Willingness to Change Through Jesus

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Change is an inevitable part of life, but embracing it can be challenging, especially when we face uncertainty. However, as Christians, we are called to view change not as something to fear, but as an opportunity for growth through Jesus Christ. The willingness to change reflects our faith and trust in God’s plan for our lives, helping us to become more like Christ in our journey.

Willingness To Change Through Jesus

Biblical View on Change

The Bible is filled with stories of transformation, from the conversion of Saul to Paul to the renewal of our minds in Christ. Change is not only expected in the Christian life but is also necessary for spiritual growth. The scriptures highlight the importance of allowing God to transform us, renewing our minds to align with His will.

One of the most profound examples of change in the Bible is found in the story of Saul, who became Paul. Saul was a man who persecuted Christians, but through a divine encounter with Jesus, he was transformed into Paul, one of the most influential apostles in Christian history. This story illustrates how radical and life-altering change can be when we allow God to work in our lives.

In Romans 12:2, we are encouraged to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This transformation is not merely a change in behavior but a fundamental shift in how we think and perceive the world. It’s about aligning our thoughts with God’s truth and allowing His word to guide our decisions and actions. The process of renewing our minds is ongoing, requiring a daily commitment to live according to God’s will.

Christian Growth and Transformation

Christian growth is deeply connected to our willingness to be transformed by Jesus. As we walk with Christ, we are called to shed our old selves and embrace a new identity in Him. This transformation is a continuous process that requires us to be open to God’s leading and our willingness to change our ways, attitudes, and behaviors.

The process of Christian transformation involves both internal and external change. Internally, we must allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, changing our hearts and minds. This internal transformation is reflected in our external actions—how we treat others, how we handle challenges, and how we live out our faith in everyday life.

Ephesians 4:22-24 instructs us to “put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” This passage highlights the need for intentionality in our transformation. We must actively choose to let go of old habits and embrace the new life that God offers us through Jesus.

Embracing Change with Faith

Embracing change with faith means trusting that God’s plans are better than our own. It requires us to surrender our fears and uncertainties to Him, knowing that He is in control. Through faith, we can approach change with confidence, knowing that each step we take brings us closer to fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives.

Change can be daunting, especially when it involves stepping into the unknown. However, when we approach change with faith, we acknowledge that God is guiding our steps. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse encourages us to trust in God’s wisdom rather than relying on our limited understanding.

 

Faith allows us to embrace change not as something to be feared but as an opportunity to grow closer to God. When we trust in His plan, we can find peace and assurance even in the midst of uncertainty.

 

Want to experience deeper joy in your life? Download the Playbook for Level 5 Friendship today.

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What Does It Mean To Rejoice In The Lord?

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Rejoicing in the Lord is a powerful and transformative concept within the Christian faith. But what does it truly mean to rejoice in the Lord? How can this act of joy shape our lives, especially in times of difficulty?

To rejoice in the Lord is to find your deepest sense of joy and contentment in God, irrespective of external circumstances. It means celebrating God’s goodness, faithfulness, and love, even when life’s challenges weigh heavily on us. This type of joy is not dependent on our situation but is rooted in the eternal and unchanging nature of God. By rejoicing in the Lord, we anchor our hearts in the assurance that God is in control, and that His plans for us are good, even when we can’t see the full picture. This joy is an expression of our trust in God’s sovereignty and a reflection of our hope in His promises.

What Does It Mean To Rejoice In The Lord?

Understanding Joy in Christ

Joy in Christ is not just an emotion; it’s a deep, abiding sense of peace and fulfillment that comes from knowing and trusting in God. Unlike worldly happiness, which is often tied to external circumstances, the joy found in Christ is rooted in the unchanging nature of God’s love and promises. This joy persists even in the face of trials and tribulations because it is grounded in the assurance that God is in control.

Biblical Perspective on Rejoicing

The Bible repeatedly calls believers to rejoice in the Lord, with Philippians 4:4 being one of the most cited verses: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” This command is not about ignoring life’s hardships or forcing a smile when we’re hurting. Instead, it’s an invitation to shift our focus from our problems to God’s greatness. Rejoicing in the Lord is an act of faith, acknowledging that God’s goodness and sovereignty outweigh any of life’s challenges.

Understanding Christian Joy

Christian joy is an expression of faith. It’s the result of trusting God’s plan, even when life doesn’t go as expected. By rejoicing in the Lord, we not only honor Him but also fortify our hearts against despair. This joy is a testament to our confidence in God’s eternal plan and His unchanging love. It’s about letting go of control and allowing God to fill our hearts with His peace.

Practical Ways to Rejoice in the Lord

  1. Daily Prayer and Thanksgiving: Begin each day by thanking God for His blessings. This practice shifts your focus from what you lack to the abundance of God’s grace. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
  2. Meditate on Scripture: Reflect on Bible verses that emphasize God’s promises and faithfulness. This will reinforce your trust in Him and fill your heart with joy. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
  3. Worship Regularly: Engage in worship, both individually and in community. Worship is a powerful way to connect with God and express your joy in Him.
  4. Share Your Joy: Talk about your faith with others. Sharing the joy you find in Christ can inspire and uplift those around you.

