Flow Gods Love To Others

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

Flow God’s Love Through You To Others

Introduction

God never intended His love to stop with us.

One of the great dangers of the Christian life is becoming focused exclusively on our own growth, healing, blessings, knowledge, or spiritual experiences. While these things are important, they are not the final destination. They are preparation for something greater.

God’s love is designed to flow.

It flows from God to us as we hear His voice and receive His love. It transforms us from the inside out as He renews our hearts and minds. Then it flows through us to others as we participate in His work and help advance His Kingdom.

This outward flow is one of God’s primary methods for drawing people toward Himself. Truth reveals the path, but love motivates people to walk it. As people encounter God’s love expressed through His followers, they gain a glimpse of His character, His goodness, and His desire for relationship with them.

Jesus modeled this perfectly throughout His earthly ministry. He saw people through His Father’s eyes. He served them with compassion and sacrifice. He faithfully represented His Father’s character, truth, and purposes. He then called His followers to do the same.

Flowing God’s love can be understood through three simple actions:

See Others As God Sees Them → Serve Others In Love → Represent Christ To The World

These three actions build upon one another.

When we begin to see people through God’s eyes, compassion grows in our hearts. Compassion motivates us to serve. As we serve, people experience God’s love in practical ways. Through our words, actions, character, and testimony, we then have opportunities to represent Christ and help others follow Him.

This article provides an overview of these three aspects of flowing God’s love. Each section introduces key principles, common barriers, and biblical truths that help restore God’s intended flow. Additional articles and Bible studies explore each topic in greater depth.

My prayer is that God will help you see people as He sees them, love them as He loves them, serve them as Jesus served, and represent Christ well so that others may experience His love and be drawn closer to Him.

What?

Flowing God’s love is the outward expression of God’s work within us.

As we hear God’s voice, receive His love, and allow Him to transform us, His love naturally begins to flow through us to others.

Jesus demonstrated this throughout His ministry and calls us to do the same.

In this article, we explore three practical ways God’s love flows through us:

Love Others

Learn to see others as God sees them so that compassion can grow in your heart.

Serve Others

Use the gifts, abilities, experiences, resources, opportunities, and testimony God has given you to meet practical and spiritual needs.

Represent Christ

Help others find and follow Jesus through your words, actions, character, testimony, and example.

Together, these three aspects create a practical framework for participating in God’s work, helping people experience His love, and encouraging them to follow Christ.

Why?

God’s purpose has always been bigger than our personal growth.

He desires to work through His people to demonstrate His love, reveal His truth, make disciples, and advance His Kingdom.

When God’s love flows through us:

* Compassion replaces indifference.
* Service replaces self-focus.
* Christ becomes visible through our words and actions.
* People encounter God’s love through His people.
* Lives are changed.
* Disciples are made.
* God receives glory.

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” — John 13:35

The goal is not simply to become a better person. The goal is to participate in God’s larger mission of helping people follow Jesus.

How:

Flowing God’s love begins by allowing God to change how we see people, how we respond to people, and how we influence people.

This process can be understood through three complementary expressions of God’s love:

1. Love Others

Learn to see others as God sees them.

Godly love begins with godly vision. As we learn to look beyond appearances, behavior, failures, and first impressions, we begin to see people as individuals created by God, loved by God, and possessing eternal value. This perspective develops compassion and prepares our hearts to respond in love.

2. Serve Others

Put love into action.

God has given each of us gifts, abilities, experiences, resources, opportunities, and testimony that can be used to benefit others. Service is love made visible. It addresses practical needs, emotional needs, and spiritual needs while demonstrating God’s care in tangible ways.

3. Represent Christ

Help others find and follow Jesus.

As we love and serve people, opportunities arise to demonstrate God’s character, share His truth, tell our story, encourage faith, and point others toward Christ. Our goal is not to draw attention to ourselves but to help people encounter Jesus and become His disciples.

Together, these three expressions of God’s love help restore God’s intended flow from Him, through us, and to the people around us.

Removing Barriers To The Flow Of God’s Love

God’s design is for His love to flow freely from Him, through us, and to others. Unfortunately, the fallen world introduces barriers that interrupt that flow.

These barriers are often rooted in ungodly desires and the lies that support them. Over time, they influence how we see people, how we respond to people, and how willing we are to represent Christ.

The barriers affecting our ability to love others are often related to pride, judgment, bitterness, fear, prejudice, or indifference. These attitudes prevent us from seeing people through God’s eyes and developing genuine compassion for them.

The barriers affecting our ability to serve others are often related to ownership, materialism, self-protection, comfort, busyness, or self-focus. These attitudes make it difficult to love sacrificially and use our time, gifts, resources, and opportunities for the benefit of others.

The barriers affecting our ability to represent Christ are often related to fear of man, fear of rejection, insecurity, compromise, doubt, or concern about what others may think. These attitudes prevent us from confidently sharing our faith, our testimony, and the hope we have found in Christ.

While these barriers are common, the specific barriers affecting each person are unique.

Our opportunity is to invite God into the process. The Holy Spirit faithfully helps us identify the specific barriers limiting the flow of His love in our lives. As He reveals those barriers, He also reveals the truth needed to remove them.

When we embrace God’s truth in faith and make room for His grace to work, transformation occurs. Old patterns begin to lose their influence, new ways of thinking emerge, and God’s love begins to flow more freely through us.

This process of identifying barriers, revealing truth, embracing truth, and being transformed by grace is one of God’s primary methods for restoring us to His intended design.

AM I Doing?  A Diagnostic Self Test

Consider the following questions prayerfully.

1 – Love Others

    • Do I genuinely see people as God sees them?
    • Am I growing in compassion for others?
    • Is it becoming easier to forgive?
    • Do I value people regardless of their status, beliefs, behavior, or background?
    • Do I see opportunities to love people that I previously overlooked

2 – Serve Others

    • Am I regularly using my gifts and resources to help others?
    • Do I make time to meet practical and spiritual needs?
    • Am I willing to sacrifice comfort for God’s purposes?
    • Do I see service as a burden or a privilege?
    • Is God’s love becoming visible through my actions?

3 – Represent Christ

    • Do people see Christ reflected in my attitudes and actions?
    • Am I willing to share my faith when opportunities arise?
    • Do my words and behavior align with my profession of faith?
    • Would others recognize me as a disciple of Christ?
    • Am I helping people move closer to Jesus?

Where To Learn More

See Others As God Sees Them

Serve God’s Children In Love

You Are An Ambassador For Christ

Testimony – Be A Witness To Others Of God’s Work In You

Evangelism – Share The Good News With Others

Follow Jesus And Become The Person He Intended

How Do I Flow Gods Love To Others – Improving Your Behaviors

Love Others As God Loves You – Improve Your Relationships

Walk In The Light

Hear God’s Voice and Then Tune In To Perfect The Flow Of His Love

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

Perfect The Flow Of God’s Love Through You To Others

Introduction

When God first got my attention and began drawing me toward ministry, one of the first things He showed me was that the spiritual world is built upon real and repeatable processes. He also showed me that the many years I had spent improving physical and business processes would not be wasted—they would simply be applied to understanding and applying His spiritual processes.

God helped me understand His processes revolve around the flow of love and truth. When those flows are healthy, they produce transformation, usefulness, fruitfulness, and lives that bring glory to Him. At the center of God’s design is a simple objective: to allow His love to flow from Him to us, transform us from the inside out, and then flow through us to others.

Unfortunately, the Fall introduced many barriers to that flow. Fear, pride, self-reliance, false identities, misplaced loves, unhealthy beliefs, unforgiveness, and other strongholds all interrupt God’s intended work in our lives. While these barriers manifest differently in each person, they often produce similar results—confusion, frustration, lack of purpose, broken relationships, and spiritual stagnation.

The good news is that God has not left us to figure this out on our own. He has given us His Word, His Spirit, and His grace. The Holy Spirit faithfully helps us identify the specific barriers operating in our lives and, if we are willing, He will help us remove them and restore God’s intended flow.

This article explores the simple workshop flow that God has helped me develop over many years of studying Scripture, listening to the Holy Spirit, and helping others work through real-life struggles.

The workshop helps us see and understand God’s process for restoring the flow of His love. We begin by learning to hear God’s voice more clearly so He can help us identify the specific barriers affecting our lives. We then learn to receive His love, embrace His truth, cooperate with His transforming grace, and allow His love to flow more freely through us to others.

The workshop follows a simple path:

Hear God → Receive God’s Love → Be Transformed By Grace → Flow God’s Love To Others

Each step helps remove barriers and restore part of God’s intended design. Together they provide a practical roadmap for moving toward greater purpose, peace, fruitfulness, and usefulness in God’s Kingdom.

My prayer is that these principles help you hear His voice more clearly, receive His love more fully, become more like Christ, and allow His love to flow more freely through your life to the people around you.

The Big Picture: What Is God Trying To Accomplish?

Before we discuss hearing God’s voice, receiving His love, or being transformed by His grace, it is helpful to understand the larger story God is telling.

God created mankind for relationship.

From the beginning, His desire was to build a family of sons and daughters who would freely choose to know Him, trust Him, love Him, and participate in His work.

Sin disrupted that relationship and introduced separation, suffering, deception, and death into God’s creation. Yet God did not abandon His plan.

Instead, He sent His Son.

God Demonstrated His Love

God’s first response to mankind’s rebellion was not rejection but redemption.

 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  — Romans 5:8

Through Jesus, God demonstrated His love, paid the penalty for sin, and made a way for relationship to be restored.

God Reveals Truth

God does not force people into His Kingdom.

Instead, He reveals truth and invites us to respond.

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  — John 8:32

Truth reveals reality. Truth exposes lies. Truth shows us the path back to God.

God Draws People Through Love

While truth illuminates the path, love motivates people to walk it.

Jesus demonstrated God’s love through compassion, service, sacrifice, forgiveness, and truth.

“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” — Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV)

As His followers, we are called to do the same.

God Makes Disciples

God’s goal is not merely converts.

His goal is transformed people who become more like Christ and help others follow Him.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” — Matthew 28:19

Disciples become ambassadors, examples, servants, and representatives of God’s Kingdom.

God Is Restoring All Things Under Christ

God’s plan is much bigger than saving individual people from sin.

From the beginning, God intended creation to exist in loving relationship with Him and under His righteous rule. The Fall introduced separation, deception, suffering, rebellion, and death. Yet God did not abandon His creation or His purpose.

Through Jesus Christ, God began a restoration process that continues today. He restores individuals, families, relationships, churches, and communities. He draws people to Himself, transforms them into disciples, and invites them to participate in His Kingdom work.

Ultimately, God’s plan reaches far beyond individual salvation. His purpose is to bring all things back into alignment under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and restore the harmony He intended from the beginning.

“Having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.”
— Ephesians 1:9-10

God is inviting people into His family, transforming them into the image of Christ, and working through them to help others follow Him.

Every act of obedience, every life transformed by grace, every person who chooses to follow Jesus, and every disciple who helps another disciple grow participates in God’s larger restoration plan.

The story of Scripture begins with creation and ends with restoration. In between, God demonstrates His love, reveals His truth, draws people to Himself, makes disciples, and prepares a people who willingly follow Jesus as Lord.

This is the larger story into which God invites each of us.

The remainder of this article explores a practical pathway for cooperating with God in that process:

Hear God → Receive God’s Love → Be Transformed By Grace → Flow God’s Love To Others**

Workshop Section 1: Hear God’s Voice

What?

God speaks to His children.

He communicates through Scripture, prayer, the Holy Spirit, wise counsel, conviction, circumstances, and the fruit produced by His leading.

Over the years, God has led me to appreciate a practical process for quieting distractions, tuning in to His still small voice, and seeking His wisdom whenever I face a question, decision, challenge, or opportunity. That is the process we will explore and exercise together in this workshop.

Why?

We need God’s wisdom.

Left to ourselves, we often see only a small part of the picture. God sees the whole picture.

Scripture reminds us that His ways are higher than ours, that we should not rely solely on our own understanding, and that we are called to understand His will.

Jesus described hearing God’s voice as a normal part of following Him:

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” — John 10:27

Many people discover that God has been trying to communicate with them for quite some time. The challenge is often not getting God to speak, but learning to recognize and respond to the guidance He is already providing.

How?

The workshop explores a practical process for hearing God’s voice that can be applied whenever you need wisdom, direction, encouragement, correction, or insight.

