Tag Archives: Sanctification

Perseverance, Redemption

More of God, Less of Us: Embracing the Refiner’s Fire

Beloved, the calling on our hearts resounds with simplicity and power: More of God, less of us. This echoes in the lives of those who yearn to walk humbly, to surrender fully, and to invite His presence into every corner of their lives. John the Baptist proclaimed, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30, AMP). This truth transforms us as we step aside, allowing God to fill us with His Spirit, replacing our pride and self-reliance with His will, His peace, and His love.

The Refiner’s Fire: A Holy Transformation

God leads us through seasons of refining—not to break us, but to purify and shape us. In Malachi, we are reminded, “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver” (Malachi 3:3, AMP). Though it may be painful, this process is holy and essential. Rather than praying for escape, we ask God for more of Him. Anchoring our hearts in His Word, we pray, “Lord, purify our hearts, sanctify our minds, transform us completely!”

Pursuing Purity of Heart

To see God clearly, we must have a pure heart, undivided and fully devoted. Jesus affirmed, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8, AMP). We seek God’s cleansing, asking Him to remove anything unworthy, praying with David, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right and steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10, AMP). In this purity, we find strength to press into His presence, eager for His refining touch.

Renewing Our Minds with His Truth

God’s refining work touches not only our hearts but also our minds. The Apostle Paul exhorts us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2, AMP). As our minds are renewed by His Word, we are liberated from worldly patterns and able to think with the mind of Christ. Freed from doubt and confusion, our thoughts align with His will, reflecting His truth and wisdom.

Embracing Transformation

In this journey, we do not seek superficial change but true transformation. “All of us… can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image” (2 Corinthians 3:18, AMP). This divine work unfolds as we yield, allowing God’s Spirit to shape us. With every step, we invite more of Him into our lives and release our old selves into His hands.

Stand Firm in His Promise

Beloved, let us not shrink back from His refining work. Embrace the breaking, the fire, and the tears that accompany His purifying touch. With hearts yielded, cry out, “More of You, Lord!” In surrender, He fills us with His Spirit, remaking us into vessels of His glory. Stand firm in His Word, holding onto His promise: “He who has begun a good work in you will continue to perfect and complete it” (Philippians 1:6, AMP). Let your life testify to His power, grace, and transforming love, revealing the beauty of more of God and less of us.

Key Scriptures for Reflection:

• “He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30, AMP

• “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver…” — Malachi 3:3, AMP

• “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” — Matthew 5:8, AMP

• “Create in me a clean heart, O God…” — Psalm 51:10, AMP

• “Do not be conformed to this world…” — Romans 12:2, AMP

• “He who has begun a good work in you…” — Philippians 1:6, AMP

Call to Action: Seek more of God daily. As you walk through life’s refining moments, embrace the transformation that draws you nearer to Him. Pray for a pure heart, renewed mind, and open spirit, ready to be filled with His presence.

See Also

Calls

More of Him, Less of Me: A Journey of Mercy, Holiness, and Renewal

I stand before you, a sinner saved by grace, humbled by the mercy of God that has carried me this far. Each day I seek His will, His purpose, and His clarity in my life, knowing that my strength is not enough. More of Him, less of me—this is the cry of my heart. I am desperate for the abiding presence of the Lord to fill every part of my life. I know this path requires sacrifice, ongoing sanctification, and a willingness to be changed from the inside out.

Please, I ask you to pray for me—a sinner in need of God’s transforming grace. May His Spirit renew me daily, that I might walk closer with Him, reflecting His holiness and living out His purpose with a heart fully devoted to Him.

Beloved, hear the call of the Lord to your heart today. His mercy is upon you, His holiness is before you, and His Spirit is within you, drawing you closer to Him. He is inviting you into a life where each step is taken in His grace and every breath is filled with His presence. God sees you—He knows your struggles, your hopes, and your fears, and He is offering you the opportunity to walk with Him, to be transformed by His love, and to find peace in His purpose for your life.

God’s mercy is not just for your past but for your present and your future. From Joseph in the pit to David in his failings, we see the Lord’s unending mercy reaching into the darkest places and bringing light. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end (Lamentations 3:22). He knows where you’ve been, and He stands ready to forgive, restore, and lift you up again. In every moment of weakness, His mercy is new. Will you receive it today?

But His mercy comes with a call to change, to live differently. God calls us to holiness, to be set apart for Him. He says, Be holy, for I am holy (1 Peter 1:16). This isn’t about being perfect in your strength but about choosing each day to let God shape your life. He wants to fill you with more of Him and less of you. It’s a daily choice—less of your own will, more of His; less of your own desires, more of His purpose. As you surrender to His will, you will see that His ways are so much higher, so much better, than anything you could imagine.

God doesn’t just leave you to figure this out on your own. His Holy Spirit is at work in you, renewing you day by day. He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6). With each new day, the Holy Spirit is shaping you, renewing your mind, and transforming your heart. That restless feeling you’ve had? That’s the Spirit calling you forward, inviting you to trust more, to step deeper into the life God has for you. Will you let Him in? Will you let Him change you from the inside out?

