Tag: Renew Your Mind

See Yourself As God Sees You

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

See Yourself As God Sees You, and Transform Your Life

Introduction

Seeing yourself through God’s eyes is essential for transforming your life and your relationships.

Most people live their entire lives without ever seeing themselves clearly.
They see themselves through:

    • Wounds.
    • Labels.
    • Failures.
    • Achievements.
    • Emotions.
    • Family expectations.
    • Cultural messages.
    • Religious assumptions.

But none of these are the truth.

Your real identity is found only in how God sees you.
Everything in your life changes when you begin to align your thoughts, emotions, decisions, and behaviors with His perspective.

Identity is not a religious concept. Identity is the engine of transformation.

    • Your thoughts flow from identity.
    • Your emotions react from identity.
    • Your behaviors reveal identity.
    • Your relationships mirror identity.
    • Your purpose unfolds from identity.

And when you begin to see yourself as God sees you, everything in your life will begin to change.

    • Your thoughts change.
    • Your emotions change.
    • Your choices change.
    • Your relationships change.
    • Your purpose becomes clear.

This is the journey of transformation — and it begins with a new identity.

What Is Identity?

Identity is the inner story you believe about who you are, why you matter, and what role you play in this world.

It includes:

    • How you see yourself (worth, value, competence)
    • How you believe God sees you
    • What you believe you deserve or don’t deserve
    • What you expect from life
    • What you believe about your purpose

Identity operates beneath the surface. It shapes thoughts, desires, decisions, habits, and the health of your relationships.
If identity is distorted, everything built on top of it becomes unstable.

Your identity is the root of the tree. Your behavior is the fruit.
Change the root. The fruit changes naturally.

Why Is Identity So Critically Important?

Identity determines:

A. How you relate to God

If you believe you are unworthy or unlovable, you will keep your distance or hide from God.
If you know you are loved and cherished, you will draw near with confidence.

B. How you relate to yourself

A broken or distorted fallen identity fuels insecurity, fear, shame, and self-rejection.
A proper God-given identity fuels peace, stability, confidence, and joy.

C. How you relate to others

People with broken identities:

      • Overreact / Unpredictable
      • Withdraw
      • Seek approval / Validation
      • Manipulate / Control
      • Fear abandonment
      • Hurt others unintentionally

People rooted in Chris based identity are able to:

      • Love freely
      • Forgive quickly
      • Remain stable under pressure
      • Serve without seeking return
      • Bring peace instead of conflict

People who know who they are in Christ can love freely and sacrificially without needing others to validate them.

D. How you walk out purpose

Identity directs destiny.
If you see yourself as weak, you will never step into what God designed you to do.
If you see yourself as chosen, equipped, and empowered, you will live boldly.

Identity shapes everything.

3. How Does God See You?

The Bible presents three clear identity categories.
Every person on earth fits into one of them.

Identity 1: The Unbeliever

(Lost • Dead in Sin • Separated • Self-Led)

This person:

      • Does not know God
      • Relies on self
      • Lives in spiritual darkness / Is blind to spiritual truth
      • Is spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1)
      • Lives as their own master
      • Is not yet redeemed

This is not condemnation—but they face condemnation if they die in their sins

This is simply the starting point before salvation.

Identity 2: The Lukewarm Believer

(Found but Not Following • Unsurrendered • Dual-Minded)

This is the most common and most dangerous category.

A lukewarm believer:

      • Believes all about Jesus
      • Appreciates His teachings
      • Wants heaven but not a life of holiness
      • Wants blessings but not obedience
      • Selectively obeys if convenient
      • Lives mostly self-led
      • Has not chosen to Follow Jesus by denying self, taking up their cross, and surrender fully
      • Remains largely unchanged in identity and character
      • Fully exposed to consequences in the fallen world

Jesus describes folks in this group specifically in Revelation 3:
Confident in their status, but spiritually poor, blind, and vulnerable.

