. Our minds grasp for control, resisting full dependence on Him. Yet, Jesus offers a gift—free, unearned, and overflowing with life. When we truly release our fears and self-reliance, we encounter the fullness of His presence. The pearl of great price is within us—an eternal treasure waiting to be discovered. May you seek after the Lord with all your heart, and may you uncover the richness of His love and wisdom within you. May your life be a testimony of His power and grace!
Come, Holy Spirit.
For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
2 Corinthians 5:1-5 NKJV
A pearl is derived from Sanskrit, meaning “pure.” Bibletools.org
A pearl is dense variously colored and usually lustrous concretion formed of concentric layers of mother-of-pearl as an abnormal growth within the shell of some mollusks and used as a gem. One that is very choice or precious.
Prophetic Mysteries: Promises of God through the ages
So…What’s up with all the “boundary lines” mentioned in the Bible anyways?
The Bible Hub defines a boundary line as a limit put into place by God to ensure well-being.
Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so.
Genesis 1:9 NKJV
Limits have been set throughout scripture beginning in Genesis. Everything has a limit.
There are spiritual boundaries and natural boundaries.
Through Jesus, God placed the boundary lines within our heart so that we would no longer have to rely on natural law. These types of boundaries are spiritual. They are within us. As we journey through life and draw closer to God, we begin to understand more about these inner boundaries that we possess. We will also learn how we can operate as a transformed individual, being spirit-led. These boundaries are conditional, dependent on our free will and a heart aligned with God’s word. When we allow ourselves to be enticed by the mind’s eye and push beyond these limits, the boundary is breached. While consequences follow, the impact may take time to unfold, revealing shifts in our lives, paths, or seasons. Yet, we need not fear—God always provides a way back. His word assures us that we will return to Him because He is our God. Though the journey back may be challenging, it is in this process that growth takes place. We mature, learning to recognize and heed the inner voice of God—the spiritual boundary within us.
You shall not remove your neighbor’s landmark, which the men of old have set, in your inheritance which you will inherit in the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess.
Deuteronomy 19:14 NKJV
Some boundary lines are natural and are set in place by God to protect us. These include natural laws. Some are based upon culture, religion, politics and more. God established guidelines for His people, and they were not to be moved but passed down from generation to generation so that His people would continue to be faithful and remain in God’s provision.
You have set all the borders of the earth;
You have made summer and winter
Psalm 74:17 NKJV.
There is order to all that God does. As we look at creation, we see a blueprint designed to maintain and cultivate order for our best interest.
Prophetic mysteries are spiritual but can manifest in the natural realm when a boundary is breached. In Deuteronomy 19:14 (NKJV), the Prophet Moses warns against removing the boundaries that have been established over time. Unfortunately, history reveals that as time passes, cultures, people, and politics change. Individuals begin to act on their own motives, forgetting who God is and disregarding the parameters set in place to ensure the preservation of His people.
“For I am the Lord, I do not change;
Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.
Malachi 3:6 NKJV
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Hebrews 13:18 NKJV
We are called by God to be obedient and abide by His word and promises for our lives. God has never changed. Everything is in His timing and is perfect. He established a perfect life for us, yet we failed to see it. Lost in the noise of the world, we allowed our minds and egos to lead us into spiritual blindness. This struggle traces back to Eve in Genesis when she crossed the boundary, trusting the thoughts in her mind that enticed her to desire the apple. Scripture reveals that after this act, God, in His love and care, covered their nakedness and placed them outside the east gate of the garden. Though consequences followed, His actions demonstrated compassion. Creation continued, and through the lineage of Seth, Jesus the Savior came in human form—opening the door for our return to Him and setting us free.
