And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) Healthy relationships change us. For example, I was head over heels in love when I married Sally. Yet almost forty years later, I look back and realize I barely knew what love was. The degree that I loved Sally then, versus how much I love her now, is almost incomparable! Our relationship with God is the same way. It is not an instantaneous event where we give our lives to Christ and immediately reach spiritually maturity. It’s a journey! Think of it like farming—as we study God’s Word, take His truths to heart and learn to apply His principles to our …

Some believers wrestle with constant internal conflict. Their recreated spirits are shouting, “I’m a born again, spirit-filled child of the King!” Yet their thoughts continually counter that truth with misbeliefs like, “Everyone is smarter than me. I’m still not good enough.” What’s causing the problem? Their hearts and minds need renewal in the Word of God. You see, losing the joy of your salvation or failing to overcome temptation is not a reflection of your born-again status nor is it a condition of your new spirit. It’s a heart condition. Christ’s life, healing, and joy fill your born-again spirit, but your heart beliefs either prohibit or allow you to walk out all you have been given in Christ. The solution lies in learning and applying …

Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Colossians 3:10 (NLT) As believers, God’s Spirit within us causes a strong desire to function more like Him in every way—not only morally, but in the areas of our health, finances, peace, joy and love too. Now, notice I did not say to be God, but to function like Him. Functioning like God doesn’t mean you have to grow a beard or wear a flowing robe, the way He is sometimes illustrated in pictures. That is not what today’s verse is talking about. It means that through an increasingly mature relationship with our Heavenly Father, we truly begin to comprehend our identity in Him, and His …

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) When you give your life to Jesus, today’s verse says you become a new creation. Now, this is not talking about your body. If you are bald when you give your life to Christ, you do not instantly gain a head full of hair. If you enjoy a triple-tall latte, you still like them after giving your life to Christ. The people you love remain the same. Accepting Christ transforms our spirits completely, not necessarily our physical bodies or our minds. Once you give your life to Christ, your new spirit—alive with the power and presence of Jesus—becomes …

“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ Matthew 25:21 (NLT) Complacency is dangerous. Merriam-Webster defines it as, “self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies.” Often people confuse complacency with peace, but the two are very different. Complacency involves apathy. It turns a blind eye to issues that need attention. On the other hand, you can be at peace while you are planning, solving problems and working at creating a better future. God doesn’t want us to be complacent. This is clear when you read Jesus’ parable of the talents. In the story, the master …