The Restored Life

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Living Unashamed — April 16, 2025

Living Unashamed

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Being a Bold Believer

Hello, everyone! I pray you have been blessed by the last two blogs. Today, I want to talk about what it looks like to live unashamed and be bold in our faith in Christ. We are living in a time where people are declaring their faith in everything but God. And others are declaring their faith in Him while holding on to practices that are contradictory to the Word. This week’s blog will challenge us to examine 4 areas in our lives to discover if we are truly living unashamed.  As believers, we must be unashamed to be saved, to stand out, to be set apart, and to share our testimony.

Unashamed to be Saved

As we navigate our lives as believers, we should not be ashamed to declare and make it evident that we are saved. It is not about telling everyone you come across that you are a born-again believer. But simply, it can be conveyed in our character, conduct, and conversations. The people we encounter can see a difference in the way we carry ourselves. There is a distinction that believers have.  I have grown to understand it is not about rattling off scripture to everyone we meet. Instead, it is how we present ourselves to the world around us. Yes, there is a time and place that we need to be prepared to share scriptures and, most importantly, the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.

But in doing so, we need to be led by the Spirit of God to effectively navigate these opportunities. It is not a place of condemnation or bashing people with scripture. Instead, it is leading with love, grace, and the hope of planting or watering a seed sown. We are called to be disciples and follow after Christ. In doing so, we must remember that we represent Him in the world. When the world sees us, they should see Christ in us.

So I pose these questions: Can others recognize that you are saved? Is there a distinction in your life now that you are saved, or have you remained the same in your character, conduct, and conversations?
This is something to think about. When we give the Holy Spirit access, He will reveal any areas within us or in our lives that are contrary to the Word. With His guidance, we are able to live unashamed, to let it be known we are saved. We boldly express our identity as a born-again believer in Christ.

Unashamed to Stand Out

✨️Don’t dim your light to blend in with the darkness around you. Instead, let it shine.✨️

In addition to being unashamed to be saved, we are to be unashamed to stand out. Believers are the light of the world. That means we will stand out in a world full of darkness and wickedness. We are not instructed to hide our light but rather let it shine. And when our light shines, it shows our good works before others. When those good works are evident, it is not for self-gratification or self-exaltation but to glorify our Father. Our character, conduct, and conversations should be glorifying to the Father, not ourselves. We are His children and should be intentional in representing Him well.  We should not be fearful to stand out and be the light of the world. We once were living in darkness, but God called us out and brought us into His marvelous light. No matter how we are received by others, we should remember we are children of light.

With that understanding, we should not seek to dim our light to blend in with the darkness around us. Instead, let it shine. So I ask you this: Are you letting your light shine, or are you dimming it just so you can fit in? If your environment or the people around you cause your light to be dimmed, I would challenge you to ask the Holy Spirit for boldness to authentically be who you are called to be in Christ Jesus. Not with pridefulness, boasting, or arrogance but with unshakeable Holy Ghost boldness. In Him, you can completely embrace being the light of the world and do so unashamedly.

Unashamed to be Set Apart

✨️As children of God, we are instructed to be holy, as God is holy.✨️

Just like the Holy Spirit gives us boldness to embrace standing out as the light of the world, He also leads us in living a set apart lifestyle. To be set apart means to separate something and keep it for a special purpose. As God’s children, we are instructed to be holy as He is holy.  Holy is defined as dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose; sacred. Additionally, it is defined as properly, whole, entire, or perfect, in a moral sense;  hence pure in heart, temper, or dispositions; free from sin and sinful affections. We can not serve a holy God but live an unholy lifestyle. We are called to a lifestyle of holiness. It is not something we practice one day and don’t do the next. It is continual. It is not synonomous only with a church denomination or just for a certain group of believers. As a child of God, holiness is a requirement, not a suggestion.

With the definitions provided for set apart and holy, I want to reiterate that there is a distinction among believers.  The manner in which we live is different from those in the world. So I ask you, are you committed to living set apart? Have you removed yourself from anything that can be misconstrued as appearing evil or unholy? This is something we must examine. That is why our character, conduct, and conversations should be glorifying to God.  With all that was previously mentioned, we are being bold believers when we are unashamed to be saved, to stand out, to be set apart, and lastly, to share our testimony.