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Psalm 91:4 NKJV
We have all been in situations where we have made decisions that have created a breach within the boundary lines that God has created for us. God is merciful and gracious and has provided atonement for our wrong doings. When we ask the Lord with a pure heart for forgiveness, He puts us back within the threshold of the Lord. The Bible says He will cover us with His feathers. He will keep us within the dividing lines of those who choose to walk with Him surrendering all to Him and those who bring offense by choose to stay behind the veil. We are called to step past the veil living eternally with God in and through us.
For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off.
Deuteronomy 30:11 NKJV
But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.
Deuteronomy 30:14 NKJV
nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”
Luke 17:21 NKJV
The Old Testament is a prophetic revelation to the New Testament. Another revelation that we can see is that God truly never changes, and He loves us so much that He continues to provide a way back to him. We can see this written in the red-letter words of Jesus Christ. Jesus says that heaven is here and now. It is within the one who chooses to trust that the boundary lines are placed within the one whose heart belongs to God. Peace is found through obedience to the call.
Can you hear the call of God?
Is it time to return to the property?
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:6 NKJV
Preparing to Receive
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 NKJV
We may claim to have prayed or even attempted it, but can we truly say that our actions aligned with the very prayers we offered? True prayer is not just spoken—it is lived.
Many of us pray when we want something to go our way or when we think we need something—though, in reality, we may not. This happens because we often confuse our wants with our needs.
We pray to our spiritual God, yet we usually seek a physical outcome—something that will make us feel better or satisfy our worldly desires. Most of the time, our prayers focus on things that benefit the flesh rather than the spirit. We look for the temporary fix rather than an eternal result.
This is much like Eve eating the apple—her mind got in the way. How often does our own mind do the same?
When we pray, do we pray for our hearts desire or our minds desire?
There are times in life when we find ourselves in predicaments and turn to prayer for a way out. But what if these dilemmas aren’t meant for us to simply escape quickly? What if, instead, they are opportunities for growth—where wisdom, discernment, maturity, and a deeper understanding of God take root?
Prayer is a powerful force that resonates in the spiritual realm. The Bible teaches that every word we speak carries weight, bringing either blessing or curse into our lives. God, who knows the depths of our hearts, hears our prayers—whether they are spoken aloud or whispered silently within.
I must ask—what are we really praying? What does the bigger picture even look like? What about eternity—can you see it? And this moment, right now—how does living in it shape the prayers that echo forever? Are we even using prayer the way it was meant to be used?
The more we immerse ourselves in God’s Word and pray without ceasing, the stronger our faith becomes. As our faith grows within us, doors begin to open, clarity emerges, and we gain a deeper understanding of our life’s purpose and plan. When we truly trust God and His program, our destiny unfolds before us.
We are Part of the Recovery!
He is able. The real question is… Are you ready? Is the timing right? Is the season ripe?
Was Abram (Abraham) fully prepared when God called him? Not entirely. No one is ever 100% ready until they take action. It’s natural to feel uncertain, especially when there’s no clear plan or destination that the mind can grasp. But as we step out in faith, God provides.
Did Abram and Sarai make mistakes? Absolutely. Fear got the best of them at times. But was God merciful? Yes, He was! Why? Because He has a plan to restore us back to Him. Despite their shortcomings, Abraham became the father of nations, and through him, God blessed all families—including us!
Take some time today to read Genesis 12 and reflect on how our lives aren’t so different from the choices Abram and Sarai faced. Step back and look at the bigger picture. Ask your mind to quiet down and let your spirit listen.
As you pray and meditate on God’s Word, allow His Spirit to speak to you. Can you see how He has a recovery plan for your life?
Finding hope in the Interruption
For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.
Romans 8:22 NKJV
Are you suffering? Let’s be honest—everyone faces suffering at some point in life.
Until we understand the meaning of salvation, we not only suffer but remain lost. God sent a Redeemer to restore us and make us whole in Him. Just as the Israelites were lost in the world, chasing their own selfish desires to find fulfillment, we too have fallen into the same pattern (Isaiah 1:1-3 NKJV).
