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Living by the Spirit, Not the Flesh

Romans 8:13 (NKJV)

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

Learning to live by the Spirit is not something that comes naturally to most Believers. Every follower of Christ faces a battle between the flesh and the Spirit. The reality is, many struggle silently, while churches often avoid addressing the deeper, uncomfortable issues that people are dealing with.

But the apostle Paul does not sugarcoat the truth. He writes: “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die.” In other words, pretending, hiding, or ignoring the problem will not bring victory. Only confronting sin and allowing the Spirit to deal with it leads to true life.

The problem is, instead of confessing our sins, we often conceal them—driven by shame, fear, or pride. Yet Christ did not call us to hide. He came to set captives free. And when we surrender to Him, our battle becomes His battle. Through the Spirit, we are given the power to overcome every temptation and attack of the enemy.

Practical Steps to Victory

1. Confess Rather Than Conceal

James 5:16 tells us, “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” Bringing sin into the light breaks its grip.

2. Practice Overcoming

Growth comes through consistent choices. Each victory strengthens your faith and weakens the enemy’s hold.

3. Spend Time in the Word

The Word renews your mind (Romans 12:2) and arms you with truth to stand firm when temptation comes.

4. Build a Strong Prayer Life

Prayer is not just asking God for help; it is aligning your spirit with His will and drawing strength from His presence.

5. Be Consistent

Victory is not won in one moment but through daily surrender and discipline.

6. Declare Your Victory in Christ

Speak God’s truth over your life. Romans 8:37 says, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

Closing Encouragement

The time for change has come. Do not let the flesh control your story any longer. By the Spirit, put to death the deeds of the body and step into the freedom and abundant life Jesus Christ has already secured for you.

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A Prophetic Charge to the One God Has Called

Isaiah 51:16 "And I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand, that I may plant the heavens, lay the foundations of the earth, and say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’"

I have chosen you and set My seal upon you. I have placed My words in your mouth, not as the words of men, but as living fire and consuming truth. You shall not speak from your own heart, but from the depths of My Spirit within you.

I call you to walk in the fear of the Lord, not in the fear of man. Do not be silenced by the faces of men, for the breath of man fades like grass, but My word endures forever.

I have hidden you in the shadow of My hand, that you might be strengthened in secret. In the place of prayer, in the chambers of intimacy, I have formed you, refined you, and set you apart.

You will rise from the secret place, carrying the fragrance of My presence, and My authority shall rest upon you.

You are not sent to please man, but to please the One who called you.

Therefore, speak what I command you; do not add to it, do not take away from it. For the word you release shall not return void, but it shall accomplish the purpose for which I send it.

Prophesy to the dry bones, and they shall live. Prophesy to the barren places, and they shall bear fruit. Declare to Zion: “You are My people.” And I will confirm My word with power and with signs that follow.

Rise up now, clothed with humility and boldness. Let your voice be as a trumpet to this generation. Be faithful, be steadfast, be unmoved by opposition, for I the Lord am with you, and I will uphold you.

Guard the word, keep it pure, speak it with fire. For through you I will plant the heavens, lay the foundations of the earth, and establish Zion in her place.

So go forth—commissioned, appointed, and covered—to declare My word with power.

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What does it means to love God?

To love God means far more than just saying the words “I love You, Lord.” It is both a heart posture and a daily lifestyle. The Bible gives us a clear picture of what it truly means:

1. Obedience is the expression of love

Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)

Loving God is not about empty feelings or emotions alone—it’s demonstrated in our willingness to obey Him, even when it costs us something. Obedience flows from a heart that trusts and honors Him.

2. Placing Him first above all else

To love God means He is the priority of our lives—above career, relationships, possessions, or even our own desires.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

It’s a wholehearted devotion—giving Him the best of who we are and what we have.