Unashamed to Share our Testimony

In this last area, we can struggle with sharing our testimony if we are battling the shame of our lifestyle before salvation. We may easily share our faith and the gospel of Jesus Christ with unbelievers. We may have no problem standing out as the light of the world. We could even fully embrace a lifestyle of holiness. But others of us have a difficult time overcoming our past mistakes and sins. The devil is the accuser of the brethren, who sows condemnation to keep us in a state of fear and shame. While in that state, we remain silent and bound instead of bold and free. Our mouth is muzzled, and the weight of the past weighs us down.

But we don’t have to live in condemnation and be weighed down. We can overcome it when we believe that our Savior’s shed blood redeems us. The mistakes and sins we have confessed and repented of are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. Our slate is wiped clean, and we are restored. Regardless of the devil’s attacks that will come, we can resist Him. We do not have to accept the condemnation, fear, or shame that he attempts to sow into our lives. And, once we overcome the condemnation, we can unashamedly share our testimony with others as led by the Holy Spirit. The key is to be led by the Spirit of God as He will guide us in what we should or should not share. He will give us the discernment to know the appropriate time and place to share and with whom. So follow His lead, and He will not steer you wrong.

Closing Thoughts

With everything I discussed, it is my hope that each of us can fully live unashamed and be bold believers for Jesus Christ. Regardless of the world and the culture surrounding us, I pray we will remain on fire for Christ, representing Him well from our character to our conversations with others. I hope you can take this information and fully embrace being unashamed to be saved, to stand out, to be set apart, and to share your testimony.

And until next time, have a great day and a blessed week.

**Definitions taken from the Oxford Dictionary and the Webster’s 1828 Dictionary**
**Scriptures taken from the authorized King James Bible**
Finding Peace in the Midst of Life Transitions — April 9, 2025

Finding Peace in the Midst of Life Transitions

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**Sensitive Topic**

This week’s topic hits close to home for me. Over the last few years, I have navigated through many life transitions. It started in early 2021. In the timespan of two months, my life did a complete 180. What I once considered my normal life took a drastic change. In February 2021, my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and kidney failure. The day she received the news, I was accompanying her in the emergency room. That day is forever ingrained in my mind. Hearing that information felt like a nightmare. When the doctors gave their diagnosis, I had to be strong for my mom. I had to maintain my composure and keep it together for her. I remember as they explained their findings, the tears began to flow. But in spite of receiving this devastating news, my mom remained even tempered and level-headed. The doctors admitted Mom into the hospital, and she was transferred to the oncology unit. After being moved to her new room, I stayed with her until visiting hours were over. I didn’t want to leave my mom’s side. All I wanted was to support her and be present every step of the way. 

That evening, as I left the hospital room, I kissed her forehead, told her “I love you,” and that I would be back in the morning. I remember crying all the way to the parking lot; and as I made the drive home, I just broke down and wept. I felt helpless. I couldn’t believe that it was cancer that caused my mom’s pain, weight loss, and limited mobility. That night, I couldn’t sleep. My mind was racing, and I had so much weighing on me. I could not believe that my mom had received this death sentence. I would not have much longer with her. It shocked me how much life changes with just one diagnosis.

Mom’s hospital stay lasted almost two weeks. During that time, my cousin and I alternated sitting with her during the day. It was difficult to see my mom in her current state. She didn’t look like her normal self. I was used to my mom’s youthfulness and lively spirit. She may have been in her sixties, but before her illness, she was always out and about, going to the gym three times a week. So, to see her in pain and only have limited mobility that broke my heart. I did my best to maintain my composure around her. I had no other option but to keep it together.

Once Mom was released from the hospital, my cousin and I became her primary caregivers with other relatives and healthcare workers assisting when necessary. When Mom came home, it was joyous to see her in better spirits. In spite of the pain and mobility issues, her personality and character remained the same. Thankfully, that part of her never changed. With taking on the role of caregiver, my priorities shifted. I was still working and occasionally participated in activities in and outside of church, but I wanted to cherish the time I had with my mom. 

Knowing my time with her was coming to an end sooner than I imagined I wanted to be with her whenever I could. When I think back to that period in my life, I can say without a shadow of doubt that God was keeping me. He gave me a greater measure of strength than I ever had before. Caregiving is not for the weak and faint of heart. It takes a greater level of patience and selflessness. It entails providing a service to someone, ensuring their safety and overall wellbeing.