This journey with God requires consecration, a setting apart of your life for Him. God doesn’t ask for a part of you—He wants all of you. He’s asking you to lay your life at His feet, not out of duty, but out of love. Present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1). This means every day you choose to give Him your thoughts, your actions, your plans. It’s the greatest act of love you can offer, to say, “Lord, less of me, more of You.”

But beloved, it must be done with your whole heart. God doesn’t desire half-hearted devotion. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might (Deuteronomy 6:5). He’s calling you to lean in with all that you are—to trust Him fully, even when it’s hard. When you seek Him with your whole heart, you will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). Every day, you get to choose to walk with Him, not in your own strength, but in His power.

This walk of faith is one of transformation, but it requires a willingness to change, to move forward, to let go of the old and embrace the new. God is with you, guiding your steps, renewing your mind, and filling your heart. Each day is an opportunity to say, “Less of me, Lord, and more of You.” With every surrender, with every act of faith, you are being made more like Him. You’re not just being led out of your past—you’re being led into His future for you, one filled with hope, purpose, and abundant life.

So today, as you hear His voice, choose to walk with Him. Surrender to His mercy, embrace His call to holiness, allow His Spirit to renew you, and consecrate yourself wholly to Him. Let your heart be fully His, knowing that in every step, He is making you more like Him.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, today I come before You with a heart ready to be transformed. I thank You for Your unending mercy, for forgiving me and calling me into a life of holiness. I surrender myself to You, knowing that I cannot walk this journey alone.

Lord, renew me by Your Holy Spirit. Change my heart, my mind, and my desires. Create in me a clean heart, O God (Psalm 51:10), and fill me with the desire to follow You with all that I am. I choose today to walk in Your ways, trusting that You are leading me into a future filled with Your presence and purpose.

Lord, let there be less of me and more of You. As I offer myself to You, make me a vessel of Your love and holiness. Help me to walk each day with my whole heart devoted to You, confident that You are completing the work You began in me. I trust You with my life, knowing that Your plans for me are good.

In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray. Amen.

See Also

Psalms

Psalm of Holiness and Cleansing

O Lord, You have called us to be holy,
A people set apart for Your name,
To walk in the light of Your presence,
And to live blameless before Your throne.
(Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 1:16)

Selah

Search my heart, O God, and purify me,
Cleanse me from secret faults and hidden sins,
For in Your sight, nothing is concealed,
And by Your word, my soul is made clean.
(Psalm 139:23-24; Hebrews 4:13; Psalm 119:9)

As Joshua commanded the people to sanctify themselves,
So I come before You, seeking cleansing,
Washing in the waters of Your grace,
That I may be pure in Your holy presence.
(Joshua 7:13; 2 Timothy 2:21; John 13:8)

Selah

Like Naaman dipped in Jordan’s stream,
I immerse myself in Your mercy’s flood,
That my flesh and spirit might be renewed,
And my life reflect Your holiness, O Lord.
(2 Kings 5:14; Hebrews 10:22; Ephesians 5:27)

By the blood of Christ, I am sanctified,
By His word, my heart is purified,
So I will walk in the way of righteousness,
And offer my life as a living sacrifice.
(Hebrews 10:14; John 15:3; Romans 12:1)

Selah

With the Psalmist, I declare,
“How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to Your word,
By hiding Your truth deep in his heart.”
(Psalm 119:9; Psalm 119:11)

Remove from me every defilement of flesh and spirit,
And perfect holiness in the fear of You,
That I may be a vessel for honorable use,
Set apart, holy, and useful to You, my Master.
(2 Corinthians 7:1; 2 Timothy 2:21)

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me,
Lead me in paths of holiness and truth,
That I may stand blameless on the day of Your coming.
(Psalm 51:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:23)

Selah

For You have called us to be holy, as You are holy,
To present our bodies as a living sacrifice,
Holy and acceptable to You, O Lord,
This is our spiritual act of worship.
(Leviticus 19:2; Romans 12:1)

So I will cleanse my hands and purify my heart,
I will draw near to You, and You will draw near to me,
I will forsake the unclean thing,
And walk in the purity of Your love.
(James 4:8; 2 Corinthians 6:17)

O Lord, may I be found spotless and blameless,
When You return in glory to judge the earth,
For You have promised to wash away our sins,
And remember them no more, forever.
(2 Peter 3:14; Jeremiah 31:34)

Let Your holiness be my delight,
Let Your righteousness be my guide,
For I am Yours, and You are mine,
Now and forever, O holy God. Amen.
(Psalm 93:5; Psalm 96:9)

Selah

See Also

Humility

Humility in Church Leadership: Saved by Grace

About 8 minute read

God’s grace is the cornerstone of our faith, reminding us that we are all sinners saved by His mercy and love. Despite our good works, if we perform them in our own strength and for our own glory, they are merely “filthy rags” before Him. Isaiah 64:6 (AMP) emphasizes this truth: “For we have all become like one who is [ceremonially] unclean [like a leper], and all our deeds of righteousness are like filthy rags.”