3. Affection and intimacy with Him

Just as love in human relationships involves closeness, communication, and affection, so does our love for God. We spend time in His presence, seek Him in prayer, meditate on His Word, and delight in Him. “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.” (Psalm 42:1)

4. Trusting Him completely

Love is rooted in trust. To love God is to rest in His character, knowing that He is faithful, even when we don’t understand our circumstances. “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

5. Loving others as an overflow

True love for God shows itself in love for people. “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?” (1 John 4:20)

When God’s love fills us, it overflows into kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and grace toward others.

To love God is to treasure Him above all, obey His Word, walk in relationship with Him, trust Him in all things, and love others as He has loved us.

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Put Your Trust IN the Lord

There is a big difference between knowing about the Lord and truly trusting in the Lord. Many people talk about faith, but their confidence is still in themselves, in their circumstances, or in others. The word of God calls us higher: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)

Notice it doesn’t say, “Trust about the Lord,” or “Trust near the Lord.” It says, “Trust in the Lord.” That one small word makes all the difference.

What Does It Mean to Trust IN the Lord?

To trust in the Lord means to place your full weight, your full dependence, upon Him. Just like sitting on a chair—you don’t stand half on it and half off, hoping it will hold you. You rest your entire weight.

Jesus invites us into this kind of trust when He says:

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Many of us want God as a backup plan, but trusting in Him means He is your only plan. It’s shifting from “God, I’ll try to fix this and if it fails I’ll call You” to “God, I’m in You from the start.”

Stop Leaning on Yourself. The verse continues: “Lean not on your own understanding.”

We often trust God with words but lean on ourselves with actions. We analyze, strategize, and worry as if the outcome depended entirely on us.

But God reminds us: “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” (Psalm 118:8)

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7)

Trusting in the Lord means surrendering control and resting in His faithfulness.

Trust Him at All Times

David said: “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” (Psalm 62:8)

Trust isn’t seasonal. It’s not just for crisis moments. It’s a lifestyle—morning by morning, step by step. Whether life feels smooth or stormy, your anchor remains the same: your trust is in the Lord.

When your confidence is placed in God, His promises secure you. He directs your paths, fights your battles, and fills your heart with peace.

“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.” (Jeremiah 17:7)

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)

“Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:5)

Joy, peace, and security flow when your trust is not half-hearted but fully planted in Him.

Dear friend, don’t just believe about God—live your life in Him. Don’t just speak trust with your lips—show trust with your steps. Put your trust in the Lord, and watch Him do what only He can do.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

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Dying to Self

Dying to self is the daily act of denying selfish desires, crucifying the sinful nature, and surrendering one’s will to God, so that the life of Christ may be fully expressed in and through us.

Jesus said in Luke 9:23: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

To follow Jesus is to surrender our lives unconditionally to Him in every area of our daily walk. And to be honest, in today’s society it is rare to find such a disciple.

Dying to self means no longer doing anything that pleases the flesh or remains contrary to Christ—the only example we should emulate. Unless we die to the flesh, the fruit of the Spirit will never be evident in our lives.

Jesus illustrated this truth in John 12:24-25: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

Paul expressed it personally in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…”

Key Aspects of Dying to Self

1. Denial of the flesh – Saying no to sin and worldly passions (Romans 6:6).

2. Surrender of will – Yielding our plans to God’s will, as Jesus did in Gethsemane (Luke 22:42).

3. Living for Christ – Allowing His Spirit to lead and empower us, rather than our ego or desires (Galatians 5:24-25).

4. Daily practice – Not a one-time event, but a continual process of humility and obedience.

In short: Dying to self means putting to death the old, self-centered way of life so that the new, Christ-centered life may flow through us, producing fruit that brings glory to God.

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Prophetic Declaration: The Authentic Church is Rising

I declare the true and authentic Church is not a building, not an institution, and not a system of men. She is the living Body of Christ, born of the Spirit, purchased by the blood, and governed by the Word of the Lord.

I decree that every counterfeit structure, every man-made throne, and every religious system exalting itself above Christ shall be torn down. For it is written: “Every plant that My heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots” (Matthew 15:13).

I declare that the Bride of Christ is arising in purity, in holiness, and in power. She will not bow to Babylon, she will not be seduced by the spirit of religion, and she will not be silenced by fear. She is marked by love, walking in truth, and clothed in righteousness.

