I woke up the other day to the sound of the chickadees
outside the window and the smell of a fresh cup of coffee brewing in the
kitchen. My wife was in the kitchen singing a wonderful song of praise to the
King of all kings and, in my ear, the murmur of my pup as she dozed just over
my shoulder. As I began to stir, her tail began to wag and all I could think of
was just how wonderful the day was going to be.
As I went into the kitchen, Natalie greeted me with a loving
smile and warm hug and, again, the thought came to my mind; what an beautiful
day He has created. I walked out the door heading to the church to start my day
and there was a deep peace. People I walked by seemed to have a serenity about
them that almost glowed. There was no chaos enfolding about me, only a sense of
perfect joy, love and peace. It was as though the entire world had succumbed to
the power of the Holy Spirit. Is this not a wonderful dream to have for all
mankind?
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our
lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection
for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick
with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic
holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal
commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct
our energies wisely.
Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way.
Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way
and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off
for good—crucified. Gal 5:22-24 The Message
This is not a pipe dream, it can happen today but we need to
realize and claim the gifts of the Holy Spirit by asking to Holy Spirit to fill
us to overflowing. The world is caught up in the misguided dream of joy through
things that can be bought or manufactured but I tell you this, true joy, true
love comes from the Lord. While the idols of man generate temporary joy, the love
of the Holy Spirit for all mankind is forever. Crucified are the ways of
mankind, forever is the Love of God!
Blessings
Pastor Todd
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