I will never forget the day I was washing dishes looking out the window into the backyard. I thought to myself, “When I said I wanted to take care of my mom, this is not what I meant.” As soon as that thought came, I heard God say, “This is the way I want you to take care of her.” I had always envisioned that once I was married and my mom was older, I would have her live with me and my family. But at that moment, I knew God had a different plan. I had to accept that my vision for my life with my mom was not God’s.

It was extremely painful caring for a loved one, knowing they would succumb to their illness rather than beat it. Many nights, I cried after keeping a straight face for my mom throughout the day. Even at times when she was at her dialysis treatment and no one else was home, I would just ball my eyes out. When I couldn’t keep it together, I cried out to God, and He gave me the strength to endure. One thing about me is that there are certain situations where crying is my release, and I am unashamed about it. When I get to a place of vulnerability with God expressing this is too much for me to bear, I find God’s comfort and peace. When I choose to be honest with myself and God, not pretending all is well when it really isn’t, I am able to find the strength and peace I need in Him.

While in my role as caregiver, I was intentional with my music choices. I loved playing the Spotify app to hear my favorite artists. And there were times it felt as if the music I was listening to was handpicked by God just for me. It strengthened my spirit and encouraged me that no matter what I may be experiencing, God was with me. And, not only was He with me, but He was with my mom as well.

Throughout the caregiving period, nothing compared to the time of Mom’s passing. Prior to, I had never been present while a person was transitioning. It was extremely difficult to witness.  Witnessing that was a different type of pain compared to the day of receiving Mom’s diagnosis. It was a place of confronting and accepting that the end was here. There would be no coming back from this. No matter how painful it was for me, I was glad to have the opportunity to be with my mom in the end. I wanted to be present with her so that she would not be alone. While I was there for my mom, another relative came to support me during that time. I was grateful because I couldn’t imagine how I would have handled it on my own.

After Mom was given pain meds and anxiety medication to ease her restlessness, she was calmer and went to sleep. Once she was more relaxed, I was able to lay my head on her bed and rest my eyes; but I could never fully sleep. Some time went by, and my cousin  alerted me that my mom had stopped breathing. She got the nurse, and the nurse confirmed that Mom had passed. I remember crying, but the first thing out of my mouth was “No more pain.” My heart was broken that she was gone; but I could rejoice that she no longer had to endure suffering. She could rest now. 

Adjusting to life without my mom was challenging, to say the least. The dynamics of certain family relationships changed. For the first two years, I went through periods of isolation. I didn’t want to do much, and I did not want to be around many people. The person I could always depend on and talk to was no longer here. Her death brought a deep sense of emptiness. I felt lost, hopeless, and purposeless. It felt like grief was suffocating me. At times, I wanted to give up on life. But by the grace of God, I did not go that route. Even in my lowest moments, he kept me from making any decision that would cut my life short. I can look back at certain times in those two years, and I don’t know how I made it through. When I was just existing, God was keeping me. When I was on the floor curled up in a ball crying, He kept me. It was only God who sustained me. 

He didn’t just sustain me, then, but He is still doing so now. Even after my mom’s death, I faced the loss of other loved ones that cut in a different way. I have discovered that dealing with death is not a one-size fits all. With my mom, I had a sense of peace that I did not have with the passing of others. From the period of time I learned of my mom’s cancer diagnosis to her passing, I was in a place of processing what is to come. I was not blindsided by it. But with sudden deaths, especially with suicide there is a lot to process. After my cousin’s death, it wrecked me.

The pain I felt was indescribable. There were so many questions that were left unanswered. I can honestly say it was hard for me to make peace with it. I couldn’t believe she was gone until I saw her in the casket. Even in that, I was unable to make it to the front to see her fully. It was too much for me to handle.  Before her passing, I had not been this close to someone who had taken their own life. By the strength of God, I was able to make it through the funeral, giving the prayer of comfort and sharing reflections. That day, God was my strength. 

After my mom and other loved ones’ passing, it caused me to look at life through a new lens. I realized just how precious life is and not to take it for granted. It made me aware that learning to adjust to transitions cultivates maturity, builds up my faith, and, more importantly, causes a greater dependency on God.

