SUFFERING THAT TRANSFORMS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS FOR THE GOOD!

TRANSFORMING SUFFERING: HOW CAN YOU KNOW JESUS UNLESS YOU SHARE IN HIS SUFFERING

“…That I may know him … and the fellowship of his sufferings…” (Philippians 3:10 KJV).

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 “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering…” (1 Peter 4:12-14 NLT).

God says, “…to be conformed to the image of his Son...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  It starts with God’s instructions to “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). The bible says, “…as he [or she] thinketh in his [or her] heart, so is he [or she]…” (PROVERBS 23:7 KJV).

If we are “…to be conformed to the image of his Son…” we need to develop the mind of Christ (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  Thanks be to God, “…we have the mind of Christ” (1 CORINTHIANS 2:16 KJV). A mind that can FORM thoughts “like” Christ’s thoughts. Therefore, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5 KJV).

The bible says, “…as he [or she] thinketh in his [or her] heart, so is he [or she]…” (PROVERBS 23:7 KJV). What this verse tells you is that information for the mind, comes from the heart to FORM the thoughts we think. So, as a man or woman “…thinketh in his(her) heart…”

We’ve always understood that thoughts are associated with the mind. All people think thoughts that are formed in the mind, however, the information sent to the mind to FORM those thoughts come from WITHIN the heart.

The bible further confirms this: “…For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander…” (Matthew 15:18-19 NIV).

“Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you THINKING these things IN YOUR HEART?” (Luke 5:22 NIV).

 If we are, “…to be conformed to the image of his Son...” our hearts need to be clean (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  “Create in me a clean heart, O God…” (Psalms 51:10 KJV).

God says the heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]...” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  “And God, which knoweth the hearts…” SAYS, “I will give them a heart to know Me…” (Acts 15:8 KJV & Jeremiah 24:7 NASB).

The bible informs us, “…that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed…” (LUKE 2:35 KJV). See the following scriptures about the “…thoughts of many hearts…”

1.      ADULTERY “…whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28 KJV).

2.      EVIL “And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?” (Matthew 9:24 KJV).

3.      UNFORGIVENESS “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart…” (Matthew 18:5 NASB).

4.      HARDNESS / SUBBORNNESS “He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so” (Matthew 19:8 KJV). “And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts…” (Mark 3:5 KJV). “For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened” (Mark 6:52 KJV).

5.      HYPOCRISY “He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7:6 KJV).  “…for thy heart is not right in the sight of God…(Acts 8:21 KJV).

6.      DOUBT “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith” (Matthew 11:2 KJV).

7.      HAUGHTY BEFORE MEN “And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God” (LUKE 16:15 KJV).

8.      FEAR/WORRY “Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken (Luke 21:26 KJV). “Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap…” (Luke 21:34 NASB). “And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?” (Luke 24:38 NASB).

9.      THE DEVIL “And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him…”(John 13:2 KJV). “But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?” (Acts 5:3 KJV).

10. DISOBEDIENCE “To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt…” (Acts 7:9 KJV).

11. DULLNESS/ INSENSITIVITY TO THE WORD “For the heart of this people has become dull, And with their ears they scarcely hear, And they have closed their eyes; Otherwise they might see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart and return, And I would heal them” (Acts 28:27 KJV).

12. APPROVING YOUR SIN AS WELL AS OTHERS “…and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them” (Romans 1:32 NASB).

13. FAKE EXAMPLES “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:18 KJV).

14. DARK/BLIND “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart…” (Ephesians 4:18 KJV).

15. UNFAMILIAR WITH GOD “Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways” (Hebrews 3:10 KJV).

If you are, “…to be conformed to the image of his Son...” you need a heart-cleansing (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  God’s goal is “…to make [the heart]… holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God's word...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV).

