Indagatio Veri

There are many believers who go through deliverance, counseling, and or inner healing programs. I do not have a problem with this sort of intentional ministry, since it is really just teaching and discipleship; but there is danger in relying too heavily upon them for transformation. Many people experience transformation from these intentional prayer and counseling times; which is great, but I have also seen how many people come to depend on these programs to validate their faith and identity in God. They render the work of Jesus to an ongoing process rather than a finished work. I don't have a problem with the programs themselves, I believe that they are good, but our understanding about what goes on in these sessions needs to change. We are not people who are 'becoming who we are supposed to be', we are not adding on to who God has already made us; rather, we are 'realizing' who we already are.  These programs help to identify a lie and speak the truth, which...

Another clear sign of spiritual maturity, is faith and trust in the Holy Spirit's guidance and counsel.  A spiritual mature person will not be thrown off by false teaching, even if it contradicts or messes with what they understand to be true, they will have their security rooted in their relationship with God Himself.  They know that the Holy Spirit will 'teach them all things and remind them of everything that was taught to them (John 14:26).  "As a result, they are no longer children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, they will grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ (Ephesians 4:14-15)."  If there is disagreement about things in the Lord, a mature person isn't offended or thrown off, instead they take the attitude of Paul and say; 'if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also...

God wants to bring us all to a place of spiritual maturity; which involves our thoughts, emotions, actions, intentions, and all other aspects of our lives.  This spiritual maturity is based entirely in our relationship with God, for when we spend time with God, He shapes us to think, look, and feel as He Himself does.  A spiritually mature person will have ever increasing good character traits (2 Peter 1:5-9).  Perspective on self, God, and life, is in continual change.  A spiritual mature person has positioned themselves in a place for God, the sculptor, to mold them as He pleases (Romans 9:20-21).  In other words, a spiritually mature person has become vulnerable before others as well as with the Lord; being honest about insecurity, sin struggles, weaknesses as well as strengths, joys, and dreams.  This vulnerability only comes with faith in Jesus; faith that He has forgiven and established them, that He has reconciled them to the Father.  It is no l...

God wants to bring us all to a place of spiritual maturity; which involves our thoughts, emotions, actions, intentions, and all other aspects of our lives.  This spiritual maturity is based entirely in relationship with God, for when we spend time with God, He shapes us to think, look, and feel as He Himself does.  A spiritual mature person will have ever increasing good character traits (2 Peter 1:5-9).  Perspective on self, God, and life, is in continual change.  A spiritual mature person has positioned themselves in a place for God, the sculptor, to mold them as He pleases (Romans 9:20-21).  In other words, a spiritual mature person has become vulnerable before others as well as with the Lord; being honest about insecurity, sin struggles, weaknesses as well as strengths, joys, and dreams.  This vulnerability only comes with faith in Jesus; faith that He has forgiven and established them, that He has reconciled them to the Father.  It is no longer up...

The Holy Spirit ultimately functions on a relational level.  He communicated to us in many ways including our thoughts, emotions, and even our senses.  Although our perception of Him is not correct 100% of the time, we can be trained to discern His voice.  This is not something that can be done on your own, so ask God to make it happen in you, then trust that He has and will continue to do so.  Spend time with God in quiet place, shout His name, dance for Him, meditate on who He is.  Dig into the word so you can begin to recognize His voice when He speaks; and above all,  ask the Holy Spirit to give you hunger and dedication to walk with Him day by day. God wants the secret place to be you favorite place.  Just like Jesus did, you ought to long to spend alone time with God; for it is in these times that the Holy Spirit will teach you, give you revelation, comfort you, remind you, and produce His fruit in you.  We cannot fully function outside of...