Tag Archives: faithfulness

Spiritual Endurance: Faith to Persevere

November 3, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Perseverance and faith

To persevere requires one to continue despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement. This requires not only spiritual power but also faith. Our friends and family try to reassure us by telling us to “hang in there” or “tough it out” but unfortunately, encouraging words do not always succeed in moving us forward.

That is where “persevering faith” comes in. Not “saving faith” that we associate with our initial salvation, but the ability to see through difficulties and press forward for the prize (Philippians 3:14). I’m talking about “the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Faith that perseveres looks to the future and visualizes the promises of God, in all their fullness. It was this “forward looking faith” that helped the Faith Hall of Famers to persevere.

“Having seen the promises afar off.”

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Hebrews 11:13 (NKJ)

The word “promises” is a metonymy—a figure of speech in which one word is substituted for another with which it is closely associated. The word “promises” is a metonymy for the “things promised.”

Literally, the Faith Hall of Famers “had received” their individual promises—whether it be deliverance from destruction, children to a barren couple, or a future homeland (vv. 10, 14,16). The “things promised” were the spiritual blessings of the dispensation of grace and their future heavenly inheritance.

Each one died in the firm expectation of the promised Messiah and in believing views of the heavenly glory. In their “mind’s eye”, they had an inner awareness of what the promises meant—in all their “fullness.”

“…were persuaded of them and embraced them.”

To be “persuaded” means to convince someone to believe something and to act on the basis of what is recommended. In this case, it is God who provided the promises.

The Hall of Famers confidently believed based on the veracity of God. To “embrace” means to salute or greet. Based on God’s assurance, they “eagerly welcomed” (versus acquiesced to) their destiny. They moved forward with full confidence.

“confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”

To “confess” implies expressing openly one’s allegiance to a proposition or person. The Faith Hall of Famers desired more than this world had to offer, especially after seeing the promises afar off.

They fixed their eyes on those things which are above where Christ is seated (Colossians 3:1). If they regarded themselves daily as earthlings, they would not have retained the vision of faith and may have been tempted to turn back.

Developing persevering faith

The order of the aforementioned verbs teaches us an important practical lesson on developing persevering faith.

First, we must envision the promises of God. Then, based on the Giver of the promises, we confidently accept, believe, and rest on the reliability of God’s word. It is here that our faith becomes grounded. Lastly, faith “sees” with understanding, is “persuaded” in the heart and “embraced” by the will.

In a society where instant gratification is the norm, faith that perseveres requires a daily commitment to “forward looking” faith. This letter to the Hebrews was to press upon them and us, the critical need for a faith that would last, wear, overcome obstacles, and endure until the end.

Like the Faith Hall of Famers, the eyes of our heart must see the blessings God has promised and be persuaded that in due season, they will be ours. We are to joyfully anticipate our future as opposed to present advantages. Faith that perseveres single-mindedly looks to the future with an eye on the Provider who “according to His divine power has given us exceeding great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:3, 4).

Spiritual Endurance

Spiritual Endurance: The Power of Perseverance

October 27, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Spiritual endurance meets perseverance

If you were to ask me what character trait is critical for spiritual endurance, I would answer, “perseverance”. And if you were to then ask me which character trait is the most difficult to master, I would answer again, “perseverance.”

Webster defines perseverance as the “act of continued, patient effort.” While many preachers and teachers typically stress the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) as traits worth nurturing, I’d like to spend time exploring a spiritual trait of equal importance in meriting our attention. Perseverance.

Our world meets perseverance

The term perseverance communicates the idea of overcoming, energetic resistance, steadfastness under pressure, and endurance in the face of trial. To persevere means to be “constantly diligent and persistent”.

Perseverance requires us to push through our pain and fear even when the challenge is daunting and difficult. It is more than “stick-to-it-ness”. It calls for believers to see past the current barrier, temptation, or persecution (1 Corinthians 4:17-18).

The world we live in today is marked by rapid change, growing uncertainty, deep divisions, and an urgent search for truth, hope, and stability. We live in a world of remarkable human progress but profound spiritual and moral challenges. While we have gained unprecedented access to knowledge, technology, and material resources, we continue to struggle with timeless issues of truth, love, justice, peace, and righteousness. How then are we to persevere in this environment?

Perseverance meets reality

Spiritual perseverance has its basis in two realities: (1) our hope and (2) the Holy Spirit.

