Posted in Gods Work

     As God would have it, during Bible study tonight, we spoke about some issues related to lifestyle and transformation.  I feel much better than I did yesterday, as God pointed out things that He has worked me through.  No I am not what He wants me to be, but I am working with Him, and that is crucial.

     One passage that really shed some light (no pun intended) on this issue.  In my last post on this topic I spoke about my thoughts of lifestyle being outward and transformation being inward.  This evening we spoke about fruits of the Spirit and fruits of the soul.  There is a parallel here, in that fruits of the Spirit are inward and fruits of the soul are outward.  Thus, when we are willing to let the Lord work through us, we gain fruits of the Spirit.  The character traits I have spoken of, would be fruits of the Spirit.  Fruits of the soul can be as simple as good deeds or works.  Many times I have come across people who look great on the outside; are vested in the church, participate in choirs, prepare the altar, children's church, and all sorts of church functions and charities.  These are fruits of the soul.  However, as I had been feeling, these do not specifically mean fruits of the Spirit.  Therefore, a person can be doing all the right things and still not be conforming their life to Christ.  Somehow, I knew this and the phrase walking the walk and talking the talk comes to mind, but it really sunk in tonight.  I may not be the most involved person in our church, but I am actively seeking the Lord to transform me.  Somehow, I am thinking if the Lord were to pick one most important fruit, it would be the Spirit. 

     Galatians 5:22-23 says "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."  I find it very intriguing that all these words can be used in both the noun and verb sense.  One can have self control and be self controlled.  (This is the trait I have been working on for some time.)  While I know God has much more to do with me in this area, I can see how He has already begun to transform me.  WOW~

     Thinking on yesterday's post, and my down trodden attitude of myself, I can see how "the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit." (Gal 5:17) AMEN!  I could feel Satan trying to latch on to my weakness.  Only placing this in the Lord's hands could cast away this feeling.  My attitude was clearly contrary to the Spirit, yet I was longing to be corrected. 

     Most important in my walk witht eh Lord is allow Him to change and mold me.  Inorder for Him to do this I must continue to submit myself for Him to work through me.  There are times I feel stubborn saying, "Lord, I just don't want to!"  I am grateful that He is patient with me, and will wait until I am ready.  His hand is in it all.  I pray that this parenting of His will be parenting that I use as well. 

     Dear Heavenly Father, you are so mighty.  I praise you for your great wisdom and gentle hand.  With each step I take, I am awe struck that you are there to hold my hand.  Most merciful Father, I put myself at your feet.  Forgive me for the attitude I have had over the last week or so.  Correct this nature of mine.  I long so for your hands to mold me into your image, as only You can do.  Be with me Father as I continue on this journey.  Praise be to you always for all things!  Amen.