Strengthen Yourself in the Lord

1. Embrace Your Identity as God's Royal Priesthood

We are living in a time when the Lord is restoring this revelation to His people—that the blood of Jesus was not shed merely to save us from our sins, but to restore us to a relationship with God in which we partner with Him as kings and priests to bring the planet under His rule and reign.

Our divine purpose. As believers, we are called to a higher purpose than mere salvation. We are destined to be kings and priests, partnering with God to establish His Kingdom on earth. This identity empowers us to:

• Exercise delegated authority in spiritual matters
• Represent God to humanity and humanity to God
• Bring heaven's reality into earthly circumstances

Transformational process. Embracing this identity involves:

• Renewing our minds to align with God's perspective
• Yielding our hearts and bodies to the Holy Spirit's work
• Cooperating with God's transformation of our character

2. Cultivate a Lifestyle of Praise and Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving keeps us sane and alive.

Powerful spiritual tools. Praise and thanksgiving are not just religious rituals but powerful tools for strengthening ourselves spiritually. They:

• Align our focus with heavenly realities
• Create an atmosphere for God's presence and power
• Shift our perspective from problems to God's promises

Practical application:

• Start each day with intentional thanksgiving
• Praise God in difficult circumstances to invite His intervention
• Use physical expressions of worship (dancing, shouting, etc.) to engage your whole being

3. Harness the Power of God's Promises and Prophecies

Meditating on the promises of God will strengthen you.

Living by God's Word. God's promises and prophetic words are not mere encouragements but powerful tools for shaping our reality. They:

• Provide a foundation for faith in challenging times
• Guide our decisions and actions
• Release God's creative power in our lives

Practical steps:

• Write down personal promises and prophecies
• Regularly meditate on and declare these words
• Align your actions with the future God has spoken over you

4. Leverage the Strength of Testimonies

Testimonies of God connect generations to His promises.

Power of remembrance. Testimonies are not just stories but inheritance and weapons. They:

• Reveal God's nature and methods of operation
• Create faith and expectation for similar miracles
• Release prophetic power for repeated manifestations

Cultivating a testimony culture:

• Keep a journal of personal and corporate miracles
• Share testimonies regularly in gatherings and conversations
• Use testimonies as a foundation for prayer and faith-building

5. Practice Praying in the Spirit to Build Faith

When we pray in tongues, we are constructing an internal edifice of faith from which the purposes of God become manifest.

Spiritual edification. Praying in tongues is a unique tool for personal strengthening. It:

• Bypasses our limited understanding to pray God's perfect will
• Builds our faith and spiritual capacity
• Increases our sensitivity to God's voice and leading

Incorporating into daily life:

• Set aside dedicated times for praying in tongues
• Use it as a response to stress or uncertainty
• Combine with meditation on Scripture and promises

6. Control Your Environment and Relationships

My heart is a garden. Some people are good at planting weeds, while others plant the Kingdom. My job, and yours, is to know the difference.

Intentional associations. Our environment and relationships significantly impact our spiritual strength. We must:

• Cultivate relationships with faith-filled believers
• Limit exposure to negativity and unbelief
• Create spaces for solitude and intimacy with God

Practical boundaries:

• Identify and nurture covenant relationships
• Be cautious about who gives input into your life
• Schedule regular times of retreat and reflection

7. Persevere Through Trials to Reach Your Destiny

God never sets us up to fail—only to grow.

Purpose in trials. Difficulties are not obstacles but opportunities for growth and strengthening. They:

• Expose areas needing transformation
• Provide chances to exercise and increase faith
• Prepare us for greater levels of authority and influence

Approaching trials:

• View challenges through the lens of God's promises
• Use spiritual tools (praise, prayer, etc.) to overcome
• Look for the "spring" God provides in every "valley"

8. Steward Your Spiritual Encounters for Continuous Growth

God wants us to succeed!

Ongoing transformation. Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey of stewarding God's grace and power. It involves:

• Faithfully using what God has already given
• Continually pursuing fresh encounters with the Holy Spirit
• Applying revelations to see tangible life changes

Keys to stewardship:

• Act on divine encounters and revelations promptly
• Regularly assess and celebrate growth
• Maintain a posture of hunger for more of God's presence and power

Last updated: October 9, 2024