Our hope is based on confidence in God’s goodness and care. It relies on the fact that God loves us (Psalms 63:3) and that “He that began a good work in us can perform it (Philippians1:6).

Through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, we develop courage and boldness to overcome persecution and temptations (Acts 4:31). The Holy Spirit stands ready to empower us to meet the challenges we face (1 John 4:4). It is in His power that we can remain faithful in the midst of temptation and persecution (Romans 14:4).

Stand firm and persevere

Where do we need more power to persevere? Even the Apostle Paul had to learn to persevere. It was during his time of trial and personal weakness that he learned how to place his hope firmly on God and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.”

Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength]. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, (Amplified)

Stand firm in our hope in God. Energetically serve God. Resist and overcome sin. Call upon the power of the Holy Spirit to help live a life of personal holiness and service. Let us be diligent and steadfast in our walk of faith. We have access to all the power we need to persevere.

Spiritual Endurance

Are You Spiritually Fit? Part 1

October 6, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Training for the Journey

While physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 (NRS)

For the last 90 days, I’ve been on a journey to wellness. It began as a result of a minor physical irritation that eventually developed into a major restructure of my diet and exercise commitment.

One of the new tools I now use to assist me in developing a healthier lifestyle is my FitBit, a wireless, activity tracker that continually monitors and measures data such as the number of steps walked, heart rate, quality of sleep, steps climbed, and other personal health metrics.

Do we need a spiritual Fitbit?

Imagine if we had a “spiritual” Fitbit that would do the same. What data could be gathered to indicate our spiritual fitness?

Fitness is defined as the state or condition of being “qualitied” for a specific purpose, physically or intellectually. This is the definition we’re most familiar with seeing, however there is also an expansion of that definition to include “suitability and appropriateness”.

Spiritual is that which deals with the part of man that extends beyond the physical and is eternal in nature. It exists forever, even when the physical body ceases to live (Hebrew 9:27).

I’d like to use both definitions to put forth the proposition that in order to be spiritually fit, as believers we need to be both “qualified” and “suitable” for the purpose that God has designated for our lives (Ephesians 2:10).

Spiritual fitness is the state or condition of being qualified and suitable for the purpose that God has identified for believers both individually and as the collective Church.

The disciple Peter was spiritually “unqualified” when Jesus identified him as key to the building of His future Church (Matthew 16:18). However, after “the testing of Calvary”, the Apostle Paul was more than “suitable” for “the purpose of Pentecost” (Acts 2:14).

Why care?

As believers, we should be concerned with our spiritual fitness in the 21^st century. Why? But before I answer that question, I have prepared a simple assessment to help you “check” your spiritual fitness.

(1) Do you feel spiritually weak and defeated in your efforts to walk holy?

(2) Do you find your choices and life style inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus the Christ?

(3) Is it becoming increasingly more difficult to living out your walk of faith?

If you answered yes to any of these three (3) questions, then it’s time to work on your spiritual fitness. See you next week.

Spiritual Maturity

Are you a Truth Teller?

June 9, 2026 ITWMinistries

Are you a truth teller?

We (believers) define truth as the meaning and reality of life defined by God versus truth shaped by postmodern thinking. The believer’s source of truth is presented by God Himself in His Word and through the direction of the “Spirit of Truth”, the Holy Spirit.

Truth defined by God becomes the compass by which believers are able to discern truth from error (1 John 4:6) therefore allowing them to live out their God-ordained purpose (Ephesians 2:10).

How well am I doing with being truthful?

Following God’s truth may result in rejection and personal persecution. Inside the safety of the church walls it’s easy to agree with the ethics and morality inherent in God’s truth.

However, once outside the “physical boundaries” of the church, it is the “heart” which must reflect God’s truth. It is the heart that directs the mind, will, and emotions (the soul) to sieve the noise of the world through the filter of God’s truth.

Truth and obedience are closely connected as believers must choose between God’s instructions or man’s acceptance (Matthew 10:28).

Does the world want to know the truth?

We discussed this question earlier as to the world’s readiness for the truth. Often the world’s responses make the truth appear to be a remnant of the 20^th century—no longer relevant in today’s fast-paced, high tech world. Unfortunately, truth is often defined by what’s trending on social media.

To further complicate the search for truth, corporate/community leaders and aspiring politicians create “untruthful” responses to difficult social issues that simply satisfy people who don’t really want to know the truth; so the community and nation are given a lie (instead of truth) to make them feel better.