A lukewarm believer is not rejected by God —
but they are invited to repentance, surrender, and discipleship.

This category matters because many people mistakenly think:

“I believe in Jesus, therefore I am ok.’”

Scripture teaches otherwise – knowing about Jesus is just the beginning – He must know you through your obedience.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” – Matthew 7:21-23 

Belief is the doorway.
Surrender is the pathway.
Discipleship is the life.  

C. Identity 3: The Disciple

(Born Again • Submitted • Following Jesus • Empowered)

A disciple has:

      • Died to the old identity
      • Been born again into a new one
      • Received the Holy Spirit
      • Surrendered to Jesus as Lord
      • Begun walking in obedience
      • Embraced transformation
      • Begun producing spiritual fruit
      • Shifted from self-led to Spirit-led

This is what the New Testament calls being “in Christ.”

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” — 2 Cor. 5:17

A disciple is not perfect.
A disciple is surrendered and committed to follow Jesus.

A disciple is not sinless.
A disciple is being transformed to learn from mistakes and grow and become more like Christ every day.

A disciple does not earn identity.
A disciple receives identity and lives from it.

How Can I Tell If I Am “In Christ”?

There is clear evidence and it is very clear: This is not about perfection — it is about direction, desire, and spiritual birth.

Below is a Self-Test to help you see where you stand:

Indicator

Unbeliever

Lukewarm Believer

Disciple (In Christ)
View of God Irrelevant

Useful but not central

Father, Lord, King
Relationship

None

Occasional engagement

Worship when convenient

Distant, Remote

Unresponsive – Don’t Hear His Voice, Don’t Do What He Asks

Knows About

Seeks To Get

Multiple Engagements Daily,

Worship At Least Weekly

Close Personal Relationship,

Responsive – Always Talking, Asking, Listening, Hearing, Doing

Knows. Understands. Trusts. Faith in promises,

Seeks To Serve
God’s Word

Irrelevant

Parts useful if they support my desires. Know a few verses, Mostly ignore

The Truth, Daily Focus, Immerse to Understand
Obedience

Not considered

Selective, when convenient

Surrendered
View of Sin

No conviction

Conviction but little change

Repentance and growth
Identity Source

Self, world

 Mixed, Double minded

Christ alone
Primary Desire Self-will Comfort now, Access to heaven then

God’s will
Transformation None Minimal

Evident and Increasing

Guiding Questions

      • Do I obey God always or only when it’s convenient?
      • Does Jesus shape my schedule, decisions, and desires?
      • Have I actually surrendered control of my life to Him?
      • Is there evidence of the Holy Spirit’s transformation in me?
      • Do I love God more than the world, or the world more than God?

Your answers reveal your current identity.

How Do I Become “In Christ” If I’m Not There Yet?

You enter the new identity through faith, repentance, and surrender.

Not by religion.
Not by good works.
Not by church attendance.
Not by mentally agreeing with doctrine.

Identity changes when Lordship changes.

Steps:

    1. Believe Jesus is who He says He is.
    2. Repent (turn away from self-rule).
    3. Surrender (embrace Jesus as Lord, not just Savior).
    4. Receive the Holy Spirit (the power of new life).
    5. Begin following Jesus daily (this is discipleship).

This is spiritual rebirth—the moment identity truly changes.

How Do I Embrace My Identity in Christ?

Identity must be received, then practiced, then grown.

Best Practices:

A. Renew Your Mind Daily

Replace self-lies with God’s truth.

B. Declare Identity Out Loud – see below

Your heart follows your words.

C. Reject Old Labels

Stop rehearsing shame, failure, and fear.

Notice those negative thoughts when they creep in and take them captive

D. Journal With Jesus

Ask:  “What lie am I believing?”

“What truth do You want me to embrace?”

E. Practice Obedience

Obedience strengthens identity.

F. Surround Yourself With Disciples

Identity grows in community.

