What about a spiritual SHAKE-DOWN? Does our spiritual life line-up with God’s Word? Do we know scriptures that helps or can help in times of distress, praise, thanksgiving and worship? Are we kind to one another in speech and deed? Is our love for one another real or fake? Do we tell untruths on our brothers and sisters in Christ? Do we apologize with a heartfelt request for forgiveness? What about envious or jealousy? Are we using God’s Word to discipline our children or pattern our lives? Do we model or let our children, other family members, neighbors, friends and/or co-workers see characteristics of Christ living in us? Do we read the Bible when not in church or feel it’s outdated-obsolete?
Then many times believe we fail to realize the significance of or relate to God’s Word for daily living. Most young adults focuses more on the “Good times,” the here and now. Living at home or away in college, likely not weighted down with responsibilities of talking care of a family and paying bills. It’s primarily about “Them.” Not good or bad, but many times find themselves later tangled in situations wondering “How I got there?” Now life’s realities seemingly leads more to church or a deeper walk in ones’ faith. Wholeheartedly accepted and welcome by Christ regardless of life state.
Never-the-less I believe all can benefit from a SHAKE-DOWN since none is without sin and fall short of God’s glory-righteousness (Romans 3:23). Of course not to continue in sin (Romans 6:1). Christ gave His life, accepted our death penalty on the cross for our sin. He died so that we may live in and through Him. Now the LORD sees us as righteous. Blessed it be the Name of the LORD!
A SHAKE-DOWN is intentional, a made up mind (convicted heart) to be more like Christ. For example: I had to discontinue the club & party scene to build a closer relationship with God. My classmates were very supportive. I became stronger in my relationship with Christ. Later returned to the club-party scene, had a wonderful time, dancing with better rhythm, enjoyed the people-no need for alcohol. Refrain from casual drinking due to never know when a situation arises needing prayer. “Ye be always ready” (Matthew 24:44). Even though this scripture refers to the coming of Christ consider the principle.
A SHAKE-DOWN of pride to humility; self-centeredness to consideration of others, quick to anger to self-control; fail to listen to listening ears like we tell the children and suggest to adults attentive listening; always late to being on time; not organize to being organized; refuse to study to studying; lazy to being proactive; lack confidence in our gifts or talents to believing and getting your faith up; drink alcohol like water to not drinking alcohol like a beverage; want someone else’s husband or wife to understand marriage is a covenant promise to God. What God has joined together, let not man separate; or for anything else needing a SHAKE DOWN you define, then state the correction.
Help to support the SHAKE-DOWN transition. We know about the “Fruit of the Spirit,” being Christ like found in Galatians includes humility and more of the above. Read more about it. Now humility is a humbling spirit. Gives us opportunities to consider our blessings. Look around, watch the news and I’m sure you’re on social media. What about the poor, sick, needy, home-less and more devastating situations that are happening “In our back yard” to throughout the world. Despite our needs others’ situations are worse. Let us be more grateful. Yet God gives us the desires of our hearts when we put Him first (Psalm 34:7). Then what about His plan for you and me. Read Jeremiah 29:11.
Now self-control is self-regulation and discipline. It’s the ability to manage thoughts, emotions and behavior without escalation. When feeling some kind of way about what someone said or done to you it is important to pay attention to your body clues-signs. It reveals the initial response of your feelings or emotions helping to maintain self-control in the early stage. Be observant of stiffening and tension in your shoulders, neck, or jaw; rapid, short, quick or heavy breathing; increase heartbeat, stomach may feel sick, hot or red face; your skin feels warm or turns red from anger or embarrassment; clenched or sweaty hands; headache or other clues.
Again to recognize and identify your body clues are important in managing self-control. Just to note situations can become worst when others known as the perpetrator’s speech and actions repeatedly violates the will of the other person, known as the survivor over and over again. Professional mental health services are recommended and can help the survivor, if they (the survivor) are willing to navigate through the process.
Also identify your triggers-those buttons people push causing you to be angry and have uncomfortable feelings. Then write a positive response to address each trigger to address the “Pushed button” without going off on the person. Just ideas to help maintain self-discipline.
Now basic self-control suggestions are breathing exercises recommended by mindfulness; physical exercises, activities and praying. Also suggests counting to 20-100, then backwards from 100-1 depending on anger level; affirmations, reading, music, artwork, gardening, hobbies and walking away prior to escalation.