Unfortunately people would rather believe a lie than the truth—think about that for a minute! Are people really being deceived or are they simply choosing to believe a lie? It’s easier (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Am I ready to be a truth teller?

In Psalm 119:46, the writer speaks of their unfailing dedication to the truths offered by God: “I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings. And will not be ashamed.” Testimonies speak of witnessing. In Scripture, it relates specifically to divine testimonies or truth directly from God.

We must ask ourselves why we sometimes choose to believe a lie rather than the truth. The truth may be related to our life style, our family, or even about us personally. Perhaps we are judgmental, critical, or unforgiving. That’s why it is so important to regularly pray that the Holy Spirit expose those areas that interfere with receiving the truth of God.

The gold standard for truth tellers

To be a truth teller requires boldness to stand for holy “rightness” (Hebrews 13:6) and to proclaim what is God’s truth versus what is politically or socially correct (Luke 12:4-5; Psalms 119:46).

When Jesus taught the Beatitudes to His disciples, He established a new standard of truth that was to be actualized in the life of the believer—a standard that would result in holy and sanctified (set apart) living.

Paul declared himself to be a truth teller. While it resulted in his persecution and polarization from the mainstream, he boldly proclaimed: “None of these things [persecution and prison] move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I can finish my race with joy.” (Acts 20:24)

Let us follow the examples given to us by God. Dare to be a truth teller.

Our Faith Walk

Throwback Wednesday: What’s with Watchfulness?

May 13, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Watchfulness. What does that mean to us in today’s world? With the many events that are occurring in our world, it is imperative that we give special attention to the environment around us.

To watch is used over four hundred times in the Old Testament with the basic meaning of “take great care” and to “keep alert”. In the New Testament, the definition continues with the addition of the warning to “keep watchful.”

Jesus often used the concept of watchfulness in may of His parables to relate to His Second Coming . (Luke 31:26) He also warned believers to be aware and prepared for Satan’s attacks. (Mark 14:38).

Jesus’ teachings on watchfulness is especially relevant for us today. Each day, we are challenged to carefully assess what is happening around us. Not only for our physical well-being but especially for our spiritual health.

Therein lies the reason for this our Throwback Wednesday, “Practicing Watchfulness: Be Prepared.” Click on the “next post” to access all the Practicing Watchfulness series. That’s how important we think watchfulness is needed right now.

Practicing Watchfulness: Be Prepared

Our Faith Walk

Hope that Won’t Disappoint

May 5, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

What we’ve learned about hope.

The believer’s audacity for hope is made possible by knowledge of God (Psalm 16:11), by continuous abiding in Christ (John 15:5) and the filling of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Our audacity or boldness is built on a sure foundation based on the fidelity and faithfulness of God. It is established on the immutability of His word (Hebrews 6:17-18), the certainty of His promise (Romans 4:16) and the assurance of His presence (Romans 15:13). This is what gives us the ability to persevere.

This boldness leads us to our faith response to the challenges and trials of 21^st century living. Our faith becomes a key ingredient with hope to offer us peace, guidance, and unwavering hope. It provides us with strength and solace in time of uncertainty. This is true not because we are “optimistic”, but we believe that God is truly in control regardless of the circumstances we face.

Together, our audacity and faith results in our recognition and acknowledgement that God and God alone is the true source of our hope (Psalm 62:5-12). A true hope that never disappoints.

Hope and the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path forward and guiding believers toward the fulfillment of God’s promises. The Holy Spirit instills hope in believers by:

Reassurance of God’s Love: The Holy Spirit pours God’s love into the hearts of believers, providing a steadfast foundation for hope. This love is unconditional and everlasting, providing security and assurance even in the face of trials and tribulations. (Romans 5
Guiding and Strengthening Faith: The Holy Spirit strengthens believers’ faith, enabling them to trust in God’s promises and plans. This faith is the source of hope, as it allows believers to anticipate God’s goodness and believe in the fulfillment of His promises. (Hebrews . 11:1)
Empowering for Perseverance: The Holy Spirit empowers believers with resilience and perseverance, enabling them to endure challenges and maintain hope amid difficulties. This empowerment allows believers to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward towards God’s purpose. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Revealing God’s Plan: The Holy Spirit unveils God’s plan and purpose for believers’ lives, providing a clear direction and motivation for hope. This understanding of God’s plan instills hope for the future, as believers see how their present struggles fit into God’s overarching design. (Ephesians 1:17-18)
Interceding in prayer: The Holy Spirit intercedes for believers in prayer, expressing their deepest yearnings and hopes to God. This intercession ensures that believer’s hopes are aligned with God’s will and that their prayers are heard and answered. (Romans 8: 26-27).

