Bold Faith & Brave Hearts Series: Faith with Boldness by Rev. Grace Reyes

 

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

Hello Brave Hearted Steppers, 

The two words that stood out as I read this scripture were “sound mind” which is closely associated with mental clarity, self-control, and alignment with God's will.

Scripture provides insights into this concept, emphasizing wisdom, self-discipline, and the peace that comes from God.   The key biblical principles that reflect a sound mind:

1. Self-Control and Discipline:
This passage emphasizes that God bestows upon believers a spirit of discipline, self-control, and mental soundness, rejecting fear. (2 Timothy 1:7)

2. Renewed Mind:
Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will." A sound mind, according to scripture, is one that is renewed and aligned with God’s will, rejecting worldly influences.

3. Peace and Trust in God:
Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." A sound mind is also described as being at peace, guarded by God’s presence through faith in Jesus Christ.

4. Wisdom from Above:
James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." The Bible teaches that a sound mind seeks wisdom from God and that He is the source of wisdom.

5. Clear Thinking and Sobriety:
1 Peter 5:8: "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Christians are called to maintain clear, alert, and sober thinking, which aligns with the idea of possessing a sound mind.

In essence, a "sound mind" is characterized by wisdom, self-discipline, peace from God, and a renewed vision it will also keep you laser focused on what the Lord wants to keep you focused on, which is on His ability to change and bless things in His time allowing the believer to live in alignment with God's purpose and truth.

The word of God reassures us repeatedly of the truth and that is that we are not traveling without divine guidance if we choose to avail ourselves of it.  We are His children and there is nothing that God would not do for us, we know that by the story of the cross, it was there that God gave up His only begotten Son for our rescue.

There are so many stories of how faith played an important role in shaping Christianity and proving that we have and will face tremendous obstacles in our journey.  One story that stands out among others, is the story of Esther which proves that she acted as one that put her faith in the plan of God to help her people from destruction over her fear of facing the King without having been sent for.  

The faith of Abraham, twice, one was to believe the voice of God that sent him forth without a clear plan, only to leave the comfort of his father’s house and head off in the direction that the Lord would give him once he has set out.  The other was to obey God in taking his only son to be sacrificed.

Hebrews 11 gives a wonderful example of those that were named as full of faith, these have been immortalized by God himself.  These examples have been laid out for us to see to understand that there is nothing that God cannot do for us.

The testimonies give us courage to face the storms in our lives with boldness and courage, we can use the important tools that we have been given directly and indirectly from God to overcome them.

Here are some of the tools I have used to get through some very hard trials in my life.  It is my prayer that these will be a blessing to you:

*Prayer opens the channel of communication with God, it will be a source of direction, peace and comfort knowing that you can talk to Him directly, keeping yourself spiritually connected to your higher power.

*Spiritual warfare prayers become vital in the battle, this kind of prayer involves binding, and loosening right from the throne room of God. (Matthew 16:19), it also can empower others as they begin to intercede on your behalf in the spirit realm.  This kind of corporate prayer is extremely effective.

*Scripture is vital and the reason I quote so much of it in this blog post.

*Declaring and Decreeing; part of the power you wield is taking authority over the enemy’s wiles, lies and attempt to oppress.  God has said in His word that we have dominion over the entire world and therefore the authority to declare God’s providence over our lives and cancel the assignments of Satan before it can even leave his mouth to utter.  Demons come into to alignment to the will of God.  No weapon, though forged can take root when you boldly declare with your mouth that it will not prosper.

I encourage you to intentionally seek the guidance of God in dealing with the inevitable challenges that you will face, make it a discipline to begin to use the word of God to speak into each and every situation.  No matter what it looks like begin to train your mind to stay focused on the greatness of the God you serve.  In those dark moments of suffering and despair, praise the Lord with your whole being, it moves Him from His throne, humility stirs in God compassion and mercy.

Practice gratitude no matter what is upsetting or disappointing you.  An unanswered prayer requires you to wait on God.  He is always on time; processes are places of growth and spiritual maturity.  Waiting is an opportunity to trust God in each circumstance.  

I encourage each person reading this blog to take the step of bold faith that holds on the His word and His promises that He has made to you.  Keep a brave heart when facing obstacles and challenges.  Trust in the Lord with ALL of your heart, be steadfast and immovable in the face of attacks from the enemy and I guarantee you that you will have a powerful testimony to give that will encourage others that may be in the middle of their valley.  Remember to look back and pull someone else out of their pit so that the chain reaction creates more and more disciples for Christ.

Blessings,
Rev. Grace Reyes
Founder of Blessed Keys Ministry
(blessedkeys.com)

*We hope you enjoy your weekend! Just a quick heads-up: we’ll be back with fresh, exciting content on Monday, August 30, 2024. Make sure to mark your calendars and check back in for the latest content! You won’t want to miss it! Many Blessings!*