At a high level, the process is simple:

1. Quiet Yourself

Set aside distractions, worries, and competing thoughts so you can focus your attention on God.

2. Fix Your Eyes On Jesus

Turn your attention toward the Lord, Visualize Him and approach Him seeking input.

3. Ask And Listen – Tune To Flow

Present your question to God and listen for the thoughts, impressions, insights, or guidance that flow in to your mind.

4. Write What You Receive

Record what you are receiving. Writing slows us down, improves clarity, and creates a record we can revisit later.

Then Test What You Hear

Compare what you received against Gods Character, Scripture, and truth in your Spirit.

Testing confirms that the guidance is truly from God and not merely our own thoughts, desires, fears, or another source.

The goal is to develop a growing relationship with God and become increasingly sensitive to His voice, wisdom, and leading.

Learn More:

My God In Motion:  You CAN Hear God’s Voice (How-To Article With Links)

Mark Virkler / Communion With God Ministries: 4 Keys To Hearing God’s Voice (Resource Page and Book)

Workshop Section 2: Receive God’s Love

What?

Before God’s love can effectively flow through us to others, it must first flow into us.

Receiving God’s love means more than simply believing that God exists or acknowledging that Jesus died for our sins. It means seeing His love, responding to His invitation, embracing His Lordship, receiving the identity He purchased for us, and living from the inheritance He has provided.

Many Christians spend years trying to earn what God has already freely given. This section helps us understand what Christ accomplished and how to receive it by faith.

Why?

Everything else in the Christian life flows from this foundation.

When we fail to receive God’s love, we often struggle with fear, insecurity, shame, condemnation, striving, and uncertainty about our purpose and value.

God does not want us to live as spiritual orphans trying to earn His approval. He wants us to live as beloved sons and daughters who understand who they are, whose they are, and what has been made available to them through Jesus Christ.

“We love Him because He first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19

The more fully we receive God’s love, the more securely we stand in our identity, trust His leadership, and cooperate with His plans for our lives.

How?

Receiving God’s love begins with understanding what God has already done and then choosing to embrace it by faith.

1. See God’s Sacrificial Love

Understand the depth of God’s love demonstrated through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

2. Embrace Jesus As Lord

Recognize His worthiness, authority, wisdom, and right to lead your life.

3. Receive Your New Identity

Learn to see yourself as God sees you through the finished work of Christ.

4. Receive Your Inheritance

Embrace the forgiveness, relationship, spiritual blessings, purpose, peace, access, and resources God has provided through Jesus Christ.

As we receive God’s love more fully, fear gives way to faith, shame gives way to identity, striving gives way to peace, and self-rule gives way to joyful partnership with God.

Learn More

Receive God’s Love  (Blog Article)

What Did Jesus Accomplish On The Cross

How Do I Respond To What Jesus Did

My New Identity In Christ

Section 3:  Be Transformed By Grace

What?

Transformation is God’s process of making us more like Jesus Christ.

When we first come to Christ, our relationship with God is restored, but God is not finished with us. He continues to work within us to change the way we love, think, choose, and live.

His goal is not merely improved behavior. His goal is a transformed heart, a renewed mind, and a life increasingly aligned with His purposes.

As God’s love flows into us, the Holy Spirit helps us identify barriers, expose lies, embrace truth, and develop Christ-like character. Over time, our desires, attitudes, priorities, decisions, and actions begin to reflect Jesus more and more.

Transformation is not about trying harder. It is about cooperating with God as He changes us from the inside out.

Why?

God’s desire is not simply to forgive us. His desire is to transform us into the image of Christ.

As we are transformed, we experience greater freedom, peace, purpose, and fruitfulness. We become increasingly equipped and empowered to love others, serve others, represent Christ well, and help others follow Him.

Many of the struggles we experience are rooted in ungodly loves, unhealthy desires, fear, pride, false beliefs, and worldly ways of thinking. God desires to remove these barriers and replace them with His truth, His character, and His priorities.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”— Romans 12:2

The goal of transformation is not self-improvement. The goal is Christ-likeness. As we become more like Him, the flow of God’s love through our lives becomes stronger and more effective.

How?

Transformation begins when we cooperate with God in removing the barriers that interrupt the flow of His love.

While each person’s journey is unique, the process is remarkably consistent:

1. Identify The Barriers

Recognize the ungodly loves, unhealthy desires, false beliefs, fears, wounds, habits, and strongholds that are limiting God’s intended work in your life.

2. Reveal The Truth

Expose the lies that support those barriers and replace them with God’s perspective revealed through Scripture and the Holy Spirit.

3. Embrace The Truth and be Transformed By Grace

Choose to agree with God. Trust His wisdom, His promises, His identity for you, and His purpose for your life.

As we cooperate with God, the Holy Spirit changes our hearts, renews our minds, redirects our desires, and empowers us to walk differently.

The result is increasing freedom, purpose, peace, fruitfulness, and Christ-like character.

Learn More:

Be Transformed

I Am Transformation By Grace (Declaration and References)

Other Articles

Be Transformed By The Renewal Of Your Mind (Blog Article)

Be Transformed By The Goodness Of God (Blog Article)

Become Friends With Jesus And Become Transformed (Blog Article)

Walk In The Spirit, Not The Flesh

I Trust God (Declaration and References)

Section 4: Flow God’s Love to Others

What?

God’s love was never intended to stop with us.

As we hear God’s voice, receive His love, and allow Him to transform us, His love naturally begins to flow outward to the people around us.

Jesus calls us to love others as He has loved us, serve others as He served us, and represent Him to a world that desperately needs hope, truth, and reconciliation.

This section focuses on becoming a useful channel through which God’s love can reach other people.

Why?

God’s purpose has always been bigger than our personal growth.

He desires to work through His people to demonstrate His love, reveal His truth, make disciples, and advance His Kingdom.

As God’s love flows through us, people experience compassion, encouragement, service, truth, forgiveness, hope, and practical expressions of God’s goodness. Many are drawn toward Christ because they first encounter His love through another believer.

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” — John 13:35

When God’s love flows through us, we participate in His larger plan of helping people follow Jesus and bringing glory to God.

How?

The workshop explores three practical expressions of God’s love:

1. See Others As God Sees Them

Learn to see people through God’s eyes—with compassion, value, humility, patience, and hope.

2. Serve Others In Love

Put love into action by using your time, abilities, resources, experiences, gifts, testimony, and opportunities to meet both practical and spiritual needs.

3. Represent Christ To The World

Reflect God’s character, share His truth, demonstrate His love, and help others see what it looks like to follow Jesus.

As we learn to see, serve, and represent Christ, God’s love flows through us in ways that encourage others, strengthen believers, and help people move closer to Him.

Learn More:

Flow God’s Love Through You To Others

Other Articles:

See Others As God Sees Them

Serve God’s Children In Love

You Are An Ambassador For Christ

Follow Jesus And Become The Person He Intended

Testimony – Be A Witness To Others Of God’s Work In You

Evangelism – Share The Good News With Others

How Do I Flow Gods Love To Others – Improving Your Behaviors

Love Others As God Loves You – Improve Your Relationships

Walk In The Light

Encouragement  – Call To Action

Can I honestly say:

I hear God.
I fully receive His love.
I have been transformed into the fulness of Christ.
I love others and have compassion for all.
I serve others sacrificially to the point of death.
I represent Christ boldly to the world.
I am helping others find and follow Jesus.

If so, God’s love is flowing into me and through me to others.

If Not We have opportunities…

God’s desire is not merely to save you FROM something. He desires to restore you TO something – Your higher purpose.

He created you for relationship, purpose, transformation, and partnership. He designed His love to flow into you, transform you from the inside out, and then flow through you to impact and inspire others.

If that flow has been interrupted by fear, pride, self-reliance, false beliefs, wounds, unhealthy desires, distractions, or anything else, do not be discouraged. Every follower of Christ faces barriers in this fallen world. The good news is that God already knows exactly what they are and is willing to help you remove them.

You do not have to figure this out on your own.

God has given you His Word, His Spirit, His promises, and His grace. He is still speaking. He is still transforming lives. He is still drawing people to Himself. And He is still inviting ordinary people to participate in His extraordinary plan.

The purpose of this article is not simply to provide information. It is an invitation to begin a journey.

Take time to explore the additional articles, Bible studies, videos, and resources referenced. Ask God where the flow of His love is being restricted in your life. Invite Him to reveal the barriers, expose the lies, strengthen your faith, and restore His intended design.

Then take the next step.

Learn to hear His voice.

Receive His love more fully.

Allow His grace to transform you.

Let His love flow through you to others.

Help people follow Jesus.

Bring glory to God.

My prayer is that as you continue this journey, you experience increasing freedom, purpose, peace, fruitfulness, and usefulness in God’s Kingdom—and that the flow of God’s love through your life becomes a blessing to everyone around you.

 

Serve God’s Children In Love

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

Serve God’s Children In Love

Introduction

Many people want to follow Jesus, but struggle when that path begins to cost them something.

It is easy to love when life is comfortable, people are grateful, and service fits neatly into our schedule. But the love Jesus demonstrated — and commanded — goes much deeper. It serves when tired. It forgives when wounded. It gives when inconvenient. It stays patient when misunderstood. It chooses others when self wants to dominate.

The Christian life is not merely about believing correct doctrine. It is about becoming more and more like Jesus.

And Jesus lived a radically self-giving life.

    • He touched lepers.
    • He washed feet.
    • He fed crowds.
    • He stopped for the broken.
    • He forgave His enemies.
    • He laid down His life.

The closer we walk with Him, the more the Holy Spirit exposes the self-centered loves, fears, pride, wounds, and lies that keep us from loving others well.

This post is not about striving to earn God’s love.
It is about learning to receive His love so deeply that it begins to overflow naturally into sacrificial love toward others.

What Does It Mean To Serve God’s Children In Love?

Biblical service is not merely volunteering, helping occasionally, or performing religious duties.

Kingdom service is:

    • Loving people as Jesus loved them
    • Placing eternal good above personal comfort
    • Becoming God’s hands and feet in practical ways
    • Demonstrating the nature of the Father through our actions
    • Laying down self-centered living to reveal Christ

Jesus did not separate loving God from loving people.

Matt 22:37-39 —
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart… and… you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

The Christian life is not:

    • “How little can I give?”
    • “What do I have to do?”
    • “What benefits me most?”

It becomes:

    • “Lord, how can I reveal Your love?”
    • “Who needs encouragement?”
    • “Who needs mercy?”
    • “Who needs practical help?”
    • “How can Your Kingdom flow through me today?”

Why Does Sacrificial Service Matter?

1. Because It Reflects The Nature Of God

God is love.

Not merely in words, but in action.

    • He gives.
    • He serves.
    • He restores.
    • He pursues.
    • He sacrifices.

Jesus revealed the Father through continual self-giving love.

John 13:14-15 —
“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.”

When we serve others in love, people begin to see what God is like.

2. Because Self-Centered Living Is The Core Problem Of Fallen Humanity

Sin is not merely bad behavior.

At its root, sin is self-centered lordship:

    • My will
    • My comfort
    • My rights
    • My plans
    • My recognition
    • My protection

Sacrificial love attacks the root of self-centered living.

Phil 2:3-4 —
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit… let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

3. Because Love Is Evidence Of Spiritual Transformation

A transformed heart becomes increasingly loving.

Not perfectly overnight — but progressively.

The Holy Spirit produces:

    • patience
    • kindness
    • gentleness
    • mercy
    • forgiveness
    • compassion
    • generosity

John 13:35 —
“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

4. Because God Often Ministers To People Through His Children

God works through willing vessels.

    • He comforts through people.
    • He encourages through people.
    • He feeds through people.
    • He prays through people.
    • He gives through people.
    • He restores through people.

Many people are waiting for a miracle while God is waiting for one of His children to say “yes.”

Isa 6:8 —
“Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’”

5. Because Eternal Rewards Are Connected To Faithful Love

The Kingdom measures greatness differently than the world.

The world celebrates:

    • status
    • power
    • wealth
    • influence

But Heaven highly values:

    • humility
    • faithfulness
    • compassion
    • obedience
    • servant-hearted love

Mark 10:43-45 —
“Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.”

Major Lies That Block Sacrificial Service

High-Impact Lie

 Kingdom Truth Scripture
“My life belongs to me.” Your life was purchased by Christ and now belongs to Him. 1 Cor 6:19-20 — “You are not your own… For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
“I must protect and preserve myself above all else.” God is your protector and faithful provider. Matt 6:31-33 — “seek first the kingdom of God… and all these things shall be added to you.”