Rejoicing in the Lord is not just a command; it’s a pathway to spiritual strength and peace. By embracing this joy, we align our hearts with God’s will, finding contentment and hope in His promises. Let us strive to rejoice in the Lord always, allowing His joy to fill our lives and transform our hearts.

Want to experience deeper joy in your life? Check out my book that’s designed to help you rejoice in the Lord every day.

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How to Practice Discernment

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Have you ever felt like you’re left out in the dark with no idea of how to respond to a difficult choice or a confusing situation? I know I have. It could be a tough spot in a relationship or a fork in your path that requires understanding God’s calling for your life. Without a clear direction, it’s easy to fall into worry. But take heart. It might feel like a setback, but it’s really an opportunity to rely on God and practice discernment. 

The kind of discernment I’m talking about is not just the ability to judge well. I’m talking about the way followers of Jesus can seek God’s direction to make decisions that align with His will, rather than relying solely on our own understanding. It’s what the Bible tells us to do. As James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

How to Practice Spiritual Discernment

1. Pray for guidance

Ask God to give you wisdom, peace and patience to discern His will—not just for an answer to your question when you pray. Seeing the need to practice discernment is also an important reminder that we’re always meant to receive direction and purpose from God and surrender our lives to His will—not just when a tough situation comes up.

2. Reflect on God’s Word

The Bible is God’s Word, meant for instructing our lives. As Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Spend time reading the scriptures that relate to your question and ask God to help you apply them correctly.

3. Seek Godly counsel

Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Talk with trusted, spiritually mature friends, mentors or leaders. It’s a crucial step for adding perspectives you might not have considered, helping you weigh your options in light of God’s wisdom.

4. Listen to the Holy Spirit

Take time to quiet your mind and be still before God. The Holy Spirit can guide your decision by leading you to a sense of peace or giving you a gentle nudge in a certain direction.

5. Honestly examine your motives

Are you seeking to align with God’s will or pursuing your own desires? As the story of Jonah tells us, sometimes we don’t listen to God simply because we foolishly disagree with His answer.

6. Wait on the Lord

Sometimes, discernment requires patience. Psalm 27:14 advises, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Rushing into a decision can lead to mistakes (just ask King Saul!). Trust that God’s timing is perfect and be willing to wait until you have clarity and peace. 

Why is Knowing How to Practice Spiritual Discernment So Important?

“To err is human.” Human judgment is just a narrow sliver of experience and is biased by all kinds of selfish motives we might not even be aware of. But God has always existed and knows everything and wants only the best for us. He guides us away from the things we think we want or need, because he knows better. Sometimes, the full story behind his will eludes us. That’s why we have to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Plus, discernment protects us from being led astray by false teachings or temptations. 1 John 4:1 tells us, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” There are so many conflicting voices out there, discernment helps us stay grounded in our faith and aligned with God’s truth.

 

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10 Questions that Foster Spiritual Growth

Deep down, every guy who follows Jesus wants to have meaningful conversations with their friends that bring up the spiritual aspects of our lives. But it can be hard to work past some of the defenses we put up as men. We don’t want to appear vulnerable or that we don’t know something. Over the years of helping guys strengthen their relationship with God, I’ve found that spiritual questions can also be practical and straightforward. These are the best entries into deep conversations that inspire real reflection and catalyze spiritual growth.

Before I get into specific spiritual questions to ask a guy, I want to note that the best ones are open-ended, meaning you’re not expecting a certain answer. They can take it anywhere they like, which helps you get to know them and their spiritual journeys.

10 Questions Spiritual Growth

1. Who is the first person who told you about God?

This is a great question to start with because it gets the ball rolling with a question that’s easy to answer, like “Mom,” “Dad,” or “my school friend.” But it’s something that many people don’t think of too often. It can also be helpful for someone with father wounds to start to detach his mom or dad’s version of God from who He really is. 

2. What does your spiritual journey look like?

Everyone has a unique journey to God. Each guy’s story gives you the context for his spiritual growth, whether it touches on childhood experiences, rock bottoms or other pivotal moments that made them reach out to God. It’s also a great chance to learn from his struggles, triumphs and the lessons he’s had along the way.

3. Do you think God has revealed your calling to you yet?

This is a great way to get guys thinking about God’s will for their life, as well as our greater sense of purpose. Plus, it allows you to learn about their passions, goals and dreams, giving you the opportunity to give them insight into ways they can use them to glorify God. We learn these things through asking questions for spiritual growth.

4. Is there anything you feel is blocking your spiritual growth?

Dealing with an apparent obstacle in someone’s spiritual journey can lead to the most transformational experiences. It could be something the guy wants to get off his chest or something that’s confusing him. Whatever it is, talking it out can help everyone in the conversation find new ways to grow spiritually.