I decree that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the authentic Church (Matthew 16:18). The remnant will shine with the glory of God, and the nations will see the light of Christ through her witness.

I declare: Come out of Babylon, you people of God! Separate yourselves from dead religion! Return to the Lord your God, for He is raising up a holy, spotless Bride prepared for the return of the King (Revelation 18:4; Ephesians 5:27).

I decree that Jesus Christ alone is Head of the Church, and every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that He is Lord (Philippians 2:10–11).

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Share the Gospel

Under the current dynamic, many Pastors feel they always have to “find” a message to share with the congregants. They set time aside to “hear” from God or to “receive” a word for any given Sunday. Instead of simply sharing the truth of the Gospel, they often believe they must deliver some dynamic revelation that will change lives, or resort to motivational speeches to inspire. But all of this is unnecessary when it comes to the Good News.

The Gospel is not open to interpretation or personal opinions—it is the Truth. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). By simply sharing Scripture, the eyes of the people are opened to the Word of God, to Christ Himself.

More than polished sermons, what truly carries weight is when the messenger lives out the Gospel. A life transformed by Jesus becomes a testimony far greater than eloquent words. This is how people are directed to the Truth—through authentic witness.

The best way to preach Jesus is to be Christlike. No one needs a “fancy” method to share the Gospel, just a life that reflects Him. As Paul declared, “Follow me as I follow Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). A lifestyle dedicated to Christ becomes the greatest sermon. And when words are needed, let them flow—not from human wisdom, but from the Father’s heart.

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The Rise of the Authentic Church

Over the span of more than fifty-three years in my walk with Jesus, I have encountered the harsh reality of the man-made religious institution often referred to as the “church.” The weight of leadership’s harshness, coupled with a legalistic and authoritarian system—often stricter and more binding than the very law of Moses—became a constant source of negativity in my journey. I am not proud of everything I did along the way. Yet, I can say with honesty that entire books could be written about the many missed opportunities people had to reflect Jesus to me.

Today, I can look back and give glory to my heavenly Father for carrying me through it all. He has brought me to the place where I have learned to be the best reflection of Christ I can be to those around me. People are hurting, broken, and dying. What they need most is someone who will love them, someone who will be an extension of Jesus in their lives.

The pious attitude of organizational leadership is far removed from this need. What is required is a genuine encounter with Christ. The entire system must experience the revolution of the Kingdom of God—a revolution that restores all things to God’s intended purpose. The time has come to lay aside the status quo. The true Church—the real, authentic Body of Christ—must rise in the days we are living. The world is desperately searching for truth, yet remains blinded, while organizational leadership has done little to bring about this change.

As Paul writes: “But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:15–16, NKJV).

This is the vision the world needs to see—the Body of Christ, alive, united, and functioning in love. Not bound by man-made traditions or structures, but empowered by the Spirit of God to reveal Jesus to a desperate generation. For creation itself is longing for this reality. “For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God” (Romans 8:19, NKJV). The cry of the earth and the groaning of humanity will only be answered when the true sons and daughters rise to manifest Christ in every sphere of life.

The counterfeit will always fail, but the authentic Church will endure. Christ’s Body will not only survive; it will shine with His glory until the whole world knows there is a Savior who redeems, restores, and reigns forever.

I encourage you to set aside your agenda and seek the heart of God until the revelation of His Kingdom manifests on this earth as it is in heaven. Let every ambition, every self-made plan, and every religious structure give way to the perfect will of the Father. Now is the time to align with Christ, to allow His Spirit to shape us into living testimonies of His grace and truth. The world does not need more systems—it needs Jesus. And we, His Body, are called to reveal Him.

“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10, NKJV).

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Repentance must come from within

The Church is NOT being revived, because the true Church was never dead! The Body of Christ is alive in Him, sustained by His Spirit and empowered by His Word. It is the religious institution—the counterfeit systems of man—that must repent. Only then will the holy revival fire of God burn away deception and draw hearts back into righteous relationship with the Father. Let them turn from wickedness, forsake empty religion, and take their rightful place within the living Body of Christ!

