Simply Uncaged

🔑 4 Keys to Renewing Your Mind.

The first level is understanding the strategies and the tactics of the enemy.

The only power that the enemy has, is when we decide to give him the power. It starts with the seeds that we believe.

🔑 4 W's to Renewing Your Mind:
1 - God's Word
2 - God's Wisdom
3 - God's Way
4 - God's Will

God's Wisdom is applying the Word of God. To consecrate yourself is to be set apart and to separate yourself from the world to draw near to God.
 
The enemy's tactic is to send lies in the mind and contradicts with what God has spoken. (Genesis 3:1-5)

Lies are seeds, and deception becomes the fruit.

The enemy has no power to destroy the will of God in our lives, but if we allow him to influence us of getting away from the will of God, then we have opened the door to the enemy.

But as followers of Christ, we have the authority in Christ to renew our mind with the truth, God's Word. 

God's Will is the best will. God's Will is found in God's Word.

⚔️ Temptations from the enemy: 
1- The lust of the flesh
2- The lust of the eyes 
3- The pride of life
(Genesis 3:6-11)

But in the Book of Matthew Chapter 4, Jesus overcame every temptation from the enemy. The enemy used scripture to battle against Jesus. But Jesus knew how to battle scripture against scripture. 

🔑 To apply these 4 keys to renew your mind:
1- Believe
2- To have faith in Christ.
3- To repent. To have a changed mind.

Spiritual warfare is the battle between the lies & the truth.

Lies come from the enemy… the truth is Jesus.

Lies are the seed.

Deception is the fruit.

We don’t just become deceived, deception happens when you start to believe the lie.

The lies started in the garden in Genesis 3! So he’s been doing this for thousands of years.. imagine how good the enemy is at it today.

So how do we overcome the lies? TRUTH!

If you fill your mind up with God’s truth, the enemy has no room for his lives.

If the enemy can lie us… we will continue to walk in that deception.

Whats worst about deception?

It’s deceived people continuing to deceive more people as they are walking in deception.

4 levels of deception that Jesus warns us about.

4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. (Matthew 24:4)

5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. (Matthew 24:5)

11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. (Matthew 24:11)

24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. (Matthew 24:24)

The enemy will deceive through great signs & wonders… it might be SO close that it looks like God… but it’s NOT.

IF possible… even the elect can be deceived?

If you are not planted in the Lord… & constantly in His word, you MAY be deceived.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Because they do not LOVE the truth… a strong delusion will come.

It’s not just a strong delusion, it’s a spirit of delusion.

Delusion means wandering… or error that leads to deceit.

When you are operating in a mind of delusion, your mind is wandering.. or your mind is operating in error.

Love truth! or become deceived.

Jesus is the way the truth the life… John 14:6

4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it! (2 Corinthians 11:4)

You don’t just get preached a different jesus, or a different gospel… you ALSO receive a different spirit! Beware.

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, (1 Timtohy 4:1-2)

“So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭

#1 Study & understand God’s word

Reading God’s word and memorizing scriptures is NOT enough in these last days… we need fresh encounters with God

#2 Relationship with the Holy Spirit

A relationship is relational NOT transactional.

#3 Live in Jesus name

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

Walking in the Spirit is how we walk with God.

We must walk in alignment with God.

Our ALIGNMENT with God, is more important than the ASSIGNMENT from God.

Meaning... the timing of the assignment from God must be ALIGNED with God.

Want to know how to walk in the Spirit?

Love thy Lord God with all your heart, mind and soul.

Give your heart, mind & soul FULLY to God & let the Holy Spirit use you!

37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ (Matthew 22:37)

Walking in the Spirit is our way of fully surrendering our life to Christ.

Love Jesus more than anything, & watch how God will use you mightily!

6 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:16:18)

We're called to walk in the Spirit... because the flesh is warring against it.

Our flesh wants to glorify self.

Our Spirit wants to glorify God.

How do we walk in the Spirit?

The Bible says that Noah walked with God.

9 This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. (Genesis 6:9)

The revelation I received on knowing how to walk in the Spirit came from what the bible said about the concept of 'walking'... 

So here's 3 ways to walk in the Spirit.

#1 Walk circumspectly

Circumspectly - exactly, accurately, diligently

15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God. (Ephesians 5:15-21)

We must walk carefully, heeding the voice of God in obedience to God.

Make sure you're FILLED with the Spirit.. ways to do this is singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord!

#2 Walk in truth

It’s not just true, it’s the TRUTH.

1 Vindicate me, O Lord, For I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip. 2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart. 3 For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth. 4 I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, Nor will I go in with hypocrites. 5 I have hated the assembly of evildoers, And will not sit with the wicked. 6 I will wash my hands in innocence; So I will go about Your altar, O Lord,

David was a man after the Lord's heart.

Vindicate - to judge, govern, vindicate, punish

Our ability to KNOW TRUTH & WALK that truth allows us to show our REAL love for Jesus.