The difference between those who found the Savior and the ones who were spiritually sick is humanity now can receive grace and mercy as a free gift in return for a life lived in and through the Lord of Hosts.
The Israelites were not only God’s chosen people, but they were also given everything they needed. Yet, they still denied God. They failed to understand that the world—along with everything and everyone in it—was only temporary. Instead, they focused on what their physical eyes could see. Does this sound familiar?
Today, the Lord has chosen to bring His Beloved Son to us in physical form. This allows us not only to read about the Son of the Living God but also to connect with His life and challenges. Through this, we are given the opportunity to make a clear choice about how we wish to live the rest of our lives.
Creation groaning refers to the natural world.
The natural world, while beautiful, cannot fully satisfy or sustain us in the way that a relationship with God can. Jesus is the Gateway, the Door and the binding agreement through which we can reconnect with God. By choosing this path, we find unity with the Father. Jesus, referred to as “the Bread of Life,” provides the spiritual nourishment and fulfillment our souls have been yearning for, enabling us to undergo an inner transformation.
And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.
Genesis 2; 2-3 NKJV
On the seventh day God rested and it was all good. Making a salvation decision to be rescued from the sin of the world is one that puts us back into the seventh day of creation. Everything was perfect. God rested which entails that all was in perfect balance and harmony. Through Christ, we too can have that perfect peace.
For us today, when we choose Christ, we begin the transformation process of being redeemed, justified, sanctified and restored. The Bible states that we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, sons and daughters of the most High in possession of the King of Kings; the Lord of Lords. There in no one higher than God. He is the ruler over every authority, and He has given us the gift to reign in the world while we are passing through. In Him through Him and in the unity with Jesus Christ we have been given power by the Holy Spirit within us to live according to the will of God for our life. Who have you chosen to rule over and with you in this life?
Sin came into the world long before we arrived and has played a central part in man’s mind. The battlefield is and always has been in the mind. Revisit the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis. It was Eve’s ‘mind’s eye,’ that drew her to the apple, captivated by how appealing it seemed. Before that, they lived fully guided by the Spirit, unaware even of their nakedness. That awareness only came after they chose to open their minds to knowing all things. Like Adam and Eve, we were created to live in close communion with God.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3: 16 NKJV
Because God so loved the world, He had a plan for creation and today we have the opportunity to take the Almighty Father up on His offer by accepting Jesus Christ as the doorway to becoming whole in God. This process is the transfiguration that we are groaning for. The seventh day was a day of completion and is still a day that we can come into. With God no one is left behind (Luke 15: 4-7 NKJV).
Perfect transformation is waiting for you. Are you ready to receive this free gift?
Learning to Live from the Inside Out
What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.
John 3:6 TLV
“If I asked you whether you live based on what you see with your physical eyes or from a deeper sense of who you are within, how would you answer?
How do you typically respond to the circumstances you face in life?
Now, imagine this: What if I told you that you can live your best life by embracing a transformation that comes from choosing to work together with God through the pathway offered by Jesus Christ?
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:6 NKJV
A life filled with deeper meaning, and purpose goes beyond what can be seen with the mind’s eye. Life is a journey filled with many processes. Every day we are faced with choices and decisions. As we grow closer in relationship with God, we can experience a profound inner change or awakening that alters our current view of life. We undergo a significant transfiguration of old patterns and behaviors upon choosing the Way. Beliefs make an exit as we arise to serve a Higher purpose. This new purpose starts with a choice that stands within the heart of man.
“For I am the Lord, I do not change;
Malachi 3:6 NKJV
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.
Genesis 2:7 NKJV
Man was brought to life through God’s breath; therefore, we carry the essence of God in us. Thus says the scripture:
for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Phillipians 2:13 NKJV
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV
And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”
2 Corinthians 6:16 NKJV
When we consciously decide to awaken, transformation begins. The choice is made clear with deciding to choose God above all. This choice requires active participation.
