Do I Have a Carnal Mind?

1st Corinthians 3:3

The non-believer, or natural man, lacks knowledge about carnality.

Carnality and its awareness arise from the conflict between the wants of the flesh and the Spirit, as well as the Spirit's conflict with the flesh, which originated at rebirth.

Paul stated in Galatians 5:16 that if one walks in the Spirit, they will not satisfy their desire for material pleasure. Put simply, carnality will cease to exist.

Do you exhibit a propensity for engaging in disputes and becoming easily perturbed by little matters? Do you believe that individuals who identify as Christian do not exhibit such behavior? According to Paul, these attitudes are indeed associated with carnality. Does the Bible include a fact that immediately evokes feelings of hate or animosity within you? If such is the case, it serves as evidence that you continue to exhibit carnal tendencies. If the ongoing process of sanctification persists in one's life, all remnants of such a spirit will be eradicated.

When the Spirit of God identifies any flaw inside you, He does not require you to rectify it; rather, He only requests that you embrace the illumination of truth, after which He will rectify it.

An someone who possesses enlightenment will promptly acknowledge their wrongdoing and present themselves fully before God.

However, a representative of the darkness will assert, "I am capable of elucidating that." Be a child of the light when the light shines and the Spirit sends conviction of sin.

Acknowledge your transgression, and God will address it. Attempting to defend oneself, however, demonstrates your association with malevolence.

What evidence supports the notion that carnality has emerged? Do not mislead yourself; with the absence of carnality, you will become aware of it

—it is the most genuine concept you can conceive. God will ensure that you are provided with multiple opportunities to demonstrate the extraordinary nature of His grace.

The proof is presented in a highly pragmatic examination. You may find yourself expressing, "Had this occurred previously, I would have harbored feelings of bitterness!"' You will always remain astounded by the profound impact that God has had on your inner being.

Am I Capable of Elevating Myself To This Level?

2nd Corinthians 7:1

Hence, with these commitments... I assert the divine commitments for my existence and anticipate their realization, which is justifiable, however this merely reflects the human viewpoint on them. God's viewpoint is that by means of His assurances, I will acknowledge His assertion of ownership over me. For instance, am I cognizant of the notion that my physical form serves as the abode of the Holy Spirit, or am I endorsing a bodily practice that evidently lacks the capacity to endure the divine illumination? The reference is 1 Corinthians 6:19. Through the process of sanctification, God created His Son within me, distinguishing me from sin and rendering me holy in His perspective (see to Galatians 4:19).

However, I must initiate the process of converting my earthly existence into a spiritual existence through obedience to Him. God provides guidance even in the most minute aspects of life.

When you are convinced of sin, do not succumb to it, but instead purify yourself immediately (Galatians 1:16). Maintain a state of cleanliness during your regular walk.

I must purify myself from all impurity in both my physical and spiritual beings until they align harmoniously with the essence of God. Does my spiritual mind align perfectly with the life of the Son of God within me, or am I

psychologically disobedient and rebellious? Am I facilitating the cultivation of the mind of Christ inside myself? Please refer to Philippians 2:5.

Christ never asserted His entitlement to Himself, but consistently upheld an internal watchfulness to consistently surrender His spirit to His Father.

I am also obligated to ensure that my spirit aligns with His Spirit. As I engage in this practice, Jesus progressively elevates me to a state akin to His own existence, characterized by complete surrender to the divine will of His Father, wherein I cease to be preoccupied with any other matters. Am I achieving this level of sanctity through the reverence for God? Is divine intervention manifesting in my life, and are individuals increasingly perceiving the presence of God?

Demonstrate unwavering dedication to God and willingly set aside all other matters. Prioritize God above anything else in your life.

Submission

Romans 6:16

When I analyze what governs and influences me, I must acknowledge that I am the one who chose to submit to it. If I am enslaved by my own actions, it is my responsibility because at some point in the past, I gave in to my own desires. If I obey God, it is because I submitted myself to Him at some point in my life.

Indulging in selfishness can become the most oppressive form of bondage for a youngster. The human soul lacks the power to break free from the constraints imposed by surrendering to its nature. For instance, giving in to any form

Remember that lust is characterized by an intense want for immediate gratification, whether it pertains to physical desires or mental cravings.

