Demontae Edmonds: "Maturing in Christ! The Divine Exchange"

"Maturing in Christ! The Divine Exchange"

Demontae Edmonds, Atlanta, GA 

The Spirit of God is always yearning to do a deeper work in the heart of the Believer in Christ. At the point of salvation, the Spirit of the sovereign Lord begins to prompt us to deal with the external sins that may be apparent to all, including oneself—profanity, fornication, addictions, witchcraft, fighting, etc.
 
A Divine Exchange

As the Believer grows in the Word and maturity, the Spirit of the Lord gives a brief respite to allow the Believer to enjoy their newfound liberty, faith, and peace in the things of God. However, the Holy Spirit begins again to wrestle and press upon an individual's soul, dealing with deeper, less tangible issues that are just as vital as heart or soul issues. These issues of the heart are ones that heavily influence the Believer's behavior, such as anger, malice, bitterness, fear, envy, and unforgiveness. At this stage of spiritual development, there is also a divine exchange that takes place. As a person cooperates with the Spirit of God and allows these things to be laid down at Jesus' feet, there is a greater level of activation and awareness of God's presence, leading, and grace in the life of the Believer.
 
Becoming a Vessel of Honor

The Lord allows the Believer to abide in this realm for a prolonged season. This place is where the Believer finds a new degree of joy, peace, and overcoming. Again, there is another respite as the person begins to bear more tangible fruit, as they have become a vessel of honor, fit for the Master's good use. However, there is deeper work to be done, as the person now may be called into or qualified for greater purposes of the Spirit of grace. The Holy One begins an even more intense and deeper dealing within the individual. At this point, these things are hidden from others and even oneself. Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked…" These areas of concern are highlighted to the Believer and made known to be displeasing to God, or a roadblock to furtherance in one's relationship with the living Christ. (Photo via Unsplash)
 
Motivations and Intentions of the Heart

At this stage of spiritual development, the Believer is confronted with the motivations and intentions of their heart (see Hebrews 4:12). There is a proverbial sword put to one's own inner man, dividing the spirit and soulish motivations of one's own soul. These things are put to death ONLY by the Lord Himself, as we yield and surrender to Him. As one will understand at this point, no self-effort or willpower alone will suffice to achieve overcoming these deep hidden flaws of one's nature. If the Believer cooperates to the point of synchronization with the inner working and deep processing of the Spirit, then they begin to cease from their own work and enter a spiritual rest of God as found in Hebrews 4:11, "Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter into that rest..."
 
Greater Victory in Christ

At this stage, striving with sin diminishes to such a low degree, because one becomes more God-conscious, and the power of sin loses its hold. Actions are more Spirit led, and manipulation, striving and the things of ego and pride are subdued. One is not moved by past rejections, trauma or wounds that in earlier stages of development may have been part of the motivation for the Believer's actions, thoughts or striving. There is no longer a need to prove oneself. This goes beyond being "apostolic" and "prophetic," or external accomplishments. This is a place of greater victory in Christ and abundant life, as promised by Christ (see John 10:10). It's not based on material possessions or external wins, but in a very deep and real contentment in Christ.
 
"For in Him we live, and move, and have our being..." (Acts 17:28)

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Demontae Edmonds
Freedom 4 the Nations
Email: INFO@F4Nations.com
Website: www.f4nations.com

Demontae Edmonds is the founder of Freedom 4 the Nations, host of "This is Freedom" podcast on Charisma Podcast Network, and host of Atlanta's "Highways" TV program. He travels the nations preaching the Gospel with notable signs, wonders, and miracles. His heart is to share the reality of Jesus Christ with the world through demonstrations of the Holy Spirit's power and presence. He has authored the books "Grab Hold of Your Miracle," "Discerning of Spirits: 7 Dimensions of Revelation," and "The Supernatural Gift of Faith."

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