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Jesus did...

Jesus consistently distanced Himself from the religious institution of His day—not from the Father, not from truth, and not from God’s people, but from the man-made systems that turned worship into ritual and faith into control.

He openly challenged the Pharisees and teachers of the law, saying:

“These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” (Matthew 15:8–9, quoting Isaiah)

When He cleared the temple (John 2:13–17), He exposed how religion had become corrupted by greed and tradition rather than genuine devotion.

In Matthew 23, He pronounced a series of woes on the religious leaders for their hypocrisy—pointing out that they placed heavy burdens on others while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

Instead of aligning with the institutional religious order, Jesus:

Drew close to the broken, the sinners, the rejected.

Taught in homes, on hillsides, and along the road, showing that the presence of God was not confined to a building.

Established a living body of believers (His Church) rather than an earthly institution.

His way revealed that God’s kingdom is not found in systems and structures but in transformed hearts.

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Make peace your goal

Our goals as believers are not measured by earthly success, but by the fruit we carry. The evidence of Christ in us is seen in love, patience, gentleness, kindness, and peace that overflows into the lives of others (Galatians 5:22–23).

When we think of Jesus, we remember Him resting in the boat while the storm raged around Him. That picture shows us the depth of God’s peace — a peace so secure that even the waves and winds cannot disturb it (Mark 4:39–40).

This same peace is available to us. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). It is not the absence of storms but the presence of God in the midst of them. When His peace rules in our hearts (Colossians 3:15), our goals shift from striving to abiding, from anxious effort to Spirit-led fruitfulness.

The peace of God transforms us. It silences fear, strengthens faith, and becomes a testimony to those around us. As we remain in Him, the fruit of our lives will speak louder than our words, pointing others to the Prince of Peace Himself (Isaiah 9:6).

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Our Heavenly Father is filled with joy.

He rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17), and His heart is full when He sees His children walk in His ways. This isn’t a distant, quiet gladness — it’s an active, vibrant delight. Jesus painted this picture in Luke 15, showing how heaven celebrates when one sinner repents.

When we truly believe that God takes joy in us, it changes everything. His joy becomes more than a pleasant thought — it becomes the fuel for our transformation.

Joy changes our identity — We stop seeing ourselves as failures trying to earn His approval and start living as beloved sons and daughters.

Joy changes our perspective — Life’s trials no longer define us; His delight in us anchors our hearts in hope.

Joy changes our actions — When we are filled with the joy of the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10), we are strengthened to love, forgive, and serve in ways that seemed impossible before.

The Father’s joy is not just something He feels — it’s something He shares. As we abide in His presence, that joy overflows, shaping our words, attitudes, and choices, until our very lives become a reflection of His glad heart.

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The Father's Heart Is Love

In order to truly love as God does, we must first understand that love is not simply something God does — it is who He is. Love is the very essence of His being. The Father’s heart is love in its purest form, untainted by selfishness, pride, or conditions.

When Scripture says, “God is love” (1 John 4:8), it is not merely describing one of His attributes; it is revealing His very identity. Every action He takes, every word He speaks, every plan He makes — all flow from a heart of perfect love.

This love is not limited by our failures or measured by our worthiness. It is constant, sacrificial, and unwavering. It is the love that sent Jesus to the cross, the love that embraces the prodigal, and the love that calls us daily into deeper relationship with Him.

If we want to love others as He does, we cannot start with our own strength or emotions. Human love, at its best, is still imperfect. Instead, we must first receive His love, allow it to transform us, and let it overflow into every part of our lives. Only then will our love reflect the Father’s heart — patient, kind, forgiving, and faithful.

Loving as God loves begins with knowing who He is — and He is love Himself.

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Eternal Goals

Life has a way of pushing us toward dreams and ambitions. From childhood, we’re told, “Follow your dreams,” “Set big goals,” and “Work hard to achieve them.” And while there’s nothing wrong with dreaming, as Believers, we are called to aim much higher.

Paul writes in Colossians 3:1: “Seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.”