Redemption is the only means of liberation or escape from it, not via any human force. You must submit yourself completely in humility to the only One who can overcome the controlling influence in your life, which is the Lord Jesus Christ. He has chosen me to announce freedom to those imprisoned... (Luke 4:18 and Isaiah 61:1).

Submitting to anything will make you aware of the significant influence it holds over you. Despite claiming the ability to quit a habit at will, you will come to realize that you cannot. You will discover that the habit has complete control over you since you have willfully submitted to it. Singing "He will break every fetter" is easy, even when living a life clearly enslaved to oneself. Submitting to Jesus will liberate individuals from all forms of bondage.

God’s Complete Submission To Us

St John 3:16

Salvation encompasses more than only being freed from sin or achieving personal holiness. God's salvation entails complete liberation from oneself and entering into a flawless connection with Him. When I reflect on my salvation experience, I recall being freed from sin and attaining personal holiness. Salvation encompasses much more than that! It signifies that the Spirit of God has connected me intimately with the actual essence of God. When I fully surrender to God, I am filled with excitement for something far larger than myself.

Stating that our duty is to preach holiness or sanctification overlooks the primary focus. We are summoned to declare Jesus Christ (see to 1 Corinthians 2:2). His ability to redeem us from sin and sanctify us is a direct result of His complete and remarkable dedication to us.

True surrender entails being unaware of our own efforts to maintain it. We will devote our entire lives to the One we surrender to. Be cautious when discussing surrender if you lack knowledge about it. Understanding John 3:16 reveals that God fully and unconditionally gave Himself to us. When surrendering, we should offer ourselves to God completely, unreservedly, and without holding back, just as He did for us. We shall be so engrossed with Him that the implications and circumstances of our submission will not even cross our minds.

Complete Submission

Mark 10:28

Our Lord responds to Peter's comment by indicating that this surrender is "for My sake and the gospel's" (Mark 10:29). The disciples did not participate for their own benefit. Be cautious of giving up driven by potential personal gains. For instance, "I will dedicate myself to God to be freed from sin and to attain holiness." Deliverance from sin and holiness stem from being in alignment with God, but the surrender that follows is not the essence of Christianity. We should not submit with the intention of gaining any personal benefit. We have grown so egocentric that we only seek God for what we can receive from Him, rather than seeking God for His own being. It is like to rejecting the Lord and choosing oneself instead. I desire for You to purify me and imbue me with Your Holy Spirit. I desire to be showcased as an example of what God has accomplished in my life. Attaining salvation, achieving freedom from sin, and becoming valuable to God should not even be a thought when it comes to true surrender. True complete surrender is an individual's ultimate choice for Jesus Christ alone.

Where does Jesus Christ fit in when we are concerned about our natural relationships? Many of us would abandon Him using this justification— "I heard you summon me, Lord, but my family requires my attention and I have my own pursuits." I am unable to proceed any longer" (refer to Luke 9:57-62). Jesus states that if you do not give up all to follow him, you cannot be his follower (refer to Luke 14:26-33).

Authentic surrender will consistently surpass mere natural affection. If we yield, God will embrace people around us and fulfill their needs that arose from our surrender. Be cautious of not fully surrendering to God. Many of us have a conceptual understanding of this, but have not actually encountered it firsthand.

Misgivings Regarding Jesus

St John 4:11

Have you ever thought, "I am amazed by the profound truths in God's Word, but it seems unrealistic to incorporate them all into my life!" When we evaluate Jesus Christ based on His traits and skills, our attitudes show religious supremacy. We admire His high ideas, but we doubt their practicality and question the feasibility of His proposals. Each individual contemplates this idea regarding Jesus in some aspect of their life. Questions that shift our attention from God can lead to doubts or uncertainties about Jesus. As we discuss our interactions with Him, people inquire, "How will you acquire sufficient funds to sustain yourself?" How will you sustain yourself and who will provide for your needs? Our doubts arise when we believe that our situations are too challenging for Jesus to handle. It is often said that trusting in the Lord is simple in theory, but in practice, individuals must navigate life's challenges. Additionally, Jesus lacks the resources to provide for our needs. Avoid displaying religious deception by claiming, "I have no doubts about Jesus, only doubts about myself." Being truthful, we acknowledge that we never have uncertainties or hesitations about ourselves, since we are fully aware of our abilities and limitations. However, we do have reservations regarding Jesus. We feel a sense of wounded pride when considering that He is capable of things beyond our abilities.