Therefore, “...Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...” (COLOSSIANS 3:16 KJV). You are “…[cleansed]…  through [God’s]… truth: thy word is truth” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “Jesus saith…I am ... the truth…” (John 14:6 KJV).  Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

“… thy word (jesus) is truth…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “ ...[The truth makes the heart]… holy and clean, [and the heart is]...washed by the cleansing of God's word...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV).

Therefore, you are cleansed through the indwelling power of Jesus, the Word of truth; when “…Christ [dwells] in your hearts by faith …” (Ephesians 3:17 KJV).

Again, cleansing takes place when “…Christ [dwells] in your hearts by faith …” (Ephesians 3:17 KJV). Jesus is the cleansing Word.  “...washed by the cleansing of God's word...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV).

 “…Christ [will come to dwell]…in your hearts by faith …” AFTER “…thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). God through Jesus, the Word, “…[purifies your]… hearts by faith (trusting in and depending upon God)...” (Acts 15:9 KJV). “ [Jesus (the Word) makes the heart]… holy and clean, [and the heart is]...washed by the cleansing of God's word...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV).

“…To be conformed to the image of his Son...” first, believe on Jesus so “…that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith …” (ROMANS 8:29 & Ephesians 3:17 KJV). Again, “..Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV).  “…Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (ACTS 8:37 KJV).

“…Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend…” (James 2:18-24 NIV). “…This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:28-29 KJV).

In order“…to be conformed to the image of his Son...”  BELIEVE so “…that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith …” (ROMANS 8:29 & Ephesians 3:17 KJV).

Further, “…to be conformed to the image of his Son...” trust and depend, upon God, that the Word (Jesus) is NOW in your heart (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  “…I will put my laws (Jesus, the Word) into their mind, and write them in their hearts…” (Hebrews 8:10 KJV). "…I will put my law (Jesus, the Word) in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people…” (Jeremiah 31:33 NIV).

God sent HIS WORD into the HEART of the redeemed soul. Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (HIS WORD) into our hearts...” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).  

The heart, the information center, informs the mind and the mind forms thoughts that direct speech (what is said) and behavior (what is done).“…out of the heart come evil thoughts—[which can result in verbal expressions or actions of]...murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander…” (Matthew 15:18-19 NIV). “...And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?...” (Matthew 9:24 KJV).

“…To be conformed to the image of his Son...” examine yourself and “KNOW” Christ is “IN” YOU (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “Examine yourselves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you...” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

Know for your own self that Christ is in you literally and “… [dwells] in your hearts by faith …” (Ephesians 3:17 KJV).

If you are a believer, Christ is in YOU and the Word confirms this over and over. Therefore, “…Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

“Christ IN YOU” is the catalytic agent for being “…conformed to the image of his Son...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). The “seemingly” hidden life or indwelling Christ in you IS “…the invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made …so that [you] are without excuse…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

You provide the vessel, God provides his glorious Spirit (Christ IN you), and it should be “clearly seen.” His indwelling Holy Spirit has “MADE” you into a NEW CREATION.“…. if any man (woman) be in Christ, he  (she) is a NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). ^“…Christ liveth in [you]…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).

However, if God’s glorious Spirit is NOT “clearly seen,” through your life, what’s the problem? “…the invisible [Spirit is] …clearly seen ... by the things that are made …” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

“…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22 NLT). “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

“…the invisible [Holy Spirit is] …clearly seen ... by the things that are made …” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit produces ...[spiritual]...fruit…” (Galatians 5:22 NLT).  

“…those who do not have the [indwelling Holy]... Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT). “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

If God’s indwelling Holy Spirit is NOT “clearly seen” through the lives of REDEEMED SOULS what is the problem?

This was a tough question, but it offers a lot of food for your thoughts.  I was lead to study a lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse takes place when the earth, because of its position, blocks or cuts off the BRIGHT light of the sun and the moon.

In addition, it’s amazing that the earth can block or cut off the BRIGHT light of the sun. Especially, since the sun is so very much larger than the earth. It would take over a million earth masses put together to match the size of the sun, yet the earth can BLOCK OR CUT OF its light.