“My happiness, comfort, and success are the purpose of life.”

 True life is found in surrendering to Christ and His Kingdom. Matt 16:24-25 — “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”
“I do not have enough to give.” God supplies grace, strength, and provision for obedience. 2 Cor 9:8 — “God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you… may have an abundance for every good work.”
“People must deserve my love and help.”

God loved us while we were undeserving sinners.

 Rom 5:8 — “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

“Serving others makes me less important.”

 Greatness in God’s Kingdom comes through serving. Mark 10:43-45 — “Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant… .”

“Loving difficult people is impossible.”

 God’s love in us enables supernatural love. Rom 5:5 — “The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

“If I forgive and serve, I lose.”

 Forgiveness reflects trust in God and releases freedom. Eph 4:31-32 — “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger… be put away from you… forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
“I need recognition, appreciation, or reward.”

We serve unto the Lord, not for human applause.

 Col 3:23-24 — “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men… for you serve the Lord Christ.”

“Someone else will do it.”

Faith expresses itself through loving action.

James 2:15-17 — “If a brother or sister is naked and destitute… and one of you says… ‘be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things needed… what does it profit?”

How Do We Learn To Serve Sacrificially?

1. Surrender Lordship To Jesus Daily

Self-sacrificial love begins with surrender.

As long as self remains on the throne:

    • service feels threatening
    • sacrifice feels unfair
    • inconvenience feels offensive

But when Jesus becomes Lord:

    • obedience matters more than comfort
    • eternal impact matters more than temporary ease

Luke 9:23 —
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

2. Receive God’s Love Deeply

People who feel empty often struggle to pour out love consistently.

We cannot sustainably give away what we are unwilling to receive.

Spend time:

    • in prayer
    • in worship
    • in Scripture
    • receiving identity in Christ
    • learning to trust the Father’s care

The more secure we become in God’s love, the less we need:

    • recognition
    • control
    • self-protection
    • approval from people

1 John 4:19 —
“We love Him because He first loved us.”

3. Ask God To Change Your Heart

Transformation is not merely behavior management.

Ask God to expose:

    • pride
    • fear
    • selfish ambition
    • bitterness
    • impatience
    • emotional self-protection
    • ungodly beliefs
    • self-centered motives

Pray:

“Lord, show me what limits my willingness to love and serve sacrificially.”

This is one reason journaling can become so powerful.

4. Journal With God Regularly

Practical journaling helps expose hidden heart patterns.

Consider journaling through questions such as:

    • Where do I resist inconvenience?
    • What kinds of people are hardest for me to love?
    • What fears limit my willingness to serve?
    • Where do I prioritize comfort over compassion?
    • What recognition or appreciation do I secretly desire?
    • What self-centered loves are competing with God’s love?
    • Lord, what is limiting my sacrificial service?
    • What lie am I believing?
    • What truth from Scripture corrects it?
    • What would Jesus do in this situation?

Over time, the Holy Spirit often reveals:

    • wounds
    • pride
    • fears
    • insecurity
    • self-protection patterns
    • distorted beliefs
    • opportunities for growth

5. Start Serving In Small Daily Moments

Sacrificial love is usually built in ordinary moments:

    • listening patiently
    • helping quietly
    • encouraging someone discouraged
    • praying for people
    • forgiving quickly
    • serving without recognition
    • giving time
    • giving attention
    • giving resources
    • pausing to care

Faithfulness in little things develops the heart of Christ.

Luke 16:10 —
“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much.”

6. Learn To Pause Before Reacting

Many failures in love happen because self reacts faster than the Spirit leads.

Before responding:

    • pause
    • pray
    • listen
    • ask what love would do
    • ask what would best reflect Jesus

This becomes especially important:

    • during conflict
    • when tired
    • when offended
    • when inconvenienced
    • when misunderstood

James 1:19-20 —
“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

7. See People Through God’s Eyes

People are not merely:

    • annoying
    • difficult
    • needy
    • obstacles
    • interruptions

They are:

    • image bearers
    • eternal souls
    • broken people needing love
    • people Christ died for
    • potential sons and daughters of God

Jesus continually saw beyond behavior into deeper need.

8. Depend On The Holy Spirit

Sacrificial love is ultimately supernatural.

Human strength eventually runs dry.

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to:

    • forgive
    • endure
    • remain patient
    • love enemies
    • serve joyfully
    • continue faithfully

Gal 5:22-23 —
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness…”

How Can I Tell If I Am Serving Sacrificially?

Here is a self-test,  see which mode you find yourself in:

 

Flesh-Driven Christ-Like
Serves when convenient Serves even when costly
Needs recognition Comfortable being unseen
Helps selectively Loves broadly
Easily offended Extends mercy
Focused on self-protection Trusts God while loving others
Gives leftovers Gives intentionally
Withdraws from difficult people Moves toward people with compassion
Seeks reward now Lives for eternal impact
Loves conditionally Loves because Christ first loved us
Controlled by feelings Controlled by truth and Spirit
Keeps score Gives freely
Protects personal rights constantly Willingly lays down rights when appropriate
Sees people as interruptions Sees people as ministry opportunities
Reacts quickly in frustration Pauses and responds in love
Serves to appear spiritual Serves because love has become genuine

Signs You Are Growing In Sacrificial Love

You may be growing when you notice:

    • increased compassion
    • greater patience
    • quicker forgiveness
    • less need for recognition
    • more generosity
    • greater sensitivity to people’s needs
    • willingness to inconvenience yourself
    • increased joy in helping others
    • less obsession with self
    • greater dependence on the Holy Spirit

Practical Ways To Serve God’s Children

Area Examples
Emotional Support Listening, encouraging, comforting, checking on people
Spiritual Support Praying, discipling, teaching, sharing truth lovingly
Practical Help Meals, transportation, errands, helping physically
Financial Support Giving generously, supporting ministry, helping needs
Relational Ministry Forgiving, reconciling, investing time
Hospitality Welcoming people, creating safe environments
Service In Church Volunteering quietly and faithfully
Outreach Loving the lonely, poor, broken, overlooked
Mentoring Helping others grow spiritually
Hidden Service Serving without needing public recognition

 Where To Learn More

Foundational Scriptures To Study

Love & Service

      • John 13
      • 1 Corinthians 13
      • Philippians 2
      • Romans 12
      • Galatians 5
      • James 2
      • 1 John 3-4

Dying To Self

      • Luke 9:23-24
      • Matthew 16:24-25
      • Romans 6
      • Galatians 2:20
      • Colossians 3

Identity & Transformation

      • Ephesians 1-4
      • Romans 8
      • 2 Corinthians 5
      • Colossians 3

Recommended Teachers

Dan Mohler — identity in Christ, love, transformation, selfless Christianity

Derek Prince — spiritual maturity, obedience, humility, practical Christian living

Barry Bennett — grace, healing, walking with God

Francis Chan — radical discipleship and sacrificial Christianity

Helpful Books

The Cost of Discipleship
Crazy Love
The Pursuit of God
Mere Christianity
The Normal Christian Life

Practical Growth Habits

Daily Scripture meditation
Prayer journaling
Quiet listening prayer
Serving anonymously sometimes
Intentional acts of kindness
Practicing forgiveness quickly

Asking daily:

“Lord, who can I love well today?”

Final Thoughts

Jesus did not merely die so we could someday go to Heaven.

He died to restore us:

    • to God
    • to love
    • to truth
    • to purpose
    • to His image

The Christian life is not simply avoiding evil.
It is learning to become love.

And love is proven through action.

Every day presents opportunities to:

    • pause
    • listen
    • forgive
    • help
    • encourage
    • serve
    • give
    • pray
    • love

Small moments of obedience, empowered by the Holy Spirit, slowly transform us into people who reveal the nature of Jesus to the world.

Gal 5:13 —
“Through love serve one another.”

Understand God’s Will

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

How To Understand God’s Will

Introduction

Most people want to make good decisions, avoid unnecessary pain, and feel confident they are aligned with God. Yet many live with ongoing uncertainty—unsure what God is doing, what He wants, or how to respond.

Scripture makes a direct connection between lack of understanding and negative outcomes, and it also reveals that confusion is not accidental. There is an active effort to distort truth, obscure identity, and disconnect people from God’s voice.

If God’s will is misunderstood, life becomes reactive instead of intentional.
If God’s voice is ignored or doubted, relationship becomes distant instead of dynamic.

Before we talk about how to act, we must establish how to clearly understand what God is saying and doing.

Why Understanding God’s Will Is Critical

 Lack of Knowledge Leads to Destruction

Hosea 4:6 – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me…”

This is a causal statement:

Lack of knowledge → misalignment
Misalignment → destructive outcomes

The issue is not access to truth—it is failure to recognize, pursue, or apply it.

Our Natural Understanding Is Not Enough

Proverbs 3:5–6  – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

Human reasoning alone:

    • interprets through limited perspective
    • reacts to visible circumstances
    • often draws incorrect conclusions

Understanding God’s will requires alignment beyond natural perception.

Why Confusion Persists

 There Is an Active Source of Deception

John 8:44  – “…He does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”

2 Corinthians 4:4 – “Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel… should shine on them.”

Revelation 12:9 – “…the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world…”

Confusion is not just lack of clarity—it is often the result of:

    • distorted truth
    • misplaced belief
    • accepted deception

The Pattern of Deception Is Predictable

Genesis 3:4–5 – “Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die… you will be like God…’”

The pattern:

    • Question what God said
    • Contradict truth
    • Replace it with a believable alternative

This same structure appears in modern thought patterns and beliefs.

God’s Will Is Meant to Be Understood

We Are Commanded To Understand His Will

Ephesians 5:17 – “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

A command implies:

      • responsibility
      • accessibility
      • expectation

Your Mind Can Be Renewed to Discern It

Romans 12:2 – “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Clarity increases as thinking aligns with truth.
God’s will becomes recognizable—not mystical.

You Are Given a Guide

John 16:13 – …when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth…”

Guidance is not occasional—it is part of the design of relationship.

You Have Direct Access

James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God… and it will be given to him.”

John 10:27 – “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

Understanding is not restricted to a few—it is available to those who:

    • ask
    • listen
    • follow

What Blocks Understanding: Lies vs Truth

If belief is distorted, perception is distorted.
If perception is distorted, decisions will follow.

Here are some common lies that get in the way of understanding God’s will.

 

Lie / Ungodly Belief Why It’s Dangerous

Truth

 Scripture
God’s will is unknowable Stops pursuit God commands understanding

“Do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”  (Eph 5:17)

God works in mysterious ways (so I can’t understand)

 Justifies confusion God reveals His will “…that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Rom 12:2)
You can’t hear God Blocks relationship God’s people hear Him

“My sheep hear My voice… and they follow Me.” (John 10:27)
I’m not worthy Creates distance

Access is granted through Christ

 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace…”  (Heb 4:16)
Confusion is normal

Accepts deception

 God produces clarity and peace “God is not the author of confusion but of peace…”            (1 Cor 14:33)
My understanding is enough Leads to error God must direct your path “Lean not on your own understanding… He shall direct your paths.”(Prov 3:5–6)
The devil isn’t influencing me Removes awareness There is an active adversary

“Your adversary the devil… seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Pet 5:8)

How To Understand The Basics Of God’s Will

The Revealed Foundations of God’s Will

Before seeking guidance on specific decisions, you need clarity on what God has already made explicit.

God’s will is not primarily hidden—it is revealed at a macro level and then applied personally.

1. God’s Ultimate Intent: A Restored Heaven and Earth Under Christ

Ephesians 1:9–10  – “…having made known to us the mystery of His will… that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.”

Revelation 21:1–3  – “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth… ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them…’”

Key Insight:   God is moving everything toward restoration, unity, and alignment under Jesus.

 2. God’s Desire: That All Would Know Him and Jesus

Adam and Eve broke the unity with God by self centered action. They were changed, and creation fell as a result. God wants to connect us back to Him, and He went so far as to enter creation in the form of a man, to demonstrate sacrificial love, pay the price for sin, and give us a path our of this mess. 

John 17:3 – “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

1 Timothy 2:3–4 – “…God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Key Insight:  God’s will is not just about behavior change—it is about restoration of a relationship and knowledge of Him.