I have doubts because I am trying to understand how He would fulfill His promises by looking within myself. I have misgivings that arise from my own feelings of inferiority. If I notice doubts within myself, I should acknowledge them honestly and confess them, saying, "Lord, I have had doubts about You." I have doubted Your capabilities, relying solely on my own. I have not believed in Your omnipotence save via my limited comprehension of it.

Commitment to Serve

Matthew 20:28

Jesus also stated, "Yet I am among you as the One who serves" (Luke 22:27). Paul believed in serving others much like our Lord did, as stated in 2 Corinthians 4:5, "...ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake." We somehow have the idea that a person called to the ministry is called to be different and above other people. Jesus Christ teaches that one should act as a "doormat" for others, serving as their spiritual guide without asserting superiority over them. Paul stated that he knows how to endure humiliation. Philippians 4:12 Paul's concept of service involved dedicating his life completely to helping others. Whether he was praised or criticized had no impact. Paul felt a sense of obligation to serve any individual who had not yet been introduced to Jesus until they did come to know Him. Paul's primary reason for serving was not love for people, but love for his Lord. Devotion to the cause of humanity may lead to swift failure and disappointment due to encountering significant ingratitude from others. If our actions are driven by our devotion to God, no level of ungratefulness will prevent us from helping each other.

Paul's comprehension of Christ's actions towards him motivates his resolve to assist others. "I used to be a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man..." (1 Timothy 1:13). Simply put, no matter how poorly others treated Paul, their treatment could never match the level of malice and animosity he had shown towards Jesus Christ. When we understand that Jesus has served us despite our shortcomings, self-centeredness, and wrongdoing, we will be unwavering in our commitment to serving others for His sake, regardless of any challenges we face.

Spiritual Perseverance and Discipline

Psalm 46:10

Perseverance surpasses mere endurance. Endurance, along with unwavering confidence and certainty, that what we seek will come to pass. Perseverance is more than simply holding on, as it could also reveal our reluctance to release and face failure. Perseverance is the utmost determination to reject the idea that our hero will be defeated. We fear not damnation, but the defeat of Jesus Christ. Our concern is that the values of love, justice, forgiveness, and kindness that our Lord advocated for may not prevail in the end and could be seen as an unreachable objective for us. Next is the call for spiritual endurance. This is a call to take purposeful action with the assurance that God is invincible.

If our hopes are currently facing disappointment, it indicates that they are undergoing purification. If a wish or dream is noble and aligned with God, it will be fulfilled. One of the most significant sources of stress in life is waiting for God. He delivers fulfillment by persevering and keeping My command. Reference: Revelation 3:10

Persist in your spiritual endeavors.

Do You Genuinely Adore Him?

St Mark 14:6

Love that does not transcend our own self is not genuine love. If we believe that love is defined by being careful, prudent, rational, shrewd, and never taken to extremes, then we have misunderstood its actual essence. While it may evoke feelings of affection and warmth, this definition does not accurately capture the essence of love.

Have you ever been motivated to act for God out of pure love for Him, without considering its usefulness, duty, or personal gain? Have you ever considered that you can offer God things that hold significance to Him? Are you simply idling away, fantasizing about the magnificence of His salvation, while disregarding all the tasks you could be accomplishing for Him? I'm not talking about extraordinary activities that could be seen as divine and magical, but rather about plain, regular human actions that would demonstrate to God your complete submission to Him. Have you ever produced what Mary of Bethany generated in the heart of the Lord Jesus? "She has performed admirably for me."

At times, it appears that God observes to determine if we are willing to offer Him even modest acts of submission, as a demonstration of our authentic love for Him. Surrendering to God holds greater worth than our individual righteousness. Worrying about our own holiness makes us unduly focused on ourselves, leading to excessive care about our behavior and appearance in order to avoid displeasing God. When we are devoted to God, complete love eliminates fear (1 John 4:18). We should stop questioning our utility and acknowledge that we are not very useful to Him. The concern is not about being useful, but about being valuable to God directly. When we completely surrender to God, He will continuously work through us.