^“....But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:23 KJV).

“…The light of the body is the eye. …” (Matthew 6:22 KJV). Light, in this verse, means the mind or the thoughts. “…The light of the body is the eye. …If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, [eclipsed by the dark mind and its mass of dark thoughts], how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV).

The light within you can be blocked or cut-off by the eclipse of dark thoughts. Imagine YOUR thoughts being a mass like the earth. A mass is a group of individual parts that together form a unified or solid body. The thoughts are individual, such as doubt, adultery, fear, disobedience, etc., that come together to form a solid dark mass in your mind. In addition, the actual physical brain is said to be gray or white matter, which means it takes up space and has mass too.

“…If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, [eclipsed by the dark mind and its mass of dark thoughts], how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV). “…The invisible [Holy Spirit]… is…clearly seen…” (Romans 1:20 KJV). If the glorious Spirit of God through Christ is within you and is not “clearly seen” “something” is blocking the light?

God’s “…radiance is like the sunlight…” (Habakkuk 3:4.NASB). Jesus, “…the Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…The invisible [Holy Spirit]… is…clearly seen…” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “…Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me (Jesus, the LIVING Word) hath seen the Father (God, the Holy Spirit); and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” (John 14:9 KJV). “The Son (the Living Word) is the radiance of God’s glory (it is his presence, his goodness, and his working power) and the exact representation of his being (his divine nature)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

“…The light of the body is the eye (mind). …” (Matthew 6:22 KJV). The eye (mind) was created to work together with the brain (heart) to EMPOWER speech(what you say) and behavior (what you do).

Remember, the light of the body (human vessel) was meant to enlighten the mind. If the mass of thoughts, FORMED by the mind, with information that comes from inside the heart, is dark; how dark will the speech and actions be? “…If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, [eclipsed by the “heart-informed” mind and its mass of dark thoughts], how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV).

“…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (or by cleaning away the dark information within the heart)….” (Romans 12:1 KJV). If you are “…to be conformed to the image of his Son…” you need the mind of Christ (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  “...The Son is the radiance of God’s glory (his presence, goodness, power, etc.) …” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). ). Therefore, “...Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5 KJV). You now “…have the mind of Christ” (1 CORINTHIANS 2:16 KJV).

“Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). You now “…have the mind of Christ” (1 CORINTHIANS 2:16 KJV).

“… [Jesus Christ’s name]... is called The Word of God (revelation knowledge)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… THE WORD (Jesus, revelation knowledge of God) …was sown in ... [your]...HEARTS (to become your NEW information center to inform the mind, which will FORM thoughts that empower righteous speech and actions)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).

God purposely gives and “…[creates within the redeemed soul] a clean heart …” (Ezekiel 36:26 & Psalm 51:10 KJV). God knows that the heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). God knows “…out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders…” (Matthew 15:19 NASB).

Let’s take a closer look: “… THE WORD …was sown in ...[the heart of the redeemed soul]... [like a seed]...” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “… …The seed is the WORD OF GOD …” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). The WORD(s) of God “is” Spirit.

“…THE WORDS  ... I (Jesus) SPEAK ARE SPIRIT …” (John 6:63 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). God, the Holy Spirit represents a type of water and refers to himself as “...spring of living water...” (Jeremiah 2:13 KJV). The bible says, “....I (God, the Holy Spirit) will pour my Spirit upon THY SEED...” (Isaiah 44:3 KJV).

“…When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing.  But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

The rain represents God, the Holy Spirit’s gracious care for the implanted seed. When rain, falls upon the ground, which represents the human heart, where good seed (Jesus) has been implanted it will begin to produce fruit. “…The sower SOWETH THE WORD …The seed (Jesus implanted) is the WORD OF GOD ….. THE WORD … [is]... sown in [THE REDEEMED SOUL’S HEART]... (the ground; earth)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).

Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God (the “good” seed)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “ …[Redeemed souls]... have this treasure  (this implanted seed) “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). 

Jesus is the “good” seed implanted within the redeemed heart and it will always, if watered with “living” water produce a good crop. “....I (God, the Holy Spirit) will pour my Spirit upon THY SEED...” (Isaiah 44:3 KJV). God is a “...spring of living water...” (Jeremiah 2:13 KJV).

 “…The seed that fell on good soil ...  [will, when watered with “living” water,]... produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted... ” (Matthew 13: 18-23 NLT).

“…When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing.  But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

The same rain fell upon the ground, which produced thorn and thistles. The ground represents a human heart and it is the hardened heart, hardened by sin, that produces thorns and thistles. “…Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled…” (Hebrews 3:15 NLT).  “...TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS..." (Hebrews 4:7 NASB).

A person willfully and voluntarily CHOOSES to harden their hearts when they refuse or reject to follow God’s instructions. “... the people replied, “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…My people would not listen to me. They KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their [OWN] evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

When the RAIN falls, the harden heart will not receive God, the Holy Spirit’s “living water, that makes the seed (Jesus) grow. Thus, they cannot and will not produce spiritual fruit, but will, instead, become USELESS. “….Apart from [God, the Holy Spirit]… [the redeemed soul will not and cannot]..do nothing (or produce anything spiritual)…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

God GRACE is CLEARLY upon those who choose to receive his “living water” Those who do not receive his “living water” will be condemned. Although there is no condemnation “in” Jesus, UNBELIEF (rejection of God’s Word) makes the person condemned already. “…There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1 KJV). “…HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, because HE HATH NOT BELIEVED in ... [the WORD]…” (John 3:18-20 KJV).

   “…it (that ground or human heart) is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). ). “... Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he (the Holy Spirit) taketh away ...If a man(woman) abide not in me, he(she) is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

A good crop is a result of the ground or human heart that chooses to trust and depend upon God, the indwelling Holy Spirit, also the WORD, to DO the work “IN” them (planting Jesus, the seed) and “THROUGH” them (cultivating and producing spiritual fruit). “…When the ground soaks up the falling rain (is being cultivated) and bears a good crop (produces spiritual) for the farmer (represents God, also the husbandman), it has God’s blessing (serves his purpose)…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). “God [the Holy Spirit] … worketh in [his redeemed people]…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…the Father [the Holy Spirit] ...that dwelleth in… [the hearts of his redeemed people], he doeth the works (of cultivating righteous works, empowering holy living, and producing spiritual fruit)…” (John 14:10 KJV). “… I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law (without empowering the indwelling Holy Spirit’s help) could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ (the seed that produces life and fruit) to die…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT).

“…God [the Holy Spirit] ...does the work IN AND THROUGH all of us who are his (redeemed people)… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [indwelling seed or ]...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT) “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE (by implanting Jesus, the seed into redeemed hearts)…” (John 3:6 NLT).  “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

“… His name (Jesus) is [also]...called The Word of God (the “good” seed)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).  “…The Lord (the Word, the seed) is that Spirit (too)…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…[You] CAN DO all things (produce fruit, display God’s presence, goodness, and powerful, righteous works) THROUGH Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “….Apart from [the indwelling seed or Holy Spirit]… [the redeemed soul cannot]...do nothing [likr live righteous, holy, or produce fruit]…” (John 15:5 NIV).

The thorns and thistles represent what a human heart, hardened by the ongoing PRACTICE of SIN will produce. Becoming cut-off from Christ, the indwelling seed, the WORD, or the Holy Spirit is a CHOICE. “…[You]… have been cut off from Christ (the WORD)! …” (Galatians 5:4 NLT). “…if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). “... Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he (the husbandman) taketh away ...If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

“…HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, because HE HATH NOT BELIEVED in ... [the WORD]…” (John 3:18-20 KJV).

