Agape Love
Spirit-Filled Life
Living a Spiritual Life
What am I in the Realm of Spirituality?
In order for us to maintain a spiritual life, we must take into consideration that our “self” is made up of three elements to make us whole: body, mind and spirit; the mechanisms in which each entity functions interactively.
Body - is the physical part of man; David describes this creative miracle of the body. "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works;" Psalm 139:14; We were made in God’s image. The body parts that connects with the five senses (see, hear, touch, taste, smell) are enables us to communicate with the world and has world consciousness; body responses to the mind; yet it is also temporable and perishable.
Mind – is where the soul is. God is worshipped with the mind, emotions and will. And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." The soul controls the different members of the body and each instrument of man’s behavior. Whatever we decide is demonstrated by either positive or negative behavior. Spiritual people demonstrate positive behavior and produce the Fruits of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith."
Spirit – this is the part that connects the soul of man with the spirit realm. God blew His Breath into the Body and Soul of man, creating the Spirit of man within him. Genesis 2:7" Our Spirit never dies…but, how we relate to our living spirit depends on how we live our lives. As all three elements are connected to make us complete, a spiritual life interconnects both the mind and body into one accord. A spiritual life is connected with the human spirit, rather than the flesh or physical things.
Renewal of mindset to a higher respect for God, Self and Others
From birth, man was created with free will; which sometimes causes us to think and/or do what is contrary to God. Yet through revelation, restoration, conditioning, we are transformed by the renewal of our mind. God wants to renew and restore these parts of the soul. Romans 12:2 "But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." God wants us to have beautiful new thoughts. God wants us to have wonderful new feelings. God wants us to be able to make new and powerful decisions, thereby the body will follow.
This transformation allows us to grow in God's love and forgiveness. "that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God: (Eph. 3:17B-19).
As we experience God's love and respond in love, we are transformed into His image. We will also be fulfilling His greatest command: to love God and our neighbors (Mark 12:29-31). This love must inevitable overflow into actions. Ultimately, the verifiable witness of our love for each other will prove to the world that we are truly disciples of Jesus.
How do we imprint the spiritual into our Hearts?
Walking in the way of the Lord on a continual basis renews the way we think, the way we act or react and the way we see the world around us. If our minds and body are in the right place, it is pleasing to the Spirit: everyday, we enjoy fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Allowing our lives to be an example of God’s temple; how we live, our character, our lifestyles, the way we present ourselves and how we serve others. Most importantly, anything and everything that we think, say and act must be in one accord with God. Follow the Lord’s Prayer:
Paul gives us an example of what Godly thoughts are made of: Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." These are thoughts that are: truth and honesty, just, pure, lovely, of good report, praise and godly. 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Repentance and Forgiveness As with the parable of the "Prodigal Son," repentance is character building for a stronger spiritual life... "And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to make merry."
The recognition of and acceptance of personal responsibility for sin; a sincere feeling of remorse and sorrow; A conscious decision to stop the wrong-doing and the change of direction in behavior. A confession of sin and a humble request for forgiveness. An offer to make amends for the hurt that was caused by the sin. The evidence of that change is seen in the "fruit," or how a person lives. John the Baptist told those who came to confess their sins that they must "bear fruit that befits (evidences) repentance" (Matthew 3:8). Our Heavenly Father wants us to come before him and confess our sins and receive his forgiveness and this sin will be forgiven. By the stripe of our redeemer, Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us – cast our sins to be no more. A daily self-reflection is good for the soul.
Prayer, Praise and Worship - We are uniquely designed by our Creator; receiving gifts and blessings that fulfill our lives. Our Heavenly Father also allow circumstance for teaching, and better trust and faith in Him. Praise and worship should always be first priority when we come before the Lord. When we express our love and devotion to our Precious Lord, He communicates with us. "Father, I believe you love me. The Scripture says I can love you because you first loved me. I thank you for your love. Fill my heart in a greater way that you ever have before. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and love. Help me to grow in your love and let me show your love to people all around me. Thank You, Father. In Jesus' name. Amen
Reading the Word – as nourishment is important to build and maintain a healthier body; so is The Word of the Lord, the Holy Bible; the food for our spirit and nourishment that must be fed daily. Matthew 4:4 .....'It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.' The bible is book with illustrations, stories, history; poems; love, benevolence, character building points. It is also an instruction manual on how we should live our lives; basic, no nonsense instructions on how to follow, build and maintain in order to have a strong and healthy spirit. Read, meditate and give thanks for the blessings received in the Word. Attain all that is absorbed from the Word; the Holy Spirit provide discernment giving us the right understanding. Connect with others: spiritual leaders and fellow Christians (family, friend, church groups) for their continuity in living in the spirit.
Love One Another - As a servant of God, become a vessel of his Love; the salt of the earth, the good Samaritan; the defender of the weak; inspiration to the poor in spirit; teacher of the word, be the delight – be your brother’s keeper with benevolence. This is where the mind and body comes into action. As you grow in your faith, let God unfold His great love for you every day. Then, reach out in the practical ways to those around you family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and people you don’t know, thereby extending your love as we were meant to do with the Love of God, ourselves and others.
15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”16Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”17The third time he said to him, “Simon son of Jon, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
In everything – in our body, mind and spirit; to be accord with the fellowship and grace of our Heavenly Father God.