Initiating Action against Daydreaming

St John 14:31

Contemplating something to execute it well is appropriate, but pondering it while action is required is inappropriate. After praising His disciples, one may have anticipated our Lord instructing them to reflect on his words. Jesus never tolerated idle daydreaming. Daydreaming is appropriate and permissible when our goal is to pursue God and uncover His intentions for us.

Daydreaming about tasks we've been assigned is inappropriate and does not receive God's blessing. God will prompt us to take action against this type of daydreaming. He will tell us as follows: "Do not remain seated or standing, simply proceed!"

Quietly waiting before God after He has instructed us to "Come aside by yourselves" is considered meditation before Him to seek His will (Mark6:31). Be cautious of indulging in idle daydreaming after receiving a message from God. Let Him be the origin of all your aspirations, happiness, and pleasures, and make sure to follow and adhere to His instructions. When you love someone, do action to show it instead than just daydreaming about them. That is the expectation of Jesus Christ for us.

Daydreaming after receiving divine guidance indicates a lack of trust in God.

Initiating Action Against Monotony

Isaiah 60:1

To combat monotony, we must do the initial action as if there were no divine intervention. There is no benefit in anticipating divine intervention as it will not occur. Upon awakening, we quickly realize that He is present. When God inspires us, acting promptly becomes a moral problem, a question of obedience. We must take action to be obedient and not be inactive. By rising and shining, drudgery will be transformed in a miraculous manner.

Engaging in monotonous and tedious work is a valuable way to assess the authenticity of our character. Drudgery refers to labor that is much distant from what is typically considered as fulfilling or desirable work. It is extremely difficult, tedious, and nasty labor. Experiencing it will test our spirituality and reveal our true spiritual authenticity. Refer to John 13 for reading. This chapter depicts the Incarnate God engaging in an act of extreme drudgery by washing fishermen's feet. He tells them that if he, their Lord and Teacher, has bathed their feet, they should also wash each other's feet (John 13:14). Divine inspiration is necessary for mundane tasks to radiate with divine brilliance. Occasionally, the manner in which an individual performs a duty can render it sanctified and holy indefinitely. Although it is a routine activity, witnessing it being performed can alter our perception of it. When the Lord acts through us, He always changes it. Our Lord transfigures our human flesh, making every believer's body "the temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Inspiration from Spiritual Initiatives

Ephesians 5:14

Not all initiatives, or the inclination to take action, originate from a divine source. You may receive advice to rise and progress. Simply carry out the necessary tasks; seize your hesitancy and set it away! When referring to typical human initiative, we are specifically referring to that concept. Yet, when the divine Spirit communicates with us and instructs us to "arise and take action," we discover that our motivation is promptly ignited.

During our youth, individuals often possess several aspirations and ambitions. However, as time progresses, we gradually acknowledge our lack of ability to actualize them. It is common for us to perceive our aims and objectives as unattainable when we are unable to pursue the things we genuinely desire. However, God manifests to us and issues a directive for us to "resurrect." When we are divinely inspired, we receive an extraordinary force that empowers us to do seemingly impossible tasks, akin to being resurrected from the dead. The phenomenon of spiritual initiative is quite remarkable as it bestows upon us vitality and strength exclusively when we take action and commence our endeavors. God grants us existence as we triumph, rather than existence that is conquered. When we receive divine inspiration and are commanded to "awaken from death," it is our responsibility to rise independently, as divine assistance will not be provided. "Extend your hand," Our Lord instructed the man whose hand had become withered (Matthew 12:13). The man's hand rapidly recovered upon completing the action. However, the responsibility of initiating the action rested solely on him. Currently, we are bestowed with the vitality of being by a divine entity. By proactively surmounting challenges, we shall come to realize that this divine entity serves as our source of motivation.

"Do I have a responsibility to take care of my brother?"