The heart is clean because of the implanted SEED (Jesus, the Word). The implanted SEED(Jesus, the Word) is a storehouse of NEW INFORMATION that will inform the mind to FORM thoughts that empower righteous speech and behavior.

However, the implanted SEED (Jesus, the Word) must be watered with “living water” in order to GROW and DEVELOP into a CROP that produces spiritual fruit.

The “living water” cleans, washes, and cultivates the heart by making the ground HOLY, so it will produce a GOOD crop of spiritual fruit.“ [Jesus (the Word) makes the heart]… holy and clean, [and the heart is]...washed by the cleansing of God's word...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV).

“…The seed that fell on good soil ...  [will, when watered with “living” water,]... produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted... ” (Matthew 13: 18-23 NLT). “…When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing.   …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

How are dark thoughts washed away? By the “living water” or the Word of God. How is the mind renewed? By watering the implanted SEED (Jesus, the Word) so it can empower you to grow and develop spiritually. What is the process of renewing the mind called? Sanctification. What is sanctification? The washing away of information - planted within heart by the sinful nature - through the power of God’s Word. “.... [The righteous, therefore, are MADE] ...holy and clean, washed by the cleansing [power]...of God’s Word ...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV). “...[The Word]... is faithful and just ...to cleanse [the redeemed soul]... from all unrighteousness...” (1 John 1:9 KJV). .“...ye (the redeemed souls) are clean (washed) through the word which I have spoken unto you....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

“...the will of God (his heart’s desire.), [is]…your SANCTIFICATION …” (1 Thessalonians 4:3 NASB). “…God (the Holy Spirit) ... Himself SANCTIFY you (through the cleansing power of his Word) ...entirely…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB).

 “…God (the Holy Spirit) is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Word (the speaking Word, Jesus) was God … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “... [the word, Jesus]... is a light to reveal God (the Holy Spirit) to the nations (the redeemed soul)..” (Luke 2:32 NLT).

 “…The [word] ...is perfect (by maturing developing, growing, renewing the mind, and), restoring the soul; The [WORD]... is sure, making wise the simple. The [WORD is] ... right, rejoicing the heart; The [WORD]... is pure, enlightening the eyes. The [WORD]... is clean, enduring forever; The [WORD is]... true; they are righteous altogether. [The Word is]... more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your [branches are]... warned. In keeping them there is great reward …” (Psalm 19:7-11 NASB).  “... [The redeemed soul is]...  clean through the WORD which I (Jesus, the Word, the Holy Spirit) have spoken unto [them]...” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

 “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind ….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV).  “…In this world we (the redeemed souls) are LIKE JESUS (in their speech and actions)…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

“...You [redeemed souls]... were washed (cleansed (freed) from sin), you were sanctified (made holy by the implanted SEED), you were justified (made right with God again) [through Jesus, the Word and the indwelling Holy] Spirit of our God...” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NIV).

God is interested in the condition of your HEART, which informs the mind to “FORM” thoughts which direct your speech and behavior. “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). The heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  “For out of the heart come evil thoughts —murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Matthew 15:18-19 NIV).

You have a NEW HEART (implanted), but the residuals of the OLD HEART must be washed away by the WORD of God (the LIVING WATER).

If not, those evil thoughts, that come from the residuals of the old heart, will form a mass of dark thoughts, in the mind, that block off the glorious light of the Spirit within you. The bible says: “...Let your light so shine before men,  that they may see your good works (speech or behavior directed by a renewed mind informed by God’s implanted Word), and [will] glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 KJV),

“…If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, [eclipsed by the mind which FORM a mass of dark thoughts], how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV). “…The invisible [Holy Spirit]… is…clearly seen…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

If God’s Glorious Spirit, that dwells within you, is blocked and is not “clearly seen” it is your MASS of dark thoughts eclipsing the LIGHT. “…How great is that darkness!...” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV). “…Out of the (old) heart come [dark and]… evil thoughts (which result in the speech or actions of...)—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Matthew 15:18-19 NIV). “…the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the  (old) heart [or the NEW HEART]…  “…[it is] …out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth ...[directed by the mind which FORMED the thoughts]... speaks...” (Luke 6:45 RSV).