The Holy Spirit becomes a source of strength and resilience, enabling believers to navigate the challenges of life with confidence and anticipation of God’s goodness.

Hope that won’t disappoint.

For hope that is real in our life, it is important that we intentionally claim that which Christ has obtained for us through His sacrificial death and powerful resurrection. Through Jesus’ sacrificial gift of life, we have a hope that “does not” and “will not” disappoint.

Therefore, having been justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:1-5)

Bottomline, God’s hope won’t disappoint. His hope is the only guarantee of security and assurance even in the face of trials and tribulations. HE IS the steadfast foundation for hope. (Hebrew 6:17-19)

For hope that won’t disappoint, hold fast to “the God of hope [who will] fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.” (Romans 15:13, Amplified)

Our Faith Walk

Hope: Our 21st Century Faith Response

April 28, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

How do we describe hope?

What metaphors do we use to express hope? How do we encourage others to believe “there’s a path to good” even in bad times? Here are a few we might have used.

“There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
“Every cloud has a silver lining.”
“The sun is peeking through the clouds.”
“Hope is an eternal flame.”

But let’s be honest, when we’re at the “end of our rope” and the “bottom of our world has fallen out”, metaphors about hope will not help us. We are looking for something that will ease our troubled souls right now!

Who needs hope?

According to the American Psychological Association [1], we all need hope.

A majority of adults (62%) disagree with the statement, “our children are going to inherit a better world than we did,” and 63% disagree with the statement, “I feel our country is on the path to being stronger than ever.” More than 3/4 of adults (76%) said that the future of our nation is a significant source of stress in their lives, while 68% said this is the lowest point in our nation’s history that we can remember.

Two in three adults (66%) said the culture’s current political climate is a significant source of stress in their lives. Further, three in five adults quote (60%) said that the current social divisiveness in the nation causes them stress. Slightly more than three in five adults 62% reported that the racial climate in the US is a significant source of stress in their lives.

Are these sources of stress going to go away? Absolutely not! And these stressors are larger than us and out of our control. In this environment, we are also expected to manage the challenge of daily living and providing for our families: feeding, clothing, and housing. We search out ways to balance the stresses of life while maintaining healthy relationships, and personal “sanity”. We need to cultivate our hope because when we cease to hope, we jeopardize our future.

The worldview of hope

Hope has ALWAYS been something we humans have needed whether in ancient times or modern days. Man’s ability to survive and thrive has been dependent on hope. The challenge, however, continues to be our ability to identify the BEST SOURCE of HOPE.

Hope, from the world’s view, comes from a variety of sources that, when combined and strengthened, provide a foundation for optimism, resilience, and the pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling life. These include the following which we most commonly use.

Relationships and connections: human connections and strong relationships provide a sense of belonging, support, and love, fostering hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Personal strengths and abilities: recognizing and utilizing one’s strengths and abilities instills confidence and a sense of empowerment, nurturing hope for achieving goals and overcoming challenges.

Meaning and purpose: finding meaning and purpose in life, whether personal interest, family, community, or spiritual beliefs, provides a sense of direction and motivation, fueling hope for our fulfillment and meaningful existence.

Spiritual beliefs and faith: for many, spiritual beliefs and faith in a higher power offer a sense of peace, guidance, and unwavering hope, providing strength and solace in time of uncertainty.

We do these things to cope and to relieve the uncertainty we face daily. Like the television therapist, Dr. Phil, might ask, “how’s that working for you?” Consider adding to this list: The God of Hope.

The God of Hope

We often become discouraged when the things we do in our human strength fail to improve our situation. We are stressed because when we look around there is “no light at the end of the tunnel” nor is the “sun peeking through the clouds.”

The reality we must come to grips with is that we live in a fallen world, where sin will continue to manifest itself in the brokenness and pain we see today. Injustice, wars, corruption, and much more. BUT THERE IS HOPE.

Our hope is built on the faithfulness and dependability of God. We must rely on the “fidelity” of God. God is reliable, dependable, and faithful. God is true, truthful, and trustworthy. His Word and His promises provide the “blessed assurance” we need to not only survive but also thrive in this world. He is our sufficiency (2 Corinthians 3:5).

