“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26.

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I cannot believe that I ever did or said that!” Whatever the circumstance, the action is no longer indicative of who you are and the principles that you stand on. We become new creatures in Christ Jesus when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. However, the sanctification process after the new birth is a changing process of continual growth and development. This change is a direct result of power of the Holy Ghost that lives within our hearts.

Unfortunately, there are times we suffer needless pains trying to help the Holy Spirit change us. It is the heart’s desire of every born-again believer to walk pleasing in the sight of our Savior; and it is essential that we think seriously when making decisions. However, the power of the Holy Ghost is the sole changing agent in our lives. A wonderful, miraculous change occurs, and we are recreated by God at the moment of salvation. Can we explain how God does it- no… but when you are God’s child, you know; and as Shun-Pace Rhodes sings…. I know I have been changed!

After change, comes growth…the Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:12 state “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Salvation is done once and forever, however, we must work out the salvation that is has been placed in us. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to succeed. Our character, conduct and conversations are expressions of the Christ that dwells within our hearts.

Yes, we have a work to do…but it is through the power and grace of God that we are able to walk this journey of life in fellowship with God and our fellowman. Galatians 5:22-23 state “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

So, let us rest in the fact that when we walk with Jesus, listening, following, and obeying His will; His shining glory in and through us will be evident and witness to the world that He is the One true and living God. Ezekiel 36:26 promises “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26.

My friends, that which God has placed in us for His glory will be perfected… “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6.

Blessings, peace, and the joy of the Lord be with us al