Identity Declaration

“Lord, I choose to see myself as You see me.
I reject every false label, lie, and wound that has shaped my old identity.
I receive my identity in Christ — forgiven, redeemed, loved, chosen, and empowered by Your Spirit.
I surrender my life to You.
I choose to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow You.
Write Your truth on my heart and help me walk it out boldly.
I am Yours, and I will live for Your glory. Amen.”

Am I Living From My New Identity In Christ? 

Most people assume they know where they stand spiritually, yet their daily thoughts, desires, and choices often tell a different story.

Identity is not what we claim—it is what we live from.

The following self-test helps you honestly evaluate whether your life reflects the identity of an Unbeliever, a Lukewarm Believer, or a surrendered Disciple. The goal is not condemnation but clarity. When you understand where you truly are, you can understand exactly what God is inviting you into next. Use this comparison to locate yourself with humility and courage.

Identity Self test:

Identity Area

Old Identity (Self-Led)

New Identity (Christ-Led)

Thoughts

Fear, Confusion, Shame

 Truth, Clarity, Hope
Emotions Volatile, Anxious, Bitter

Peace, Stability
Choices Flesh-driven – Feelings/Emotions

Spirit-led – God’s Will, God’s Word, God’s Voice
Relationships Reactive, insecure

Loving, generous

Purpose

 Unclear, small Eternal, God-given

Behavior

 Old patterns dominate Spiritual fruit growing

Guiding Questions

    • What does my daily behavior reveal about who I believe I am?
    • Do I treat others from insecurity or love?
    • Do I make decisions based on fear or faith?
    • Do I live from old wounds or new truth?
    • Am I walking as a disciple or a dual-minded believer?

Where To Learn More

Scripture

    • Romans 8
    • 2 Corinthians 5
    • Ephesians 1–3
    • Colossians 3
    • Galatians 2 & 5
    • John 15
    • Psalm 139

Books

Victory Over the Darkness – Neil Anderson

Renovation of the Heart – Dallas Willard

The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness – Timothy Keller

The Purpose Driven Life – Rick Warren

Keep Your Love On – Danny Silk

Teachers & Video Resources

Dan Mohler – Identity in Christ & transformation

Graham Cooke – New creation realities

Bill Johnson – Kingdom identity

Bible Project – Identity, holiness, salvation videos

Practices

Daily identity declarations – I Have A New Identity In Christ

Journaling with Jesus – You Can Hear God’s Voice Through Journaling

Scripture meditation

Community with disciples

Obedience-based spiritual growth

Final Thoughts

Your identity is the single most powerful force in your life.
If you see yourself through your past, wounds, failures, or emotions, you will stay trapped in the same patterns.

But if you begin to see yourself as God sees you—
loved, chosen, redeemed, empowered—
your entire life transforms.

You must choose:

Stay stuck in an old identity…
or embrace the new identity Jesus purchased for you.

When you choose the new:

Your relationships change.
Your emotions heal.
Your purpose awakens.
Your habits shift.
Your legacy begins.

Seeing yourself as God sees you is not just revelation—
it is the beginning of transformation.

Declarations – Positive Affirmations Of Faith

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

Declarations – The Power of Positive Affirmations Of Faith

Why Speaking Declarations of Faith Works

Words are not just sounds — they are creative forces that shape our reality.

When we speak a declaration of faith or a positive affirmations rooted in God’s truth, we are not just repeating nice catchy phrases — we are renewing our minds with God’s thoughts, aligning our hearts with Gods purpose, shaping our entire soul around His Word, activating faith by choosing to speak, and releasing spiritual authority into the universe to do work. 

1. Our Words Have Power Because God Gave Us Dominion

From the very beginning, God gave humankind dominion over the earth.