5. What do you do consistently that helps you stay close to God?

Habits are the unsung heroes of a spiritual journey. Whether it’s prayer, scripture, worship, or little reminders, sharing these practices can inspire all parties to maintain their discipline and improve their spiritual growth.

6. How are you growing spiritually in your work or daily life?

It can be hard to conceptualize our spiritual growth in our everyday lives. This is a great invitation to see every aspect of life as an opportunity to get closer to God. 

7. Do you feel the presence of God in your life?

Feeling God’s presence is a profound experience. This question can help a guy gauge his awareness of God’s closeness or remind him of moments when he’s felt particularly connected to God, which can help him keep going faithfully if He hasn’t felt God’s presence lately. 

8. What is your prayer life like?

God wants us to communicate with Him as openly and often as possible. Whether the guy you’re talking to has a prayer routine or more spontaneous conversations with God, understanding his approach can deepen the conversation about connecting with God.

9. How do you think God feels about you?

It’s an important reminder of how God really feels about us, as well as His grace and forgiveness. It can be a powerful moment to affirm God’s unconditional love and challenge any misconceptions he might hold.

10. Why do you think that is?

This can be a compelling way to follow up on any one of the questions above, inviting guys to dig into what they really think. It encourages deeper reflection and can help us put things together we’ve never realized before. This can lead to healing conversations and a more profound understanding of our relationship with God.

These questions for spiritual growth provide a framework for exploring faith in a way that’s both insightful and supportive. By creating an open and honest dialogue, we can help each other grow closer to God and strengthen our spiritual journeys. Don’t shy away from these conversations. They have the power to transform lives and deepen your connection with your friends!

 

Ready to have these meaningful conversations? Download the Playbook for Level 5 Friendship now.

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How to Build Friendships that Last

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No man is an island. No guy can go it alone no matter how strong and independent he feels. God created all humans in His image to be relational beings, designed to seek and nurture connection with others. The Bible teaches us about all the different relationships in our lives. It tells us to honor our parents, form a union with our wives, and to build lasting friendships.

As Proverbs 27:9 says, “A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” But the Bible doesn’t just affirm its importance, it also teaches us how to build friendships that last.

6 Biblical Ways to Build Lasting Friendships

1. Be open, honest, and authentic

A friendship can only get off the ground if both parties can be open and honest with each other. For one, you must be vulnerable to let someone get to know you—like really know you. Plus, if your friend is always honest with you, you can trust them and their words. Even if it hurts your feelings, you know it’s said out of genuine care for you. That means you’re being authentic with each other, especially when it would be easier to avoid confrontation. As Proverbs 27:5-6 so poetically puts it, “Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”

2. Invest time and effort

Much like training in the gym, consistency helps the friendship grow stronger—making time for each other out of our busy lives is crucial. Check in regularly, even if it’s just a text, have a weekly activity, and celebrate each other. As I always say, go through life together. Proverbs 18:24 tells us, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

3. Hold your friendship to a higher standard of kindness

We guys can be a bit rough on each other. Sometimes, we accidentally let our competitiveness or jealousy come out under the guise of joking. Sometimes, we choose ourselves over our friends and miss opportunities to be kind. It can happen casually and go without notice. But God is extremely serious about the true standard of friendship. The Bible tells us, “Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” What’s a good, practical way to start cultivating empathy and kindness today? Listen actively, giving your full attention to your friend, so they feel supported and you find opportunities to help them.

4. Build each other up with praise and gratitude

1 Thessalonians 5 offers wonderful, straightforward wisdom about creating strong bonds in a community, instructing us to build each other up with encouragement and acknowledgment. It’s a great blueprint for strengthening friendships, too. Everyone wants to know someone is on their side and be acknowledged when they’ve worked hard. Compliment your friend’s efforts, celebrate their successes, and express your gratitude for their presence in your life. Simple acts of recognition can significantly deepen your bond.

5. Forgive your friends

No friendship is without its bumps in the road. Disagreements, misunderstandings, and hurt feelings are inevitable. But holding onto grudges can poison the relationship. Ephesians 4:32 teaches us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” True, lasting friendship recognizes that no one is perfect and extends the grace God has given us to our friends, allowing us to move past conflicts while strengthening the relationship.

6. Study the example of Jesus’ friendship together 

Jesus is the ultimate model of perfect friendship. He showed unconditional love, loyalty, and sacrifice for His friends. In John 15:13, Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” By studying the life and actions of Jesus, friends can learn how to support, encourage, and love each other better. Spend time together in prayer and Bible study, seeking to understand and emulate Jesus’ approach to friendship. This spiritual growth together will deepen your bond and align your friendship with God’s teachings.

Building lasting friendships is a journey that requires the kind of commitment, honesty and a deep sense of kindness and forgiveness showcased by Jesus’ example and God’s Word. By following it and receiving blessings from God, we can cultivate friendships that not only stand the test of time but also refresh and enrich our souls. So, let’s take these steps together, investing in our friendships with the same love and dedication that God has shown us.

 

Want to get started today? Download the Playbook for Level 5 Friendship now. 

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