#3 Walk by faith

7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. ( 2 Corinthians 5:7-8)

It’s easy to say to ‘walk by faith’ with my mouth… but can I walk by faith with my feet.

Faith without works is dead.

What I see sometimes allows me to have doubt… but what I hear, allows me to have faith.

Romans 10 says that Faith comes by hearing & by hearing God's word.

Walking by faith may allow me to be tested, at the same time it increases my faith.

I pray you continue to walk with God & walk in the Spirit.

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The Holy Spirit convicts us with sin & allows us to grow in God!

Put your faith in Christ & ask God to fill you up with His Spirit!

The Lord desires for us to be FILLED with His Spirit!

The Holy Spirit is our guide, our comforter, our revelator, our teacher & so much more!

How do you receive the Holy Spirit?

#1 Receive Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior

Have you accepted Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior?

If not, it's not too late, you can ask Him to come into your heart & be the Lord of your life right now!

#2 Repentance

To truly have a 'changed mind' is what repentance means.

Decide to change your mind about how you want to live your life... and decide to live your life for Christ.

#3 Ask God for His Spirit

Our God is SO good! If you ask, it will be given.

He desires for us to have His Spirit.

Ask the Lord & watch Him move.

Here are a few people in the bible that have been filled with the Holy Spirit.

Luke 1 John the Baptist filled with the Holy Spirit.

13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:13-17)

John the Baptist later became that prophecy fulfillment of the 'voice in the wilderness'

The same man that was chosen to baptize Jesus Himself.

Acts 4 Peter filled with the Holy Spirit

7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: (Acts 4:7-8)

Peter was used to help a lame man be healed in Jesus name right before this.

& his boldness to preach the Christ was evidence he was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 9 Apostle Paul filled with the Holy Spirit

17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. (Acts 9:17-18)

Apostle Paul went from murdering Christians to living a life dedicated to Christ.

He had such a radical encounter with God... & never turned back from this moment in Acts 9.

There is POWER when being filled with the Holy Spirit.

What is evidence you have the Holy Spirit?

#1 Your love for Jesus!

The evidence of you singing melodies from your heart unto the Lord.

19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, (Ephesians 5:19)

#2 Your Fruit!

Fruits can be your characteristics.

18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits yo

World means a godless society.

A society without God.

You're either under the reign of Lord Jesus.. or the enemy.

3 Things The Bible Tells Us About The World…

#1 Do not be conformed by the world.

2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)

Conformed means to not be influenced by the fashions of this world.

#2 Do not be a friend of the world

4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (James 4:4)

#3 Do not love the world.

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

What did Jesus say about the world?

18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. (John 15:18-20)

Please read John 15:21-25 as well.

33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Please ready John 16:28-32

 (John 18:33-36)

5 For even His brothers did not believe in Him. 6 Then Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. 8 You go up to this feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come.” 9 When He had said these things to them, He remained in Galilee. (John 7:5-9)

Now… let’s expose how the enemy is in charge of the world & deceives it!

The whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.

19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. 20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. (1 John 5:19-21)

The enemy is a deceiver of this whole world.

9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:9)

The enemy is willing to give you the world in exchange with your worship to him.

5 Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. 7 Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” 8 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” (Luke 4:5-8)

How to overcome the world?

God’s Word - Psalm 119
God’s Wisdom - Proverbs 4
God’s Will - 1 John 2

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We CANNOT cast out the flesh, we must crucify it!

18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. (Romans 7:18)

It's not always the devil... it could also be our flesh.

There is this enemy that is within me... its the flesh.

The flesh has the ability to control us if we don't submit to God & His spirit.

16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. (Galatians 5:16-17)

You're either submitting to God or to your own flesh.

Here are the 4 main categories of the flesh according to Galatians 5

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)

#1 Sexual impurity (Adultery, Fornication, Uncleanness, Lewdness)
#2 Occults (Idolatry, Sorcery)
#3 Pride (Jealousy, Outbursts of Wrath, Murders, Selfish Ambitions, Dissensions, Heresies, Envy)
#4 Self Indulgent (Drunkenness, Revelries)

..'those that practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God'

The Cross.

14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.
Romans 7:13-25

Anything the flesh produces is corrupt.

What is the solution to this? 

5 Ways To Overcome the flesh.

#1 Decide.

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

#2 Deny yourself.

23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)

#3 Present your bodies a living sacrifice

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrific

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The more we study truth the more we are sanctified and the renewing of the mind takes place. 

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)

Renewing of the mind through the Word of God affects our everyday decisions, our spiritual growth, and especially building the right relationships.

"Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. (Proverbs 13:20)

Being surrounded by other spirit-filled believers is key to growing in our relationship with Jesus.

We need to be around spirit-filled believers who are on fire for the Lord.

It keeps us accountable in our personal walk on the path of righteousness. 

Part of the renewing of the mind process is being open to seeing things from God's perspective through how God uses other people. 