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion… over all the earth…” – Genesis 1:26  

Part of dominion is expressed through words. God spoke and the universe came into being

“Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.” – Genesis 1:3 

Because God delegated dominion to us, our words carry the same power to build, bless, or break.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” – Proverbs 18:21 

That is where positive affirmations or declarations of faith come in. They have the structure and content to create for good.

2. A Declaration of Faith Helps Renew the Mind and Align Our Heart

Our natural thoughts are often flawed and limited by fear, pride, or past experiences. We must be transformed by the renewing of our mind to think as God thinks.

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

Before salvation, our hearts are corrupted by sin.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” – Jeremiah 17:9

 “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,…” Mark 7:21

When we decide to turn from sin and accept Jesus as Lord and savior we are born again. When we are born again, God gives us a new heart and a new spirit.

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26

We must purposefully choose to break our old habits and align our new heart’s intentions with God’s purposes through prayer, meditation, and speaking His Word.

Declarations of faith help us do that — they train our minds to think truth, our hearts to desire righteousness, and our souls to walk in agreement with God’s intention for us.

The word of God provides the truth to orient and structure our thoughts 

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” – Colossians 3:2

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

 ” Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” Psalm 103:2

Organizing the Word of God into a declaration aligns our heart with God’s purposes, and helps us break the habits we got into with our old sinful nature.

 “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” – James 4:8

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

3 – Speaking the Word of God is an act of faith.

Faith doesn’t grow from wishing or hoping; Faith comes by hearing and speaking God’s Word.

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” – Romans 10:17

When we speak Scripture aloud, we are not only declaring God’s promises — we are also hearing them, which strengthens our understanding, builds confidence, and releases faith. Speaking the Word repeatedly plants truth deep into our spirit and builds confidence that our belief is reality.

“And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed and therefore I spoke,’ we also believe and therefore speak” – 2 Corinthians 4:13

When we speak in faith, we are using God’s delegated authority to call things that are not yet in place into place – just as He did.

The bottom line, Our words, aligned with truth, spoken with positive intention from our heart, create our future out of nothing — just as His Word created the universe out of nothing.

“Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’” – Joel 3:10 (NKJV)

“You will have whatever you say.” – Mark 11:23 (NKJV)

4. The Psychology / Neurology Connection

Modern psychology now supports and describes what Scriptures have always said – Our choice of words impacts our lives:

  • Neuroplasticity shows that by repeating words and thoughts our brain is rewired, forming new patterns of belief.

    • When we speak in faith, we reinforce hope, confidence, and trust in God’s goodness.

  • Verbalization Effect – Saying things out loud engages multiple areas of the brain, strengthening beliefs and increasing motivation to act on it.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Science has learned that Positive affirmations help replace fear-based thinking with truth-based beliefs, improving emotional regulation and resilience. Renewal happens when truth replaces fear or negativity — this is the process mirrored in Romans 12:2.

In essence, when we repeatedly declare God’s truth, we are renewing our mind, retraining our heart, and realigning the body and soul into divine order. 

 – What we speak repeatedly, we begin to believe deeply, and what we believe, we live out faithfully.

5. Common Themes of Faith Declarations

Christians throughout the ages have spoken declarations of faith to claim God’s promises and stay anchored in His Word. Common topics include:

  • Identity in Christ – “I am a child of God, redeemed and righteous.”

  • Strength and Courage – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

  • Provision and Favor – “God supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory.”

  • Peace and Healing – “By His stripes I am healed. I will not fear, for God is with me.”

  • Purpose and Direction – “The Lord orders my steps and establishes my path.”

  • Victory over Sin and Fear – “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.”

These declarations are not magical formulas — they are faith in action, aligning our confession with the truth of God’s Word until what we speak becomes what we see.

The Takeaway

Declarations of faith are not empty words — they are spiritual weapons and tools for transformation.

When spoken consistently, they:

Align your thoughts with God’s truth

Align Your Will with God’s Will

Release and strengthen your Faith

Invite the Holy Spirit to work in response to your confession

Turn belief into bold action

As you speak God’s word over your life and the situations around you daily, remember: your words have power and are creating your future.

Examples To Declarations To Apply

Here are some example declaration topics to explore.  

I am working to set up dedicated pages to discuss these specific topics – click on the title if a page is linked.  

Click this link to go to a full PDF collection of all these declarations:  <<  Link To Latest Collection of Declarations – R2  >>

 

Be transformed by the renewal of your mind

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

Be Transformed by the Renewal of Your Mind

Introduction

We don’t fix the world by rearranging its furniture — we fix it by letting God rearrange us.

The Christian life starts with truth about who we were made to be, what broke that design, and what Jesus has done to restore it. Then it becomes a daily practice: replacing fallen, self-centered thoughts with God’s thoughts revealed in Scripture so we can actually live as the image-bearers we were created to be.

Below is a short biblical roadmap and a simple, repeatable practice you can use today to receive your own transformation.

The practical hinge — renew your mind

The everyday process runs through the mind. Paul’s command and promise is simple and strategic:

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

Renewing your mind means intentionally replacing your own thoughts rooted in this fallen world (fear, self-exaltation, scarcity, shame, lust, bitterness) with God’s truth — what he says about Himself, about you, and about your calling.

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” 2 Corinthians 10:5

Start with God’s purpose: you were made in His image

God made humans as reflections of himself.

“So God created man in His own image…”  Genesis 1:27

That original design means we were created to receive God’s life and to be conduits of his love — not to hoard love or build life around self.

Recognize the damage: Sin broke that image and separates us from God

Because of Adam and Eve’s fall we began living as people in need of love rather than as channels of love — searching for substitutes the world offers. That’s the background problem: the mind, affections and will were re-directed away from God.

“But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” Isaiah 59:2

Know the solution: Jesus paid the price and re-connects us

Jesus’ blood restores access to the Father and makes forgiveness possible. Jesus’ blood cleanses us from sin when we walk in the light.

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,” Ephesians 1:7 

“… the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 

That finished work is the foundation: your transformation flows from the work Jesus did for you..

Embrace Your New identity: You are made new in Christ

When you receive Christ you are not merely improved — you are re-created.

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

That is radical: old patterns don’t get a cosmetic makeover — they are put away as God forms the original image again in you by his grace.

See Yourself as God Sees You: Innocent And Holy

You will never fulfil your full potential until you start to see yourself as God sees you through Jesus blood

“And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight.” Colossians 1:21-22

Your sinful nature and your past thoughts and actions are hidden under the robe of Christs’ blood.

“For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

Put off the old and put on the new — a purposeful decision

Paul connects belief to action: we are to put off the old and put on the new

“… put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24

That is not self-help; it is discipleship. The Spirit applies truth to your heart so the new life takes shape — but you cooperate by refusing the old patterns and practicing the new.

Stay Focused on Your new purpose: Bring Glory To God

A key to transformation is to focus on your purpose:  Why are you hear, what are you trying to accomplish. You are here to bring God glory.

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

A short practical plan: “See → Think → Speak → Do”

  1. See — Start by looking at Jesus’ finished work. Remind yourself that you are forgiven and seen by the Father through Christ’s blood. (A 60–90 second quieting prayer works well.)

  2. Think — Pick one fallen thought pattern (e.g., “I must secure my worth by achievement” or “I’m unlovable”). Search one short verse that speaks God’s truth about that area and read it aloud. (Example: Romans 12:2’s command to be transformed by renewed thinking.)

  3. Speak — Confess the sin and declare God’s truth aloud. Confession + declaration fixes truth in the heart (see confession template below).

  4. Do — Take one small obedient action that demonstrates the new thought (for example, give away time or money, forgive someone, stop a negative habit for 24 hours). Obedience trains the heart.