Finding Peace and Strength in God

Throughout the transitions of the last 4 years, I have discovered that no matter the highs or lows in life, there is something to learn. God is always present and instructing. It is up to us to be still enough to recognize what He is teaching. It takes maturity. I know without a shadow of doubt that God was stretching my faith. During this time, I had to depend on Him more than I ever did before. I discovered the truth in Isaiah 26:3-4, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, For in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength.” To this day, that is one of my favorite scriptures. I noticed that when I intentionally focused on YAH, His peace overtook me. Whatever may have brought stress, worry, or grief was overshadowed by His peace. By acknowledging and exalting God, it allowed the negative feelings to seem minute compared to the vastness of God.  If God was able to give me peace, He can do the same for you. That is why it is important to seek Him. Often, when life is challenging, we can stray away or flat out avoid Him. But in seeking Him, we are able to find the peace and strength we need to persevere through life transitions. Do not avoid Him; instead, seek after Him.

Coming to Christ and Casting Your Cares on Him

In addition to Isaiah 26:3-4, Matthew 11:28-30 and I Peter 5:7 also shed light on the importance of coming to Christ and casting our cares on Him. Whatever we are battling, we can bring it to Jesus. Whatever is weighing on us, we can cast it at His feet. We have to unlearn carrying what Jesus told us to cast on Him. He has the capacity to handle our burdens, and in return, we find rest in Him. But in order to obtain that rest, we must believe that when we come to Him, He will provide rest for our souls. We must come to Him in faith, not unbelief. 

Apply to Our Lives

I don’t know what life transitions you are having to adjust to. It may be dealing with life after loss: whether it be the death of a loved one, loss of a job, or a relationship ending. It could be a change in marital status going from single to married or married to divorced. You may be entering into parenthood preparing for the birth of your first child.  You could be taking on the responsibility of caregiver for your elderly parent(s). Or you may find yourself relocating for a job opportunity moving away from your family and friends. 

No matter the life transitions we face, we can find peace in God. When we focus our attention on Him and intentionally seek after Him, we find peace. No matter the uncertainty around us, we find stability in Him. He is our Rock. He remains constant and will not fail us. We may not understand what is transpiring or have the full picture. Even when we do not have all the details, we can trust that God will not abandon us to figure it out on our own.  But what’s necessary is belief in Him and His Word. We must believe in our hearts that what He said in His Word is true, and it will come to pass. In addition to believing God and His Word, we must depend on Him. We have to come to a place where we acknowledge that we do not have all the answers and need God for direction. To successfully endure life transitions requires dependency on God.

While we are seeking God, trusting in His Word, and depending on Him, we must come to Christ casting our cares on Him. As I mentioned before, we must unlearn carrying what Christ told us to cast on Him. If it’s too heavy for you to bear the weight of it, give it to Christ. We do not get points with God for choosing to bear what we can cast on Him. So use wisdom, give it to God, and in return, you will find rest in Him.

Closing Thoughts

I hope you are encouraged by this week’s post. No matter what you are facing, I pray that God’s peace covers you and your spirit is strengthened. Lastly, a scripture to mediate on to help as you adjust to life transitions is Philippians 4:8-9 (scripture image posted). I pray you have a great day and a blessed week.

**Scriptures used from the King James Bible and the New King James Bible**
What Are You Consuming? — April 2, 2025

What Are You Consuming?

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The Importance of Renewing Our Spirit

On a daily basis, there are a plethora of things we consume. In thinking of the question–what are you consuming–you may think about what you eat. That is one area of consumption, but I want us to consider what we are receiving in our bodies as well as our spirit. We should be aware of what we are feeding on. In this blog, I want to discuss different areas of consumption.  And then recognize if its effects on us are carnal or spiritual.  Carnal is defined as (1) pertaining to or characterized by the flesh or the body, its passions and appetites; sensual or (2) not spiritual; merely human; temporal; worldly.  Spiritual is defined as (1) relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things. Or (2) relating to religion or religious belief.

With these definitions, we can understand that carnal and spiritual are polar opposites. The two do not mesh together; they are like oil and water.  Carnal consumption would consist of things that feed our flesh and lead us away from God. Whereas spiritual consumption would strengthen our spirit and draw us to Him. The areas of consumption I want to focus on are entertainment (including music, movies, and TV shows), social media, and our interactions with others.