3. The Re-Entry Point: Repentance and Restoration

Turning Back to God Is The Key.

2 Peter 3:9 -“…not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

Acts 3:19  – “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…”

Key Insight:  Alignment with God’s will begins with turning from self-directed living to God-directed living.

4. The Provision: Wholeness Through Jesus (Sozo)

Salvation Is Complete Restoration

Isaiah 53:5  – “…by His stripes we are healed.”

Luke 9:56  – “…the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.”
(“save” = sozo: to make whole)

3 John 1:2  – “…that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

Key Insight:   God’s will is not partial—it is restoration of the whole person:

      • spirit
      • soul
      • body

5. The Transformation: Restored to God’s Image

This is All About Becoming What We Were Originally Designed to Be

Romans 8:29 – “…to be conformed to the image of His Son…”

2 Corinthians 3:18  – “…being transformed into the same image from glory to glory…”

Key Insight:  God’s will is not just to forgive you—it is to transform you into Christlikeness.

6. The Gold Standard: Imitate God

We Become Changed By Grace As We Seek To Model Jesus in Action

Ephesians 5:1–2 – “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love…”

John 13:34 – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you…”

Key Insight:  God’s will becomes visible through:

      • love
      • obedience
      • character alignment

7. The Assignment: Ambassadors of the Kingdom

Like It Or Not, We Are His Representatives to the World

2 Corinthians 5:20  – “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ…”

Matthew 28:19–20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…”

Key Insight:  God’s will extends beyond you—it flows through you to others.

8. The Multiplication: Make Him Known

Our Mission Ripples To Others

Habakkuk 2:14  – “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord…”

Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light so shine before men…”

Key Insight:  God’s will is global:

      • know Him
      • reflect Him
      • make Him known

How to Begin Understanding God’s Will Specifically For You

Anchor in Scripture

God’s will is consistent with what He has already revealed.

Ask for Wisdom

James 1:5 “ If anyone lacks wisdom et him ask of God… and it will be given to him.”

Listen and Discern

    • Quiet Yourself
    • Focus Your Mind On Jesus
    • Ask Him for Input
    • Listen And Write What He Tells You

Evaluate:

    • Fatherly / Encoraging
    • Higher perspective
    • Alignment with Scripture
    • Sense Of Truth, Presence of peace vs confusion
    • Bears Fruit over time

Act on What You Receive

Clarity increases with obedience.
Understanding grows through application.

 Self-Test: Are You Operating in Understanding?

Beliefs become visible through patterns of thinking and response.

Aspect Misalignment (Confusion)

Alignment (Understanding)

Direction

Reactive, uncertain

 Intentional, guided
Decisions Fear-driven or pressured

Truth-anchored and steady
Relationship with God Infrequent, distant Ongoing, engaged
Thought Patterns Doubt, second-guessing

Clarity, confidence

Response to Challenges

 “Why is this happening?” “What is God revealing?”

Where to learn more:

1. Scripture: Build a Strong Foundation First

Start here. These are not random verses—this is a progression to establish that:

    • God’s will is knowable
    • He communicates
    • You are expected to understand and follow

God’s Will Is Knowable

Romans 12:2  – “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Ephesians 5:17  – “Do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

God Will Actively Guide You

Psalm 32:8 -“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”

Proverbs 3:5–6 – “…In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

The Holy Spirit Reveals Truth

John 16:13 – “…He will guide you into all truth…”

1 Corinthians 2:12 – “…that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.”

You Are Encouraged To Ask and Receive Direction

James 1:5 – “If Anyone Lacks Wisdom let him ask of God… and it will be given to him.”

John 10:27 – “My sheep hear My voice… and they follow Me.”

2. Videos & Teachers

Dan Mohler

Focus: Identity in Christ, transformation, living from truth

Search: “Dan Mohler identity in Christ”

Key Value: Removes performance mindset → builds clarity of who you are → unlocks alignment

Derek Prince

Focus: Spiritual warfare, deception, authority, truth vs lies

Search: “Derek Prince deception truth spiritual warfare”

Key Value: Strong teaching on how the enemy uses deception and how truth breaks it

Barry Bennett

Focus: Hearing God, healing, grace-based relationship

Search: “Barry Bennett hearing God voice”

Key Value: Practical clarity on how God communicates and how to respond

John Lennox

Focus: Confidence in truth, removing intellectual barriers

Search: “John Lennox God truth reliability”

Key Value: Strengthens confidence that God is real and knowable

Frank Turek

Focus: Why truth matters, defending belief

Search: “Frank Turek truth objective God”

Key Value: Reinforces that truth is real and discoverable—not subjective

3. MyGodInMotion.org

Focus: relationship → understanding → action.

Purpose: Help people build an active relationship with God and experience real transformation

Learning to Hear and Understand God

Practical framework:

      • Quiet your mind
      • Focus on Jesus
      • Receive thoughts/images/feelings
      • Write and test what you hear

Emphasis: God expects you to hear Him and guides you through His Spirit

Seeing God’s Will in Your Life

God is actively:

      • guiding
      • teaching
      • positioning you

You learn His will by recognizing His patterns and involvement

Your New Identity (Critical to Understanding His Will)

Key idea:

      • Many believers don’t fully understand what Jesus accomplished
      • This limits their ability to walk in God’s will

Emphasis: renewed identity → renewed thinking → clearer understanding

Follow Jesus And Be Transformed

Key Idea: 

      • Jesus Modeled The Desired Behavior: Humility, Sacrificial Love, Sacrificing His Life To Benefit Others To The Point of Death
      • Follow Him and Gain Eternal Life:  Deny Your Self,  Pick Up Your Cross and Follow Him – Lose Your Life To Find It

4. Practical Next Step (How to Use These Resources)

Don’t just consume—engage.

Simple Execution Flow

      • Pray for God to Speak to you when you begin
      • Read 1–2 core Scriptures daily, and/or watch one resource video
      • Focus your mind on Jesus and Ask: “What does this reveal about God’s will?”
      • Sit quietly and ask Him for insight
      • Write what you sense from Him
      • Compare it to Scripture, Reflect on how the message should apply to you and your life 
      • Take one aligned action in response.

If you only:

    • read casually
    • listen passively
    • think intellectually

…you will stay in knowledge without clarity.

But if you:

    • actively pursue truth
    • ask Him directly for input 
    • listen intentionally for His input
      act on what you receive

…you will move into understanding—and alignment with God’s will.

 Call to Action

Identify one area where you feel unclear or uncertain.

Work through it:

    • What do I currently believe about this situation?
    • Does that belief align with Scripture?
    • What truth replaces any distortion?

Then:

    • ask God directly for clarity
    • listen
    • take the next aligned step

Final Thought

Confusion is not something to accept—it is something to resolve.

When truth replaces deception:

    • understanding becomes clear
    • decisions become aligned
    • relationship becomes active

God’s will is not hidden—but it must be pursued, received, and applied.

How Do I Change In The Moment

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

How Do I Actually Change In The Moment?

Introduction

Most people understand what they should do:

    • Be patient
    • Forgive
    • Respond in love

But when pressure hits, something else takes over.

    • You react before thinking
    • You defend yourself
    • You say things you regret

So the real issue is not knowing what to do.

It’s executing it in real time.

Core Framework: Put Off → Put On

Change happens through a simple but powerful pattern:

Put off the old response → Put on the new response

Ephesians 4:22–24 — “Put off… the old man… and be renewed… and put on the new man…”

This is not:

    • Trying harder
    • Suppressing emotion

It is:

    • Recognizing the old pattern
    • Replacing it with a new one
    • The Real-Time Execution Model

Here is a simple, repeatable flow for difficult moments:

1. Pause (Interrupt the Pattern)

Before anything else:

Slow it down

    • Don’t speak immediately
    • Don’t react instantly

James 1:19  — “Be… slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

Practical cue:

“Pause. I don’t have to react right now.”

2. Identify What’s Driving You

Ask quickly:

    • What am I feeling?
    • What am I trying to protect?
    • What outcome am I trying to control?

This exposes:

    • Pride
    • Fear
    • Control
    • Offense

3. Put Off the Old Response

Consciously reject the default reaction:

    • “I don’t need to defend myself right now”
    • “I don’t need to win this”
    • “I don’t need to escalate this”

Colossians 3:8  — “Put off all these: anger, wrath…”

4. Replace It with Truth (Renew Your Mind)

Bring in truth quickly:

    • “God is in control”
    • “I am secure in Him”
    • “I can choose love here”

Romans 12:2 — “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

5. Put On the New Response

Now choose intentionally:

    • Respond gently
    • Ask instead of accuse
    • Stay calm
    • Show patience

Colossians 3:12  — “Put on… kindness, humility, meekness…”

6. Choose Love Over Self-Protection

This is the defining step.

Instead of:

    • Protecting yourself
    • Proving your point

Choose:

    • Patience
    • Understanding
    • Care for the other person

1 Corinthians 13:5 — “Love… does not seek its own…”

7. Act (Even If You Don’t Feel It Yet)

You may not feel like doing the right thing.

Do it anyway.

2 Corinthians 5:7  — “We walk by faith, not by sight.”

Feelings follow action over time.

Two Critical Perspective Shifts

These make everything easier to execute:

1. See Yourself Correctly As God Sees You

You are not:

    • Condemned
    • Insecure
    • Needing to prove something

You are:

    • Forgiven
    • Secure
    • Accepted
    • Loved

Romans 8:1 — “There is therefore now no condemnation…”

2. See Others Correctly

They are not your enemy.

They are:

    • Flawed
    • Wounded
    • Reacting from their own issues

Colossians 3:13 — “Bearing with one another…”

This shifts you from:

Reaction → Compassion

High-Impact Moves (Use These Often)

When unsure what to do, default to these:

    • Pause before speaking
    • Lower your tone
    • Ask instead of assume
    • Forgive quickly
    • Do something kind

Romans 12:21 — “Overcome evil with good.”

What This Looks Like in Real Life

Old Pattern

Feel disrespected → react → escalate → regret

New Pattern

Feel disrespected → pause → choose truth → respond calmly → de-escalate

Important Clarification

This is not:

    • Being passive
    • Avoiding truth
    • Letting people walk over you

It is:

Responding from strength instead of reaction

Where People Get Stuck

  • They don’t pause
  • They try to change feelings instead of actions
  • They don’t replace the old pattern with a new one

Simple Practice

Pick one situation today.

When it comes:

    • Pause
    • Choose one different response
    • Follow through

That’s it.

Final Thought

You don’t change by trying harder in general.

You change by making different choices in specific moments

And each time you do:

The old pattern weakens—and the new one takes hold.

How Do I Flow God’s Love to Others

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

How Do I Flow God’s Love to Others?

Introduction

Most people want better relationships—but struggle to get there.

    • Small issues escalate
    • Reactions trigger more reactions
    • Patterns repeat

It raises a real question:

How do I respond in a way that actually changes things?

The answer is not just better behavior.

It’s learning to live from a different source—and letting God’s love shape how you respond.

Why This Matters

If God’s love does not flow outward:

    • It becomes stagnant
    • Relationships remain strained
    • Old patterns continue

But when it does flow:

    • Conflict begins to de-escalate
    • Relationships begin to heal
    • You become a source of life to others

1 John 4:11 — “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

This is not optional—it is the natural result of receiving His love.

The Core Shift

Flowing God’s love requires a fundamental shift:

From self-protection → to intentional love

Instead of asking:

    • “How do I protect myself?”
    • “How do I win this situation?”

You begin asking:

    • “What does love look like here?”
    • “How can I respond in a way that reflects God?”

Where This Gets Tested

This is not difficult when things are easy.

It is revealed when:

    • You are misunderstood
    • You are treated unfairly
    • You feel disrespected
    • You are triggered

These are the moments that drive the fallen world spiral:

Reaction → escalation → conflict

Now they become opportunities to choose something different.

Breaking the Spiral

Remember the cycle:

Hurt → Reaction → Counter-Reaction → Escalation

Flowing God’s love interrupts that pattern.

It breaks when someone chooses a different response

Romans 12:21 — “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

This is where your transformation impacts others.

What Flowing Love Actually Looks Like

This is not abstract—it is very practical.

Pause Instead of React

When triggered:

    • Don’t respond immediately
    • Create space

James 1:19 — “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

Choose Understanding Instead of Assumption

    • Don’t assume motives
    • Seek to understand

Proverbs 18:13 — “He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.”

