Scripture

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other…

~Colossians 3:12, NASB

Quote

God sees the heart but people see our clothes so put on Christ.

~Elisabeth Elliot

Paul said to the Galatians, ^“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” To the Ephesians he said, “Lay aside the old self…and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” One of the daily decisons we make is what to wear. One of the steps to growing up and having the freedom to choose what you wear. Jackson wears what Lexi chooses but one day he will make that choice himself.

Listen folks, I am preaching to myself. I dearly want to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness. There is nothing in Paul’s list that I do not admire. I don’t know at the times I have prayed for humility only to make a prideful blunder and come home broken hearted at my failure to put on Christ. It is not hypocritical to put on Christ. People cannot see our heart: if they could, that would make things easier in terms of our love for them and desire to see them go to heaven. How do you put on a coat? It begins with a choice; you look in your closet and you pick out a jacket, then you put it on. A self-willed rebellious spirit will make no attempt to put on Christ because it wants the flesh to be seen. I don’t want my flesh seen at all.

There are people in my sphere of influence that I want to see come to Christ. Like Easu, they show no interest in spiritual things or at least it appears that way to me, but I desperately want to show them Christ. Recently there was a misunderstanding, actually some harsh words spoken, that seemed to drive a wedge between me and a certain young man that I have been trying to befriend. So I began to pray and then I got the chance to speak to him, and he acted as if nothing had ever happened and I came home thankful. I am so glad this misunderstanding did not sever the relationship.

I’m not really preaching to you about PUTTING ON CHRIST. If you would like, you can pray for me that I will put on Christ. I want to, but the flesh is a problem. One translation of Matthew 16:24 reads like this {Jesus speaking}…If anyone wishes to be a follower of mine, he must leave self behind.” Folks, I do want to leave self behind. I am sick of sin and self.

Extra

What can I say, God is good and I am thankful for three opportunities to present the gospel this week. His grace has been sufficient and I am endebted to my prayer partners. Thank you for praying me through a difficult week.

I didn’t make it to hear James Spann last night but June did and she was pumped. She said he was a great speaker and that the building was two thirds filled which would be over 200. She also bragged on Tyler and the praise and worship. I hate I missed it but I was battling stomach issues. I did get to read a lot which I have not been doing lately. I think I told you last week that Brent and Melanie Mitchell are home for a couple of weeks.

I want to thank my prayer partners, I got nine text last Friday from people who were praying for me. Thank you! Thank you!

I hope you have a great week and thanks for reading the blog.