I would like to continue with the idea we spoke about yesterday, where we saw that knowing Jesus personally is the greatest miracle anyone could have expected, since it can change our Eternity forever. Another reason it is such a powerful truth is because this revelation does not only open up the doors of Heaven for us, but it begins an internal transformation within us that alters every part of who we are as well. If you’ve listened to me for any length of time, you know how much I love this topic because it is at the center of why we were created in the first place. I hope we never forget that we were made in the image of our Creator, to be like Him. We were meant to be loving and joy filled. Peaceful and patient. Kind and good. Faithful and gentle. And we were always supposed to be self-controlled. We know this as the Fruit of the Spirit that St Paul shares with us in Galatians 5:22-23. And we should also know that this Fruit is a tiny picture of the great Character traits of our God. Apart from knowing Him, and then growing in Him, we could never be this pure of a human being. Why? Because as children and immature creatures, we think in terms of MMI, while this holy character always thinks in terms of others first. And thus the vital importance of growing once we do belong to God.
The topic I love is Sanctification, of course. And while this does NOT affect our Salvation, it certainly makes our Salvation have deeper meaning. Praise God we GET TO go to Heaven when our time here is done and all because of the Father’s Love, the Son’s sacrifice and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. In addition though, God desires for us to become more and more like Him so that we can have, enjoy and share the benefits of being like Him. Things like having complete peace in the midst of a tragic emergency. Being able to stay joyful even when you have lost a loved one. And being content even when your life is not exactly the way you would want it to be. This stability, where nothing on our outside affects, nor infects, who we are…that is precious, my Friends. Do we understand this?
Quick example, towards the end of her life, when my Baby Girl would experience a life threatening crisis, I was able to stay calm and make the necessary decisions to help her, rather than, like in the beginning of our journey, where I used to completely go into major panic mode, losing my cool, stressing out and being of little to no help to her at all. Maturing in Christ, becoming more stable and secure like He is, Sanctification…whatever term you want to use, after Salvation, it is the next and so valuable step in our lives in Christ. Too many legitimate Christians miss this…please don’t let yourself be one of them. Keep seeking God. Keep learning who He is so you can know who you are. Then you will be able to live love…just like He does!
Back to Book Two tomorrow…
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
October: Reformation of Our Hearts: “Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine” by Max Lucado
November: So Thankful To Be Chosen: “The Chosen 40 Days with Jesus Book One, Book Two & Book Three” by Amanda Jenkins, Kristen Hendricks and Dallas Jenkins
<>< Peace, Diane