Respond Gently Instead of Escalating

    • Tone matters
    • Words matter

Proverbs 15:1 — “A soft answer turns away wrath…”

Forgive Quickly Instead of Holding Offense

    • Release the debt
    • Don’t carry it forward

Ephesians 4:32 — “Forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

Serve Instead of Protecting Self

    • Look for ways to help
    • Shift from “me” to “them”

Philippians 2:4 — “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

What Makes This Possible

This is not about forcing yourself to be nice.

It becomes possible because:

You are no longer drawing from the same source

As you receive God’s love:

    • You are less defensive
    • Less reactive
    • Less driven by fear

You now have something else to give.

What It Looks Like Over Time

As you practice this:

In You

      • Greater patience
      • More emotional stability
      • Less need to be right
      • Increased peace

In Your Relationships

      • Less escalation
      • More trust
      • Greater understanding
      • Real change in dynamics

Matthew 5:16 — “Let your light so shine before men…”

People begin to experience something different through you.

Important Clarification

Flowing love does NOT mean:

    • Allowing abuse
    • Ignoring truth
    • Avoiding necessary boundaries

It means:

Responding with the right heart—even when you need to take firm action

Where People Get Stuck

Common breakdown points:

    • Trying to do this without receiving first
    • Expecting immediate results
    • Letting emotions override truth

Remember:

This is a process, not a one-time shift

Where This Leads

As you learn to receive and flow God’s love:

    • Transformation becomes consistent
    • Relationships improve
    • The spiral breaks more often

And over time:

A new way of living becomes natural

If you want some best practices on how to deal with situations – Read this

Simple Reflection

Think about a recent interaction.

Ask:

    • Did I react or respond?
    • Did I escalate or de-escalate?
    • Did I protect myself—or choose sacrificial love?

Then ask:

What would flowing God’s love have looked like in that moment?

Final Thought

You cannot control how others act.

But you can choose how you respond.

And that choice:   Has the power to break cycles, restore relationships, and reflect God to the people around you.

How Do I Receive God’s Love

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

How Do I Receive God’s Love?

Introduction

Many people believe that God loves them.

But far fewer actually live like they are receiving that love.

Instead, they often feel:

    • Distant from God
    • Inconsistent in their faith
    • Uncertain where they stand
    • Pulled back into old patterns

At some point, this becomes the real question:

How do I move from knowing God loves me… to actually living in that love day to day?

Because knowing something is true is not the same as experiencing it consistently.

Why This Matters

If you don’t consistently receive God’s love:

    • You will feel like you are striving
    • You will look to other things to fill the gap
    • You will struggle to extend love to others

Because:

    • Receiving comes first.
    • Everything else flows from that.

1 John 4:19 — “We love Him because He first loved us.”

What It Means to “Receive” God’s Love

Receiving God’s love is not about waiting for a feeling.

It is about choosing to live from what is already true.

You are choosing to:

    • Believe what God says
    • Accept what Jesus made available
    • Stay connected to Him

This is a shift from:

Trying to get love → to living from love already given

The Foundation: It’s Already Given

God’s love is not something you earn or work up to.

It has already been established and is available to you.

Romans 5:8 — “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Ephesians 2:4  — “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us… made us alive together with Christ…”

This means:

God’s love is based on who He is and what He has done — not how well you perform

What Blocks Receiving

If God is already giving, then the issue is usually on our side.

Something is getting in the way.

Guilt and Shame

You may feel:

    • “I don’t deserve this”
    • “I’ve messed up too much”

Romans 8:1 — “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…”

Pride and Independence

You may default to:

    • “I’ll handle this myself”
    • “I don’t need help”

James 4:6  — “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

Misunderstanding God

If you see God as distant, or disappointed, or even mad at you, you will hold back.

But His posture is different:

Luke 15:20 — “But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion…”

How to Receive God’s Love (Practically)

This is where it becomes real and repeatable.

Spend Time with Him

Receiving happens through relationship.

    • Talk with Him honestly
    • Be still and listen
    • Build consistency

John 15:4  — “Abide in Me, and I in you…”

Align Your Thinking with Truth

If your thinking is off, you won’t experience what is true.

    • Replace lies with truth
    • Remind yourself who you are in Christ

Romans 12:2 — “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

Receive by Faith

You will not always feel God’s love—but you can still receive it.

    • Choose to believe
    • Stand on truth even when emotions lag

2 Corinthians 5:7 — “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Let Go of What You’re Holding

You can’t receive if you are clinging to other things.

    • Release guilt
    • Let go of control
    • Surrender independence

1 Peter 5:7 — “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

Stay Consistent

Receiving is not a one-time event—it is a pattern.

    • Daily connection – Prayer, Time In His Word, Talk With Him
    • Ongoing awareness of Him
    • Live in gratitude

John 15:5 — “He who abides in Me… bears much fruit…”

What It Looks Like When This Is Working

As you begin to receive more consistently, changes show up.

In You:

    • Less striving
    • More peace
    • Greater confidence
    • Less fear

In Your Responses:

    • More patience
    • Less defensiveness
    • Greater capacity to love others

Because now:

You are giving from what you are receiving

Where This Leads

Once you begin receiving consistently, the next step is clear:

How do I let that love flow through me to others?

That’s where transformation becomes visible in everyday life.

Simple Reflection

Take a moment and ask:

    • Where am I still striving instead of receiving?
    • What might be blocking me (guilt, pride, wrong beliefs)?
    • What would it look like to trust that God already loves me—right now?

Final Thought

God is not holding His love back from you.

The real question is whether you are positioning yourself to receive it.

And when you do:

Everything begins to change from the inside out.

How Do I Respond to What Jesus Did?

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

How Do I Respond to What Jesus Did?

Introduction

Many people have heard about Jesus.

Some even understand:

    • That He died for sin
    • That He offers forgiveness
    • That He restores our connection to God

But here’s the critical question:

How do I turn that understanding into a real change in my life?

Because knowing about Jesus is not the same as responding to Him.

And nothing changes until you do.

Why a Response Is Necessary

What Jesus did made transformation possible—but it is not automatic.

It must be:

    • Received
    • Chosen
    • Lived out

John 1:12  — “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God…”

This means:

You don’t drift into this—you decide.

What Responding to Jesus Really Means

At its core, responding to Jesus is not just believing something.

It is:

Turning from leading your own life → to following Him

1. Acknowledge the Reality

This is where it begins—honesty.

    • Recognize that self-centered living is not working
    • See the patterns it has created
    • Admit the need for something different

Romans 3:23 — “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

This is not about shame—it’s about clarity.

2. Believe What Jesus Did

You place your trust in what He accomplished:

    • God came into creation as a Man to rescue you
    • He took your sin on His back
    • He removed the barrier between you and God the Father
    • He made new life available

Romans 10:9 — “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

This is not just agreement—it is trust.

3. Receive What He Offers

This is where many people stop short.

You don’t just understand—you receive:

    • Forgiveness
    • A new identity
    • A restored relationship with God

Ephesians 2:8 — “For by grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God.”

You are not earning this.

You are accepting a gift.

4. Surrender Leadership / Lordship of Your Life 

This is the turning point.

You stop trying to run your own life—and allow Him to lead.

    • Your direction
    • Your decisions
    • Your responses

Luke 9:23  — “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself… and follow Me.”

This is where transformation begins to take root.

5. Begin to Follow (Daily, Practically)

This is not a one-time moment—it becomes a daily pattern.

    • Spend time with Him
    • Learn His ways
    • Choose imitate Him and live differently

John 10:27 — “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

You don’t have to figure everything out at once.

You just begin.

What This Is NOT

To avoid confusion:

    • It is not about being perfect
    • It is not about trying harder
    • It is not about religious performance

It is about relationship and alignment

What Changes When You Respond

At first, the changes may seem subtle—but they are real:

    • You begin to see differently
    • You pause instead of react
    • You feel conviction instead of justification
    • You become aware of new choices

2 Corinthians 5:17 — “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…”

Over time:

    • Patterns break
    • Peace increases
    • Relationships improve

A Simple Way to Start (Right Now)

If you’re ready, you can respond right now.

You don’t need perfect words—just a real heart.

A Simple Prayer:

“Jesus, I see that living my own way is not working.

I believe what You did for me.
I receive Your forgiveness and new life.

I choose to follow You.
Help me to surrender where I need to change.

Lead me, and teach me how to live differently.  In Jesus Name.  AMEN”

Key Insight

This is not the end—it’s the beginning.

Transformation starts the moment you respond—and grows as you continue to follow.

Where This Leads

Now that you’ve responded, the next questions become:

That’s where real, day-to-day transformation takes shape.

Final Thought

You don’t have to stay stuck in the same patterns.

You don’t have to keep living the same way.

A new life is available—and it begins with a response.

What Did Jesus Actually Do

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

What Did Jesus Actually Do—And Why Should I Care?

Introduction

Most people have heard of Jesus.

But far fewer understand:

What He actually did—and why it matters for their life today

At the same time, many people are dealing with:

    • Repeated patterns they can’t seem to break
    • Strained or complicated relationships
    • Internal tension, frustration, or lack of peace

It often feels like something deeper is off—but it’s hard to identify exactly what.

The Bible points to a root issue:

A separation from God and a condition within us that drives self-centered living

Isaiah 59:2 — “But your iniquities have separated you from your God…”

And here’s the key:

If that’s the real problem, then the solution has to go deeper than behavior change.

This is where Jesus comes in.

Not just as a teacher or example—

But as the one who actually solved the root problem.

What Jesus Did (The Simple Version)

Jesus didn’t come to improve behavior.

He came to solve the root problem.

1. He Lived the Life We Couldn’t Live

Jesus lived without sin:

    • No selfishness
    • No pride
    • No corruption

He showed what life looks like when fully aligned with God.

Hebrews 4:15  — “He was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

2. He Took Our Sin and Its Consequences

Instead of us carrying the weight of our sin, He took it on Himself.

1 Peter 2:24 — “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree…”

This includes:

    • The guilt
    • The consequence
    • The separation it caused

3. He Removed the Barrier Between Us and God

Because sin was dealt with, the separation could be removed.

2 Corinthians 5:21 — “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

This means:

    • You can be fully forgiven
    • You can be made right with God
    • You can be reconnected to Him

4. He Opened the Way to New Life

Jesus didn’t just remove something—He gave something new.

John 10:10  — “I have come that they may have life… more abundantly.”

This is not just future hope.

It is new life now:

    • A new identity
    • A new source
    • A new way to live

Why This Matters (Personally)

This is not abstract theology—it changes everything.

Without Jesus:

    • You remain separated from God
    • You stay in the same internal patterns
    • You continue in the same cycles

With Jesus:

    • You are forgiven and restored
    • You are made new at the core
    • You are empowered to live differently

2 Corinthians 5:17 — “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…”

The Key Insight

Jesus didn’t just:

      • Teach truth
      • Model love

He made a real exchange possible:

    • Your sin → His sacrifice
    • Your brokenness → His life
    • Your separation → His connection

What About the Cross? (Why It Matters So Much)

The cross is where everything changed.

It’s where:

    • Justice was satisfied
    • The consequences of sin were paid for
    • Love was fully demonstrated

Romans 5:8 — “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

This proves:

You are not rejected—you are deeply loved.

What This Means for the Destructive Cycles We Get Stuck In

Remember the spiral:

Hurt → Reaction → Escalation

Jesus didn’t just forgive that pattern.

He gives you the ability to:

    • Step out of it
    • Respond differently
    • Break the cycle

Because now:

    • You are not driven by the same internal source
    • You have access to something new.

The Missing Piece (For Many People)

Many people know about Jesus…

But they have not:

    • Understood what He actually did
    • Received what He made available
    • Allowed it to change how they live

So nothing really changes.

Where This Leads

Now the question becomes:

If Jesus made this possible…

That’s the next step. Click on the link above to go to the next step.

Simple Reflection (Do This Now)

Consider this:

    • Have I only heard about Jesus… or have I truly responded and submitted to Him?
    • Do I understand what He did for me…or am I still struggling with self centered agendas and baggage from the past?
    • Am I still trying to fix myself… or am I receiving and applying what Jesus already did for me?

Final Thought

Jesus didn’t come to help you cope with a broken life.

He came to restore what was broken—and give you a new life.

And everything changes when you receive that.

Problems With Self-Centered Living

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

Why Does Self-Centered Living Create So Many Problems?

