1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners (like when I was living “my ways.”), nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night (now that Jesus is teaching me His ways – they’re better). 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:17-19
I wasn’t always the super-fantastic guy I am today. Yeah, that’s where you’re supposed to chuckle…☺
All kidding aside, when God began working in my life to help me come away from “my ways,” He began changing me a little bit at a time. He knows what needs to happen in our lives, and the order of changes that need to take place so we can experience more and more of His love, rest, peace and joy. A lot of growing in Jesus takes time and for good reason. We learn a lot about the fruit of the Spirit while growing slowly but mightily in Him.
With me, the first step I remember was taking out the trash without complaining about it. I know it might sound funny and not very spiritual, but God wanted me to begin to love Annie in this practical way (Jesus is really practical) and knew it would mean a lot to her heart for me to pursue her by being joyful about taking out the trash.
Let God show you how to begin to turn things around in your heart and life. He’ll be faithful to bring you along in His timing. He loves us SO MUCH.
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the Day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
God bless,
Mark