BEING CHANGED INTO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST
Gal. 5.22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is, love, joy, peace,PATIENCE,kindness,goodness,faithfulness, gentleness,and self control. AGAINST SUCH THERE IS NO LAW.
I have never in all my ministry, specifically taught or preached on the Fuit of the Spirit, I have had some time to think about them these 17 days in hospital especially the fruit of patience.
Let me make some general statements.
1.This fruit grows in our new heart (garden bed) which we received when we were born again.
2.Despite our new heart we still have a sinful nature.
3.A good gardener will spend time with his garden :
(a) cultivating the soil
(b) watering the soil
(c) deliberately assisting the fruit to grow
4. The various pieces of the fruit of the Spirit seems to grow disproportionally.
5.We can be very strong in certain aspects and weak in others.
IS THAT YOUR EXPERIENCE?
6.like every aspect of the Christian life it is all about:
(a) SURRENDER
(B) FEEDING OUR SPIRIT WITH THE WORD OF GOD, AND MEDITATING ON IT.
(C) LETTING THE RAIN OF THE HOLY SPIRIT DAILY WATER OUR HEART.
I am in hospital for atleast 63days I am sure you agree that is a LONG time, and I am working hard at:
(a) keeping myself busy
(b) organising my time well
(c) writing blogs
(d) sending messages on my various messages programs on my phone
(e) I am also praying much, and enjoying it, as well as much praise and thanksgiving and worship, much intercession.
Despite all that, the days and the nights are so LONG.
I am NOT asking for prayer, because the scriptures suggest if you do God sends along some tribulation (tribulation works patience), I am asking for creative ways to make the best use of my time every day.
Because of distance Margaret usually comes to visit every second day. A highlight of my weeks for some years now has been meeting 4 or more ministers each week, they are now coming to the hospital, and the results of the visit is that I feel so refreshed and edified.
My heart’s desire is to be like Jesus in EVERY WAY, I want to be changed into His image.
Do you have any suggestions ???
Please write and tell me, I would appreciate it so much.
May tomorrow (Sunday) be a very special day of worship and receiving the Word and choice fellowship with God’s people.