Spiritual Makeover

The following is what I had written in my journal in September of 2005. I am posting it now because it is still true today. As God leads I will post other entries. It is my desire that they will bring hope to others and bring glory to God:

"What came to me was - I am having a spiritual and emotional makeover. The Holy Spirit is my "life coach". I have had attitudes, actions and thoughts transformed. I have had, and am having, new interests introduced into my life, or former interests restored in a new way. I cannot change myself in my own power, strength and ability. I can only lean on God; submit myself to God; trust in God and obey God. Then God will change me; God has been changing me. This work is in areas that had deep-rooted strongholds; areas that were holdouts - not submitted or surrendered to God, but rather under my control. In reality these areas had control of me or direct influence. The major area that God has been working on is self-reliance. I cannot rely on myself any longer. I am totally dependent upon God. I know that I am also reaping the benefits - a closer walk with God; better relationships with others; a deeper satisfaction in who I am."

"Some things God impressed upon me:

• I am not to identify my life by negatives; who I am not, but rather who I am in Christ.
• I am not to look at external, temporary placements, but rather where I am already eternally - seated with Christ in the heavenlies.
• I am content because I am found in Jesus, not having my own righteousness, but having the righteousness of Christ.
• I am not to look to others for their approval, but rather I am to look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith."

Pondering "Philippians" - II

Philippians 1: 7-11

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God."(Phil. 1: 9-11 NIV)

Agape love is not something we can work up. It is not a "feel good" type of love that is dependent on the one receiving the love, or the one expressing the love. Agape love is a fruit of the Spirit, which can only be expressed when we are abiding in Jesus. When we spend time with God in prayer - both speaking and listening - we are able to tap into the source of this love. We gain insight and understanding in how to better serve one another. We desire to serve others for God's glory and not our own. This agape love is overflowing and we need to share it with others. We cannot contain it, we want to give it away. When we are secure in Christ we don't need to worry about others' reactions, for God is the One who will reward us.

Pondering "Philippians" - I

Philippians 1: 1-6

"And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again." (Phil. 1:6 NLT)

Sometimes it is easy to become discouraged and think that nothing is happening; that God has given up on us. Not that He would forsake us, but that we have blown it and now He will no longer use us. Philippians 1:6 gives us the assurance that God will continue the work that He has begun in us. The fact that we cry out to Him and seek to obey Him is evidence of His work. The ability to continue on, doing the things that God has called us to do - reading His Word; praying; fellowshipping with other believers; dying to self; loving others- are a result of God's Spirit working in us. God gives us the desire to obey Him in these areas and He gives us the ability to follow through.

"For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him." (Phil. 2: 13 NLT)

Father,
Thank you that You do not give up on me. Thank you for Your Word which gives me confidence to continue.
In Jesus' name.