Entertainment (Music, Movies, and TV Shows)


With entertainment, what we listen to and watch influences us. No matter our age, to a certain degree, it has an effect on us. Music is very suggestive. Whether it is subtle or overt, it has a message. As believers, we must be aware of that fact and be mindful of what we listen to. In our song choices, we must have a greater awareness of what is being glorified. When we listen to certain music, we should take inventory of what feelings arise in us. Does it stir up lust, anger, pride, loneliness (wishing you were in a relationship), etc.? That can be a major hindrance when you are intentional on living a life pleasing to God.

We must also be vigilant of the movies and TV shows that we watch. We should consider what Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep [guard, watch over] thy heart with all diligence [care]; For out of it are the issues of life.” It is important to guard our heart. As a responsible and wise believer, we should not watch everything just because we have access to it. We are bombarded with many beliefs that are contrary to the Word of God. They promote lifestyles that God condemns. And, it can desensitize us from boldly standing on the Word.

We should check inwardly and ask ourselves, what have we accepted rather than rejected? In the same manner that we must have a greater awareness of what is being glorified in music, this too applies to movies and TV shows.  Does the entertainment we consume stir up our carnal nature? Does it entice us to sin? Does it cause us to reminisce on our pre-salvation lifestyle? Does it make sin look fun and appealing? These are questions to consider when choosing the types of entertainment we consume.

In my early to mid twenties, I changed the types of music I listened to and what I watched. Some changes were immediate, and others were gradual. I remember throwing away my collection of Rap and R&B CDs. The music I once loved reminded me of a lifestyle that I no longer agreed with. Sexually explict music and love songs did not mix well when you are intentional on living an abstinent lifestyle.  In addition to that music about partying, violence, drug dealing, etc. was no longer my cup of tea. My appetite was changing. And what I once loved, I no longer cared for anymore. I will admit occasionally I would listen to 90s and 2000s R&B, that particularly had me in a chokehold. But listening to love songs while single is not wise; it will have you in your feelings, wishing you were in a relationship. So I had to give that up.

Also, I had to stop watching certain movies and TV shows because they were either too graphic, overly sexual in nature, or a combination of both. Previously, I watched horror movies, but I was becoming more aware that they caused my level of fear to increase.  From a young age, I struggled with fear in one form or another; and watching horror movies only intensified that fear. When I watched them, it was primarily during the day, not as much at night. I remember the movie images staying in my mind.  In order to reduce the fear, I’d follow up with some other genre of movie. That helped to temporarily ease my mind.  But once I avoided horror movies, I noticed a significant change that I was no longer gripped with fear.

These were a portion of the changes I made. Some were immediate, and others were gradual. With that being reiterated, we can give ourselves grace as changes take place in our lives. We should allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in what we consume. As we spend time with and in the Word, we can see our appetites align with what feeds our spirit.

Social Media

In addition to entertainment, we have various social media platforms that fight for our attention and consume our time. By no means am I an expert on the different platforms. For me, my social media days started with MySpace in my adolescence, and eventually, I joined Facebook and Twitter (now X). Personally I’m not interested in participating on all platforms; I simply can’t keep up with all of it. I’m a millennial, and I can remember society before the overconsumption of social media. No, I don’t hate social media; it has its pros and cons.  But with the accessibility of it, we spend much of our time online rather than interacting with people in real life. I believe we need a healthy balance.

Social media is a great tool to keep in touch with family and friends, especially those who live long-distance, that we otherwise would be unable to see on a regular basis.  It also gives us the opportunity to hear sermons and teachings that help to cultivate our spiritual growth. There are beneficial accounts across various platforms with people who share their expertise in certain areas. I can admit I love to watch a good DIY project or find a new recipe to try out. Those things are helpful.

On the other hand, when online, we are bombarded with material that keeps us in a cycle of consumption with no added benefit. Also we can find ourselves in a place of comparison. I can honestly say I have been there. During some of the hardest times in my life, especially after the loss of family members and other major transitions in my personal life I had to step away from social media. For my overall wellbeing, I had to remove myself and spend more time with God. Where I once felt depleted from constantly consuming social media, I now felt content in spending time in the Word and in prayer.  I felt refreshed and revived.