Introduction

Most people don’t wake up trying to create problems.

And yet, problems keep showing up:

    • Strained relationships
    • Repeated conflicts
    • Internal tension / stress
    • Frustration that doesn’t seem to go away

It’s easy to blame:

    • Other people
    • Circumstances
    • Stress

But underneath all of that, there is a deeper cause.

The way we naturally live—centered on ourselves—creates the very problems we’re trying to escape.

The Root Issue: Living for Yourself First

At the core, self-centered living means:

My needs, my perspective, my outcome—come first

This doesn’t always look obvious or extreme.
It often shows up subtly:

    • Wanting things to go your way
    • Feeling frustrated when they don’t
    • Protecting your image
    • Reacting when you feel disrespected
    • Holding onto offense

Philippians 2:3 — “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit…”

This way of living feels natural—but it produces predictable results.

Predictable Results of Self Centered Living

Problem #1: It Distorts How You See Reality

When you are centered on yourself:

    • You interpret everything through your feelings and perspective
    • You assume motives
    • You react quickly

You don’t see clearly—you see personally.

Proverbs 14:12 — “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.”

This leads to:

    • Misunderstanding
    • Overreaction
    • Poor decisions

Problem #2: It Triggers Reactive Behavior

Self-centered living is highly reactive because it is always trying to:

    • Protect
    • Defend
    • Control

So when something challenges you:

    • You react instead of pause
    • You escalate instead of de-escalate

James 1:20 — “The wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

Problem #3: It Damages Relationships

This is where the impact becomes most visible.

When both people are operating from self-centeredness:

    • Each wants to be understood, but not understand
    • Each wants to be right
    • Each reacts to the other

And the cycle begins:

Hurt → Reaction → Counter-Reaction → Escalation

What That Looks Like in Real Life

    • You feel slighted → respond sharply
    • They feel attacked → respond defensively
    • You feel justified → escalate further

What started small grows quickly.

Proverbs 13:10 — “By pride comes nothing but strife…”

Problem #4: It Blocks the Flow of Love

This is the deeper issue behind all the others.

You were designed to live in a flow:

Receive love from God → Let it flow through you to others

But self-centered living interrupts that flow:

It Blocks Receiving

      • Pride says: “I don’t need help”
      • Guilt says: “I don’t deserve it”
      • Independence says: “I’ll handle it myself”

It Blocks Giving

      • Fear says: “Protect yourself”
      • Offense says: “They don’t deserve it”
      • Control says: “Make it go your way”

1 Corinthians 13:5 — “Love… does not seek its own…”

Without that flow:

    • You feel empty
    • Relationships struggle
    • Life feels harder than it should

Problem #5: It Creates a Downward Spiral

This doesn’t stay contained—it multiplies.

When self-centered reactions meet other self-centered reactions:

    • Conflict increases
    • Trust decreases
    • Distance grows

Over time:

Small issues become entrenched patterns

James 1:14–15  — “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires… and sin… brings forth death.”

This is why life can feel like a cycle you can’t break.

The Critical Insight

Most people try to fix:

    • The other person
    • The situation

But the real issue is:

The internal driver behind the response.

Where Change Begins

The cycle breaks when one person chooses differently.

Not by force. Not by control.

But by:

    • Pausing instead of reacting
    • Choosing truth over emotion
    • Choosing love over self-protection

Romans 12:21 — “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

What This Means for You

You can’t control:

    • Other people
    • Their reactions
    • Their decisions

But you can control:

    • Your response
    • Your posture
    • Your choice

And that changes everything.

Key Insight

Self-centered living doesn’t just fail to solve problems— It creates them.

Transformation begins when you recognize that:

The problem is not just “out there”—it starts “in here.”

Where This Leads

Now that you see the problem more clearly, the next question is:

What did Jesus actually do to solve this? How does He restore what was broken?

We’ll look at that next….click on the link above after your reflection exercise below

Simple Reflection (Do This Now)

Think about a recent conflict or frustration.

Ask yourself:

    • What was I trying to protect or control?
    • What reaction did that produce?
    • What did it trigger in the other person?

Then ask:

What would a different response have looked like?

That’s where transformation begins.

What Is Transformation

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

What Is Transformation – Why It Is Not Just Changing Behavior

Introduction

Most people want to change something about their life.

    • Be more patient
    • Have better relationships
    • Feel more peace
    • Stop reacting the same old ways

So they try to change their behavior.

And sometimes it works—for a while.

But then the same patterns come back.

Why?

Because real change is not about behavior first.

It’s about becoming a different person at the core.

What Transformation Is (Simple Definition)

Transformation is:

A change in who you are on the inside that naturally changes how you live on the outside.

It is not:

    • Trying harder
    • Managing symptoms
    • Acting better temporarily

It is:

    • A change in identity
    • A change in what drives you
    • A change in how you respond to life

2 Corinthians 5:17 — “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Why Behavior Change Alone Doesn’t Work

You can modify behavior without changing the source—but it won’t last.

Think about it:

    • You can force patience, but still feel irritated inside
    • You can stay quiet, but still carry offense
    • You can act kind, but still be self-focused

Eventually, pressure exposes what’s underneath.

Luke 6:45 — “For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”

If the inside doesn’t change, the outside will drift back.

The Core Issue: The Wrong Source

At the root, most people live from the same internal driver:

Self-centered love

      • Protect yourself
      • Promote yourself
      • Control outcomes
      • Avoid discomfort

This creates:

    • Tension inside you
    • Conflict with others
    • Distance from God

And it blocks the life you were designed to live.

God’s Design: The Flow of Love

Transformation makes sense when you understand how life is supposed to work.

You were designed for a simple flow:

Receive love from God → Let it flow through you to others

1 John 4:19  — “We love Him because He first loved us.”

1 John 4:11 – “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another”.

John 13:34 – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another”.

When that flow is working:

    • You are not striving—you are receiving
    • You are not reacting—you are responding
    • You are not draining—you are giving from overflow

What Goes Wrong (Blocked Flow Of Love)

Self-centered living disrupts the flow of love in both directions:

1. It Blocks Receiving Love

    • Guilt
    • Pride
    • Independence
    • Misunderstanding who God is

Living a self-centered life prevents you from fully receiving God’s love.

2. It Blocks Giving Love

    • Defensiveness
    • Fear
    • Control
    • Offense

Living a Self-centered life makes it very hard to extend love to others.

The result:

Internal tension + relational breakdown

This is why life often feels difficult.

What Transformation Actually Does

Transformation restores the flow.

Instead of:

Self → Reaction → Conflict

You move toward:

God → Receive → Respond → Life

Practically, That Looks Like:

  • You see things differently
  • You pause instead of react
  • You choose love instead of defending self
  • You trust God instead of trying to control
  • You forgive instead of holding offenses

Romans 12:2 — “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

This is not forced—it becomes natural over time.

What Changes (Observable Results)

As transformation takes hold, you begin to see:

In You

    • More peace
    • More clarity
    • More emotional stability
    • Less reaction

Around You

    • Less conflict escalation
    • Healthier relationships
    • Greater trust
    • Positive influence

Galatians 5:22–23 — “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”

This is how you know it’s real.

Key Insight

Transformation is not about becoming a “better version” of yourself.

It is about becoming who God intended you to be.

And that only happens when:

    • You receive His life
    • You allow it to flow through you
    • Where This Leads

Simple Reflection (Do This Now)

Ask yourself:

    • Where am I still just trying to manage behavior?
    • Where is my response still coming from self-protection?
    • Where am I not fully receiving or giving love?

You don’t need to fix everything today.

Just see the challenge clearly—that’s where transformation begins.

Now that you understand what transformation is, the next questions are:

Next:

Then:

Let’s take them one at a time…click on link above….

Why Life Feels Hard

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

Why Life Feels Hard
— And How to Break the Cycle of Stress, Conflict, and Frustration

Introduction

Most people sense it:

Life is harder than it should be.

    • Relationships strain
    • Emotions swing
    • Peace comes and goes
    • Even when things look fine on the outside, something feels off on the inside

This isn’t random.

There is a reason life often feels like an uphill battle—and once you see it clearly, everything starts to make sense.

The Real Problem (Most People Miss This)

We are born into a broken world, and we carry a broken tendency inside us.

That tendency is simple:

We each naturally put ourselves first.

It shows up as:

    • Wanting control
    • Protecting our image / Ego
    • Reacting when hurt
    • Holding onto offenses
    • Chasing short term things that don’t really satisfy us

At the root, this is self-centered living—and it creates two major problems:

1. It Separates Us from God

We were designed to live connected to Him—but something has disrupted that connection.

Isaiah 59:2 — “But your iniquities have separated you from your God…”

2. It Blocks the Flow of Love

Life was designed to work like this:

Receive love from God → Let it flow through you to others

Self-centered living interrupts the flow in both directions:

    • We struggle to truly connect and receive His love
    • We struggle to give it to others

That’s why we experience:

    • Internal tension
    • Relational conflict
    • Ongoing dissatisfaction

How This Plays Out (Why Things Spiral)

This problem doesn’t operate in you — it operates in everyone around you, and directly impacts relationships.

Our inner condition shapes how we each act and react:

    • Fear leads to defensiveness
    • Hurt leads to withdrawal or attack
    • Control leads to pressure and tension

Each of the people around you are dealing with the same tendencies.

So what happens?

Your reaction triggers their reaction… and their reaction reinforces yours.

It becomes a cycle:

Hurt → Reaction → Counter-Reaction → Escalation

What That Looks Like

    • One sharp comment → becomes an argument
    • One offense → becomes distance
    • One controlling move → creates resistance
    • One moment of pride → damages trust

Multiply that across families, workplaces, and friendships…

What starts small becomes a pattern

Left Alone, It Spirals

When everyone lives this way:

    • Conflict escalates
    • Misunderstanding grows
    • Trust erodes
    • Relationships break down

James 1:14–15 — “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires… and sin… brings forth death.”

This is why life often feels like a mess.

Why This Matters More Than You Might Think

This isn’t just about improving your circumstances — it’s about your entire direction in life.

Romans 6:23  — “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

We feel the effects now:

    • Stress
    • Conflict
    • Emptiness

But the bigger reality is:

    • Continuing on this path leads to further and further separation from God
    • And separation from God now extends into separation from Him for eternity

There is no bigger issue to resolve.

The Turning Point: Breaking the Cycle

Most people try to fix the other person or expect the other person to change.

The spiral doesn’t break that way.

It breaks when someone chooses a different response.

You can’t control others—but you can choose:

    • Whether to react or respond
    • Whether to escalate or de-escalate
    • Whether to protect yourself or choose to act in love

Romans 12:21 — “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

This is where transformation begins.

What Jesus Did (Why There Is Hope)

God didn’t leave us stuck in this cycle—He stepped into it.

Jesus came to solve the root problem:

    • He lived the life we couldn’t live
    • He demonstrated real, sacrificial love
    • He took our sin and its consequences on Himself
    • He removed the barrier between us and God

1 Peter 2:24 — “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree… by whose stripes you were healed.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 — “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Because of Him:

    • You can be reconnected to God
    • You can be made new
    • You can begin to live differently

Your Choice (This Is Personal)

This is not automatic—it requires a response.

Luke 9:23 — “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

You have two paths:

Path 1 — Continue as You Are

    • Lead your own life
    • Stay in self-centered patterns
    • Experience the same outcomes

Path 2 — Follow Jesus

    • Surrender control
    • Receive His love
    • Begin to change from the inside out

What Transformation Looks Like

Transformation is not about trying harder—it’s about becoming different at the core.

As you follow Jesus, you begin to notice:

    • You pause instead of react
    • You respond with love instead of defensiveness
    • You experience peace under pressure
    • Relationships begin to improve

Galatians 5:22–23  — “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”

This is real, practical change—not theory.

A Simple Starting Point

You don’t need to understand everything to begin.

Start here:

1. Acknowledge

“God, I see that living my own way is not working.”

2. Receive

“Jesus, I believe what You did for me. I receive Your forgiveness and Your life.”

3. Surrender

“Help me follow You. Show me where I need to change.”

4. Begin

    • Spend a few minutes each day talking with Him
    • Read His Word
    • Choose love in one situation today

Where to Go Next

If this post resonates, continue on step-by-step through this series:

Next:  What is transformation really? 

Then:

Each of these is broken into simple, focused posts so you can move forward at a steady, practical pace.