Another self-control technique is Active Listening which is to pay attention to what the other person is saying, observe their verbal and nonverbal communication. Active Listening key behaviors are: eye contact which shows engagement; pay attention to body language to include nodding and smiling. No interruptions, allow the person to finish their thoughts completely before you speak. Observe the unsaid: Notice shifts in tone, posture, pauses, or energy. Reflect back: Briefly summarize or paraphrase what you heard to prove you understood what was said. Wait to judge. Let the person finish their points completely before forming opinions, interruptions or offering counterarguments. Respond appropriately, reply respectfully and constructively to show appreciation for the person's perspective and information (Carnegie Mellon University).
Some of this above process is used in mediation. Many times a third person is needed to help you maintain self-control. However that person should be filled with wisdom, positivity and unbiased.
Being on time (means you are dependable), organized (follow through on your mission, vision, goal and objectives with timelines and/or the ability to get the job done in excellence), studying (must be at the top of your game, prepared and qualified) and proactiveness (forward thinker and planner) all intertwines.
Grow in Your Faith Every Day (Bible Hub)
1. Start Each Day with Prayer, a powerful way to align your heart with God before the day’s demands set in. Pour out your concerns, hopes, and gratitude. As Scripture reminds us, *“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”* (Philippians 4:6). This daily conversation helps you cultivate a deeper trust in His guiding hand.
2. Immerse Yourself in the Word by spending time reading and reflecting on the Bible daily. Even a few verses can inspire and refocus your mindset. *“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ”* (Romans 10:17). Regular exposure to truth keeps your faith strong and encourages healthy spiritual growth.
3. Celebrate through Worship by making time for heartfelt worship through singing, listening to music, or giving thanks revitalizes the soul. *“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!”* (Psalm 150:6). Worship shifts your focus from life’s worries to the goodness of God, filling your heart with renewed joy.
4. Spend Quality Time with Other Believers by connecting with a supportive community can strengthen your walk. Meeting for encouragement, prayer, or simply sharing life stories builds you up in faith. *“And let us consider how to spur (branch out or connect) one another on to love and good deeds”* (Hebrews 10:24). Fellowship fosters accountability and mutual support.
5. Live with Thankfulness by making gratitude a habit opens your eyes to God’s blessings all around. Keep a journal or pause during the day to reflect on the good things He has placed in your life. *“Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”* (1 Thessalonians 5:18). A thankful heart stays focused on His faithfulness.
6. Serve Others Wholeheartedly by actively look for ways to be a blessing even in small tasks like volunteering or a kind word to a neighbor. *“Through love serve one another”* (Galatians 5:13). When you serve others, you reflect God’s love and experience a deeper understanding of His heart for all people.
7. Practice Regular Scripture Memorization by memorizing key verses keeps truth at your fingertips and on your mind. You’ll find it easier to stand firm when you face challenges or temptations. *“I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You”* (Psalm 119:11). Tucking Scripture away in your memory equips you for everyday spiritual battles.
8. Confess and Renew by regularly examine your life and ask God to reveal harmful attitudes or actions. Confession leads to freedom, while repentance opens the door to renewed fellowship with Him. *“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”* (1 John 1:9). This ongoing process keeps your heart sensitive and receptive to growth.
9. Meditate on His Promises by taking a few minutes throughout the day to reflect deeply on God’s promises, allowing them to transform your perspective. *“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”* (Colossians 3:2). Focusing on His eternal truths helps you face life’s ups and downs with steady confidence.
10. Expect Great Things by believing that God is at work in every situation no matter how ordinary or trying it seems. *“For we walk by faith, not by sight”* (2 Corinthians 5:7). Trusting His plan fuels hope and inspires you to keep growing. Each day offers fresh opportunities to see God move in unexpected ways.
Embrace these simple practices daily, and watch your faith flourish as you draw nearer to the One who holds you in His care. Grow in Your Faith Every Day by Bible Hub is the SHAKE UP that results to purification, a cleansing of our heart, soul and spirit for the readiness of Christ.
Then Hebrews 12:26-28 “Whose voice then shook the earth: but now He hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this Word,
ULTIMATE SHAKE UP FOR ETERNAL LIFE Yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace (favor, mercy & blessings), whereby we may serve God acceptably (well pleased) with reverence (respect, awe, nothing we deserved) and godly fear.
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