God does not call the equipped; He equips the called. He uses those who are available and willing, regardless of their status, abilities, or past sins. This truth humbles us, teaching us to see ourselves as God sees us: redeemed sinners continually being sanctified by His grace. Romans 3:23-24 (AMP) reminds us, “since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, and are being justified as a gift by His grace, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.”

We must guard against pride and the temptation to think of ourselves more highly than we ought. Pride can deceive us into believing we are more valuable or useful to God than others. Yet, God may choose to work through a child on the street or the most unlikely person, for He shows no partiality. James 4:6 (AMP) states, “But He gives us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit, to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud and haughty, but [continually] gives [the gift of] grace to the humble [who turn away from self-righteousness].'”

Sanctification is a process God works within us, not something we achieve on our own. Philippians 1:6 (AMP) assures us, “I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].” We are all in different stages of this journey, yet none of it is due to our merit; it is solely by God’s grace.

In the body of Christ, the fivefold ministries—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—are gifts given by God to equip the saints for the work of ministry. Ephesians 4:11-12 (AMP) explains, “And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles [special messengers, representatives], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct], [and He did this] to fully equip and perfect the saints (God’s people) for works of service, to build up the body of Christ [the church].”

These ministries are not positions to be earned or coveted; they are given according to God’s grace and purpose. They serve to build us up, making us better vessels for His work. We are reminded that “every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17 AMP).

Titles in Church Leadership

The question of why some leaders insist on titles such as “The Right Reverend,” “His Holiness,” or other common titles is indeed significant. Titles can serve practical purposes:

  1. Identification and Clarity: Titles help church members and the broader community understand the roles and responsibilities of different leaders. This can be especially useful in larger congregations where personal relationships with every member are not feasible.
  2. Respect and Authority: In many cultures, titles convey respect and acknowledge the authority and responsibility of the office. This helps maintain order and respect within the church body.

A Call to Humility

However, the insistence on titles can become problematic if it fosters pride or a sense of superiority. Jesus warned against this very attitude in Matthew 23:8-12 (AMP): “But do not be called Rabbi (teacher); for One is your Teacher, and you are all equally brothers. Do not call anyone on earth [who guides you spiritually] your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not let yourselves be called leaders or teachers; for One is your Leader (Teacher), the Christ. But the greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be raised to honor.”

The true mark of a leader in the body of Christ is humility and a servant’s heart. Jesus, our ultimate example, said in Matthew 20:28 (AMP), “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many [paying the price to set them free from the penalty of sin].”

Leaders should therefore be cautious about the use of titles, ensuring that they are used appropriately and humbly, without becoming a source of pride. The focus should always be on serving God and His people, recognizing that any authority and responsibility are given by God’s grace alone.

Conclusion

God’s grace, not our efforts or status, defines our value and usefulness in His kingdom. We are all sinners saved by grace, and any good that comes from us is because of His work in us. Let us remain humble, recognizing that our sanctification and the gifts we receive are all evidence of His boundless love and mercy. In this understanding, we find true unity and purpose in serving Him.

Self Reflection

  1. Do I rely on God’s grace for my salvation, or do I sometimes trust in my own good works?
  2. How often do I take pride in my accomplishments rather than giving glory to God?
  3. Am I truly available and willing for God to use me, regardless of my status or abilities?
  4. How do I view others in the body of Christ? Do I see them as equals, or do I sometimes feel superior?
  5. Do I humbly accept God’s process of sanctification in my life, or do I try to achieve it on my own?
  6. How do I respond to the gifts and ministries given to others in the church? Do I see them as a blessing, or do I feel envious or entitled?
  7. When I serve in a leadership role, do I use my title to serve others or to elevate myself?
  8. How do I react when someone without a formal title or position demonstrates strong faith or leadership qualities?
  9. In what ways can I cultivate a servant’s heart, following the example of Jesus?
  10. How do I maintain a focus on God’s grace and mercy in my daily walk with Him?

A Prayer for Humility and Grace

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for Your boundless grace and mercy. We acknowledge that we are all sinners saved by Your grace alone, and that any good within us is a testament to Your work in our lives. Lord, we confess that too often we rely on our own strength and take pride in our accomplishments, forgetting that all we have and all we are is a gift from You.

Father, we ask for Your forgiveness for the times we have looked down on others or felt superior. Help us to see each person through Your eyes, recognizing that we are all equally loved and valued by You. Teach us to be truly available for Your purposes, willing to be used by You in any way, regardless of our status or abilities.

Lord, as we journey through the process of sanctification, remind us that it is Your work within us that makes us more like Christ. Help us to humbly accept Your guidance and correction, trusting in Your perfect plan for our lives.

We thank You for the fivefold ministries and the gifts You have given to build up Your church. May we receive these gifts with humility and use them to serve others, always pointing back to Your glory and not our own. When we find ourselves in positions of leadership, keep us grounded in the example of Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve.

Father, cultivate within us a servant’s heart. Help us to follow Jesus’ example in every aspect of our lives, always putting others before ourselves and seeking to glorify You in all that we do. Keep us mindful of Your grace and mercy, that we may walk humbly with You every day.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

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