Romans 14:7

Have you ever realized that you have a spiritual responsibility to God for other individuals? For example, if I permit any deviation from God in my personal life, it adversely affects everyone in my vicinity. We are united in a divine realm, occupying a shared space of celestial significance (Ephesians 2:6). The biblical verse from 1 Corinthians 12:26 states that if one member of a group experiences suffering, the other members of the group also experience the same suffering. If you permit the indulgence of self-centeredness, negligence in mental well-being, lack of sensitivity to moral values, or weakness in spiritual matters, all individuals who come into contact with you will experience negative consequences. However, you inquire, "Who possesses the necessary capability to meet such a high standard?" The sole source of our adequacy is in God alone (2 Corinthians 3:5).

"You will serve as witnesses to my presence..." The reference is Acts 1:8. How many individuals among us are prepared to devote all of our psychological, emotional, ethical, and metaphysical resources to Jesus Christ? This is the intended meaning of the term "witness" as used by God. However, the process requires a significant amount of time, hence it is important to exercise patience with oneself. What is the reason behind God's decision to abandon us on the planet? Is it merely a matter of being preserved and made holy? No, the purpose is to engage in labor that serves Him. Am I prepared to be fragmented bread and poured-out wine for Him? Am I prepared to have no significance in this era or existence, save for a singular objective— to be utilized for the purpose of guiding individuals to become devoted followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. My devotion to God is my expression of gratitude for His immensely remarkable salvation. It is important to remember that God has the ability to reject any of us if we choose not to serve Him. As stated in 1 Corinthians 9:27, we should be cautious of becoming disqualified after preaching to others.

A Study on Auditory Perception

Matthew 10:27

Occasionally, God subjects us to the ordeal and training of darkness in order to instruct us in the art of perceiving and following His commands. Songbirds are trained to sing in the absence of light, and God places us in the protective embrace of His guidance until we develop the ability to perceive His voice (Isaiah 49:2). "Pay heed to the words I speak to you in the absence of light..." - Be attentive when God places you in a state of darkness and refrain from speaking while you are in that state. Are you now experiencing a lack of understanding or clarity in your current situation or in your spiritual relationship with God? If such is the case, then please refrain from speaking. Speaking when in the incorrect mood may occur if you open your mouth in the dark. It is more appropriate to listen at this time of darkness. Avoid discussing the matter with others, refrain from seeking answers in literature to understand the cause of the darkness, only listen attentively and comply. Engaging in conversations with others hinders your ability to perceive the divine messages from God. During times of darkness, attentively listen, and God will impart a profoundly valuable lesson to relay to another individual once you have emerged into the light.

Following each period of darkness, it is imperative that we undergo a combination of pleasure and embarrassment. If our experience is solely characterized by delight, I doubt if we have genuinely perceived the presence of God. We should feel elation for having received divine communication, but mostly shame for the prolonged delay in perceiving it! Subsequently, we will say, "I have been remarkably sluggish in my receptiveness and comprehension of the divine messages." However, God has been expressing this message consistently for several days and even weeks. Upon hearing Him, one is bestowed with the gift of humiliation, resulting in a tender-heartedness - a perpetual inclination to heed God's words.

Auditory Dedication

1st Samuel 3:10

Merely because I have attentively and earnestly heeded one aspect of divine communication does not imply that I will heed every utterance from Him. I demonstrate my deficiency in affection and reverence towards God through the callousness of my emotions and thoughts towards His teachings. If I have a deep affection for my friend, I will naturally comprehend his desires without conscious effort. Jesus proclaimed, "You are My companions..." The reference is from John 15:14. Have I violated any of my Lord's commands this week? Had I been aware that it was a directive from Jesus, I would not have intentionally defied it. However, the majority of us demonstrate a remarkable lack of reverence for God due to our failure to perceive His presence. His words were essentially meaningless and had no impact on us whatsoever.