  5. Repeat — A recurring loop, done consistently, rewires the mind and heart.

Example confession / declaration (fill in the blank and say it boldly, aloud)

“Heavenly Father, I thank You that you love me and sent your Son.

Lord Jesus, thank you for coming here, paying the price for our sins on your body and shedding your innocent blood.

By your stripes i am healed, and by Your blood I am forgiven and cleansed.

I receive Your work on the cross for me.

By faith I repent of _______ (name the specific attitude or action).

I hereby crucify my self-centered agendas and emotions and submit them to you.

I hereby put off my old self and I put on the new man, I put on Christ.

I choose today to think Your thoughts about myself: I am loved, forgiven, chosen, and sent.

Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and transform my mind so I can do the works You prepared for me and bring you glory.

I speak this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Short scriptural “memory anchors” you can use

(keep these short — say them aloud and ask the Spirit to make them true in you)

  • “God created man in His own image…” Genesis 1:27  Bible Gateway

  • “Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God…” Isaiah 59:2  Bible Gateway

  • “The blood of Jesus … cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7  Bible Gateway

  • “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Romans 12:2 Bible Gateway

  • “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…All things are new” 2 Corinthians 5:17 Bible Gateway 

  • “Put off the old man… put on the new man…” Ephesians 4:22-24 Bible Gateway

  • “Do all things to the glory of God”  1 Corinthians 10:31 Bible Gateway

Use one of those as a 10–20 second “reset” whenever an old temptation or fear returns.

Practices that speed the renewal process

  • Daily quieting — 5–15 minutes to read one verse, pray the confession, and listen.

  • Journaling — Write the false thought, the truth verse, and one small obedient action for the day.

  • Accountability — Share one weekly progress point with a trusted believer (one-on-one discipleship accelerates growth).

  • Scripture replacement — When a lie comes, immediately replace it with a verse (speak, write, or sing it).

  • Service — Frequent acts of small, humble service rewire motives from self to others (works flow from grace, not vice versa).

FAQs

Q — Isn’t this “works”?
A — No. Transformation is gospel-first. Salvation and renewal are by grace; the mind-renewal and obedience are how the grace is worked out in daily life. The finished work of Christ is the foundation; our obedience is the fruit.

Q — How long does it take?
A — Growth differs. Paul describes being transformed “by the renewing of your mind” and that is a process. Expect steady, patient progress, not instant perfection. The more you focus with intention and yield to the spirit, the more quickly the spirit can execute transformation in you.

Resources to learn more

  • Dan Mohler — short, practical teaching on identity, confession and walking in God’s reality (search “Dan Mohler identity in Christ” for his shorter clips and demonstrations).

  • NKJV scripture tools — Uee Bible Gateway,   or Bible.com , or OpenBible.info  for quick lookups and reading plans.

  • Read: short works on sanctification and renewing the mind (look for titles or pastors you trust; many congregational Bible studies focus on Romans and Ephesians).

Your Calling – Closing encouragement

God’s aim is restoration: to make you again what he originally made you to be — an image-bearer flowing with his love and power.

That restoration is both a one-time legal miracle (the cross) that defeats death and opens up eternity for us, and a life-long journey (the renewals of your mind and heart). Start today with one verse, one confession, and one obedient act. Over time, grace will do what effort alone never could.

 

Spend Quality Time With God

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

Be Transformed By Spending Quality Time Alone With God

The Opportunity

Many modern western churches are creating generations of false converts; Folks who think Christianity is all about them getting into heaven someday, Folks who think they are all set for eternal life because they heard about Jesus and spoke a sinner’s prayer once. Folks who treat Christianity very superficially and only adopt Christian principles when it is convenient, or not at all. Christians in name only; Folks who think it is fine to continue on in their old self-centered ways, behaving badly, treating others horribly, not becoming good ambassadors for Jesus, and in fact repelling many from considering Christianity as a desirable option.

