free“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 really said or did that!” the action in word or deed is no longer indicative of who you are and the convictions that you stand on . . . or how many times have you considered and prayed about a change to take place in someone else…and God miraculously changes you instead! “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, the power of the Holy Ghost is the sole changing agent in our lives; yes, a wonderful, miraculous change occurs, and we are recreated by God when we believe and accept His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior… we cannot even explain how God does it… but when you are God’s child, you just know. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” John 10:27.

However, the sanctification process after the new birth is a changing process of continual growth and development; unfortunately, there are times we suffer needless pains trying to help the Holy Spirit out instead of letting go and allowing Him to lead the way.

The Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:12 states “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.”  To work out the salvation that has been placed in us is to allow our character, conduct and conversations to be expressions of Christ who dwells within our hearts.

Let us be ever so careful and ask God to place a guard over our mouths, thoughts, facial expressions, and actions …adhering to these words of the Psalmist “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14.

Yes, we have a mighty 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 5:24-25 states “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

Let us resolve to act like whose we are…beloved children of God. Isaiah 64:8 state “But now, O LORD, you are our father; we are the clay, and you our potter; and we all are the work of your hand.”

The Gospel singer Tramaine Hawkins sings a song entitled “Changed” she states a wonderful change has come over me… 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.

He changed, my life complete, and now I sit

I sit at his feet. To do what must be done

I’ll work and work, until he comes

A wonderful change has come over me -Tramaine Hawkins

Blessings, peace, and the joy of the Lord be with us all.