The objective of my spiritual existence is to attain a state of profound connection with Jesus Christ, wherein I am always attuned to God's voice and assured of His attentive response to my prayers (see to John 11:41). Through my unification with Jesus Christ, I am always attuned to God's voice through the practice of devout listening. A flower, a tree, or a devotee of God can serve as a medium for delivering God's word to me. The obstacle preventing me from hearing is my focus on other matters. I am not lacking the desire to perceive God's voice, rather, I am not wholeheartedly committed to the appropriate aspects of my life. I am deeply committed to various pursuits, including service and my own beliefs. Although God may express His thoughts freely, I am unable to perceive His messages. A child of God should consistently adopt the attitude of receptiveness and obedience, saying, "Speak, for Your servant hears." If I have not cultivated and fostered this dedication to listening, I can only perceive God's voice intermittently. Occasionally, I become oblivious to His presence because my focus is directed towards other matters—matters that I believe are necessary for me to accomplish. This does not align with the principles and values of leading a life in accordance with the teachings of God. Have you perceived the auditory manifestation of God's communication today?

Are You Actively Attuning To Perceive and Comprehend Divine Communication?

Exodus 20:19

We do not intentionally and purposefully defy God— we merely fail to heed His guidance. We disregard God's commands not out of deliberate defiance, but due to a lack of genuine love and reverence towards Him. "If you have affection for Me, adhere to My instructions" (John 14:15). Upon recognizing our perpetual display of contempt towards God, we will experience a profound sense of shame and humiliation for our disregard of Him.

"You communicate with us, but do not allow God to communicate with us." Our lack of love for God is evident when we choose to prioritize the words of His servants over His own. We have a preference for hearing human testimonies, but we do not desire direct communication from God Himself. What is the reason for our intense fear when it comes to receiving communication from God? We understand that when God communicates, we are obligated to either comply with His requests or explicitly refuse to follow. However, when we perceive the speaker as merely a subordinate of God, we tend to view obedience as a choice rather than a necessity. We acknowledge your statement, but it is important to note that it is merely your subjective perspective. However, I do not refute the possibility that your statement aligns with an absolute reality.

Do I consistently demean God by disregarding Him, while He affectionately persists in regarding me as His offspring? Upon finally perceiving His voice, the shame that I have inflicted upon Him rebounds back to me. My subsequent reply is, "Lord, why was I displaying such insensitivity and stubbornness?" Upon hearing God, this outcome is invariably manifested. However, our genuine pleasure in eventually listening to Him is dampened by the embarrassment we experience for having taken such a considerable amount of time to do so.

Is Your Perception of God Impaired?

Isaiah 40:26

During Isaiah's day, the individuals who belonged to God had impaired their cognitive capacity to perceive God due to their fixation on worshipping idols. Isaiah directed their attention towards the sky, prompting them to engage their cognitive abilities and imagine accurately. As offspring of the divine, we possess an immense wealth inside the natural world and will come to recognize its inherent sanctity. If we open our minds and utilize our perception to envision, we shall perceive God's presence in the gentle breeze, the dawning and setting of the sun, the clouds above, the blossoming flowers, and the withering leaves.

The true measure of spiritual concentration is in one's ability to exert control over the mind and thoughts. Is your attention fixated on the visage of an idol? Are you the idol? Is this your occupation? Is it your conception of the ideal characteristics of a servant, or perhaps your personal encounter with redemption and spiritual purification? If that is the case, then your capacity to perceive God is obstructed. You will experience a state of powerlessness when confronted with challenges and will be compelled to persevere in a state of darkness. If your ability to perceive has been obstructed, refrain from reflecting on your own encounters, but instead direct your attention towards God. You require the presence of God.

Transcend your limitations and distance yourself from the influence of your idols and any other factors that have been obstructing your critical thinking. Rise and acknowledge the scorn that Isaiah directed at his people, and consciously redirect your thoughts and gaze towards God.

Our diminished ability to imagine is one of the factors contributing to our feeling of futility in praying.

We are unable to conceive of intentionally placing ourselves in front of God any longer. Being broken bread and poured-out wine in the realm of intercession holds greater significance than in our individual interactions with others.

The ability to visualize is a divine gift bestowed to a saint, enabling them to transcend their own limitations and establish meaningful connections that were before unknown to them.