If you are, “…to be conformed to the image of his Son...” the dark mass of thoughts need to be cleaned away through the Word of God (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  

God wants “…to make [the heart]… holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God's word...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV). So, “...Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...” (COLOSSIANS 3:16 KJV). You are “…[cleansed]…  through [God’s]… truth: thy word is truth...” (JOHN 17:17 KJV).

Maybe you feel like this: “...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t.

I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want (WILL) to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.  I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am!

Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [a dark mind and its mass of dark thoughts] sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

It takes you right back to Jesus, the Word of God, which is his cleansing POWER!

“… [Jesus, the Word of God will empower] ...you, according to the riches of his glory (of his indwelling presence, goodness, and power), to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). ^“…May the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work ... (in the redeemed heart and mind) what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “...For it is God which worketh in [the redeemed soul]... both to will and to do of his good pleasure...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

God pays close attention to the “…hidden man (woman) of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “…. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart...” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV). “…If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, [eclipsed by the mind and its mass of dark thoughts], how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV). “...But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness(your old info and mindset) into his marvellous light (his revelation knowledge)...” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV).

Therefore, “…To be conformed to the image of his Son...” TRUST THE PROCESS!  “KNOW” Christ is “IN” YOU (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “…Jesus Christ (the Word, the implanted SEED) is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “…if Christ be in you… (Romans 8:10 KJV). “...But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you…” (Romans 8:11 KJV).  ^“...I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…until Christ be formed (grows, develops) in you…” (Galatians 4:19 KJV). “...Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?...” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “...What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?...” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people...” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

God’s main purpose is for us to“…To be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  “...The Son is the radiance of God’s glory (his presence, his goodness, and his working power) and the exact representation of his being (divine nature)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).  

Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 NIV).

In order to do that Jesus “…humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross...” (Philippians 2:8 KJV). “...Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV). “… whoever suffers in the body is done with sin…” (1 Peter 4:1 NIV).  

Suffering is not simple about what happens TO people, but what happens IN them. Getting rid of the mass of darks thoughts is not easy and it can cause suffering. Coming “..out of darkness into his marvellous light” can be hard on the eyes(mind, thoughts, etc) (1 Peter 2:9 KJV).

“…The light of the body is the eye (the mind that forms thoughts). …If therefore the light (stays a seed and the old, carnal information stays prominent then) ...in thee [there will]... be darkness, [eclipsed by the old mindset and its mass of dark thoughts], how great is that darkness!...” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV).

“...And this is the condemnation, that light (new revelation knowledge) is come into the world (right into the heart of the redeemed in seed form), and men(women) loved darkness (their old info, mindset, and thoughts) rather than light, because their deeds (speech, actions, lifestyles, etc.) were evil...” (John 3:19 KJV).

That’s why, painful as it is, God’s children are meant to come“...out of darkness into his marvellous light.” It may be hard to change, but allow the indwelling Holy Spirit to help you do it, anyway (1 Peter 2:9 KJV).

“…[Because]… the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries…” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).

“...Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV). “…To be conformed to the image of his Son...” partnering with his suffering is part of the journey (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “… whoever suffers in the body is done with sin…” (1 Peter 4:1 NIV).  Jesus “…humbled himself and became obedient unto death….” (Philippians 2:8 KJV). Likewise, believers can also become “obedient unto death” of SELF.

Is your heart’s cry: “…That I may know him … and the fellowship of his sufferings…” (Philippians 3:10 KJV).

How can you truly know and understand Jesus unless you share thoughtfully with some of his experiences or as the old saying goes: walk a mile in his shoes? “…That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death…” (Philippians 3:10 KJV). “...I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death…” (Philippians 3:10 NLT).

