Transformation doesn’t happen overnight. When you are saved the Holy Spirit lives inside you. When you make a wrong decision, tell a lie or sin, the Holy Spirit within you will let you know it’s wrong.
Philippians 2:13 (New International Version)
For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Initially the change in me was very slow but the day I decided to allow God to change me, in fact I went down on my knees and cried out for Him to change me, only then did the big changes start happening. Don’t be hard on yourself like I was or you will just be miserable and feel like you are always failing.
Colossians 2:6-7 (New International Version)
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
What we should be aiming for is to be Christ like. In other words, God would like us to be like Jesus, filled with compassion and love for others, even our enemies.
John 13:34 (New International Version)
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
God knows we are human and He knows we are weak but He is always there to help us in our walk with Him.
Philippians 1:4-6 (New International Version)
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Here are a few essential points that will really help you in your walk with God.
1 Timothy 6:12 (New International Version)
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
I don’t know if you’ve seen the movie Faith Like Potatoes but it’s the story of a farmer by the name of Angus Buchan. Do yourself a favour and try and watch it. The first time I saw it I asked for faith like that and God gave me that faith! Anyway my point about the movie is that when Angus gets saved his pastor tells him to go out and tell the first 3 people that he sees about what God has done for him and I would like to suggest you do the same. Tell your friends and family about your decision to accept Jesus into your life.
Isaiah 43:10 (New International Version)
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor there one after me.
Find a Word based church and attend regularly. It is so vital to be at the right church. Find a church that preaches the Word of God and by this I mean a church where all are welcome and where the pastor helps you in your walk. If you are in Cape Town may I suggest that you go to a service at Christian Family Church, 44 Mabel Street, Oakdale, Bellville? Pastor Rob Muller and his wife Dee are wonderful people. It’s more than a church, it’s like a family and Pastor Rob will always be there for you to guide you and give you Godly advice.
Fellowship with people at your church. Join a Bible study group. In Bible study you are with like minded people and you can learn so much. It’s also good to have the support of other Christians; we are after all family, God’s family.
Hebrews 10:25 (New International Version)
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Introduce yourself to the pastor and tell him or her where you are at on your spiritual journey.
Ask your pastor to baptize you. I felt different after I was baptized. You will be so blessed. It’s a wonderful experience.
Acts 2:38 (New International Version)
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Read the Word as much as you can. You have to fill your heart with the Word of God. Meditate on it and ask questions when something is unclear. I suggest buying a study Bible which has notes in it explaining each and every Bible verse making it easier for you to understand. I have the New International Version Study Bible.
2 Timothy 3:16 (New International Version)
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
Always seek Godly council when you have a problem or need to vent! Speak to your pastor about your challenges and problems. NEVER discuss your problems with non-believers or someone who will not give you Godly council. The Bible says that our words are containers so be aware of the words that you speak, especially about others.
Psalm 19:14 (New International Version)
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Aim to become more holy by letting go of things in your life that are sinful, remembering that God is a god of GRACE and LOVE.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (New International Version)
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
I always think of the words of Joyce Meyer where she says: “I’m not where I need to be, but thank God I’m not where I used to be. I’m OK, and I’m on my way!”
1 John 1:9 (New International Version)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Pray! God wants you to talk to him. It doesn’t matter how you pray as long as you pray in Jesus name. I have conversations with God all the time about anything and everything. I talk to Him all day long. When I am angry with someone I tell God and I ask Him to help me with my feelings. He’s not going to judge you if you tell Him how you feel. He wants us to go to Him with everything. Cast all of your cares and your burdens onto Him.
Philippians 4:6 (New International Version)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Your relationship with God should be a personal one. He is your father and you are His child. Remember that He wants you to be happy and He wants to bless you. All you have to do is let Him work with you and the rest as they say will be history.
Isaiah 26:2 (New International Version)
Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith.