The Price of Sanctification

1st Thessalonians 5:23

When we engage in prayer, beseeching God to sanctify us, do we possess the readiness to meet the true requirements of such a request? We underestimate the significance of the term sanctification. Are we ready to bear the expense of achieving sanctification? The cost will include a profound limitation on all our worldly preoccupations, and a comprehensive cultivation of all our spiritual preoccupations. Sanctification refers to the state of being deeply committed to perceiving the world from God's perspective. To consecrate oneself entails dedicating and preserving all the physical, emotional, and spiritual energy exclusively for the divine purpose of God. Are we truly ready for God to manifest within us all that He has set us apart for? Once He has completed His task, are we then ready to devote ourselves to God in the same manner as Jesus did? "I consecrate myself for their benefit..." The reference is to John 17:19. The lack of understanding of sanctification from God's perspective is the reason why some of us have not yet experienced it. Sanctification refers to the process of becoming united with Jesus, allowing His nature to govern and influence our own. Do we possess adequate readiness to handle the expenses associated with that? It will require the complete sacrifice of everything within us that is not aligned with God.

Are we adequately equipped to comprehend the complete significance of Paul's prayer in this verse? Are we ready to humbly request, "Lord, transform me into the highest degree of holiness possible, recognizing that I am a sinner who has been redeemed through your grace?" Jesus beseeched that we may achieve unity with Him, in the same manner that He is unified with the Father (see to John 17:21-23). The definitive manifestation of the Holy Spirit in an individual's existence is the undeniable resemblance to Jesus Christ, and the liberation from anything that does not resemble Him. Are we ready to distinguish ourselves for the divine influence of the Holy Spirit's actions within us?

Spiritual Despondency

Luke 24:21

The facts all mentioned by the disciples were true, but the conclusions they made were not. Anything that even remotely suggests spiritual despair is always incorrect. It is not God or anybody else's fault if I am melancholy or troubled. One of two things can cause dejection: either my lust has been satiated or it hasn't been. Dejection is the outcome in both situations. Lust signifies "I have to have it now." I demand a response from God out of spiritual lust rather than going to God directly for the solution. What have I been expecting God to accomplish? Is it "the third day" and He hasn't fulfilled my expectations as of yet? Is it then acceptable for me to be depressed and to hold God responsible? We are going astray whenever we demand that God answer our prayers. Reaching out to God, not the solution, is the aim of prayer. Being depressed is incompatible with physical well-being, as depression is an indicator of illness. Spiritually, this is also true. Spiritual dejection is wrong, and we are always to blame.

To witness God's power, we wait for heavenly sights and earth-shattering incidents. We are proof that we do this even in our dejection. However, we are constantly unaware of God's hand at work in the people and situations in our lives. We will see Him if we will simply obey and complete the duty that He has assigned to us. Finding out that we recognize the great Godhead of Jesus Christ in the ordinary things of life is one of the most astounding revelations from God.

Are You Prepared To Be Completely Devoted and Sacrificed As An Offering? (2)

2nd Timothy 4:6

Are you prepared to be completely expended as a sacrificial offering? It is a deliberate choice based on your volition, not influenced by your emotions. Declare your willingness to be consecrated as an offering to God. Embrace the repercussions that arise, without expressing discontent, regardless of the circumstances that God may bestow upon you. God subjects you to a personal situation, in which no other individual can offer assistance. Externally, your life may seem unchanged, yet the transformation is occurring within your volition. After undergoing a personal crisis, you will no longer be concerned about the financial implications when it starts to impact you outside. Failure to address God at the level of your volition initially will only elicit self-pity as a consequence.

Fasten the offering securely to the protruding parts of the altar using ropes. To undergo the process symbolized by the altar, you must be prepared to endure the fire and willingly embrace the burning, purification, and separation it signifies. This process serves the only aim of eliminating any desires or affections that are not rooted in or focused on God. However, it is not you who eliminates it, but rather God.

Ensure that you firmly attach the offering to the protruding parts of the altar and make a conscious effort to avoid indulging in feelings of self-pity once the combustion process commences. Once you have endured the ordeal of the fire, no external force will have the power to disturb or sadden you. Upon encountering another crisis, you will come to the realization that you are no longer affected by things in the same manner as before. What future challenges or obstacles do you anticipate encountering in your life?

Express your willingness to be completely devoted to God, and He will demonstrate that He possesses all the qualities and fulfills all the expectations you have ever had of Him.