Godly thoughts are seeds of God's kingdom on earth, the way He plants heaven in our hearts. Meditating on and praying His thoughts cause them to permeate our lives, resulting in good works and bearing of His presence, awakening others to His kindness and desire to transform them.
When our faith is tested by fire we should not grumble and complain (grieving Holy Spirit) but rejoice and give thanks to God, because He is preparing us to share in His glory. Jesus walked this path before us and will give us strength to endure, for a better resurrection.
@chickonaire Great to know. The only thing I am trying to figure out in the video is the double strap color near the buckle head. If I choose the black side of the belt will the brown strap still be showing.
@RisingDisciples@janlovesword @Brightstars45 You are correct @RisingDisciples that He has provided everything for life and godliness (2Peter1:3) and it says through the Knowledge (His Word) of Him. For "Helping" we come short in everything that's why we need a Helper (John14:16) in the first place.
@RisingDisciples@janlovesword @Brightstars45 It is by the Holy Spirit's help as stated in- 2 Corinthians 3:18 and by the Word of God as stated in Romans 12:2. It's not just by abiding in Him. The Holy Spirit works with Word to make you like Himself (Christ).
Hosea married a prostitute and Christ gave Himself up for us while we were still sinners, but it is written that His bride has prepared (will prepare) herself for Him, by clothing herself with good works. This is our high calling: becoming like our Master, by Holy Spirit's help.
If we desire to be (more than) overcomers we should rejoice when God gives us much to overcome. Jesus Himself learned and grew to His full stature through hardship, and He calls us to follow His example, so His excellent Spirit may rest on us and draw others into His rest.
We are not others and we should not try to be. Only Jesus is worthy of imitation, because He is perfectly pure and our true being is hidden in Him. By following Holy Spirit we discover God's blueprint for our life, that we may display (something of) His goodness.
If we desire Holy Spirit's clear guidance we should yield to His subtle promptings, not shrug them off because we are unsure or unwilling. He is testing our hearts so He may gradually reveal God's heart and Christ's mind to us. Self-denial amplifies His still, small voice.
Reaching out to others is always a risk. But Jesus is worth every risk we take, because He risked everything to rescue us from the dominion of darkness, that we may shine His light brightly and hold out His (offer of everlasting) life boldly (knowing He paid for the sins of all.)
Humble is the Way. He gives Himself to those who forsake self to follow His Spirit. We are nothing compared to our incomparable Father, Who (lives in unapproachable light but) desires to shine through us.
God gave Holy Spirit to be our constant companion (informing and reforming us) that we may fulfill the high calling of Christ with joy: feeding His lambs as He fed us.
It takes discipline to delight in God when other pleasures are readily available. Even more when disappointed in one's expectations of Him. His fullness awaits those who surrender all, deny themselves and follow His guidance.