The Lord Jesus said that we need to be born again. In John 3:3, it says: “Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” The Apostle Peter taught that we were born again by the incorruptible word of God: 1 Peter 1:23 “Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.” So, according to the Scriptures, we now have a new nature. We no longer live according to the dictates of the flesh. Our new nature and DNA comes from God’s Holy Spirit. Galations 5:25 says: “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives”. Paul gave us a snapshot of the difference between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Galations 5: 19-26 (NLT) says: “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.” It’s very clear and simple. The above verses clearly outline whether or not you are following the Spirit’s leading, or still allowing the old nature to control you. The more time you spend with God’s word and His Holy Spirit, the more the fruits of the Spirit will shine through you! We have a Spanish saying that translated to English is: “Tell me who you spend the majority of your time with, and I’ll tell you who you are”!
I’ve heard this thought so many times from parents: “I want my child to do better and to reach greater heights than me.” I feel the same way. Parents feel so proud when their children accomplish great things. They will show you their pictures and videos, and will talk all day long about the successes of their children, It’s as if they themselves had achieved those victories. Well, guess what: God, who is the perfect Father, wants you to do great things! In Matthew 7:11, Jesus said: “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Your Heavenly Father has blessed you with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places. He has already empowered you to live victoriously in this life. You have been “born again.” You now have His DNA. Jesus said we would do greater things: “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12 (AMP). Note that He said we would do greater things than He did “in extent and outreach.” As part of His Body, we will go to places He never went in His earthly ministry. We will heal more people than He did because His Body is all over the world. You are part of His Body. He has already empowered you. Your heavenly Father has already authorized you. It’s time to reject any hindering thoughts, past failures, negative words, fears and doubts, and begin to be who God already authorized you to be. There are many who are waiting for you to show up as God’s ambassador and release the life-giving anointing and gifting that is within you! Your heavenly Father will be very pleased with your successes and victories. Your victories are His victories!