Dan Mohler does an awesome job bringing these points out and showing us how to do much better. This write up is inspired by Him and is an attempt to capture the essence of His message for your use.

It is all about Knowing God and Jesus

Scripture is very clear, you Gain eternal life when you KNOW God and Jesus. KNOWING God is much different than Knowing ABOUT God.

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

You can tell if someone KNOWS God by their attitude and how they behave towards others. If they KNOW God, they will exhibit love. If they don’t know God they will exbibit self-centered behaviors: pride, anger, impatience, bitterness, unforgiveness, etc

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:8

To Know God You Must Spend Time With Him

To KNOW God you need to spend time with Him, Time alone in His presence, One-On-One.

Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore! 1 Chronicles 16:11

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…. James 4:8

God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1O

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father, who sees you in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:6

As you get to KNOW God, you will be changed by the process.

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

As you get to know HIM and are changed, you will come into fellowship with Him, and He will get to KNOW you, and will invite you into the kingdom.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Matthew 7:21-24

OK, So Now You See You Need To Spend Time Alone With God, What should you do?

How Do You Spend Quality Time Alone With God

Kneel and Humble Yourself

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! Psalm 95:6

Speak to the Lord in faith so that His grace can be released into you.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8-9

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10

Acknowledge God’s Love

In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10

Acknowledge Jesus’s love and His humble sacrifice for you

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

You are encouraged to get the ball rolling with the communion elements – the bread and cup. Break the bread and lift it up remembering that Jesus broke His body on the cross for you. Accept that sacrifice and Eat the bread. Lift up the cup, remembering that he shed His innocent blood to forgive your sins and make you righteous here and now and give you a path to eternal life.

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” Luke 22:19-20

“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-25

Invite the Holy Spirit to come and take up residence in you.

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Luke 11:13

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.  And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:15-17

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. John 16:13

Repent and Allow Your soul to be refreshed.

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19

Submit yourself fully to Him. Yield control, and invite Him in.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God.” James 4:7:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Express you desire to become like Christ, To have Him form In You and restore the original Image Of God In You.

To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2

However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we] shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. 1 Corinthians 15:46-49

Actively embrace the call to cut off any self-serving agendas, deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow Jesus.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Philippians 2:3:

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Matthew 16:24

Actively put off the old man and his ways, and put on the new man who’s mind is renewed.

“…if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:21-24

…since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. Colossians 3:9-10

Commit yourself to His calling and purpose – To Bing Him Glory In All You Do, and To Shine as a Beacon for the kingdom.

Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.” Isaiah 43:7

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

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

Say Yes To His Promises of Transformation

“For all the promises of God in Christ are Yes, and in him Amen, to the glory of God through us” Corinthians 1:20,

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Philippians 3:20-21

“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2

Examples: 

 

I transcribed two examples from Dan’s Video and provide them here so you can use them for inspiration to build on.

Simple Example:

A good first session, or a great warm up for every session.

Grab the two communion elements: the bread and the cup, then go into a bedroom and start remembering Him.

Lift your eyes up to the ceiling. Lift up the bread, break it,  and say, “Jesus, this represents your body. You gave your life for me, not because you were mad at me, not because you felt sorry for me, but because you love me. You knew me and how I was living, I’m so much more when I am in You. Thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for not judging me. Thank you for not coming mad, but as a humble, meek, loving Savior, gentle and kind, but so powerful; The Lion and the Lamb. Thanks for what you’ve done. As best I understand, I yield my body to You, and I give myself to You. I ask You to mold me and shape me into everything You desire. Thank You for covenant.” Embrace what He has done for you and eat the bread. Then take the cup and begin to talk to Him. “So Father, I come to You. I believe that You love me and want to father me. I embrace you and submit myself to you. You are the potter, I am the clay, make me who you intended me to be when you put me here. .Please keep truth in front of me so I may learn to follow you and grow. Help me transform my mind and my heart so that I can perfect the flow of your love to others and bring you glory in all I do. I drink this cup in remembrance of you” Submit yourself to Him and drink the cup.