Before I started this blog, I was off of Facebook and Instagram for about five months. I deleted my IG account, and I had  not logged into Facebook. During that time, I found the contentment I needed; and it was a major learning experience. It taught me to be content no matter the season of life I am in. I was encouraged by Philippians 4:11-13, “[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. [13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

I know it was only God’s grace and peace that kept me. He gave me an unexplainable measure of peace that no matter the uncertainty around me, I knew that He was with me and He would not fail me. At one point, I didn’t have the desire to return to social media. But in my efforts to share the blog with others, I came back; and this time around was different. I was focused and had a greater level of discipline that I didn’t previously have.

I share my story to encourage you to be mindful of how the consumption of social media affects you. If it does more harm than good, take some time away if you need to. Don’t allow your overconsumption of other people’s lives gravely affect your emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.


Interactions with Others (Conversations and Relationships)


Lastly, we have to be aware of what we are consuming in our interactions with others (irl). I want to discuss it from the standpoint of our conversations and relationships. I am a firm believer in 1 Corinthians 15:33-34, “Be not deceived: evil communications [companionships] corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.” And, Psalm 1:1, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Both of these passages of scripture reiterate the importance of keeping the right type of company. It matters who we spend our time with. It matters who we listen to and take advice from. Entertaining or giving our ear to certain conversations can be damaging and feed into our carnal nature. It can stir up our fleshly desires that we are called to crucify. We should ask ourselves when we converse with others, is this conversation edifying or tearing down? Does it cause me to react in a way that is pleasing to God?

In our relationships with family and friends, we must examine where the overall relationship is going. I personally believe it should have a destination and purpose. It is vital to recognize if our friendships and familial relationships draw us closer to God or lead us away from Him. Do those closest to us live lifestyles that conflict with our walk with Christ? While pursuing a sober life, are we surrounded by others who are constantly drunk or under the influence of drugs? For those of us who are unmarried and abstaining from premarital sex, are we around others who have no desire to abstain? Instead, they continue in a lifestyle of fornication. For married believers, do you hang with others that condone adultery and have no problem with being unfaithful to their spouse?

Are we surrounded by people who are gossipers and feed on the dysfunction and toxicity of other people’s lives? Are the family members and friends we primarily spend time with constantly negative and never have anything good to say about others? Do they drain us rather than pour into us? We must have awareness of the possible stumbling blocks in our lives. And unfortunately, they can be in the form of people close to us. The Word instructs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:22 to abstain from all appearance of evil. So, if it looks evil, we are to stay away from it. We must use Godly wisdom in how we should handle the dynamics of our relationships.

On the other hand, with our friends and family that draw us to God, we should be intentional in cultivating and strengthening those relationships. In our lowest moments where we are weak, discouraged, and lonely, their presence helps to build us up and provide the support we need. Even when we are not physically present with each other, we can have the assurance that they are praying for us. It is a reciprocal relationship, both sides are giving and receiving.

Conclusion


In all of these areas, from entertainment to our interactions with others, we should be led by the Holy Spirit. He is the barometer to use in order to gauge what we should or should not consume. He will always lead us in the right direction, which draws us closer to the Father.  We must use wisdom and be willing to be led by His Spirit. Our flesh will try to rise up and resist. But we should choose to yield to the Spirit.

It takes maturity and intentionality on our part. We have to guard our gates. We should assess: what we are listening to, what we are watching, who we are following or befriending online, and the conversations and relationships we have with others. All of these areas are important, and we must steward them well in order to strengthen our spirit. A lack of spiritual stewardship will cause us to be spiritually weak and our flesh to rule over us. Instead, we must put our flesh under subjection and be led by the Holy Spirit. And in doing so, our spirit will be fortified.

Put It into Practice

  • Be led by the Holy Spirit in choosing what we should or should not consume.
  • Be intentional in guarding our hearts by taking inventory of the types entertainment, social media, and interactions we have with others.
  • Prioritize spending time with God in prayer, reading, and meditating on the Word.
  • Implement healthy boundaries to prevent conversations or relationships that lead us away from God.

Think About It – Questions to Consider

  • What does your spiritual diet look like? Is it lacking, thriving, or somewhere in the middle?
  • What are you consuming on a daily basis?  Does it feed your flesh or your spirit?
  • What areas can you improve to strengthen your spirit?
[10] Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me. [11] Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy holy spirit from me. [12] Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with thy free spirit. Psalms 51:10-12 KJV

**Definitions provided from dictionary.com, the Merriam-Webster dictionary, and the Oxford dictionary

**Scriptures taken from the King James Version Bible.