What is our faith response to the challenges of 21^st century living? We must recognize and acknowledge that God alone is the true source of our hope (Psalms 62:5-12).

[1] Stress in America 2022, American Psychological Association.

Our Faith Walk

The Audacity of Hope, Part 2

April 21, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Why do we need hope?

From the tenuous bonds that connect us with one another, to the ever-present vulnerability we share as humans in a chaotic world, our lives are forever saturated in the possibility of catastrophe. Bad things— often tragic things like accidents, illness, and untimely death—happen to people every single day. We know this, yet we are tasked with finding ways of moving forward in a world where nothing is guaranteed.[1]

How then do we move forward? We look for hope—the expectation that things will get better. Hope is important because it helps us to cope with stress and anxiety, manage adversity, and improve our well-being and happiness. Hope is not always easy to find, but it is always worth seeking. It is the light that guides us through the darkness, and it gives us the strength to keep going even when things are tough.

Hope by any other name.

Hope is defined as an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes. Its synonyms include optimism and anticipation. The opposite of hope includes hopelessness and despair.

Hope is included as one of the three theological virtues mentioned in Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth. “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three.” (1 Corinthians 13:13, KJV). To the church at Thessalonica, Paul acknowledges the saints for “their work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Thessalonica 1:3).

When we use the word hope in casual conversation, we often do so in a doubtful manner. However biblical hope is never “doubt-filled”. It is built upon a confident expectation of a future fulfillment based on God’s Word and God’s promises.

We can only hope!

Hope is both a feeling and a motivation. A powerful force for good in our lives. It can help us cope with difficult times and to persevere in the face of challenges. It has been described as a shield, a path, and a powerful protector. This is especially true when we face life-threatening illnesses or insurmountable challenges in our lives.

Hope is a complex emotion that is critical for the times in which we find ourselves. As we embrace the belief that better days are possible, we are motivated to continue moving forward. It is exactly what is needed to persevere during these difficult times. With hope, we can find ways to oppose the dread of life’s dangers. Hope is critical to our future, both individually and collectively, as a society. Therein lies the reason we must continue to hope.

Hope as an anchor of the soul.

Hope will sustain us during difficult times. The writer of Hebrews depicted hope as an anchor. It was a familiar object that would illustrate God’s strong attachment to us. This anchor was “sure and steadfast”.

Sure is interpreted to mean “something that can be relied upon”. Steadfast continues this thought of God’s hope. It adds the descriptors of “trustworthy, firm and secure”. The anchor represents the Object of our faith who is Jesus Christ. Jesus has secured our position for eternity—past, present, and future.

Hope in God continues to be the message that will sustain us today in these troubling times. Our hope is based on the immutability of His word (Hebrews 6:17-18), the certainty of His promise (Romans 4:16) and the assurance of His presence (Romans 15:13).

It is this hope that gives us confidence and the ability to persevere. Our audacity of hope is built on a sure foundation based on the fidelity and faithfulness of God.

Next week, we will explore hope as our faith response to the challenges of 21^st century living.

[1] Hope: Why it matters, Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, July 16, 2021

Spiritual Maturity

What I Learned in 2025: How I Got Over

January 27, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

How I Got Over.

In the 70’s, Aretha Franklin recorded the song, “How I Got Over”. It declares, in amazement, at the end of each chorus, “My soul looks back and wonders, how I got over.”

2025 was a hard year for me—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Emotionally, I was daily challenged to understand how to process the hateful rhetoric that was rapidly emerging in our nation. Rhetoric that threatened my personal rights provided by our democratic systems. Physically, my health reflected a decline that sometimes comes with aging. Some were heredity; others were the effect of poor lifestyle choices. Spiritually, the Lord stretched me with people and experiences that challenged my trust and obedience to Him. “Pray for my enemy? Really?”

With that as my backdrop, I now take this opportunity to reflect on the past year and ask, “what have I learned?” Like the Sankofa bird of African folklore, what will I leave behind in 2025 and what will I take with me as I enter this new year.

Learn from Me.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus offers Himself as the remedy to the emotional, physical, and spiritual weight pressing His Disciples and His followers in that day. His offer? “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me.”

Learn (man-than’-o) means to increase one’s knowledge. It is further defined that the knowledge should be like that of the one teaching it. For the stress of 21^st century living, Jesus is the source of all knowledge and understanding. He continues to be “the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)

As we grow in the knowledge of Christ, the true SOURCE, we are drawn closer to Him, we become more like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18). We learn by becoming single-minded and committed to the things of God. This strengthens our resolve during hard times, resulting in “strength to prevail”.