This is more than advice—it’s an invitation to lift our gaze beyond the temporary. Heaven should be our dream, our eternal goal. Jesus should be our focus. For no matter how bright earthly treasures may shine, they will fade.

The writer of Ecclesiastes saw this clearly: “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2)

Without God, even our greatest accomplishments have no lasting value.

We often urge our children to study hard, find a good career, and make an impact in the world. But how often do we encourage them to first pursue the Kingdom of God and His righteousness? Earthly success can bless others for a time, but Kingdom living changes eternity.

Paul reminds us that those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh and its desires. Instead, we are called to let the fruit of the Spirit become the evidence of our lives (Galatians 5:22–24):

Love

Joy

Peace

Long-suffering

Kindness

Goodness

Faithfulness

Gentleness

Self-control

These are not just virtues—they are eternal treasures, grown in us by the Spirit of God.

When we pray, let us ask the Lord to remind us to lift my eyes to see beyond what is temporary. To teach us to value what is eternal and to live in a way that reflects His Kingdom.

May the fruit of Your Spirit be evident in the life of every believing heart, so that we may bring glory to God in all we do.

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When It’s Time to Move On

There’s nothing wrong with moving from one group to another. Life is full of seasons, and with each season comes change. Sometimes we find ourselves surrounded by people or in an environment where we try our best to adjust—only to discover it’s simply not the right fit for us. That doesn’t make us unloving or disloyal; it just means God may be leading us into a place that better aligns with His purposes for our lives.

Sadly, many people carry guilt when stepping away from a group, especially when it’s a faith community or a circle of friends they’ve known for a while. But the truth is, you don’t have to stay in a place where you’re no longer growing, being edified, or able to serve wholeheartedly. Moving on doesn’t mean you’re abandoning your faith—it might be the very step of obedience God is asking of you.

Jesus Himself promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). That means His presence is not tied to a building, a location, or a particular group of people. Whether you’re in a small prayer circle, a large church congregation, or even walking through a season of solitude, Jesus is still with you.

The disciples experienced this reality first-hand. They traveled from town to town, often leaving behind people they had grown close to, because Jesus was leading them forward. Their mission wasn’t defined by a single location but by their constant fellowship with Him.

So, if you sense that God is calling you to step away from one group and into another, walk in peace. Don’t allow fear or the opinions of others to keep you bound. Trust the One who goes before you, walks beside you, and remains with you always.

Wherever God leads, His grace is already there waiting for you.

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The Way of the Lord Is in You

In the early hours of the morning I find I'm most receptive to hear what Holy Spirit and again I felt the Lord speak about His bride been prepared for the road that lies ahead of her. I felt the Lord clearly say, "Prepare the way of the Lord".

The way of the Lord is found in every believer’s heart. This truth reminds us that the path God desires for us is not distant or hidden—it is within us. When John the Baptist declared, “Prepare the way of the Lord” (Matthew 3:3), he wasn’t only speaking of a physical preparation for Jesus’ arrival; he was pointing to a spiritual readiness—a heart fully surrendered to God.

To prepare the way of the Lord means to remove every obstacle, every distraction, and every self-made path that hinders His movement in us. It is a call to repentance, to alignment, and to transformation. The way is not found in religious systems, but in the heart yielded to His Spirit.

Today, ask yourself: What areas of my life need clearing so that His way may be evident in me? His path is one of righteousness, peace, and truth—and that road runs right through your heart.

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Following the crowd does not make you belong.

Being anti the religious institution does not mean you are against the Church.

The Church of Jesus Christ is a living, breathing body of believers connected to Christ, the Head—not a building or a man-made system. Sadly, many institutional structures have drifted from their original purpose and turned into religious organizations driven by control, traditions, and status rather than by Christ’s love and truth.

Rejecting these man-made systems is not rebellion against God’s Church—it’s a return to His design. The true Church thrives in unity, humility, and Spirit-led community, not in titles, politics, and rituals that overshadow Christ Himself.

Remember: The Body of Christ is eternal; institutions are temporary.