A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 NKJV
Embarking on this new season in life reflects what someone truly desires within. Growth is a process that leads to surrender and freedom begins through a life surrendered.
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8: 31-32 NKJV
Freedom opens the spiritual eyes and allows the revelation of who we truly are to become apparent. Only then will we know the truth and be set free!
Confessing Jesus as Lord through an act of free will begins the journey of surrender. By surrendering, we open ourselves to being led by the Spirit. Our life’s pilgrimage then becomes a continuous process of what living out the choice of salvation means within the believer.
Being born of the Spirit involves learning to live from the inside out.
May God bless you as the journey begins!
“Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV
A Gradual But Profound Transformation
Jesus came to restore our connection to our true nature—the nature God intended for us. Over time, many of us have become lost in the distractions of a materialistic world.
To find true peace, we must realign ourselves with God’s presence within us. He is the Giver of life, and through Him, we find our purpose and transformation.
This transformation begins when we choose to accept Jesus and actively engage in the work that follows the cross. It is a proactive journey that unfolds through the various seasons of life. As we shift our focus to God, recognizing that we belong to Him, we begin to change. This process is similar to a butterfly’s metamorphosis—a gradual but profound transformation.
The result is a life that reflects the beauty and purpose God designed for us.
“that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
II Timothy 3:17 NKJV
- May God Bless You
Resting in the Spirit; A Personal Experience
Be still, and know that I am God Psalm 46:10 NKJV
On September 15, 2024, I experienced a profound transformation in my life, triggered by a Sunday church sermon
I vividly remember the topic: Mary and Martha. The pastor was speaking on being present in the moment, which reminded me of a prophetic word I had received years ago from another pastor I worked for. He advised me to be more like Mary rather than Martha. So, you can imagine my thoughts when this topic resurfaced.
Let me back up a moment and share that I had not only been physically exhausted but also mentally drained. It felt as if I had nothing left to give and my mind was ready to shut down. My eyes felt heavy, not from sleep but from sheer fatigue. I realized I had allowed my thoughts to overwhelm me, keeping me on a relentless hamster wheel. I had run myself ragged. My life had become a series of demands, and I was trying to sustain myself independently. What I didn’t understand was that self-sufficiency is an illusion. God created us to rely on Him. Little did I know that on that day, I was nearing the end of my own strength, but what happened at the end of service would change everything.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NKJV
Gods breathe created the world we live in. When a baby comes out of the womb it is the first breathe––the breath of God––that brings the child into life. This divine breath enables us to function. Self-sufficiency is an illusion. I wonder how long I had been operating independently from God.
At the end of service, the Lord placed a burden upon me to speak with the pastor about the impactful sermon. As I approached the pulpit, my usual grin and bear it self-began to crack. I intended to express my gratitude and my need to reevaluate my life, but instead I found myself sobbing uncontrollably. I did not even know why. I told the pastor that I appreciated the message and that I was crying from complete exhaustion. She kindly replied, “You just need a refreshing; go over and receive prayer.” I thanked her and made my way to a couple who were ministering to others. As I waited for my turn, the tears kept flowing. I could not control them. These were not ordinary tears; they were tears of lament. They were flooding my face. I must have gone through several tissues as each one was disintegrating from the wetness, not to mention I felt a bit uncomfortable.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
James 1:17 NKJV
The husband-and-wife ministers greeted me cheerfully. They called me by name asking how they could help. All I could manage to say was “I need prayers for exhaustion. I’m so tired.” The floodgates opened further, making it hard to articulate anything else. I closed my eyes, allowing them to minister to me both physically and spiritually.
I felt my body becoming heavy, swaying back and forth as if I were about to collapse. As they continued to pray. they gently called my name and asked me to raise my hands. In that moment I was in a state of surrender, receiving prayer while trying to focus on their words. I raised my hands and suddenly, I fell back. I believe that was when I truly let go of the control, I thought I had. It all happened so quickly. Before I knew it, I was on the floor, covered up, tears streaming down my face, experiencing a peace I have never been able to achieve on my own.
To put it simply, I became completely surrendered. I was at the end of myself, and when I let go, the Spirit filled me with a bliss, I had never known. When I opened my eyes my prayer partner smiled and asked, “How do you feel?” I replied, “Like I could stay here forever.”
Eventually I got up and carried on with my day, but something within me had changed. I felt a lasting peace. Before this experience, I had been caught up in a cycle of trying to accomplish too much own. Now I was no longer trapped by the illusions of my mind. I believe the Lord was waiting on me to reach the end of myself to reveal His true nature is by filling me with His breathe, His peace.
My mind had been scattered; I struggled to complete tasks without starting new ones. I overloaded myself, setting myself up for failure. Yet, the Lord was preparing me for a life-changing experience. In trusting Him in all that I am, I began to grasp the true meaning of “Be still and know that I am God.”
I pray that my personal experience inspires and opens new doors for those in need of refreshment. May this word inspire, encourage and lift you up as you keep pushing forward.
May God Bless you!
Stay tuned for my next blog, where I will explore what it means to rest in the spirit for both the mind and the spirit. I’ll discuss saying yes to Jesus, surrendering to the workings of the Holy Spirit, and how these aspects help Christs followers align with God’s plan for our lives.
Look out for more of my journey in Resting in the Spirit Part 2.
Signification of the Death of Jesus
Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2TLV
One day, we too will be faced with death.
nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”
Luke 17:21 NKJV
The death of Jesus made a way for purification of man. Not only did His death make room for us to be made whole through the process of restoration, but the fallen nature of man needed a Redeemer to change the stasis of the world.
You will know the truth and the truth will set you free:
John 8:32 TLV
The death of Jesus brings spiritual life to the believer. Jesus died for us to be reconciled with God. His death signifies the eternal life that we can possess through purification of the forgiveness of sins. As we look at the crucifixion we can begin to look beyond the physical death while focusing on the spiritual intendment. Looking with this new lens, we begin to see what the unfolding of an individual personal relationship with God truly looks like.
Transformational power occurs when we awaken the man of who Jesus was, and is now within and through us. This occurs when we become the mind of Christ through transformation of the natural mind becoming a new expression of the Christ truth.
But first seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness , and all these things shall be added to you
Matthew 6:33 TLV
The spiritual understanding of the death of Jesus starts within. It is a process that is worked out through the seasons of life. That is why it is called a “journey.” Much of this walk takes place within the mind of man. It is the state of the mind that becomes transformed. Humanity has been in a fallen state since the beginning of time. This was not the original intentions of the Lord. When we grow in wisdom and stature through searching for the Lord in prayer, scripture and fasting, we can begin to set the mind right through the spiritual understanding of the Word of God. When recognition of this understanding begins to form within man, demonstration will come next.
After this, I will pour out my Spirit on all humanity. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions;
Joel 2:28 CJB
The transformational progress will lead to the demonstration of God’s ideas through us. This is the great “I Am” within man awakening from the slumber of the world of sleep. Our regeneration from the Cross becomes an inward journey of man. This is what is called “Stepping through the door of Salvation.” The process involves stripping the self of what the world has shown us to be true and going within to become the manifestation of God within.
“Wake up, O sleeper!
Rise from the dead,
and Messiah will shine on you.”
Ephesians 5:13TLV
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
Isaiah 60:1 TLV
Being made in the image of God, therefore the light of God shines within our hearts. We see the glory of the Father through Jesus Christ the Savior of the world. It is in Him all things were made. It is time to awake––We are the light of God!
For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of the body—though many—are one body, so also is Messiah.
1Corinthians 12:12 TLV
In the image of the Father, we take on fractals of who He is. When we awake and move through the door of Salvation we can begin to demonstrate the ways of God. The transformational power begins when we lose the will of the outward man and obtain the will of God. May His will be done!
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 NKJV