We need to be submitted & sensitive to the Holy Spirit so we can stand strong in our faith in Jesus.

3 Reminders About Environments that effect our relationships

#1 Environments influence our thinking.
#2 Environments hinder our growth or help our growth.
#3 Environments dictate our spiritual appetites.

12 Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” 13 But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.” (Matthew 15:12-14)

Jesus is explaining to His disciples several times in scripture to not intertwine with the pharisees & their thinking.

These are people who proclaimed to 'know God' yet they denied God in the flesh (Jesus).

There are layers to understanding environments & relationships.

There are people who know of God & there are true believers who know God.

Understanding that not every person who says they believe in God may not be someone that is meant to be in your life.

We all serve the same Lord but different assignments.

We all NEED Jesus & community that serves Jesus.

Also, there is a need to know where the Lord wants to place us in this season.

Want to make sure that you're in the right community? Ask the Holy Spirit & surrender to God daily.

Seek the Lord in prayer. (Jeremiah 29:12-13)
Fast that pleases God.  (Isaiah 58)
Surrender everyday. (John 3:30) (Matthew 16)

You may not feel like you've found the right community this season... it is well.

Trust God through it all.

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The Holy Spirit changes us from the inside out.

When you have the Holy Spirit… 

Worldly music won’t sound the same. 

Clubbing and poppin bottles on the weekend won’t be the highlight of your week. 

You won’t be laughing at the same jokes like you used to. 

Everything shifts when you truly surrender to the Lord. 

Your desires change. 

Your goals change. 

Your heart changes. 

A brand new creature in Christ after Gods heart. 

2 Corinthians 5:17 Galatians 2:20 Isaiah 43:18-19

3 Keys that is the role of the Holy Spirit 

Teacher
Truth
Transformer

17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

The OLD man must leave so the NEW man can have room & enter.

#1 Teacher

The Holy Spirit is our Teacher.

26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26)

The Holy Spirit brings remembrance of ALL things. 

By His Spirit THROUGH His Spirit.

#2 Truth  

17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. (John 14:17)

There is a difference between true & truth.

Circumstances about you might have been ‘once’ true in one season, but is not true in this season.

Truth never changes.

Truth is God’s word.

His word lives & abides forever.

His mercies are new everyday.

Those that are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish like a palm tree.

No weapon formed against you will prosper.

These are all TRUTH because truth NEVER changes.

#3 Transformer 

2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)

23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, (Ephesians 4:23)

God’s Spirit works in us day by day.

Learn to be renewed in the spirit of your mind.

God’s spirit is a gift from God.

4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 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 5:4-5)

4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, t

Spiritual maturity is when you can still love & forgive when someone is attacking you with their words. 

Your first response is prayer, compassion, & understanding.

Know when to defend His name using biblical wisdom & being spiritually mature.

We're called to be witnesses of Jesus Christ. 

You know you're growing in your spiritual walk with Christ when you're not slandering people, but praying for people.

PRAYING instead of PREYING on them to try to find evidence to come against them. 

"Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots." (Luke 23:34)

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15)

New believers come from a place where they want God to save others, but this is where discipleship, training on stewardship, & knowing what God has assigned you. 

God did not anoint you for that giant.

Some have been given oil, but that giant was not assigned to you.

David got anointed then Goliath showed up. 

We must have biblical wisdom to know when seeds are falling on good ground. 

Have biblical discernment knowing that God has marked & anointed you for certain environments, people, & conversations.

You must go thru the fire to get refined.

You can’t lead somebody to places & spaces that you haven’t been to yourself.

Sometimes we may ask God why we’re going through certain situations even as a child of God

Understand your seasons and see things through God’s perspective

(Hebrews 5:12-14) 

Paul is talking about a babe in Christ who is unskilled in the word of righteousness.

You can’t run until you’ve crawled, spiritually. 

Spiritual maturity is discerning the difference between what is good and evil in God’s eyes. 

The world is going to depict something as good.

Just because it’s good doesn’t mean it’s God.

The only way to grow is through God’s word. 

There’s an active search for understanding the deep things of God. 

But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10)

Discern your season & your moment. 

Just because it's an increase, doesn't mean it's always from God.

Even the enemy tempted Jesus to promise to give the whole kingdom in exchange for His worship.

A check may come with a compromise.

Spiritual maturity is understanding & knowing where God wants you. 

Seek His will not your will.

saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42)

Another sign of spiritual maturity is seeking God for yourself. 

When receiving counsel from a pastor or another man or woman of God we need to be able to discern from the Spirit. 

But we must also seek counsel directly from God on our own. 

It’s okay to be inspired by what others may tell you, but we should not idolize them.

Ways to become more spiritually mature

#1 God’s Word

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

#2 Getting around other spirit-filled believers

He who walks with wise*men* will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. (Proverbs 13:20)

#3 Have an active prayer life

Talk to God like you’re having a regular conversation with a friend or family

The simple way to pray: