Galatians 2:20 – Refining [Spiritual Growth]

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Holy Saturday – a day of mourning for the disciples observing Jewish Sabbath. The weekly events were nothing shy of a treacherous rollercoaster ride of emotions. Can you imagine how they felt? Defeated, confused, astonished, afraid…maybe even a close resemblance of a negative mindset leading way to skepticism of what was yet to come. Perhaps they had even forgotten about Jesus’ proclamation of rising on the third day.

How often does our own mindset leave us hopeless? In the midst of crisis, it is easy to fix our eyes on the surrounding issues and forget the promise we find in Romans 8:38-39. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. The promises of God have the authority to align our frame of mind to an eternal attitude. An assuring view focused on the Father and the confirming love of Jesus.

When we employ an infinite mentality, God is acknowledged as the reigning authority working in us and through us. We can acclaim to the fact that the Trinity is alive and well despite the pain and suffering we face. It fills us with hope and ignites the Spirit of God within us. This light in the darkness transports meaning and purpose into our circumstances. It conveys the message to fix our eyes on things above rather than wallow in a sea of self-pity and grumbling.

Grasping to an everlasting outlook and an interminable approach brings God praise. What a beautiful display of belief and trust in the Lord. It is the ceaseless hope the disciples needed on that Jewish Sabbath. A conviction that the physical death witnessed could not rescind. The vision Jesus explained prior to his crucifixion.

For God so loved the word that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16. This is our concept, a timeless life with the Father. Christ Jesus paid the fee for the pathway to salvation. God’s revelation of truth gives way to us choosing an eternal mindset and approaching life with praise.

Welcome God’s viewpoint into your life. This eternal mindset will open the door to great praise. Let it take root in your thoughts, actions, and beliefs. Hold on to the everlasting results God has promised.

Happy Easter my friends!

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:6

Good Friday of Holy Week is the ultimate picture of surrender. The day when Pilate surrendered to peer pressure, resulting in the crucifixion of Christ. Jesus surrendered to the will of God and suffered in agony and pain for the salvation of all mankind. Hanging on a cross for hours upon end, undergoing more than most can bear to hear. The ultimate sacrifice to make way for grace. And yet, as He was suffering, He asked the Father to forgive those who were persecuting him (Luke 23:34). His divine nature and unconditional love for others is mind-boggling. Astonishing mercy, grace, and love!

The last words uttered by Christ are found in Luke 23:46. A display of extraordinary sacrifice and submission to God. The scripture reads, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. All that was within him he placed into God’s hands. Enormous trust in the Father was demonstrated for all the world to hear and see. His last seven words are forever part of Good Friday. What a testimony for followers.

Jesus’ submission is a display of ultimate praise. Christ validates his trust through the yielding of his spirit. I can’t help but sing, “You can have it all Lord, every part of my world”. All for your glory, all for your will, all for the advancement of your kingdom. Praise Your Holy Name!

Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great in the LORD and most worthy of praise, he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place. Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. 1 Chronicles 16:23-29

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 7:21

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1

The surrender of praise is a choice much like our attitude of praise. We are called to be living sacrifices. Scripture reminds us that this is what brings ultimate adoration to the Father. May this Good Friday bring to mind submission and allow you a time to reflect upon your personal commitment to the Lord.

Are you willing to give it all to Him? He gave His all for you.

Tag: Galatians 2:20

Eternal Mindset of P.R.A.I.S.E.

Surrender of P.R.A.I.S.E.