How do we tap into the power that prevails? It starts with what I call being single-hearted. We are single hearted when we cherish God above all things. Scripture promises that God will come to those who are single hearted. (2 Chronicles 16:9). God gives the strength that prevails to those whose hearts are fully given over to him. (Luke 21:34-35)[1]

What I will leave?

In the tradition of the Sankofa bird, in 2026, what will I leave behind and what will I take with me?

I leave behind those things that hinder me emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of Life. (1 John 2:15-16, NKJV)

These are listed by the Apostle John as those things that keep us connected to the world. Lust is a powerful and complex emotion, often characterized by intense desire and attraction. They lead us away from our relationship with God.

Lusts keep us tethered to “our flesh” with desires that ultimately corrupt and erode our love for the things of God and the life we have in Christ. Lust holds our soul’s hostage (mind, will, and emotions) by promising things that will never satisfy. Lust will continue to demand more.

What I will take?

I will take with me those things that have served me well. These represent key learnings in 2025. If I had to choose one broad header it would be seeking God and being in His presence. Especially rewarding has been practicing the discipline of silence and solitude.

In those moments where there is an absence of talking, there is the great reward of hearing Jesus speak. It may be through God’s Word that captures my attention during meditation. During moments of submission, I empty myself to make room for God’s Spirit, which becomes divine wisdom for the days ahead.

If I follow my plan for 2026, I pray I will be able to see not only “how I got over” but WHY I got over. It’s not necessarily the WHAT but the WHO!

[1] Resilient, John Elderidge, “The Strength that Prevails”, 51-52

Victorious Living

A Better New Year’s Resolution, Part 2

January 13, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

A better new year

As we previously shared, new year’s resolutions are not the best way to create change in our life. Strength of character and self-will, often fall short in taking us where we really want to be. We determined that “the best way” to introduce real change in our lives is through our relationship with Jesus Christ. We must put on our “new man”. In Christ we have a new identity.

Embrace our identity in Christ

When I began my Christian walk, the meaning of “in Christ” was a mystery to me. I tried to understand it based on those things I was familiar with. For example, I established membership in the local church. I was in fellowship with its members to serve and glorify God in my life. But “in Christ”, what did it mean?

In Christ is the present experience of the risen Christ indwelling the believer’s heart. Through the Holy Spirit we take on the personality of Christ. It is more than an imitation of the life and teaching of Jesus. It describes the believer’s union with Christ as a result of the divine action of grace by God. The result of that action is the believer is transformed into a “new man.” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Renewed in knowledge

Knowledge is defined as general awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation.

However, in Colossians 3:10 knowledge means “precise and correct knowledge”. It is used in the New Testament of the knowledge of things ethical and divine. It is this type of knowledge that is needed today to navigate the challenges of our times.

Paul tells the church at Colosse to “put on the new man” who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. “New man” and “old man” were terms introduced by Paul to contrast the believer’s new versus old behaviors and lifestyle (Romans 6:6; Ephesians 2:15; 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-11).

So why did Paul tell the church to put on the new man? Because the new man has access to the “precise and correct” knowledge needed for righteous living (living in right relations with God and with mankind). This knowledge is provided through the Holy Spirit living within the new man (John 16:13). This is where transformation takes place.

In addition, this new man’s knowledge is further strengthened as a result of being created in the image of God. In Christ we possess God’s divine nature—His DNA. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms. It is the unique string of characteristics that make us who we are—physically and mentally. In Christ, we have been given a new spiritual DNA that equips us for the purpose and plan God has created for our lives.

True Knowledge

In Christ, we not only have renewed knowledge but also “true” knowledge. Paul describes this in 2 Peter 1:2-4.

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Knowledge (of God) protects us against error and deception, regardless of its source. It helps us discern and use God’s truth to guide our life. True knowledge sharpens our spiritual eyes to see not only potential dangers but also the possibilities that God has in store for us.

Promise of a better year

If we want a better new year, we must be intentional. Our aim should not be wasted on things that never work. Our focus must continue to be on the Person who has the authority and power to “make all things work together for our good.” (Romans 8:28). That person is Almighty God (Psalm 97:1-2).

Our divine truth is this. Being in Christ and knowledge of God will provide us with everything we need to be successful not only this new year, but also all the way to glory. Let us diligently seek the Lord more this year than last. This is the best way to a better new year.