Final Thought

You are not stuck in the destructive cycle.

You can rise above it.

Transformation begins the moment you choose to acknowledge your flaw and follow Jesus — it opens the door to a different response.

And when you choose the different response: The spiral breaks—and a new life begins to flow.

Be Transformed

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

Be Transformed and Become the Person God Intended

Introduction

We are each born into a fallen world—a place marked by suffering, conflict, and brokenness.

At the same time, we inherit a flawed nature that drives us to put our own interests first. This self-centered tendency shows up as control, pride, fear, and defensiveness—and it creates real consequences.

    • It separates us from God
    • It distorts how we see reality
    • It blocks His love from flowing into us
    • And it prevents that love from flowing through us to others

Isaiah 59:2 (NKJV) — “But your iniquities have separated you from your God…”

Jeremiah 17:9 (NKJV) — “The heart is deceitful above all things…”

This is the root issue behind the pain we experience—and the pain we cause.

But we are not stuck.

We have a choice:

    • Continue living in this cycle and experience its consequences, or
    • Follow Jesus, allow Him to transform us, and rise above it

There is no bigger issue to address in your life.

Your choice carries eternal consequences:

John 3:36 (NKJV) — “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life…”

Romans 6:23 (NKJV) — “For the wages of sin is death…”

If you choose to love Jesus and put Him first now, you will spend eternity with Him.
If you continue in self-centered living, the struggles of this life will be small compared to eternity separated from God.

This is not theoretical.
It is the most important decision you will ever make.

What Is Transformation

Transformation is not about trying harder—it is about becoming different at the core.

Most people attempt to fix behavior while leaving identity and motives untouched. That approach fails because the source remains unchanged.

True transformation is:

    • A change in identity
    • A change in what drives you
    • A change in how you respond to life

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) — “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…”

At its core, transformation restores God’s intended design:

His love flows into you and then through you to others

1 John 4:19 (NKJV) — “We love Him because He first loved us.”

When that flow is blocked, life becomes strained and reactive.
When it is restored, life becomes purposeful and life-giving.

Why Is Transformation A Big Deal

This transformation is not only about eternity—it directly affects the quality of your life today.

When left unchanged, the self-centered nature produces predictable outcomes:

Galatians 5:19–21 (NKJV) — “…hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions…”

These are not random—they are the natural output of a self-driven life.

You end up:

    • Reacting emotionally
    • Protecting ego
    • Misjudging others
    • Living in tension internally and relationally

But when transformation occurs, a different pattern emerges:

Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV) — “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”

Now your life begins to produce:

    • Stability instead of chaos
    • Love instead of defensiveness
    • Peace instead of anxiety

John 10:10 (NKJV) — “I have come that they may have life… more abundantly.”

This is the life Jesus intended—not just later, but now.

How Does Transformation Work (Understanding)

Before taking action it helps if we understand how transformation actually works. Without this, efforts become mechanical and ineffective.

1. The Core Issue: Broken Flow of Love

At the deepest level, transformation is about restoring flow.

God designed life so that:

      • We receive His love
      • That love then flows through us to others

Self-centered living disrupts both directions:

      • We struggle to receive God’s love because we live in guilt, pride, and seek independence
      • We fail to give love because we live in fear and defensiveness, and try to control everything

1 John 4:12 (NKJV) — “…if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.”

2. The Root Problem: Sin and Self-Centered Nature

This broken flow originates in sin—not just actions, but a condition.

We are not just people who occasionally sin—we are born into a nature that:

      • Defaults to self-protection
      • Seeks control
      • Elevates self-interest

Romans 3:23 (NKJV) — “For all have sinned…”

Ephesians 2:3 (NKJV) — “…by nature children of wrath…”

Life experiences then reinforce this through:

      • Wounds
      • Rejection
      • Fear patterns

These become entrenched responses.

3. The Solution: Jesus Restores What Was Broken

Transformation is only possible because Jesus solved the root problem.

He did not simply teach—He intervened.

      • He lived without sin
      • He demonstrated perfect self-sacrificial love
      • He took sin upon Himself
      • He removed the barrier between you and God

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) — “…that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

1 Peter 2:24 (NKJV) — “…bore our sins… by whose stripes you were healed.”

This means:

      • You can now receive God’s love freely
      • You are empowered to live differently

4. The Transformation Mechanism: Union and Yield

Transformation does not happen by our own effort — it happens through connection and surrender.

      • Union — You are joined to Christ
      • Yield — You stop leading and allow Him to lead

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) — “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…”

John 15:5 (NKJV) — “He who abides in Me… bears much fruit…”

The more you yield, the more His life flows into you and through you.

5. The Pattern: Death of Self → Life in the Spirit

Jesus modeled the pattern for us – Crucify the flesh, Bury it, Be raised into new life:

      • We must choose to Put Off The Old version of our self and all its habits
      • And put on New life following Jesus

Luke 9:23 (NKJV) — “Deny himself… take up his cross daily…”

Ephesians 4:22–24 (NKJV) — “Put off… the old man… and put on the new man…”

This is not loss—it is exchange

We are loosing the stuff we were never intended to have, and gaining the life and abundance God intended.

How Do I Become Transformed (Practical Steps)

Now that you understand how transformation works, the question becomes: what do I actually do—daily, practically—to live this out?

Transformation is not random. It follows consistent, repeatable spiritual patterns that align you with God’s design.

1. Establish Daily Connection With Jesus (Receive His Love)

You cannot give what you have not received. If you are not regularly connecting with Jesus, the flow of life and love will weaken.

Action Steps:

      • Spend time daily in the Word
      • Speak with Jesus directly (not just formal prayer—real conversation)
      • Listen and align your heart

John 15:7 (NKJV) — “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”

Psalm 1:2–3 (NKJV) — “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.”

2. Submit Lordship Intentionally (Respond To His Love)

Transformation accelerates when you stop negotiating control. You cannot follow Jesus while insisting on leading your own life.

Action Steps:

      • Surrender decisions to Him
      • Choose obedience even when it costs you
      • Consciously yield control throughout the day

James 4:7 (NKJV) — “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

Luke 6:46 (NKJV) — “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?”

3. Renew Your Mind with Truth

Your reactions come from what you believe. If your thinking is not corrected, your behavior will not change.

Action Steps:

      • Identify lies behind your reactions 
      • Replace them with scripture
      • Speak truth out loud to reinforce it

Romans 12:2 — “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.”

Matthew 4:4 – “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God”

John 8:32 –  “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”

2 Corinthians 10:5 — “Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”

4. Interrupt and Redirect Triggers

Transformation is revealed in pressure moments. Your growth is determined by how you respond when you are triggered.

Action Steps:

      • Pause before reacting
      • Refuse emotional escalation
      • Identify the underlying lie
      • Choose a truth-based response

James 1:19–20 — “…let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

Proverbs 15:1  — “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Romans 12:19-21 – “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’”

5. Practice Sacrificial Love

Transformation becomes visible when you consistently choose love over self-interest. This is where ego loses power.

Action Steps:

      • Choose patience when irritated
      • Forgive quickly when wronged
      • Serve others without expecting return

Matthew 5:44 — “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

Philippians 2:3–4  — “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

6. Speak and Stand on Truth (Use the Sword of the Spirit)

In moments of pressure, your words matter. Speaking truth aligns your heart and releases faith.

Action Steps:

      • Declare who you are in Christ
      • Speak God’s promises over situations
      • Reject lies verbally

Ephesians 6:17  — “…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Hebrews 4:12  — “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit…”

Proverbs 18:21  — “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”

7. See People Through God’s Lens

How you see others determines how you respond to them. Misjudgment fuels conflict; truth produces compassion.

Action Steps:

      • Recognize others are flawed and wounded
      • Choose patience over judgment
      • Respond with humility and compassion

Colossians 3:12–13  — “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another…”

Ephesians 4:32  — “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

8. Review and Grow Daily

Transformation is a process. Growth happens through awareness, correction, and repetition.

Action Steps:

      • Reflect on your day
      • Identify where you reacted in the flesh
      • Apply truth for next time
      • Reinforce progress

2 Corinthians 13:5  — “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves…”

James 1:22–24  — “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only… he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror… and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.”

Summary Insight

These steps are not independent—they work together as a system:

      • Connection fuels truth
      • Truth enables right response
      • Right response builds new patterns
      • New patterns produce transformation

Stay consistent, and the change will become visible, stable, and lasting.

What It Looks Like When It’s Working

Transformation produces visible results over time.

In You

    • Stability under pressure
    • Emotional control
    • Clear thinking
    • Growing freedom

Isaiah 26:3 — “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”

Around You

    • Better relationships
    • Less conflict escalation
    • Greater influence
    • Others experience God through you

Matthew 5:16 — “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

How Am I Doing? A Self Test

Aspect Question Self / Flesh 

Christ / Spirit

Key Verse
Lordship Who is in control of my life and this decision right now? I lead my life; I decide what is right Jesus is Lord; I submit and follow Luke 6:46 — “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?”

Identity

Am I thinking like my old self or my new self in Christ?

Defined by past, wounds, performance

 New creation; child of God; righteous in Him 2 Corinthians 5:17 — “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…”
Source of Life

Where am I going to get what I need right now?

Looking to people, outcomes, control

 Receiving from God first; abiding in Him John 15:5 — “I am the vine, you are the branches… without Me you can do nothing.”
Mindset Am I reacting emotionally or responding based on truth? Reactive, assumption-driven, emotional Truth-based, steady, intentional Romans 12:2 — “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Thought Life Do I examine and challenge my thoughts? Thoughts run unchecked and justify reactions Thoughts captured and aligned to truth

2 Corinthians 10:5 — “Bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
Trust vs Control Do I try to control this outcome of situations? Striving, anxious, controlling results Trusting God with outcomes and timing Proverbs 3:5–6 — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… He shall direct your paths.”
Trigger Response Do I pause before I respond to situations? Immediate reaction; escalation Pause, process, and choose truth James 1:19 — “Let every man be… slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
Love Response Did I choose love over protecting myself? Defend self, retaliate, withdraw into issolation Sacrificial love; patience; forgiveness, overcome evil with love Matthew 5:44 — “Love your enemies… pray for those who spitefully use you…”
Speech Did my words bring life or create damage? Critical, defensive, reactive, destructive Edifying, measured, life-giving

Ephesians 4:29 — “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth… but what is good for edification…”
Fruit / Outcome What is the result I am producing right now? Anxiety, conflict, instability Peace, clarity, influence, life Galatians 5:22–23 — “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”

Where to Learn More

Scripture:

John 15  – Jesus The True Vine

Romans 6–8 – Put Off The Old Man / Put On Christ

Galatians 5 – Walk in the spirit not the flesh

Ephesians 4–6 – Walk in love, Spiritual Warfare,  Armor of God

Teachers:

Dan Mohler  <My Dan Mohler Resource Page With Links To Good Videos>

         Live in Your New Identity <Video>

Barry Bennett  < My Barry Bennet Resource Page With Links to Good Videos>

Be Set Free From The Fallen World

Best Practices:

Establish Personal Relationship with Jesus: <My Blog Post Discussion> 

Hear God’s Voice via Interactive Journaling:  <My Instruction Page> 

Speaking Scriptural Declarations: < Declarations: What, Why, How>, <Catalog Of Declarations > 

Start Your Day With Jesus < My Blog Post Discussion >

Living In Gratitude:  <My Blog Post Discussion>

Deny Your Self, Pick Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus – Lose Your Life to Find It < My Blog Post Discussion >

Loving Others as God Loves You:  <My Blog Post Discussion>

Call to Action

Start now:     2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV) — “Now is the day of salvation.”

    • Submit one area fully
    • Replace one reaction today
    • Speak truth out loud
    • Choose love under pressure

You are not trying to improve yourself.

You are becoming who God intended you to be.

And as you yield:  His love and His life will flow through you — and everything changes.

Testimony: Using The Word Of God

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

A Living Testimony: Using the Word of God for Encouragement

Introduction

In our recent Bible study, I asked “What Scriptures have shaped your journey?”

One response stood out—not just as a list of verses, but as a living testimony of someone actively using the Word of God for encouragement, guidance, and ministry to others.

Here is how it was shared:

“John, You asked us as homework for our bible study to identify the bible verses that have been important in shaping our journey in this life. Below is the list of scriptures that I find for myself moving, inspirational and/or a source of great guidance while navigating this world.

I have been involved with our church’s Card Ministry cards for several years and I think of the folks we try to support when I read scripture and take note of potential applicability when I feel moved or prompted.

The attached list of impactful verses has accumulated over time and has been updated as a result of this homework assignment. I hope others find it useful.”

The Raw list of verses is provided in this table, Scan through them.  How many sound familiar to you just by chapter and verse?

1 Corinthians 3:16 Galatians 5:15 John 15:12 Proverbs 27:9
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 Galatians 6:2 John 16:33 Proverbs 28:27
1 Corinthians 13:13 Galatians 6:2 John 19:30 Psalm 25:4
1 Corinthians 15:55 Galatians 6:9 John 21:16 Psalm 27:13
1 John 3:1 Hebrews 1:14 Joshua 1:9 Psalm 27:13
1 John 3:18 Hebrews 4:12 Jude 1:2 Psalm 31:24
1 John 4:12 Hebrews 10:24-25 Luke 1:79 Psalm 32:8
1 John 4:19 Hebrews 12:5-6 Luke 6:36 Psalm 34:1
1 Kings 8:57-58 Hebrews 13:16 Luke 6:45 Psalm 37:4
1 Peter 4:10 Isaiah 11:2-4 Luke 10:19 Psalm 56:3
1 Peter 5:10 Isaiah 40:31 Luke 19:10 Psalm 91:4
1 Peter 5:7 Isaiah 53:6 Matthew 5:14-16 Psalm 100:5
1 Thessalonians 5:11 James 1:5 Matthew 5:9 Psalm 118:24
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 James 3:17 Matthew 6:12 Psalm 119:105
1 Timothy 4:8 James 4:7 Matthew 6:34 Psalm 119:60
2 Chronicles 15:7 John 1:16 Matthew 28:18-19a Psalm 145:18
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 John 3:16 Philippians 2:4 Psalm 147:3
2 Corinthians 3:18 John 3:17 Philippians 3:8-10 Romans 1:12
2 Corinthians 5:17 John 10:10 Philippians 4:13 Romans 1:16
2 Corinthians 5:20 John 10:14 Proverbs 3:21-26 Romans 8:6
Colossians 4:2 John 10:27 Proverbs 3:5-6 Romans 12:10-13
Ephesians 2:8-9 John 13:34 Proverbs 4:20-22 Romans 12:2
Ephesians 4:1-2 John 14:2 Proverbs 15:1 Titus 3:4-5
Ephesians 6:10-18 John 14:6 Proverbs 17:22  

This is the unfiltered list—already powerful in its breadth and depth:

What This Testimony Demonstrates

This is not theoretical Christianity—this is applied truth:

The Word is being stored over time
It is being recalled when needed
It is being used to encourage others
It is being applied situationally through the Spirit’s prompting

This is exactly what Scripture describes:

Hebrews 4:12 — “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…”

The Word is not static—it becomes active when used.

Organizing Encouragement: Practical Themes

To make this list usable for others, the verses have been grouped into core encouragement domains.

Aspect  Domain Key Message
Perspective (Reality Lens) 1. God, Reality & Eternity This world is temporary; God’s Kingdom is ultimate reality.
Foundation (Truth Source) 2. The Word of God (Truth & Authority) God’s Word defines truth and reveals His will.
Foundation (Character of God) 3. God Is Good & Faithful You can trust God’s nature and His promises.
Foundation (Relationship) 4. God Is With You (Presence) You are not alone—God is with you and helping you.
Identity (Position in Christ) 5. Your Identity in Christ You are made righteous, accepted, and new in Christ.
Discernment (Direction) 6. Guidance & Wisdom God shows you what is right and leads your steps.
Posture (Alignment) 7. Surrender & Burden Exchange Yield control to God and cast your cares on Him.
Inner Life (Stability) 8. Peace, Strength & Endurance God gives peace and strength to sustain you.
Authority (Kingdom Function) 9. Purpose, Calling & Authority You are sent with authority to represent Christ.
Transformation (Walk) 10. Character & Obedience You are being transformed as you walk with Him.
Relationships (Outflow) 11. Love & Community You are called to love and build others up.
Activation (Faith Expression) 12. Act in Faith, Prayer & Speaking You act in faith to bring God’s will into place.

This framework organizes encouragement into a clear progression—from understanding ultimate reality, to knowing God and His truth, to establishing identity and stability, and finally to walking in purpose, authority, and active faith.

It is designed not only to inform but to equip—so that truth can be applied in real time to every situation.

Catalog by Theme (NKJV)

The verses have been arranged by theme, the key verses for each theme are identified by an *. If there is a widely recognized key verse for that theme that was not included on the initial list of verses, it is included here and markd with **. 

1. God, Reality & Eternity (Perspective)

Key Message: This world is temporary—God’s Kingdom and eternal reality define truth.

** 2 Corinthians 4:17–18   – “For our light affliction… is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory… the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

* John 14:6   – “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

* John 16:33   – “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

* 1 Corinthians 15:55–57   – “O Death, where is your sting?… But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 3:8–10   – “…that I may gain Christ… that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection…”

John 14:2   – “In My Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you.”

2. The Word of God (Truth & Authority)

Key Message: God’s Word defines truth and directs your life.

* Hebrews 4:12   – “The word of God is living and powerful… and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

* Psalm 119:105  – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

* Proverbs 4:20–22   – “…keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life… and health to all their flesh.”

Romans 1:16   – “The gospel… is the power of God to salvation…”

Psalm 119:60   – “I made haste, and did not delay to keep Your commandments.”

3. God Is Good & Faithful (Trustworthiness)

Key Message: God is good, faithful, and trustworthy in all things.

** Numbers 23:19  – “God is not a man, that He should lie… Has He said, and will He not do?”

* Proverbs 3:5–6   – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… He shall direct your paths.”

* Psalm 100:5   – “The Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting…”

* Psalm 37:4–5   – “Delight yourself in the Lord… Commit your way to the Lord… He shall bring it to pass.”

Psalm 56:3–4   – “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You…”

Psalm 27:13–14  – “I would have lost heart… Wait on the Lord…”

4. God Is With You (Presence)

Key Message: God is present, near, and actively guiding you.

** Hebrews 13:5   – “I will never leave you nor forsake you… The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.”

* Joshua 1:9   – “Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

* John 10:27–28   – “My sheep hear My voice… I give them eternal life… neither shall anyone snatch them…”

* Psalm 145:18   – “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him…”

John 10:14   – “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep…”

Luke 1:79   – “To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

1 Kings 8:57–58    – “May He not leave us nor forsake us…”

5. Your Identity in Christ (Righteousness & Adoption)

Key Message: You are saved, loved, and made new in Christ.

* 2 Corinthians 5:17  – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…”

* 1 John 3:1  – “Behold what manner of love… that we should be called children of God!”

* John 3:16–17  – “For God so loved the world… that the world through Him might be saved.”

* Ephesians 2:8–9  – “By grace you have been saved through faith… not of works…”

Titus 3:4–5   – “According to His mercy He saved us…”

Isaiah 53:6  -“The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

John 1:16   – “Of His fullness we have all received…”

1 Corinthians 3:16   – “You are the temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you.”

6. Guidance & Wisdom (Discernment)

Key Message: God leads and gives wisdom when you seek Him.

* James 1:5   – “If any lacks wisdom, let him ask of God… it will be given.”

* Psalm 32:8  – “I will instruct you… and guide you…”

* Proverbs 3:5–6  – “In all your ways acknowledge Him…”

Psalm 25:4–5   – “Show me Your ways… lead me in Your truth…”

James 3:17  -“Wisdom from above is pure… peaceable…”

Isaiah 11:2–3   – “The Spirit of wisdom… understanding… shall rest upon Him.”

7. Surrender & Burden Exchange

Key Message: Release control and let God carry your burdens.

** Matthew 11:28–30   – “Come to Me… I will give you rest… My yoke is easy…”

* 1 Peter 5:7  – “Casting all your care upon Him…”

Psalm 147:3  – “He heals the brokenhearted…”

2 Corinthians 1:3–4   – “God of all comfort…”

Psalm 91:4   – “Under His wings you shall take refuge…”

Matthew 6:12   – “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive…”

8. Peace, Strength & Endurance

Key Message: God gives peace and strength to sustain you.

* Isaiah 40:31  – “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength…”

* Philippians 4:13   – “I can do all things through Christ…”

* Romans 8:6  – “To be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

* 1 Peter 5:10  – “After you have suffered… strengthen and settle you.”

Matthew 6:34  – “Do not worry about tomorrow…”

2 Chronicles 15:7   – “Be strong… your work shall be rewarded.”

Psalm 31:24  – “Be of good courage…”

Proverbs 3:21–26  – “The Lord will be your confidence…”

Psalm 118:24  – “This is the day the Lord has made…”

Proverbs 17:22  – “A merry heart does good…”

9. Purpose, Calling & Authority

Key Message: You are sent with purpose and authority.

* 2 Corinthians 5:20  – “We are ambassadors for Christ…”

* Luke 10:19  – “I give you authority… over all the power of the enemy…”

* Matthew 28:18–19  – “All authority… go therefore…”

Matthew 5:14–16  – “You are the light of the world…”

Luke 19:10  – “The Son of Man came to seek and save…”

John 21:16  – “Tend My sheep.”

1 Peter 4:10  – “Minister to one another…”

Ephesians 6:10–18  – “Put on the whole armor of God…”

Hebrews 1:14  – “Ministering spirits sent forth…”

1 Corinthians 12:4–11  – “Diversities of gifts… same Spirit…”

10. Character, Obedience & Transformation

Key Message: God is shaping your life through obedience.

* Romans 12:2  – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

* 2 Corinthians 3:18  – “Being transformed… from glory to glory…”

* Galatians 6:9  – “Do not grow weary… you shall reap…”

Hebrews 12:5–6  – “Whom the Lord loves He chastens…”

Ephesians 4:1–2  – “Walk worthy… with humility…”

Galatians 5:15  – “Do not consume one another…”

Proverbs 15:1  – “A soft answer turns away wrath…”

Proverbs 28:27  – “He who gives… will not lack…”

1 Timothy 4:8  – “Godliness is profitable…”

11. Love, Community & Encouragement

Key Message: You are called to love and build others up.

* John 13:34–35  – “Love one another… by this all will know…”

* 1 Corinthians 13:13   – “The greatest of these is love.”

* Galatians 6:2  – “Bear one another’s burdens…”

* 1 Thessalonians 5:11  – “Edify one another.”

Hebrews 10:24–25   – “Stir up love…”

Romans 12:10–13  – “Be kindly affectionate…”

Philippians 2:4  – “Look out for others…”

1 John 3:18   – “Love… in deed and truth.”

1 John 4:12  – “If we love… God abides…”

1 John 4:19  – “We love Him because He first loved us.”

John 15:12–13  – “Love one another as I have loved you…”

Luke 6:36  – “Be merciful, just as your Father…”

Matthew 5:9  – “Blessed are the peacemakers…”

Proverbs 27:9  – “The sweetness of a man’s friend…”

Romans 1:12  – “Mutually encouraged…”

Hebrews 13:16  – “Do good and share…”

Jude 1:2  – “Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied…”

12. Faith, Prayer & Speaking God’s Will

Key Message: Act in faith—pray, declare, and align with God’s will.

** Matthew 11:28–30
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am [a]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

* James 4:7 – “Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee …”

* John 19:30  – “It is finished!”

Colossians 4:2  – “Continue earnestly in prayer…”

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18  – “Rejoice always… pray… give thanks…”

Psalm 34:1  – “I will bless the Lord at all times…”

Luke 6:45  – “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

Observation

This catalog shows something powerful:

Encouragement is multi-dimensional:  It touches identity, purpose, peace, strength, and eternity
And the Word provides coverage for every human condition

When the right truth is applied to the right situation → encouragement becomes real, not theoretical

This testimony reveals something critical:

Encouragement is not found—it is built by collecting, believing, and applying the Word of God over time.

This list did not appear overnight. It was:

    • Accumulated
    • Tested
    • Applied
    • Shared

That is how the Word becomes alive in a person’s life.

Call to Action

Start your own encouragement framework:

    • Identify 5–10 verses that speak to you
    • Write them down
    • Use them when life presses in
    • Share them to encourage others

Over time, you won’t just have verses—you’ll have a testimony.