More detailed example:

Father, I thank You that You love me. I thank You that over years of weakness and misunderstanding and reactions to life, You never changed Your mind about me. You never changed Your mind about my value. You never changed Your mind about my destiny. You did not rewrite a book out in front of me, but instead You wooed me and You drew me and You came to me and You turned my heart to You. And I thank You that You’re not mad at me. I thank You that You forgive me. I thank You that You wash me clean of everything that I have ever done. I thank You that You’re pleased to give me the kingdom.

You said I should never fear, and You called me a little sheep in the flock, and never to fear because it’s Your good pleasure. It’s not Your burden. It’s not Your obligation. It’s Your pleasure to give me the kingdom. And I just thank You for giving me who You are and the way You function. I thank You that the depths of Your heart and the depths of Your being have become the reality of my life. I don’t want to just serve You. I don’t just want to do good deeds. I don’t want to be seen by men as a do-gooder. I want to be seen as Yours. I want to be seen for Your image, for Your love, for Your nature. And I just thank You that You’re doing a work on the inside of me.

I give You my “why”; I give You my motives. I give You my reason for being. I turn my mind to the kingdom. Father, I don’t want affirmation. I have no expectation on men. I release men; Men owe me nothing. Men don’t owe me a thing. My own spouse owes me nothing. I realize I’m privileged to love her, to lay down my life and bring out the best in her and be rain on her life and let her flower bloom. I’m here to be like You are to me, to her, and I yield myself to You. She owes me nothing. Marriage isn’t 50/50 and a lot of work. Marriage is, “I love you, and I thank you for the honor of love.” The way You love me is the way I want to always love her, and I thank You for empowering me. The way You love me as Your son, I want to love my son. The way You love me as Your son, I want to love my daughter.

God, I yield myself to You. You’re my teacher. Jesus, I don’t want anything else teaching me. I see it in Your life and I want it in mine. And I’m a big yes. Search my heart, God. Search it, Father. I’m a big yes. When I go to work, I want people to see who You are in me without me trying, without me striving. I don’t want to have to yell through a bullhorn. I don’t want to have to just wear a Christian t-shirt. I want them to see You through my life. So do a work in me. I yield to You.

I thank You, Lord. You’re taking contentions out of me, the need to be right out of me. I cast my old self off. I lay it down. If it’s not edifying, if it’s not profitable for your kingdom, I don’t want it in my life. If it doesn’t bring life, stir life, impart life, I don’t want it in me. I yield to You. Teach me what it means to be a man of God and let my life have impact. Let people know You a little more because they’ve met me. Let them know You a little more because they’ve worked beside me. Holy Spirit, empower me. Let them know You a little more because they’ve met me.

Jesus, I want to live everything You paid for. And I don’t want what the world taught me anymore as wisdom. I want a brand new thing—a new creation, a new mind, a new way, a new reason. Thanks for always loving me. Thanks for being so patient. Thank You. I’m not a step away from breaking Your heart. You do nothing but father me. My desire is to never miss You. And even in weakness, You’ll make me strong. And I’m not banking on weakness. Today, let the weak say, “I am strong.” You are the strength of my life. Did You not die for me? Did You not pull me out of sin? Did You not rescue me from darkness? Surely You empower me now that I’m in the light. Surely You’ll save me from wrath through the One that lives. Thank You for more than enough grace in my life. You took away all my flesh excuses. You took the blame off of everyone. And You’ve given me the right to just be Yours. I yield myself to You. You’ve been a great change in me because You love me, and Your love will never fail.  I thank you Lord for all you have done, and all your are doing in me and through me. I will bring you glory in all I do.

Hope you find this process helpful. Let me know how you are changed.

Reference:

Dan Mohler: How To Be Alone With God  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SqVX8JvkUU

 

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