How can you know Jesus unless you share in some of his personal sufferings? Sharing in his sufferings will help you authentically empathize with his experiences and possibly the emotions he may have felt while going through. “…That I may know him, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death…” (Philippians 3:10 KJV).  He “…humbled himself and became obedient unto death….” (Philippians 2:8 KJV).

Desiring to walk in Jesus’ shoes will create opportunities to literally experience life from his perspective. “...I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death…”(Philippians 3:10 NLT).

It is easy to judge, criticize, blame, or gossip about another’s person’s experiences or conditions or even God’s; without ever having understood their plight.

God put on the flesh in order to truly understand humanity’s plight with sin. “...For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet he did not sin...” (Hebrews 4:15 NIV).

^“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “...Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people...” (Hebrew 2:17 NLT).

When you walk in obedience, you are walking in Christ’s shoes and getting a glimpse of what it cost Jesus to be holy unto the Lord. “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV).

If you never walk in obedience or “...be… imitators of [Jesus]…,” your weak, bias, unexperienced view of holiness won’t ever change and you will never SEE God in the circumstances and situations of life (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV).

Your mass of dark thoughts will block or eclipse your ability to direct your behavior in order to experience walking in God’s truth.

Holiness means you are “set apart” for God, for God’s will, and for God’s purposes only. And you prove you are “set apart” every time you obey and thus, you will aim to “…..do always those things that please him…” (John 8:29 KVJ).

The reason you obey is, “…so the world may know that [you, like Jesus] love the Father, …[and you like Jesus] do exactly as the Father commanded…” (John 6:38 KVJ).

In the Old Testament, they made everything “…HOLY TO THE LORD…” (Zechariah 14:19-20 ASV). Apostle Paul was “….set apart for the gospel of God...” (Romans 1:1 NASB).

“Becoming” Christ-like will ALWAYS include holy conduct. Holiness is one of God’s traits exclusive to Him and his TRUE followers. Everyday God’s voice cries out:  “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV).

God is flawlessly holy and “…there is none as holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). Therefore, daily keep holiness as one of the reasons God called you, “…For God hath not called us for uncleanness, but unto holiness…” (1 Thessalonians 4:7 KJV).

Whatever trials, tribulations, situations, circumstances, difficulties, or hardships promote holiness remember “…[God disciplines] us for our profit, that we might be partakers (participants) of his holiness...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).  

God doesn’t want you to simply talk about holiness; he wants you to actively participant in it. “…Ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV).

Walking in God’s holy shoes by practicing holiness through obedience is transformation in action. Empathetic intimacy (walking in God’s shoes) will help you understand God better and feel closer to Him through the “one spirit” attachment. (Hebrews 12:10).

Whenever you are empathetic with another person it allows you to identify with them in a more intimate way by actually seeing life from their perspective.

You must “put on” their experience.  God tells us, “…to put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness...” (Ephesians 4:2 KJV).  “Putting on the new man” will help you “… keep [God’s] commandments” (John 14:15).  In addition, it will help you “… be holy in all manner of conversation” (1 Peter 1:15 KJV).

As long as we are on earth, we will receive discipline and correction in holiness. God’s love for you is so profound and he cares so much about your heart, he will purposefully pick you out for special situations, circumstances, trials, tribulations, difficulties, or hardships.

Obedience is transformation in action. Every time you obey by replacing old thoughts with new thoughts you are in the process of transformation. In the process of transformation you are replacing the dark eclipse of thoughts with the light of God’s truth. The Glorious God is able to shine through and be “clearly seen” in your life.

All these bleak seasons are known in the Christian community as tests. James told us to count them all as joy.

Tests will strengthen your faith, reveal your lack of faith, expose your true heart, uncover the dark eclipse of thoughts blocking the Son, and any other lingering sinful ways. For certain, during each and every test your character will be pruned, disciplined, corrected, and developed.

Tests are not always fair and many times they appear to be blatantly unjust; especially the details. Go through them anyway, just like Jesus did. “But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV).